Blockchain Barely Gets a Mention as AI Dominates CES 2026 Trend Predictions
At CES 2026’s Trends to Watch talk, artificial intelligence dominated forecasts for the future of consumer and enterprise technology, while blockchain was mentioned only briefly as providing security layers. Brian Comiskey of the Consumer Technology Association outlined the 2020s as an era of “intelligent transformation,” driven by AI’s expanding capabilities in workplaces, homes, vehicles, and healthcare. Key trends highlighted included adaptive hardware platforms, smart glasses and XR headsets in industrial use, software-defined vehicles with AI-powered features, and smart homes integrating health monitoring. New business models are emerging, with platforms increasingly combining subscriptions, ads, and creator monetization. CTA research shows over 90% AI awareness in some regions and a majority of workers using AI, especially in the US, where it reportedly saves significant time. However, there is skepticism about AI’s actual productivity gains, as studies show high investment but little measurable return, and concerns linger around privacy, data protection, and the efficiency of AI-generated work. Despite economic uncertainty, tech industry revenue is projected to remain strong, reflecting ongoing demand for innovation.
