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Lenovo and Motorola are releasing their own on-device AI assistant

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If the world didn't already have one too many digital assistants, Lenovo is adding another one to the pile. On Tuesday evening, the company announced Qira, a cross-device AI for both its own computers and Motorola smartphones. Set to arrive later this quarter, it will live at the system level of Lenovo devices. Users won't need to open or switch to the assistant. Instead, "it's always present," says Lenovo.   

Of course, you can ignore Qira, and it will stay quiet if you don't need the software to do anything for you. Occasionally, Lenovo says Qira will surface proactive suggestions, and for frequent users, the company promises a machine learning system that will develop a "living model" of your world, "understanding context, continuity and personal patterns of over time." In practice, that means Qira can write emails for you, transcribe and translate meetings and provide summaries of things you might have missed. You know, all the usual stuff every company is offering with their on-device assistants.  

From a privacy standpoint, Lenovo says Qira employs a hybrid architecture that "prioritizes" on-device processing, and won't collect customer data without the user's permission. "Every aspect of the Lenovo Qira experience is designed to be secure, ethical, and accountable." I asked Lenovo how Qira would interact with Copilot and Gemini on the company's PCs and Motorola smartphones, and if the new assistant would add to the processing load on those devices, but the company has yet to respond to my email. I'll update this article when I hear back. 

On paper, creating a dedicated AI assistant for the company's devices is something I'm sure Lenovo executives agreed was a good idea, but when many people aren't even using Copilot, it feels like a misread of what Lenovo users want. In April, reporting from Newcomer suggested Copilot had flatlined at around 20 million weekly users in 2024. By contrast, over that same period, ChatGPT had grown to 400 million weekly users, and as of late 2025, there are 800 million people using OpenAI's chatbot every week. 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/lenovo-and-motorola-are-releasing-their-own-on-device-ai-assistant-010000696.html?src=rss

CES 2026: The Lenovo Legion Pro Rollable concept goes big wide at the touch of a button

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Lenovo might have the most concept devices of any company at CES 2026, but the wildest and most interesting one is almost certainly the Legion Pro Rollable which features a 16-inch flexible display that can expand to not one but two different sizes. 

To make the Legion Pro Rollable, Lenovo started out with a standard Legion Pro 7i and kept the bottom half including all of its ports and support for an RTX 5090 GPU. But then the company went a bit crazy: Instead of replacing the notebook’s original 16-inch OLED screen with a rollable variant that extends upwards like the Thinkbook Plus Gen 6 from 2025, Lenovo opted for one that expands outwards to either 21.5 inches or 23.8 inches This means instead of being restricted to a standard 16:10 aspect ratio, you also have the choice of 21:9 or an ultra-wide 24:9 with just the touch of a button. Or more like two buttons because to widen or shrink its display, you need to press FN plus one of its arrow keys.

Admittedly that feels a bit clunky considering some of Lenovo’s other laptops with expandable displays have a dedicated button. But this is a concept device after all, which was immediately obvious when I got a chance to see this up close. The bottom of the laptop feels solid, as you’d probably expect because not much has changed there. However, the top of the laptop didn’t feel super sturdy, probably due to the display’s hinge not being able to fully support a heavier lid and the notebook’s bulkier rollable display. 

I also noticed that there were some faint lines left by the internal motors that allow the rollable display to do its thing and a bit of waviness from the panel due to it not being super taut. That said, from the side, I was impressed that even for a prototype, Lenovo did a halfway decent job of eliminating any huge panel gaps or empty spaces where the lid expands. The biggest bummer is that even though Lenovo had a handful of demo units on on site, there weren’t any games installed so I wasn’t able see the Legion Pro Rollable’s tech function in full glory. 

But if we’re being honest, none of that really matters on a gadget that’s meant to be a showcase and testbed for next-gen tech. The idea of a gaming laptop with a screen that can go from normal to ultra-wide at the touch of a button (or buttons) is super cool, especially if you play titles like flight sims, racing games or big open-world adventures that can take advantage of an extra wide screen. And out of all of the concepts I’ve seen at CES 2026, this one is at the top of the list of stuff that I hope eventually gets turned into a proper retail product. 


This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/laptops/ces-2026-the-lenovo-legion-pro-rollable-concept-goes-big-wide-at-the-touch-of-a-button-010000333.html?src=rss

iPolish brings color-changing press-on smart nails to CES

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In the original, and best Total Recall, you may remember a scene in which Rekall’s receptionist changes her nail polish by using a digital pen. Now, after only 35 years, a company came to CES 2026 with a vision for such a gadget that actually works outside of that pricey sci-fi movie. The company is iPolish, and it makes press-on acrylic nails that, when you apply an electric charge, change color almost like magic.

