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IKEA is in the midst of rolling out a new lineup of smart home devices, ditching Zigbee in favor of Matter over Thread. Though the full lineup isn’t available everywhere yet (virtually none of it is available in my local store here in Australia), some users have noticed that some devices aren’t locked to the new Thread protocol.

TL;DR: A one-time $27.99 gives you permanent access to iScanner — an all-in-one mobile scanner, PDF editor, and file manager backed by powerful AI, available on iOS and Android through Jan. 11 only.

Opens in a new window Credit: iScanner iScanner App: Lifetime Subscription $27.99
$199.90 Save $171.91   Get Deal

If you’re heading into the new year determined to be more organized (or at least less buried in paperwork), this offer is perfectly timed. For a few more days, you can score lifetime access to the iScanner app for just $27.99 with code FLASH — and instantly turn your phone into a full scanning and PDF-editing powerhouse.

iScanner is built for people who need clean, professional documents without lugging around a scanner or waiting until they’re back at a computer. Students, freelancers, parents, small business owners — anyone who deals with forms, receipts, or paperwork — gets a huge upgrade here.

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Some of what iScanner helps you do in seconds:

• Scan anything — documents, IDs, receipts, books, notes, and multi-page files

• Export in multiple formats — PDF, JPG, DOC, XLS, PPT, or TXT

• Auto-detect edges and straighten pages with AI

• Remove shadows and fix warped scans for clean results

• Recognize text in 20+ languages

• Edit PDFs directly — markup, blur text, add notes, correct colors

• Sign documents or insert saved signatures

• Merge, split, number, watermark, and secure files

• Organize your files with folders and drag-and-drop

• Lock sensitive documents with PIN protection

• Use specialty modes like Math Solver, Area Measurement, Object Counter, and QR reader

Everything lives on your iPhone, iPad, or Android device — no ads, no recurring subscription, and no desktop hardware required.

If you want a simple, affordable way to clean up your digital life in 2026, this is it. Get lifetime access to the iScanner App for just $27.99 (reg. $199.90) through Jan. 11 with code FLASH.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Pay just $84.97 (reg. $159.99) to get a retro gaming console packed with thousands of classics, dual operating systems, 4K output, Wi-Fi, and easy plug-and-play fun for long winter nights.

Opens in a new window Credit: Kinhank Kinhank Super Console X2 Pro Retro Gaming Emulator & Streaming Console $84.97
$159.99 Save $75.02   Get Deal

When winter eventually feels draggy, here’s a fun — and shockingly affordable — way to speed things up: the Kinhank Super Console X2 Pro is just $84.97 through Jan. 11, and it’s basically a nostalgia machine disguised as a streaming box.

Plug it into your TV, and boom — thousands of pre-loaded retro and 3D games appear at your fingertips, spanning multiple generations of gaming.

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It’s powered by the S905X2 chip, Mali-G31MP2 GPU, and a quad-core Cortex-A53 CPU up to 1.8GHz, which is tech speak for “your old favorites will run smoother than you remember.” The console even outputs in 4K UHD, giving classics a crisp upgrade. And because it supports 2.4G + 5G Wi-Fi, downloading extra 3D games or adding wireless controllers is effortless.

One of the coolest perks? You get two systems in one — Android 9.0 for apps and streaming, plus EmuELEC 4.5 for dedicated gaming. That means more flexibility, more entertainment, and more things to do when the weather says “stay inside.”

Multiplayer support also makes this little console a crowd-pleaser: break out Mario-style platformers, retro racing titles, fighting games, puzzlers, and more for instant living-room fun. And if you ever want to expand your library, the microSD slot lets you load even more games.

Whether you need a boredom buster, a nostalgic gift, or a winter hobby that doesn’t involve shoveling snow, this all-in-one retro powerhouse should be a contender.

Get the Kinhank Super Console X2 Pro for just $84.97 (reg. $159.99) through Jan. 11 with free shipping.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

If you’ve recently upgraded to a high refresh rate monitor and are disappointed by blurry performance, you're not alone. Unfortunately, the cause behind the blur isn't always obvious.

Character.AI and Google have settled several lawsuits filed against both companies by parents of children who died by suicide following lengthy conversations with chatbots on the Character.AI platform. Their exchanges allegedly included concerning discussions of the teens' mental health and well-being.

Character.AI said it could not comment further on the settlement, the details of which must still be finalized by the court, according to The Guardian. Representatives for the plaintiffs did not respond immediately to a request for comment from Mashable.

The most prominent case involved the 2024 death of 14-year-old Sewell Setzer III, who became secretly obsessed with a Character.AI chatbot based on the popular Game of Thrones character Daenerys Targaryen.

SEE ALSO: 'Perfect predator': When chatbots sexually abuse kids

Setzer's mother, Megan Garcia, only became aware of his Character.AI account when alerted by a police officer following his death, because the app was open on his phone. Garcia read messages in which Setzer behaved as if he were in love with the chatbot, which allegedly role-played numerous sexual encounters with him. The chatbot used graphic language and scenarios, including incest, according to Garcia.

