The DIY market will take the largest hit from the shortages and price increases in the DRAM and SSD market, a leading analyst firm predicts. But there will be no escape for those buying a prebuilt PC in 2026, as analyst firm IDC says they’ve confirmed that major PC makers will raise prices by up to 20 percent. In a recent press note, analyst firm IDC said that “Lenovo, Dell, HP, Acer and Asus have warned clients of tougher conditions ahead, confirming 15-20 percent hikes and contract resets as an industry-wide response.” The apocalyptic rise in DRAM and SSD prices began to be felt a few months ago, with SanDisk, Samsung, and Micron warning of increased prices in both components. Black Friday became the focal point for the DRAM and SSD price increases, with companies like Framework, Minisforum, and Raspberry Pi warning that prices will increase. A memo obtained by TrendForce says that Asus will be the most recent PC maker to follow suit, with price increases from between 10 percent to 30 percent. Even though the largest vendors have begun quietly telling customers of the price increases, IDC said that the largest vendors will have the most clout to negotiate prices. That, in turn, will leave smaller boutique vendors and DIY companies vulnerable, presumably making them scrabble for whatever remaining components that they can get their hands upon. Bigger vendors will win “White box as well as lower tier (often local) vendors, on the other hand, will bear the greatest burden of the shortage, and that would include DIY systems, oftentimes built by gamers,” IDC wrote. “That in turn represents an opportunity for large OEMs to gain share from smaller assemblers in the gaming space by positioning pre-built systems as offering higher value.” The culprit remains large AI hyperscalers, who are snapping up whatever components that they can to build out data centers for training and inferencing new AI models. The difference between the RAM ending in servers and PCs is relatively slight, meaning that memory makers can and are shifting production to higher-margin server products. SSDs are being pulled in, too. All this means that is that commodity memory makers are reaping the benefits of astronomical demand, and the economics of the market mean that prices rise as a result. Ironically, that means further pressure on AI PCs. Intel-based AI PCs typically allocate half of the available DRAM to VRAM. AMD’s mobile Ryzen platforms used a fixed amount of VRAM, though a technology called Variable Graphics Memory allows you to fine-tune this manually. VRAM is basically where AI applications currently run on PCs, so maxing out VRAM is seen as the key to improved overall AI performance. Copilot+ PCs, for example, require at least 16GB of DRAM. The issue, though, is an obvious one: with more DRAM being shipped off to datacenters, the less that AI PC makers have to populate their own systems. “As more small language models and large language models move on device, memory becomes even more important, with many higher-end systems shifting toward 32GB or higher,” IDC wrote. “Just as the industry is seeing a need to add more RAM, it has become prohibitively expensive to do so, even if they can get supply. This will result in higher prices, lower margins, or a potential downmix in the amount of RAM in new systems at the worst possible time for this to occur.” IDC hasn’t officially changed its forecasts for the PC market, though it said that it’s now offering several “scenarios” for how the market could play out, depending upon the supply constraints. At worst, the PC market could drop 8.9 percent. IDC also predicted that the prices of phones, especially Android phones, could be affected. Memory can make up as much as 20 percent of the build cost of a cheaper smartphone, IDC noted. Again, larger vendors like Apple will have an advantage, though flagships might not see the continued increases in RAM and storage that customers have come to expect. “For consumers and enterprises alike, this signals the end of an era of cheap, abundant memory and storage, at least in the medium term,” IDC wrote. Read...

The Wallpaper TV returns in a 9mm class thin form factor with Hyper Radiant Colour Technology. Read...

While the image up top is LG’s older, discontinued W9 Wallpaper OLED TV, the news is that LG is bringing its uber-thin smart TV back, this time in the form of the Evo W6 Wireless Wallpaper TV. The big difference? The Wallpaper Design is now endowed with truly wireless connectivity; yes, the thin cable shown in these images is history. The LG Evo W6 also sports Hyper Radiant Color Technology, which is said to improve blacks (really? LG OLEDs are already famous for their blacks), color, and brightness–up to 3.9 times brighter than conventional OLEDs. We’re assuming “conventional” includes LG’s own sets; maybe not. LG also touts an improved screen coating said to preserve those hard-won picture improvements in a wider array of ambient lighting conditions. LG’s third-generation Alpha 11 AI processor powers the Evo W6, as well as all its AI video and audio features, promising a five-fold improvement in neural processing according to the company. It’s said to be capable of running two separate algorithms simultaneously, with each correcting and optimizing the results from the other. Theoretically this should produce better results with fewer artifacts. The LG Evo W6 Wallpaper TV can access the same library of art as LG’s Gallery TV, with a Gallery mode that promises to optimize color and brightness to best reproduce the visual texture of physical art. LG’s WebOS smart TV software is also onboard, with Voice ID technology that can recognize a user’s voice and present their personalized home screen on demand. If you’re into gaming on your TV, it delivers 4K UHD resolution with a 165Hz refresh rate. There’s also support both Nvidia’s G-Sync and AMD’s Free Premium technologies to prevent image tearing. Whatever the end result of the hype, the Evo W6 promises to blend into its surroundings far better than the average OLED–at a hefty price no doubt. We’re guessing in the 10s of thousands of dollars. Read...