In order to enjoy kaleidoscopic nails, you’ll need to charge the wand, which then connects to your phone. Once you’ve selected your color of choice, you just put the tip of the nail into the wand, and it’ll pass a short charge into the nail to change it. Sadly, the company wouldn’t shed too much light on the process it uses to run the nails but, from my guess, it’s some sort of electrochemical shenanigans going on behind the scenes. All in all, it took around five seconds to change the color of a single nail, so it’s not a big deal in the grand scheme of things.

iPolish
iPolish
Daniel Cooper for Engadget

iPolish says that each nail can display 400 colors, and can be changed as many times as the user would like. So, if you’re coordinating your nails with your outfits, you’re not bound to a single color palette in the weeks between salon visits. They’re also surprisingly affordable, with the starter set costing $95 which contains two sets of nails, one in Ballerina cut, one in Squoval. The Ballerinas are relatively short, while the Sqovals are longer.  It’s worth noting that you can’t shape the nails as you’ll break the hardware, so if you don’t like those shapes, you can’t use ‘em.

When it comes time to replace your nails when one breaks or you lose it in some nailbed mishap, you’ll be able to pick up spares for $6.50. Given the theoretical cost of getting your nails re-done on a weekly basis, being able to change color on a whim seems like a bargain. Of course, we won’t be able to speak to iPolish’s quality and reliability until they start shipping, which is presently expected to begin in June 2026.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/wearables/ipolish-brings-color-changing-press-on-smart-nails-to-ces-001345407.html?src=rss

Quake is now Steam Deck Verified

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Bethesda announced on X today that Quake is now a Steam Deck Verified title. The 1996 game from the legendary id Software has also been designated Handheld Optimized for the Xbox ROG Ally devices. As one of the OG boomer shooters, Quake still commands a sizable and passionate fan base, and it's now available on just about every gaming platform imaginable. 

Since rolling out its verification program, several thousands of games have been designated as supported for the Steam Deck. Valve has more recently been preparing to have additional gaming devices run its SteamOS platform. Even though Xbox ROG Ally is the only one now, there's already a special extension of verification to note if a title is more broadly compatible with Steam's operating system. And don't forget that Valve's anticipated Steam Machine is due out some time early this year, so it wouldn't be surprising to have those verification checkmarks start to carry more weight in 2026.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/quake-is-now-steam-deck-verified-223009852.html?src=rss

CES 2026: Hyperkin and Gamesir made a modular game controller for your smartphone, tablet and even your Switch

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I’ve been using the same smartphone controller on my iPhone for years. That’s partly because most options are so similar. Announced at CES 2026, the X5 Alteron couldn’t be more different. It’s a collaboration between GameSir (which loves unusual peripheral dalliances) and Hyperkin (retro-leaning controller maker).

The X5 Alteron is apparently the world's first fully modular mobile games controller. While the headline feature might be the stick/d-pad/button modules, the X5 Alteron has a very accommodating vice grip that works with devices from iPhone and Android phones through to the Switch series and even iPads. There’s even Bluetooth if you want to use it with a PC. 

Hyperkin x Gamesir X5 Alteron hands-on at CES 2026
Mat Smith for Engadget

On the showfloor, Gamesir had a non-working prototype model with swappable modules, able to replicate most of your favorite layouts, including asymmetric analogue sticks, a yellow stick that’s aspiring to be a Gamecube controller and even a six-button array for those wanting to scratch that Sega Saturn itch. And if you want symmetrical sticks, you maniac, you can have that too. Rumble motors will also be built into the controller.

The modules lie flush when magnetically attached to the controller, although on the early prototype, they were difficult to remove. It’s pretty much fully customizable: there will be adjustable stick heights and hot-swappable buttons. Hyperkin and Gamesir are promising GameCube and N64 modules, and even a trackpad module for FPS games.

There’s contemporary technology too. The X5 Alteron will have capacitive sticks, not Hall-Effect ones. This should offer much more precision: the technology remains pretty rare in controllers. There are Hall-Effect analog triggers on the rear of the controller. It’s early days, with no release date or pricing set yet, but I'm intrigued — and I suspect many mobile gamers are too.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/hyperkin-and-gamesir-x5-alteron-modular-game-controller-ces-2026-221853624.html?src=rss

Intel’s Core Ultra Series 3 let me play ‘Battlefield 6’ at 190 fps on a Lenovo ultraportable

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How far has Intel's embedded Arc graphics come over the years? Enough to let me play Battlefield 6 at up to 190 fps in 1080p, with the graphics settings set to high, all on an unassuming Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5. There was no need for dedicated graphics, just the Intel Core Ultra X9 388H's built-in Arc B390 GPU.

There's a catch, of course: Intel's XeSS3 AI upscaling and 4X frame generation is the big reason why I was able to see such high fps figures. I was playing Battlefield 6 on a controller, with the Lenovo laptop connected to a TV, and I was surprised by how smooth the gameplay felt. There wasn't any sense of lag like I've seen in earlier frame-gen implementations, though any lag would probably be more noticeable if I was playing with a high DPI gaming mouse.