If an adult human had talked to her son similarly, she told Mashable last year, it would constitute sexual grooming and abuse. 

In October 2024, the Social Media Victims Law Center and Tech Justice Law Project filed a wrongful death suit on behalf of Garcia against Character.AI, seeking to hold the company responsible for the death of her son, alleging that its product was dangerously defective.

The filing also named as defendants the Google engineers Noam Shazeer and Daniel De Freitas, Character.AI's cofounders.

Additionally, the lawsuit alleged that Google knew of concerning risks related to the technology Shazeer and De Freitas had developed before leaving to found Character.AI. Google contributed "financial resources, personnel, and AI technology" to Character.AI's design and development, according to the lawsuit, and thus could be considered a co-creator of the platform.

Google eventually struck a $2.7 billion licensing deal in 2024 with Character.AI to use its technology. Part of that agreement brought Shazeer and De Freitas back to AI roles at Google.

In fall 2025, the Social Media Victims Law Center filed three additional lawsuits against Character.AI and Google, representing the parents of children who died by suicide or allegedly experienced sexual abuse in the course of using the app.

Additionally, youth safety experts declared Character.AI unsafe for teens, following testing that yielded hundreds of instances of grooming and sexual exploitation of test accounts registered as minors. 

By October 2025, Character.AI announced that it would no longer allow minors to engage in open-ended exchanges with the chatbots on its platform. The company's CEO, Karandeep Anand, told Mashable the move was not in response to specific safety concerns involving Character.AI's platform but to address broader outstanding questions about youth engagement with AI chatbots. 

If you're feeling suicidal or experiencing a mental health crisis, please talk to somebody. You can call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org. You can reach the Trans Lifeline by calling 877-565-8860 or the Trevor Project at 866-488-7386. Text "START" to Crisis Text Line at 741-741. Contact the NAMI HelpLine at 1-800-950-NAMI, Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. ET, or email info@nami.org. If you don't like the phone, consider using the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Chat. Here is a list of international resources.

Every now and then, you'll come across a new piece of tech at CES that just immediately clicks, and you'll think to yourself, "This is actually genius."

CES 2026 was filled with robotics, AI, and other futuristic tech, yet one of the most impressive things I found was a pair of headphones that turn into speakers called Neo from a company called TDM.

TDM's CES 2026 booth Credit: Mashable

Or are they speakers that turn into headphones? TDM is going with the former by calling the Neo headphones first, but they are, in fact, both.

TDM Neo Hybrid Headphone Speakers are a pair of high-quality over-ear headphones that transform into speakers by simply bringing the two headphone sides together and twisting them until they snap into place. From there, your personal audio experience becomes one that can be shared by everyone around you.

TDM Neo Hybrid Headphone Speakers as headphones Credit: Mashable

The implementation of transitioning from headphones to speaker and vice versa was so simple, and more importantly, felt seamless. It worked with audio playing in your ears, and then automatically switched to the external audio source with a twist.

Twisting the TDM Neo Hybrid Headphone Speakers Credit: Mashable

Sometimes a two-in-one product looks natural in one form but odd in its alternative one, but that's not the case with the Neo headphones. The Neo looks stylish as both headphones and a speaker. Not to mention, they sounded great in both modes, too.

As an additional bonus, TDM realized that you may want to use the Neo in speaker form to store the device, making it more compact. The Neo can be programmed to pause all audio, in addition to other programmable options, when twisted in the speaker form.

Twisting the TDM Neo Hybrid Headphone Speakers as speakers Credit: Mashable

TDM states that the Neo can last for more than 200 hours in headphone mode and 10 hours in speaker mode on a full charge before needing to be plugged in.

Personally, the instant use case I thought of for the Neo headphones is when you want to share music with friends. Sometimes, you'll want to introduce a buddy to a new song or artist, so you share earbuds or hand over your headphones. But, with the TDM Neo headphones, you'd be able to twist your device into a speaker and experience the song — and their reaction — in real time with them.

Twisting the TDM Neo Hybrid Headphone Speakers look really slick Credit: Mashable

The TDM Neo Hybrid Headphone Speakers will go on sale later this month for $249, with black and white color options available.

When it comes to the best things that Mashable saw at CES, TDM’s Neo headphones are definitely up high on my personal list.

Head to the Mashable CES 2026 hub for the latest news and live updates from the biggest show in tech, where Mashable journalists are reporting live.

T-Mobile is raising prices on its mobile plans yet again, even for plans advertised with a "price guarantee." A higher fee will now apply to each line on certain plans.

There's a second acronym constantly looming above the floor of any CES: TBD. That's the most info we have about a good chunk of products announced at CES 2026 so far. "Coming soon" could mean next month to some brands and next year to others. Sometimes, we don't even know if these debuted products will ever make it out of the prototype phase.

