# T-26-011 : Happy CES-mas

- Show: [TRADEOFFS](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/tradeoffs)
- Published: 2026-01-05
- Length: 1h 00m
- Episode: 11
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/tradeoffs/2026-01-05-t-26-011-happy-ces-mas
- Listen: https://tradeoffs.fm/11

## Summary

Hosts Nate Paget and Chris Rill discuss the 'hardware renaissance' and recent industry shifts, highlighting Samsung's controversial decision to push ads to smart refrigerators as a sign of changing monetization economics. They provide a strategic guide to CES 2026, emphasizing that the event's true value lies in high-density networking and private suite meetings rather than the show floor itself. The conversation covers practical survival tips for attendees, including navigating the LVCC and Venetian venues, managing health, and understanding booth costs, while predicting trends like humanoid robots and embedded AI in everyday devices.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/tradeoffs/2026-01-05-t-26-011-happy-ces-mas#t=0) Introduction: Hardware Renaissance and Samsung Fridge Ads
- [2:55](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/tradeoffs/2026-01-05-t-26-011-happy-ces-mas#t=175) The Economics of Connected Devices and Advertising
- [9:26](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/tradeoffs/2026-01-05-t-26-011-happy-ces-mas#t=566) The Real Value of CES: Networking and Strategy
- [14:57](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/tradeoffs/2026-01-05-t-26-011-happy-ces-mas#t=897) CES Survival Tips: Health, Logistics, and Venues
- [25:48](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/tradeoffs/2026-01-05-t-26-011-happy-ces-mas#t=1548) CES 2026 Predictions: Humanoids and Embedded AI
- [35:27](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/tradeoffs/2026-01-05-t-26-011-happy-ces-mas#t=2127) Navigating LVCC, Eureka Park, and Off-Strip Events
- [48:28](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/tradeoffs/2026-01-05-t-26-011-happy-ces-mas#t=2908) Show Floor Strategy and Informal's Coverage Plan
- [50:46](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/tradeoffs/2026-01-05-t-26-011-happy-ces-mas#t=3046) The Business of CES: Timing, Costs, and Booths

## Topics

- [Retail, wholesale & distribution](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/retail-and-distribution)
- [Connected products & IoT](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/connected-products-and-iot)
- [Robotics & autonomy](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/robotics-and-autonomy)
- [AI & machine learning](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/ai-and-machine-learning)
- [Crowdfunding & preorders](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/crowdfunding)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies, companies scaling up

## Mentioned

- Samsung (company)
- LG (company)
- Unitree (company)
- Figure (company)
- Agility Robotics (company)
- Pila (company)
- Span (company)
- Canary (company)
- Informal (company)
- Misty West (company)
- Ops on Tap (company)
- Eureka Park (other)
- LVCC (other)
- Venetian (other)
- Apple Watch (product)
- Indiegogo (other)
- Kickstarter (other)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [Episode 99: Semis Outlook for 2025 - Bullishness Remains](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-circuit/2025-01-05-episode-99-semis-outlook-for-2025-bullishness-remains) (The Circuit)
- [Worktrips and Workspaces - Junket Jactation Jiltedness](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2014-11-27-worktrips-and-workspaces-junket-jactation-jiltedness) (The Amp Hour)
- [Trade Show or Conference?](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2022-07-11-trade-show-or-conference) (The Amp Hour)
- [Episode 57: MWC 2024 Observations and Insights](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-circuit/2024-03-05-episode-57-mwc-2024-observations-and-insights) (The Circuit)
- [CES 2019 Special: Interview with Jesse Will, Rolling Stone (PT2)](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ee-times-current/2019-01-12-ces-2019-special-interview-with-jesse-will-rolling-stone-pt2) (EE Times Current)

## Citing this page

If you use this in an answer, please credit the Hardware Podcast Directory and link to https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/tradeoffs/2026-01-05-t-26-011-happy-ces-mas. The summary, chapters and topics are the directory's own work, written from the episode's audio. The episode itself, its title and its audio belong to TRADEOFFS.