Environmental details, shadows, lighting and particle effects also looked flawless. If I was sitting on a couch, I’d think the game was being powered by a console or a budget gaming PC. I didn’t get a chance to push the resolution up to 1440p, but it’d be interesting to see if it could maintain at least 100 fps in that mode.

Intel Core Ultra 3 gaming on a Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5.
Playing "Battlefield 6" with a Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5, powered by Intel's Core Ultra 3 chip.
Devindra Hardawar for Engadget

Not all of Intel's Core Ultra 3 chips will achieve such lofty gaming heights, unfortunately. Only the X7 and X9 chips include 12 Xe GPU cores and Arc B390 graphics. The rest of the Core Ultra 3 family has the typical four Xe cores and basic Intel graphics.

Intel claims the B390 is around 80 percent faster than the Radeon 890M, which is built into the Ryzen HX370. Additionally, the company says the new GPU is 76 percent faster than its Arc 140T, and overall it should offer similar performance to the mobile RTX 4050 GPU.

A Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5.
A Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5.
Devindra Hardawar for Engadget

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/intels-core-ultra-series-3-let-me-play-battlefield-6-at-190-fps-on-a-lenovo-ultraportable-220952246.html?src=rss

Dreame’s latest robot vacuum concept has slightly terrifying legs that can climb full-size stairs

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Robot vacuum companies are once again out in full force at CES 2026, giving their devices a new set of intriguing — and sometimes unsettling — capabilities. This year, Chinese appliance maker Dreame is showing off a vacuum prototype with giant legs that can climb up and down an entire flight of stairs.

The concept, called the Cyber X, was previewed last year at IFA in Berlin. The vacuum sports a somewhat terrifying set of legs with rubber treads that allow it to autonomously navigate multi-story environments. While Dreame has previously shown off vacuums that can move up smaller steps, it says the Cyber X can climb stairs up to 25cm (9.8 inches) high and slopes up to 42 degrees. It can manage both straight and curved staircases, and can climb a flight of steps in 27 seconds, according to the company.

We got a chance to see the Cyber X and its stair-climbing abilities at Dreame’s CES booth, and the device was able to deftly crawl up and down a flight of stairs. The Cyber X didn’t use its “legs” to walk up the steps, though. Instead, it used the treads horizontally, moving a bit like a miniature, cleaning tank.

Interestingly, the actual vacuum is separate from the climbing apparatus. As you can see in the image below, the larger device with legs has an opening where the actual robot vacuum can dock inside and sit while the Cyber X climbs stairs.

That likely means the Cyber X isn’t able to clean the stairs themselves, though it does cleverly solve the problem of transporting the vacuum throughout multi-story environments.

In addition to its legs, the Cyber X’s vacuum also has a built-in water tank to support mopping abilities, and a laser-powered navigation system to help it maneuver up stairs and around other obstacles. It also has a braking system that allows it to stay stable on floors and stairs, even if the battery dies.

Dreame's Cyber X.
Dreame's Cyber X.
Karissa Bell for Engadget

For now, Dreame says Cyber X is just a research prototype and hasn't indicated if it plans to make it, or a robo vac like it, more widely available at some point in the future. But Dreame has a history of showing off innovative features at CES ahead of an actual release. Last year, the company had a prototype vacuum with a mechanical arm at its CES booth. This year, it announced a new vacuum with very similar abilities. 

The company also announced the Dreame X60 Max Ultra, its latest flagship robot vacuum that can roll up smaller steps. The X60 Max Ultra, which costs $1,699, can move over stairs up to 8.8cm (about 3.4 inches), a small improvement over last year's X50, which could clear heights of 6cm (about 2.4 inches). That's not enough to manage a full-size stair, which is typically around 7 inches, but it should make the X60 flexible enough to navigate threshold steps and other small obstacles.

Update, January 6, 2026, 5:07PM PT: This post was updated with new photos and video and to add additional information about the Cyber X after seeing a live demonstration at Dreame’s CES booth.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/home/dreames-latest-robot-vacuum-concept-has-slightly-terrifying-legs-that-can-climb-full-size-stairs-210000399.html?src=rss

Dreame’s robot vacuum with an arm is back at CES 2026 and it can do more than pick up shoes

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Last year at CES, Dreame showed off a robot vacuum prototype with a mechanical arm. But while we were able to see the arm extend and retract, we didn’t see the device, which was described as a prototype at the time, actually grab anything, which was a bit disappointing.

This year, though, the company has made its arm-enabled vacuum a reality with the Cyber 10 Ultra. Dreame previewed it recently at IFA in Berlin, but has now confirmed it will be on sale later this year. 