SEE ALSO: CES 2026: This AI bartender called me old, but it makes one hell of a drink

While no one is asking for LG's laundry-folding robot to be sold at Target or anything, a few more tangible gadgets with no waiting period would be nice. As of Jan. 9, the last official day of CES, several of our favorite new gadgets are already available to buy (or at least preorder). More recent announcements could go live for purchase in the days following the event, so we'll be updating this list through the weekend.

1. TCL X11L SQD-Mini LED TV

TCL's big TV announcement wasn't just another RGB TV like we were expecting from all of the major TV brands. That doesn't mean the new TCL TV isn't going to give Samsung or LG's Micro RGB TVs a run for their money. The TCL X11L is an SQD-Mini LED 4K TV, SQD standing for Super Quantum Dot: a pure white light strewn across an advanced layer of quantum dots instead of the true red, green, and blue light sources used in RGB TVs. The goal is the same: to produce ultra-high peak brightness, typically only possible with QLED and mini-LED panels, and pristine black levels and contrast, typically only possible with OLED panels, all at the same time.

The TCL X11L is available in 75, 85, and 98 inches, but only the $7,999.99 85-inch model is available to add to your cart to preorder at TCL's website. (The other two have prices, but are "out of stock.")

Opens in a new window Credit: TCL TCL 85-inch X11L SQD-Mini LED 4K TV $7,999.99 at TCL
  Shop Now 2. DuRoBo Krono e-reader

A major player has entered the e-reader villa, and it's speaking directly to people who really value portability. DuRoBo unveiled its 6.1-inch Krono e-reader at CES 2026, and several specs make it a worthy Kindle or Kobo alternative. Despite its pocket-sized build (that's smaller than the basic Kindle), the Krono packs 128GB of storage compared to the 32GB e-readers typically have. It also has Bluetooth connectivity, a built-in speaker, and a 300 ppi resolution HD display. Shopping reporter Samantha Mangino says "it bridges the gap between a tablet and e-reader and, with black and white displays, potentially makes it less tempting to scroll."

The Krono e-paper device is available for $279.99 on DuRoBo's website.

Opens in a new window Credit: DuRoBo DuRoBo Krono e-reader $279.99 at DuRoBo
  Shop Now 3. Dell XPS laptops

Dell is back to its XPS roots after trying to make "Dell Premium" happen for the past year, and select 14-inch and 16-inch configurations are already available for purchase. (The same can't be said for Dell's new Alienware gaming laptops, which we know nothing about except for the fact that they exist). The 2026 XPS PCs are Dell's thinnest ever at these sizes, with the XPS logo cemented on the lid of each. Other upgrades include three modular Thunderbolt 4/USB-C ports and a long-awaited function row with physical keys.

As of Jan. 6, you can find the Dell XPS 14 starting at $2,049.99 and the Dell XPS 16 starting at $2,199.99. More variants priced under $2,000 are slated to launch in February.

Opens in a new window Credit: Dell Dell XPS 14 and XPS 16 $2,049.99 at Dell
  Shop Now 4. Soundcore Sleep A30 Special sleep earbuds

It's only been since August that Soundcore released the Sleep A30 earbuds, which were the first sleep earbuds with true active noise cancellation at the time. Lead shopping reporter Bethany Allard referred to them as the gold standard for premium sleep earbuds after testing them, her only real complaint being the nine-hour battery life (six and a half with Bluetooth on). That's what Anker set out to fix with the "Special" version — you'll get an additional hour of juice (plus Calm app integration) at a lower price point than the OG $229.99 pair.

The Soundcore Sleep A30 Special sleep earbuds can be pre-ordered for $199.99 in four colors: mist lilac, lunar white, moonlit white, or mist green.

Opens in a new window Credit: Soundcore Soundcore Sleep A30 Special $199.99 at Soundcore
  Pre-order Here 5. Dreame X60 Max Ultra Complete robot vacuum

Dreame dropped most of its new flagship vacuum lineup in August, but the one Dreame robot vacuum held for CES is more exciting for several reasons. Compared to the Dreame Aqua10 Ultra Roller, which has been available for a few months, the X60 Max Ultra is now tied with new Roborocks for the strongest suction power of any robot vacuum (35,000 Pa vs. the Aqua10's 30,000 Pa). Somehow, the extra juice didn't require a bigger body — the X60 Max Ultra is significantly less clunky, measuring just over three inches tall.

The most fun upgrade, though, is a front-facing blue light that's said to illuminate debris and spills on the floor in front of it and then vacuum or mop accordingly. The new Dyson robot vacuum, allegedly set to release in 2026, is reportedly equipped with a similar light and reactive cleaning technique, but its release is taking forever.

Through Jan. 25, the X60 Max Ultra Complete can be preordered from Dreame's website for special early bird pricing of $1,359.99. That's $340 off its $1,699.99 MSRP, plus $410 in free gifts.

