From Smart Blinds to Robotic Pool Cleaners: CES 2026 Recap!

This week, we're diving into the whirlwind of wild and wacky tech coming out of the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, where all the nerds get to show off their latest shiny toys. Eric G is our fearless guide through this chaotic wonderland, highlighting everything from Lutron's new smart wood blinds that can tilt like they're auditioning for a role in a sci-fi movie, to some seriously sleek robotic vacuums that can practically do the cha-cha under your couch. Seriously, if you've ever wished your home could just clean itself while you sit back and scroll through social media, your dreams might just come true. We’ll also touch on some killer partnerships in energy management and smart home security that could make your life just a tad easier—because who doesn’t want that? So grab your headphones and let’s get this tech party started! We're kicking off the New Year with a bang, and who better to guide us through the wild world of home improvement than our pal Eric G? After a much-needed holiday break (which, let's be honest, we all know was just a glorified excuse to eat too many cookies and binge-watch our favorite shows), Eric dives headfirst into the latest and greatest from the Consumer Electronics Show. You know, that fancy event where tech nerds gather to drool over gadgets we never knew we needed? Yeah, that one. Among the shiny new toys, Eric highlights the Casita Smart Wood Blinds - because why manually adjust your blinds when you can let technology do it for you? These beauties promise to optimize natural light like some kind of wizard, and all for a price that won't make you cry. If you’ve been dreaming of a home that practically runs itself, Eric’s got you covered with all the latest trends in smart home tech. So grab your toolbox, or, you know, just sit back and listen while you ponder the mysteries of who actually needs a robotic pool cleaner. Spoiler: it's definitely not me, but it sure sounds fun!

Takeaways:

1. Eric G is back from a holiday break and ready to dive into CES, where all the cool gadgets are being unveiled this week.
2. Among the highlights at CES is Lutron's new Casita Smart Wood Blinds, which are totally DIY-friendly and optimize natural light like a pro.
3. Dream Technology is introducing their new robotic cleaners that can reach under the couch, because apparently that’s the new frontier in cleaning.
4. The MyQ SecureView lock combines a smart lock and doorbell into one, because why not make life just a bit more complicated with tech?
5. CES is showcasing a ton of partnerships aimed at smarter home energy management, so get ready for a future where your house knows more about your energy use than you do.
6. Eric G warns us about recalls on power strips and above-ground pools, because nothing says 'Happy New Year' like a safety hazard!

Links referenced in this episode:

1. aroundthehouseonline.com
2. youtube.com/@aroundthehousewithericg

Companies mentioned in this episode:

1. Lutron Electronics
2. Dream Technology
3. Mammotion
4. aipeer
5. Govee
6. Chamberlain
7. Ecoflow
8. Homey by LG
9. Bosch
10. Nest
11. Goy

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Information given on the Around the House Show should not be considered construction or design advice for your specific project, nor is it intended to replace consulting at your home or jobsite by a building professional. The views and opinions expressed by those interviewed on the podcast are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the Around the House Show.

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