The vacuum has an extendable arm that looks pretty similar to the prototype version we saw last year. It extends from the top of the vacuum and has a claw-like device at the end for scooping up objects. According to Dreame, it can pick up items that weigh up to 500 grams (about 1 pound) so it should be able to grab a wider variety of stuff than the Roborock vac we saw last year, which had a 300-gram weight limit for its arm. 

The arm can also do more than pick up stuff from the floor. It supports its own cleaning accessories, and can grab vacuum nozzles and brush attachments from its base station. This allows the arm to act as an extension of the vacuum itself so it can be used similarly to how you might use hose attachments to reach hard-to-get areas with a traditional vacuum. 

We were able to see a brief demo of the Cyber 10 arm in action on the CES show floor. It was able to pick up balls and place them in a basket. Unfortunately, we didn’t get to see it lift any heavier object or grab its cleaning attachments, but we were able to get a good look at the base station and the small cubbies where they will be stored.

The base station that holds the attachments for the vacuum's arm.
The base station that holds the attachments for the vacuum's arm.
Karissa Bell for Engadget

And, like Dreame's other robot vacuums, the Cyber 10 Ultra also has mopping abilities and can climb up small steps up to 6cm (about 2.4 inches). That's not quite as impressive as the tank-like stair-climbing Cyber X prototype it also brought to CES, but should help the Cyber 10 reach a few extra places in the house. 

The company hasn't announced an exact release date, but says it's targeting August of this year and currently expects the Cyber 10 Ultra to cost around €1799 (about $2,100).

Update, January 6, 2026, 4:17PM PT: This story was updated with new photos, a video and information about the Cyber 10 Ultra.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/home/smart-home/dreames-robot-vacuum-with-an-arm-is-back-at-ces-2026-and-it-can-do-more-than-pick-up-shoes-210000020.html?src=rss

Google’s Pixel Buds Pro 2 earbuds are on sale for $165

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It's hard to find better wireless earbuds than Google's Pixel Buds Pro 2 if you're an Android user. The statement is even more true if you have a Pixel phone. If you're on the market for a new pair, you can grab the Pixel Buds Pro 2 for $165 in the hazel colorway, which is $54 off their usual price. Other color options are also discounted, just not as steeply. 

The device made our list of the best wireless earbuds, and this is particularly true for those tied into the Pixel ecosystem. These earbuds are on the smaller side and, more importantly, comfortable to wear for long periods of time. They also manage to deliver pristine audio, as we were fans of the punchy bass, full mids and crisp highs on offer.

The battery lasts for 30 hours when you include return trips to the charging case, at around eight hours a pop. They offer multipoint Bluetooth that switches between audio sources with just a single button press. There's an app for keeping an eye on battery levels and ANC levels.

The primary downside when these were first released was the high price tag, which has been alleviated by this sale. Beyond that, there's really just one nitpick. Smaller earbuds translate to a smaller touch panel, which requires precision to operate.

Follow @EngadgetDeals on X for the latest tech deals and buying advice.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/googles-pixel-buds-pro-2-earbuds-are-on-sale-for-165-193444985.html?src=rss

Amazon Luna’s January lineup includes Madden NFL 26 for free

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Amazon has announced the next collection games that will be available to play through its Luna game streaming service in January. The highlight of the bunch is EA SPORTS Madden NFL 26, which will be available for a limited time on the service, but as in the past, Amazon is also giving away free PC games too if you'd prefer not to stream.

Madden NFL 26 will be available to Prime members everywhere Luna currently streams, from January 10 through February 10. Luna is also getting several new "GameNight" games — Amazon's name for streaming games you can play with a smartphone — including multiplayer physics-based building game Tricky Towers on January 8, and the party game collection The Jackbox Party Pack 3 on January 23. If you're looking for something a little more narrative-driven, Alan Wake Remastered and Death Stranding Director's Cut are also available to stream right now.

As part of the Prime benefits Amazon offers to subscribers, there's also some new PC games you can redeem for free. The best option this month is turn-based strategy game Sid Meier's Civilization VI, which is worth a revisit after the dramatic mechanical overhaul Sid Meier's Civilization VII introduced last year. Here's a complete list of games Amazon will offer over the course of the month, and which PC game store you'll be able to download them from:

  • Sid Meier’s Civilization VI (Epic Games Store)

  • Brigador: Up-Armored Edition (GOG) 

  • Reflections of Life: Dark Architect Collector's Edition (Amazon Games App)

  • Gunslugs: Rogue Tactics (GOG)

  • DeathKeep (GOG)

  • Harold Halibut (GOG)

  • D&D Stronghold: Kingdom Simulator (GOG)

  • Al-Qadim: The Genie's Curse (GOG)

  • Technotopia (Amazon Games App)

  • ELDERBORN (GOG)

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/amazon-lunas-january-lineup-includes-madden-nfl-26-for-free-192500032.html?src=rss