Opens in a new window Credit: Dreame Dreame X60 Max Ultra Complete $1,359.99
$1,699.99 Save $340 save $340 plus $410 in gifts with early bird access Shop Now 6. A vibrating chef's knife

The CES home tech arena has quite the range, from smart lights and ever-evolving robot vacuums to concepts for straight-up robot butlers. Kitchen tech is somewhere on that spectrum. Last year, it was the Electric Salt Spoon. This year, Seattle Ultrasonics is aiming to streamline at-home meal prep with the C-200 Ultrasonic Chef's Knife. The 8-inch blade is already quite sharp on its own, but with the press of a button, 30,000 sonic vibrations per minute make the knife feel sharper than it physically is. Allegedly, the amount of effort required on your end should be chopped in half, even on tricky ingredients like bread or winter squashes.

Senior shopping reporter Haley Henschel got to try it firsthand on the ground at CES, noting that it sliced like a dream. "I had no trouble getting it to cut paper-thin pieces of tomato with a light touch. Seattle Ultrasonics' rep likened it to riding a bike versus pedaling an e-bike in that it makes your experience more effortless."

The C-200 UltraSonic Chef's Knife is available to pre-order for $399 at Seattle Ultrasonic's website.

Opens in a new window Credit: Seattle Ultrasonics C-200 Ultrasonic Chef's Knife $399 at Seattle Ultrasonics
  Shop Now 7. Xreal 1S glasses

Xreal debuted the Xreal One Pro AR glasses at CES 2025, but they were pretty impossible to come by until they finally became available at Amazon and Best Buy at the end of August. Just months later, there's already another new (and more affordable) pair from Xreal on the market. The Xreal 1S glasses can convert 2D games and videos to 3D using 3D spatial technology, plus the help of boosted specs over older Xreal models. These include a 500-inch spatial screen (compared to 147 inches on the Xreal One) and 1200p HD resolution (compared to 1080p on the Xreal One and One Pro).

Despite all of the improvements and a fun new cobalt color option, the Xreal 1S glasses are cheaper than both other pairs. They're available to buy for $449 at Xreal's website.

Opens in a new window Credit: XREAL Xreal 1S $449 at Xreal
  Shop Now 8. Dreamie phone-free sleep device

If you dig the concept of cutting your screen time with the Brick, then this anti-doomscrolling sleep device might be another to add to your list. It's a sunrise alarm clock like Hatch — but unlike Hatch, which is extremely dependent on the corresponding app to set up sleep sounds, calming lights, and wakeup times, you don't need a phone to program Dreamie alarms or sleep audio at all. (It's also Bluetooth compatible, if you prefer headphones before bed.) In the morning, Dreamie will gently wake you up with a gradual glow aimed to mimic sunrise.

After a successful Kickstarter campaign, the Dreamie is available for purchase at helloambient.com for $249.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Ambient Dreamie $249.99 at helloambient.com
  Shop Now 9. Skylight Calendar 2

Still feel chaotic despite religious use of your phone's calendar app? Let Skylight's CES launch convince you to switch to a WiFi-connected calendar on your counter or desk — the original is a Mashable Choice Award winner for a reason. The Skylight Calendar 2 comes with interchangeable magnetic frames and an adjustable, tilt-able tabletop stand, and is thinner than the last 15-inch model. It also has rounded edges like the Calendar Max.

Right now, you can grab a limited-edition brass frame version (a collab with Joanna Gaines' brand, to be exact) of the Calendar 2 at Target for $339.99, or wait until February for the $299.99 standard version.

Opens in a new window Credit: Skylight Credit: Target Skylight Calendar 2 Antique Brass - Hearth & Hand with Magnolia $339.99 at Target
  Shop Now 10. Shokz OpenFit Pro open earbuds

Lead shopping reporter Bethany Allard already thought that Shokz's OpenDots One were the best open earbuds for most people. Then, Shokz introduced a completely new pair at CES, and these ones are the first Shokz pair to feature open-ear noise reduction. The Shokz OpenFit Pro earbuds are estimated to be able to quiet external noise by about 12 to 16dB at the default setting of 50 percent power (but that can be adjusted in the app). The OpenFit Pro are also equipped with two Dolby Atmos speakers per ear for an even better listening experience.

The OpenFit Pro can be preordered at Best Buy and the Shokz website for $249.95 and will be available for purchase from Amazon in March.

Opens in a new window Credit: Shokz Shokz OpenFit Pro $249.95 at Best Buy
  Shop Now 11. Samsung Movingstyle portable 4K TV and monitor

Samsung showcased two really unique, completely different TVs at CES 2026: An absurd 130-inch Micro RGB TV and... a much more practical option. The Samsung Movingstyle is a wireless 4K display that can work as a TV or monitor, depending on the type of screen you need that day. It can be wheeled between rooms on its rolling base or transported by the handle, then propped up on the most convenient flat surface with the built-in kickstand. Imagine a YouTube workout or DIY recipe video on a screen bigger than your phone.

