CES
Coverage of CES in the Nexus archive.
- In Philippines, solar power becomes ‘practical necessity’ as energy costs soar
Rising electricity costs and frequent blackouts in the Philippines have led businesses like Dream Latte Cafe to adopt solar power as a practical necessity. The cafe, run by Joab Jorge and his mother Ces, has raised prices by 10% to offset higher costs driven by an energy crisis linked to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz in February.
- Qualcomm Nears Deal for AI Chip Startup Modular
Qualcomm Inc. is nearing a deal to acquire AI chip startup Modular. The company is promoting AI-infused gadgets at the 2026 CES event in Las Vegas, targeting investors, corporate clients, and consumers.
- Lego’s Smart Play Pokémon can train and battle, but don’t do the one thing I wish they could
Lego's new Smart Bricks Pokémon sets aim to deliver improved interactive features after initial Star Wars sets underdelivered. The second-generation sets, launching this summer, focus on Pokémon play with enhanced capabilities compared to earlier versions.
- The new Wild West of AI kids’ toys
AI kids' toys have become a trend in 2026, with over 1,500 companies registered in China and popular products like Huawei's Smart HanHan plush toy and Sharp's PokeTomo talking AI toy. These toys are marketed as friendly companions to children as young as three, but the category remains largely unregulated. The popularity of AI toys is evident on online platforms like Amazon, where specialized players like FoloToy and Miko have sold hundreds of thousands of units.
- Start with the sensors, then design the rest: How Zoox built its robotaxi
Zoox, acquired by Amazon in 2020, is deploying a purpose-built robotaxi design in Las Vegas and San Francisco, differing from competitors who retrofit existing vehicles. The company emphasizes sensor-first engineering for autonomous vehicles, highlighting distinct requirements for robotaxis compared to human-driven cars.