Counterpoint Research·2026-01-12 02:45Core Insights - CES 2026 will showcase the rise of high-performance computing, the automotive industry's shift towards a "software-first" development model, and the continued integration of embedded AI in various devices [4][5][9] Group 1: Major Players and Their Focus - NVIDIA, AMD, and Qualcomm are leading the charge towards AI-first computing, with a focus on upgrading existing chip architectures rather than launching entirely new ones [5][6][8] - NVIDIA's CEO Jensen Huang will emphasize AI's core value, showcasing advancements in data centers, AI PCs, and automotive platforms during his keynote [6][9] - AMD aims to position itself as a leader in AI solutions across cloud, edge, and personal computing, focusing on gradual enhancements rather than single blockbuster products [7][8] - Qualcomm will highlight its advancements in AI-intensive mobile platforms and its growing influence in the automotive sector, showcasing the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip [8][9] Group 2: Automotive Technology Trends - CES 2026 will focus on three key battles in automotive technology: the shift from hardware to software, the competitive pressure from Chinese automakers, and the acceleration of fully autonomous vehicles [10][11][12] - The event will showcase how traditional automakers and suppliers are navigating a costly and complex transition to software-defined vehicles (SDVs) [11][13] - Chinese automakers like BYD and Geely are rapidly expanding, posing significant competition to Western manufacturers, who must demonstrate their ability to bridge the software gap [11][13] Group 3: AI and Robotics - AI-driven advancements in client computing will be a recurring theme, with a focus on the integration of high-performance computing in various applications [9][14] - Robotics technology is becoming a rapidly growing vertical for semiconductor and AI platform companies, with applications spanning consumer electronics and industrial scenarios [14] - The development of lightweight, task-specific AI solutions will continue to dominate, particularly in the context of memory constraints and security considerations [14] Group 4: Consumer Technology Innovations - The CES 2026 will see the rise of AI PCs transitioning from early adoption to mainstream applications, with a focus on productivity and workflow enhancements [15][20] - OLED technology is expected to expand significantly in laptops, monitors, and high-end tablets, particularly in gaming and creative fields [23][26] - New health tech innovations, such as in-ear brainwave sensors and hormone detection devices, will be showcased, highlighting the integration of AI in health monitoring [19][22]