There are two versions of the Movingstyle, both of which have quietly been available for purchase since November. The 32-inch non-touchscreen model is on sale for $579.99 (regularly $699.99) at Samsung's website, and the $1,199.99 27-inch touchscreen model has been in and out of stock during the week of CES.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Movingstyle M7 (32-inch) $579.99 at Samsung
$699.99 Save $120   Shop Now Honorable mention: Birdfy Bath Pro

Though we were first introduced to the Birdfy Bath Pro at CES 2025, it still made an appearance at Birdfy's CES 2026 booth — complete with a sign showcasing its 2026 Innovation Award. So while we wait for Birdfy's 2026 smart hummingbird feeder and its slow-motion 4K video to come out, it's worthwhile to refresh your memory about this other delightful staple for any bird-friendly backyard setup. The solar-powered Bath Pro also has a camera and garnered ridiculously positive reviews during its first year on the market. It would make a great gift for mom or dad (or a gift for pets who like to watch out the window).

You can buy the Birdfy Bath Pro on sale for $299.99 at Birdfy's website, saving you $50 off its original $349.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Birdfy Birdfy Bath Pro $299.99 at Birdfy
$349.99 Save $50   Shop Now

I’m tired of using my iPhone 17 Pro’s flashlight just to be let down by how dim it always is. That’s why I keep an ultra-compact, low-cost, and rechargeable flashlight on me at all times—and you should too.

Linux package managers make it super simple to install and upgrade software. However, you will inevitably run into a 'target package not found' error. Here is what you can do when that happens.

Japanese cars have a reputation for just working, and Honda is a big reason why. Porsche, on the other hand, builds some of the most rewarding sports cars to drive, especially the 911.

Have you been looking at Home Assistant dashboards, thinking they’d be nice to have? Well, what if I told you that you very likely already own the hardware to build one with zero added cost? Here’s everything you need to know about building your own Home Assistant dashboard.

TL;DR: Live stream Cameroon vs. Morocco in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations for free on Channel 4. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

There's a lot of pressure on hosts Morocco in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, but they haven't really been tested yet. We know they only beat Tanzania 1-0 in the last knockout round, but that scoreline doesn't show just how much Morocco dominated that game. Cameroon will not go down so easily, and the likes of Bryan Mbeumo can be decisive if given the opportunity.

If you want to watch Cameroon vs. Morocco in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Cameroon vs. Morocco?

Cameroon vs. Morocco in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations kicks off at 2 p.m. ET on Jan. 9. This fixture takes place at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.

How to watch Cameroon vs. Morocco for free

Cameroon vs. Morocco in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations is available to live stream for free on Channel 4.

Channel 4 is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can unblock Channel 4 to stream AFCON for free from anywhere in the world.

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Live stream Cameroon vs. Morocco for free by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK

4. Visit Channel 4

5. Watch Cameroon vs. Morocco for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.99 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can access free live streams of AFCON without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream Cameroon vs. Morocco (plus more 2025 Africa Cup of Nations fixtures) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for Channel 4?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on Channel 4, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including the UK

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to 10 simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $78.18 and includes an extra four months for free — 78% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99 (with money-back guarantee).

Watch Cameroon vs. Morocco in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations for free with ExpressVPN.

I store most of my documents in the cloud, but not everything is stored there. So, when I wanted to factory reset my MacBook, I turned to my homelab for backing up my Apple computer. Here’s how I did it, and why I think you should utilize your hardware in the same way.

LG and SwitchBot can promise chores-doing robots all they want, but robot vacuums are still the most practical way to automate a household task by far. A handful of promising new robot vacuums have been announced at CES 2026 so far, and they're not trying too hard to be fancy like they were in 2025. The emphasis is on more vigorous cleaning power and more flawless navigation around the home — the factors that actually determine whether a robot vacuum can be more reliable than a manual vacuum.

SEE ALSO: 10 gadgets from CES 2026 that you can buy right now: Dell, Xreal, Soundcore, more

Below, I'm breaking down the most important vacuum news out of CES as of Jan. 7, from the best robot vacuums announced to intel about upcoming cordless vacuum innovations. Feel free to scroll leisurely or use the table of contents to drop down to a specific brand.

Roborock Credit: Roborock Credit: Roborock

Roborock didn't try to right the wrongs of the Saros Z70's wonky mechanical crane arm from last year. Instead, the brand focused on improving the other already-great 2025 Saros robot vacuums with the new Saros 20 and Saros 20 Sonic. Roborock also introduced the Qrevo Curv Flow 2, its first roller mop robot vacuum.

The "sonic" difference between the Saros 20 and Saros 20 Sonic has to do with the mopping mechanism. The Saros 20 Sonic takes a risk by stepping away from spinning mopping pads and going back to Roborock's VibraRise flat mopping pad system, but with a much-needed twist: sonic scrubbing along edges.