Smart home brand Xthings is rolling out an ambitious lineup of new Ultraloq smart locks at CES, ranging from locks with cutting-edge biometric access to models designed for professional Z-Wave installations. The company says the new products are built to support both homeowners looking for advanced convenience and service providers managing connected security systems. Presence-based unlocking with Ultra-wideband (UWB) Leading the pack is the Ultraloq Bolt Mission, a Matter-certified smart lock that uses Ultra-wideband (UWB) technology to detect a user’s precise location and automatically unlock when the user is physically at the door—not just nearby with their phone in a pocket or bag. According to Xthings, this approach avoids the risk of unintended unlocks common with simpler proximity-based systems, while providing better security against relay attacks, a tactic in which thieves trick a smart lock into unlocking by relaying signals from a nearby authorized device, such as a smartphone or key fob, even when it’s not actually at the door. The Ultraloq Bolt Mission is a Matter-certified smart lock that uses Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology to unlock only when you’re physically at the door, helping prevent accidental unlocks and relay attacks.Xthings In addition to UWB, the Bolt Mission supports NFC tap-to-unlock, via a smartwatch; PIN codes; mobile app; and physical key access. The company claims a typical installation time of five minutes and a battery life of up to 12 months. Biometric access with palm and face unlock Also new is the Ultraloq Bolt Sense, which features both palm and facial recognition, plus support for PINs, app control, and auto-unlock. It includes built-in Wi-Fi 6 and planned support for Matter, Apple Home, Google Home, Alexa, SmartThings, and Home Assistant. The device is powered by a rechargeable 10,000mAh battery and boasts 0.5-second recognition with 99.9 percent accuracy, according to the company. The Bolt Pro targets users seeking a combination of fingerprint access and NFC support, with Wi-Fi 6 integration today and Matter certification down the road. It supports more than 100 fingerprints, remote access and app-based controls, and biometric recognition time of just 0.3 seconds. Xthings stands by Z-Wave For homes and systems that rely on Z-Wave connectivity, Xthings is introducing several locks based on the Z-Wave 800 platform. These include the Ultraloq Bolt Z-Wave and Bolt Z-Wave with Fingerprint, both of which boast long-range wireless coverage up to 1,300 feet, one-year battery life, and support for up to 250 user codes. The Ultraloq Bolt Z-Wave provides long-range wireless coverage up to 1,300 feet, one-year battery life, and support for up to 250 user codes. Xthings While Z-Wave is not part of the Matter standard, its extended range and energy efficiency (leading to very long battery life) have made it a favorite among professional installers and savvy DIYers alike. Xthings appears to be doubling down on this strategy, with support for platforms such as Alarm.com, Home Assistant, and Samsung SmartThings across its Z-Wave line. The Bolt Z-Wave with Fingerprint adds biometric access to the mix, combining fingerprint authentication with full Z-Wave hub integration. Both models support key-based entry, PIN codes, and mobile app control. With this lineup, Xthings is clearly trying to cover a wide swath of the smart lock market—from high-tech early adopters to professionals who rely on proven standards like Z-Wave. Pricing and availability for the full range are expected to be announced during CES. If you’re attending CES in person, Xthings is exhibiting its wares at the Venetian Expo booth #52317. This story is part of TechHive’s in-depth coverage of the best smart locks. Read...

