PDAs, Tube TVs and $13,000 VCRs: How CES Jump-Starts the Tech of Tomorrow
CES, the world's largest tech event, has consistently served as a launchpad for groundbreaking technology since its inception in 1967, showcasing everything from TVs and VCRs to gaming consoles and smartphones. Despite facing competition from other trade shows and the rise of company-specific product launches, CES remains a significant platform for unveiling innovations that may take years to become household staples. With major brands like Samsung and Apple participating, the event has evolved alongside technological advancements, influencing trends in consumer electronics. As CES 2026 approaches, the anticipation for new gadgets and ideas highlights the show's enduring legacy in the tech landscape.
Dive Deeper:
CES 2025 saw more than 4,500 exhibitors and 142,465 attendees, demonstrating its scale compared to the inaugural event, which attracted only 117 exhibitors in 1967.
The first VCR, Philips' N1500, debuted in 1970, revolutionizing home entertainment by allowing viewers to record and watch shows at their convenience, paving the way for later formats like VHS and Betamax.
The Atari 2600, which launched at CES 1977, marked the beginning of the home video game industry, with its iconic game Pong becoming a cultural phenomenon and establishing interactive gaming as a mainstream entertainment form.
Apple introduced the Newton MessagePad at CES 1992, a precursor to modern smartphones, but it failed commercially due to its high price and unreliable handwriting recognition.
CES has hosted numerous significant tech unveilings, including the first live TV streaming service, Sling TV, in 2015, which signaled a shift towards cloud-based entertainment solutions.
Despite the growth of dedicated gaming events like E3, CES has remained relevant for showcasing gaming hardware, with companies like Microsoft revealing the Xbox at the show in 2001.
As CES continues to attract thousands of attendees, questions about its relevance in a landscape dominated by digital software and individual company launches linger, but the event is expected to showcase ambitious new technologies in 2026.