The vibrating mopping pad of the Saros 20 Sonic physically extends out past the round part of the vacuum, cleaning as close as zero millimeters against baseboards or furniture legs. That level of precise edge scrubbing is much of the reason that the Roborock Saros 10R was my favorite robot vacuum for most of 2025. If the Saros 20 Sonic's extendable sonic mop is just as meticulous as the Saros 10R's hinged spinning mopping pad, it's an automatic contender for best robot vacuum mop combo of 2026.

SEE ALSO: As an anxious cat mom, I love my robot vacuum with a livestream camera

The Roborock Saros 20 offers the same wicked 35,000 Pa suction power that the Sonic model does, but mops with dual rotating pads instead. Both vacuums automatically adjust their chassis height based on floor type in order to administer optimal airflow for debris pickup, including a special Deep Carpet Cleaning mode for plush carpets up to 1.2 inches thick. Based on the release prices of last year's models, I could see the Saros 20 costing the same $1,599.99 as the Saros 10 and 10R, and the Saros 20 Sonic costing $1,699.99 or $1,799.99.

The Roborock Qrevo Curv 2 Flow also claims pro corner cleaner with a roller mop that automatically pops out when a wall edge or corner is detected. Since it's Roborock's first stab at a roller mop robot vacuum, I'm curious to see how it'll compare to my experiences with roller mop models like the Dreame Aqua10 Ultra Roller or Eufy E28. Unfortunately, the Qrevo Curv 2 Flow's 20,000 Pa of suction power is surprisingly low for a 2026 CES debut. At any rate, it will be available to buy starting Jan. 19, with an opening promotional price of $849. After Feb. 1, the Qrevo Curv 2 Flow will cost $999.

A legitimate stairs-climbing robot vacuum from Roborock has also been confirmed. The Saros Rover will be a two-wheel robot vac that can raise and lower independently of each other in a motion that mimics human walking. It is officially in development, but there's no time frame or price point talk as of now.

Narwal Credit: Narwal Credit: Narwal

Narwal staggered announcements of the new versions of its two main botvac series: The newest Narwal Freo came out in September, and now, the Narwal Flow 2 is the flagship representing Narwal at CES 2026. The big difference is the roller mop.

It appears that Narwal's signature millennial gray is here to stay, although the Flow 2's gold accents and frosted glass panel do give it a more premium look than the Freo Z10 Ultra. The Narwal Flow 2 is also the higher-end pick in terms of cleaning power: The Flow 2 is a sturdy roller mop robot vacuum that scrubs with hot water and rinses itself mid-cleaning as the roller gets dirty. Water flow and scrubbing time are determined in real time as the Narwal assesses the type of dirt and mess level in its cleaning path. The Flow 2's 30,000 Pa of suction power initially positions it as the better choice over the Roborock Qrevo Curv 2 Flow. If this Narwal ends up costing less than $1,000, it's the new roller mop robot vacuum to beat.

Narwal also introduced "Family-First Scenario Modes," like Pet Care Mode, which includes auto pet zone cleaning, find my pet, and smart pet video calling, and Baby Care Mode, where the robot automatically switches to quiet mode near the crib.

Dreame The X60 Max Ultra is slimmer and stronger than the Aqua10 Ultra Roller. Credit: Dreame The Dreame Cyber 10 Ultra looks like something we've seen before. Credit: Dreame

Dreame already unveiled a chunk of its new vacuum lineup in August, including the flagship Dreame Aqua10 Ultra Roller that was the apex robot vacuum for a few months... until Dreame outdid itself at CES. With a suction power of 35,000 Pa, the Dreame X60 Max Ultra ties with the Roborock S6 models for the most powerful robot vacuum currently available. (Even with all of that power, they're all super slim robot vacuums measuring just over three inches tall.) But the most unique upgrade is a front-facing blue light for mess illumination, which is said to help the vacuum distinguish between different debris and spills, and vacuum or mop accordingly. I picture it working similarly to my beloved Dyson laser. The new Dyson robot vacuum, announced a few months ago, is reportedly equipped with a similar light and reactive cleaning technique, but its release is taking forever.

Through Jan. 25, the X60 Max Ultra Complete can be preordered from Dreame's website for special early bird pricing of $1,359.99. That's $340 off its $1,699.99 MSRP, plus $410 in free gifts.

That wasn't the only major robot vacuum announcement from Dreame CES 2026. This year, it's Dreame — not Roborock — who's trying to make a robot vacuum with an arm happen. Tech editor Timothy Beck Werth witnessed the Dreame Cyber 10 Ultra and its CyberDex HyperFlex Arm successfully pick up a ball (albeit at a glacial pace) at a CES demo.

Credit: Timothy Beck Werth / Mashable Credit: Timothy Beck Werth / Mashable

The arm's total weight limit is 500 grams (just over one pound), which should make it a more worthwhile object picker-upper than the Roborock Saros Z70's 300-gram max. Dreame calls the Cyber 10 Ultra the "first-ever robot vacuum with autonomous tool-utility technology, able to take out and use tools like a human and to execute with robotic perfection."