Lutron has launched a line of smart wood blinds as an addition to its well-regarded Caséta smart lighting system. Designed for do-it-yourself installation, like its Caséta in-wall smart dimmers, switches, ceiling fan controllers, smart plug and plug-in dimmer, the blinds connect to a homeowner’s Wi-Fi network via the Caséta Smart Hub and use Lutron’s Clear Connect wireless communication protocol. This isn’t a new concept for Lutron. The company introduced smart wood blinds as part of its Serena product offering in 2020, and I reviewed them favorably in the same year. The primary differences between the Serena product and the new Caséta Smart Wood Blinds are related to price, selection, and options. Where the blinds I reviewed six years ago were priced by size—the 34 × 58-inch (WxH) blinds I evaluated cost $579 each–the Caséta blinds are priced at a flat $429 for windows up to 48 inches wide and 80 inches high (wider sizes are available at additional cost). The electronics and batteries for Lutron’s Caséta Smart Blinds are located in the headrail.Lutron And where Serena smart blinds can be ordered in four painted colors or four stained finishes, the Caséta version is only available in either a painted white or stained walnut finish. The Serena brand blinds offer more options—such as hardwired power, valance accessories, and a choice of two remote controls—but for a price. The slats in both the Caséta and Serena products are fabricated from North American basswood, with their electronic smarts integrated into the headrail. The blinds’ tilt can be adjusted with Lutron’s optional Pico remote ($32.40), or you can take advantage of Lutron’s Natural Light Optimization (NLO) technology. NLO automatically adjust the tilt of the blinds relative to your home’s geographic location and cardinal orientation. For example, the blinds in a west-facing window will tilt open in the morning to start the day, and then close in the late afternoon to reduce direct light and minimize glare and heat gain. As night approaches, the blinds in any window will tilt closed for privacy, allowing some filtered natural light into the room. You can also lift the bottom rail to expose as much of the window as you’d like (there is no motorized lift). In addition to NLO and any other schedules you might want to create in the Caséta app, the blinds can be integrated into smart home ecosystems including Amazon Alexa, Apple Home, Google Home, Samsung SmartThings and others for tilt control via voice commands. Lutron says its smart blinds are easy to install, and I found that to be the case in my Serena review. The most nerve-wracking aspect of the process is taking the measurements—especially if you’re installing the blinds inside the window frame. I found that using a laser measurer alleviated that stress. DIY-installed Caséta blinds and smart shades are available for order now on Lutron’s website. This news story is part of TechHive’s in-depth coverage of the best smart lighting and best smart lighting controls. Read...

Maytronics is showing an expanded line of Dolphin robotic pool cleaners at CES this week. The Dolphin Eon series promises to work in shallow water—areas with as little as 8 inches of coverage—making them usable on steps, shelves, ledges, and zero-entry slopes (at least up to a point). More typical pool robots must be completely submerged in order to properly operate, limiting some larger robots to cleaning pool surfaces with a minimum water depth of 14 inches, leaving shallower areas for you to scrub. The Eon line includes two models, both of which feature treads connecting two large front wheels and two smaller rear wheels, part of the design that allows for their shallow water operation. Maytronics’ JetIQ technology also allows the robots to traverse steps and walls vertically, providing for wall and waterline scrubbing. The battery-powered robots have a maximum runtime of up to 4.5 hours, depending on the model. The Eon robots also provide for app-based control, so you can troubleshoot problems, configure settings, and schedule runs without needing to step outside. The entry-level Dolphin Eon 100 includes all the features above, while the Dolphin Eon 120d adds one additional feature called DebrisLock. This is a backwash filtration system designed to clean the unit’s filters while it’s in the pool, preventing trapped dirt particles and leaves from escaping once they are captured. The Maytronics Dolphin Eon 120D promises to work in shallower areas than most robotic pool cleaners can, including stairs and sloped-entry (aka walk-in) pools.Maytronics DebrisLock sequesters these materials in a sealed compartment that Maytronics says is effective at collecting even the smallest of particles and includes sensors that can detect if a filter is clogged, triggering an automatic cleaning cycle. Not only is the system designed to provide clearer, cleaner water, it can also reduce time spent on maintenance; namely, cleaning the filter baskets, which needn’t be cleaned out after each run). Later this year, Maytronics plans to introduce a hybrid power design option to the Eon line, allowing users to operate the robot either via battery power or while connected via a cable plugged into a power outlet. MSRP for the Dolphin Eon 100 is set at $899, while the Dolphin Eon 120d has a price tag of $1,199. Both models are available for purchase today, with shipping at the end of January. You’ll also find them in dealers’ inventories beginning in February. All units are covered by a three-year warranty. This news story is part of TechHive’s in-depth coverage of the best robotic pool cleaners. Read...