Whatever that means past picking up balls is still up in the air. We'll find out more when Dreame gives more info on its official release. A legitimate stairs-climbing Dreame vacuum, the Cyber X, is also in the works.

Eufy Credit: Eufy Credit: Eufy

Eufy announced its new flagship robot vacuum at IFA in September rather than CES. But it still very much deserves to be in the conversation about best new robot vacuums in 2026. The Eufy Omni S2 features several upgraded specs, including "the world's first built-in aromatherapy system for a robot vacuum," which offers scents like bamboo and sage for whole-home freshness.

This isn't Eufy's first roller mop robot vacuum — the Eufy E28, which I've tested, also comes with a portable carpet cleaner and features a roller mop. But the Omni S2 beats that suction power by 10,000 Pa and scrubs more vigorously with over three pounds of downward pressure. The Omni S2's station also electrolyzes water right in the mopping tank, said to eliminate 99.99% of pathogens.

SEE ALSO: CES 2026: Soundcore introduces new open earbuds with active noise cancellation

The Omni S2 is particularly vigilant around rugs and carpeting. In the past, many robot vacuums I've tested consistently skipped over crumbs hanging out at the edge of my kitchen rug, or kitty litter gathered at the edge of a bath mat. This apparently shouldn't happen with the Omni S2, as Eufy says it can sweep than 0.2 inches away from rug borders without getting stuck. The Omni S2 uses AI to detect tassels and drives around them without skipping the rug completely. When plush carpeting is sensed, the chassis physically lifts over the pile and adjusts suction for deep cleaning.

The Eufy Omni S2 can be purchased for $1,599.99 from Eufy's website, with shipping starting on Jan. 20. Buying early also unlocks early bird perks worth $435, including a replacement accessories kit, fragrance refills, and an Eufy Indoor Cam C210.

Cordless vacuums announced at CES The green light is giving Dyson, but it's actually Narwal's first stick vacuum. Credit: Narwal Tineco's folding wet-dry vacuum weighs under eight pounds. Credit: Tineco

If you trust stick vacuums more than robot vacuums, several new cordless stick vacuum options also just hit the scene at CES, along with a handful of cordless wet-dry vacuums. And none of them are Dyson — Dyson did announce a slew of new vacuums at its Dyson Unveiled event in September, but it wasn't present at CES 2026. And while we're still waiting on confirmed prices and release dates for those new Dyson vacuums, other vacuum brands just made the competition a whole lot closer.

Roborock

Along with three new flagship robot vacuums, Roborock also announced the F25 Ace Pro. It's an upscaled version of its current F25 Ace Combo wet-dry vacuum and self-washing station that now features Roborock's JetFoaming technology, said to produce millions of microbubbles to dissolve and lift stains better than a typical squirt of liquid solution. The F25 Ace Pro will retail for $699 after a brief early bird discount to $549.99 between Jan. 19 and Jan. 30.

Dreame

Though Dreame announced more than one cordless vac with its August announcement, it did save its new Aero series cordless models for CES. There are two Aero iterations: the regular Aero, a cordless wet-dry vacuum with a dual tank roller mop that prevents cross contamination and a self-cleaning base, and the Aero Pro, with enhanced battery life over the Aero and 185-degree Fahrenheit hot water self-cleaning. Both feature a 180-degree hinge to lay flat for cleaning under low-clearance furniture.

SEE ALSO: The best laptops of CES 2026 Tineco

Surprisingly enough, Tineco is a popular vacuum brand that hasn't dabbled in robotic cleaning yet. But the family of cordless cleaners that debuted at CES seems quite robust. The most unique is the Tineco i7 Fold: It weighs less than eight pounds (super compact for a duo wet-dry vacuum) and can fold 180 degrees flat to wash hard-to-reach floors under furniture, which may typically have only been accessed by a mopping robot vacuum.

Tineco also debuted three versions of the new Floor One S9 series. The Floor One S9 Scientist is decked out with LED accents and bold lighting ("cyberpunk" was mentioned in the press release) and features smart mess detection and high-temperature deep cleaning. The Floor One S9 Artist is aimed toward more design-forward living spaces and features high-pressure angled water, a StreakFree Scraper, and a self-cleaning station that automatically replenishes hot water and dries the mop. The Floor One S9 Master is being coined as Tineco's highest level of performance, complete with a green dust-revealing headlight.

Narwal

Narwal doesn't just want to be a competitive name in the robot vacuum space. The brand's CES spread also included its first cordless vacuums, plus an interesting cordless mattress deep cleaner. The Narwal V50 is a compact auto-emptying stick vacuum that weighs just 3.1 pounds — about two pounds lighter than the Dyson V12 Detect Slim. The launch also teases an ultra-slim slim unnamed Narwal vac with double-headed green lights, resembling the upcoming Dyson Pencilvac.

Head to the Mashable CES 2026 hub for the latest news and live updates from the biggest show in tech, where Mashable journalists are reporting live. 

Microsoft just quietly pulled the plug on one of Windows Media Player’s oldest and most loved features. If you still enjoy digitizing your compact discs into digital files, you may have recently noticed a major problem.

Back in the day, every single Android phone had an SD card slot. Expandable storage was as common as 3.5mm jacks. Nowadays, though, only a select few, mostly budget, phones come with one. But now's the perfect time for phone brands to bring it back. Here's why.

Disney+ will add vertical videos to its streaming service in an effort to boost engagement, Deadline reported. The company made the announcement at the Tech and Data Showcase at CES.

Expect to see various types of content on Disney+'s vertical videos, including original short-form content, repurposed social clips, and scenes from longer Disney+ titles, according to Erin Teague, EVP of product management for Disney Entertainment and ESPN, in an interview with Deadline.

SEE ALSO: CES 2026 live updates: See the latest news, surprises, and strange tech from LG, Samsung, and new startups

"We're obviously thinking about integrating vertical video in ways that are native to core user behaviors," Teague said. "So, it won’t be a kind of disjointed, random experience." They're not going to be teasers for longer programs, but rather another experience on the platform.

Disney first experimented with vertical videos on the ESPN app with the "Verts" tab, which launched in August 2025.

UP TO 50% OFF: As of Jan. 9, you can get up to 50% off select items at Nancy, including the Lem clitoral massager and the Pixie remote-controlled panty vibrator.

Opens in a new window Credit: Nancy Save up to 50% off at Nancy   Shop Now

If you haven’t made any New Year’s resolutions yet, here’s an idea: Make a commitment to self-care by snagging yourself a new vibe at Nancy. (Yes, it’s kind of an odd name, but the vibrators are super cute, super powerful, and half off!) Plus, the less-intimidating shapes make for really great beginner vibes for anyone who’s nervous about buying their first sex toy.

SEE ALSO: The updated Lelo Ina Wave 2 is the best that rabbit vibrators have to offer

As of Jan. 9, you can get up to 50% off select items at Nancy. The Lem Clitoral Massager, which is easily the cutest thing I own, is down to $89, from its usual $159. That’s a $70 price cut on a top-rated clitoral massager. Bonus: Once you add it to your cart, a “free mystery gift” will appear. It’s not clear what the gift is, but it's worth $9.99, so it could be lube or a storage bag.

I can personally vouch for the Lem; it’s tiny, discreet, and just really well-designed. If you want to go all out, the Oh-Oh-Oh Triple Bundle (which includes the Lem, the Uno, and the Lolly Mini Wand is currently $199, down from $399. You’re basically getting three for the price of one.

The best part about Nancy is that everything ships in discreet packaging, and shipping is free worldwide. They also have a 30-day satisfaction guarantee, so if you’re on the fence about trying a new shape, there’s really no risk. The sale is in its final minutes, though, so I wouldn’t wait too long if you’ve got your eye on something.

SAVE $30: Paramount+ has a price hike going into effect on Jan. 15. This is your last chance to sign up for a Paramount+ Essential annual plan for just $59.99 before it jumps to $89.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Paramount+ Paramount+ Essential annual plan $59.99/year (save $30 before the price hike) Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Paramount+ Paramount+ Premium annual plan $119.99/year (save $20 before price hike) Get Deal

Paramount+ is ringing in 2026 with a good old fashioned price hike. Come Jan. 15, the prices of both the Essential monthly plan (with ads) and the Premium monthly plan (no ads) will increase by a dollar. The annual plans, on the other hand, will see a $30 and $20 increase, respectively. My advice is to lock in an annual plan now before the price hike hits.

The Paramount+ Essential annual plan is just $59.99, which breaks down to a wildly low $4.99 per month. Once the price hike hits on Jan. 15, that price will jump to $89.99. Compared to the monthly plan, the current Essential annual subscription saves users $35.98 per year, or an impressive 38% (the biggest annual savings of any streamer). The new plan price will only save subscribers $17.89 per year — less than half of the savings under the current plan. If you're looking to save on streaming this year, I highly recommend locking in the Essential annual plan ASAP.

The Premium annual plan won't see quite as big of a price hike, but it's still worth it to lock in a year of streaming before Jan. 15. Currently, a Premium yearly plan costs $119.99 per year, but it will jump to $139.99 next week. Subscribers of the current annual plan will ultimately save $35.89 per year compared to the monthly plan. The new plan price will only save subscribers $27.89.

Is it worth subscribing to Paramount+ for a whole year? I think so, particularly if you're an NFL fan. Paramount+ will give you access to several playoff games coming up, as well as AFC games during the regular season. Not to mention, it's where you can watch Landman, Dexter Resurrection, every season of Survivor and Big Brother, Nickelodeon shows (new and old), Paramount Pictures films straight from the theater, and so much more.