Aiper, best known for its sleek and hard-working robotic pool cleaners, has brought four new devices to CES 2026. The Aiper Scuba V3 line includes three underwater scrubbers of increasing sophistication — the Scuba V3, V3 Pro, and V3 Ultra. Meanwhile, the all-new Aiper EcoSurfer Senti is a new surface-only skimmer that adds some surprising new tricks in what has become a fairly sleepy category in the last year. Naturally, AI is the focus for each of these products, with the Scuba V3 line absolutely stuffed to the gills with the technology. Each V3 model includes cameras outfitted with vision-based analytics that analyze the shape and size of your pool, with the goal of optimizing the route the robot takes to clean its floor and walls. The Aiper Scuba V3 is the least expensive robotic pool cleaner in the new line, equipped with AI that enables it to identify more than 20 pieces of debris in the pool in as little as three seconds.Aiper Aiper’s Vision Cleaning tech is trained to recognize more than  20 types of debris, including leaves, rocks, and even hair, from a distance of up to two meters. Robots can adjust their movement in real time if they detect debris outside the current path on which they are traveling. Complementing this tech, Aiper’s new AI Patrol Cleaning tech is designed to give especially dirty areas extra coverage. Aiper has also applied AI to automated scheduling. If you leave your robot in the water for extended periods, it’s common to configure a periodic schedule for cleaning runs—usually once every 24 to 72 hours. Aiper’s Cognitive AI Navium technology removes the need for such strict schedules, replacing it with a more flexible design that takes into account the size of the pool, ambient weather, and how frequently historical cleaning sessions have been run. The Aiper Scuba V3 Pro can clean a pool’s floor, walls, and shallow areas. Aiper The models differ considerably in size and performance. At $999, the 18-pound Scuba V3 is the entry-level model for the line. The V3 Pro (expected at $1199) adds an anti-stranding mode and improved filtration, while the V3 Ultra (pictured up top) adds the Cognitive AI Navium system for intelligent scheduling and a considerably more powerful suction system. Pricing for the Ultra model has not been announced. Lastly, Aiper’s EcoSurfer Senti is also outfit with AI technology that can scan the surface of the pool for debris. Most skimmers move in a largely random fashion, hoping to encounter debris in the water. The EcoSurfer Senti actively searches for it, aiming to collect the material before it sinks or dissolves. Uniquely, the unit also includes sensors that monitor pH, chlorine, ORP (oxidation-reduction potential), and temperature as it traverses the pool. If something is out of balance, an onboard chemical-dispensing system can dose out chlorine and pH adjuster as needed via replaceable cartridges. The solar-powered Aiper EcoSurfer Senti patrols the surface of your pool, automatically picking up floating debris within a 2-meter radius of its current position. It can also analyze your pool’s chemistry and dispense microdoses of treatment to condition it.Aiper Naturally, all this data can be monitored through Aiper’s mobile app. And like other skimmers on the market, the Senti is fully self-sufficient thanks to a top-mounted solar panel that tops up the battery during daylight hours. Pricing had not yet been set at press time. If you’re attending CES in person, you can catch demoes of Aiper’s new robotic pool cleaners at its booth: Venetian #52310. This news story is part of TechHive’s in-depth coverage of the best robotic pool cleaners. Read...

Lockin announced the V7 Max mortise-style entry lock/handle at CES today. There have many several smart locks with solar panels to recharge an onboard battery, but the V7 Max is the first we’ve seen that’s continuously powered by an optical transmitter that beams light to a sensor panel on this mortise lock’s interior escutcheon. The innovative power system earned the product a CES 2026 Innovation Awards Best of Innovation honor. Lockin’s new AuraCharge technology is key feature. Instead of relying on disposable cells, rechargeable lithium batteries, or solar panels for power, the V7 Max receives it wirelessly—and continuously—from a dedicated AuraCharge transmitter using eye-safe optical output. The transmitter plugs into a wall outlet and is installed indoors within 13 feet of the lock, either on a tabletop or mounted to a wall. The AuraCharge requires an unobstructed line of sight to the lock, but it delivers power regardless of lighting conditions. According to Lockin, AuraCharge represents a “fourth generation” of smart-lock power technology, solving the battery anxiety that’s one of the most common frustrations with connected door hardware. The system is designed to operate reliably in all weather and installation environments. The AuraCharge panel on the Lock V7 Max’s interior escutcheon converts light beamed from a transmitter into continuous power for the smart lock.Lockin The V7 Max is also packed with sensors and displays. It supports triple biometric authentication, combining finger-vein recognition, palm-vein recognition, and 3D facial recognition. Two high-definition exterior cameras provide panoramic video doorbell functionality, while dual 5-inch touchscreens allow users to view visitors, manage access, and interact directly with the lock from both inside and outside the home. Additional cameras and sensors on the exterior camera system reduce blind spots near the door. The lock also introduces LockinAI, a software platform with scenario-based automation for tasks such as delivery detection, theft prevention, visitor management, and searchable video indexing. Connectivity is handled through Matter, allowing the V7 Max to integrate with Google, Apple, Amazon, and Samsung smart home ecosystems without requiring a separate hub. The AuraCharge transmitter can be set on a table or mounted to a wall.Lockin The lock’s industrial design was led by Hartmut Esslinger, Apple’s former chief designer, and results in a notably slim 15mm front panel despite the lock’s feature set. Pricing for the V7 Max has not yet been announced. Since mortise locks require a precision installation, Locklin will provide professional installation for anyone who buys a V7 Max and wants to replace a conventional mortise lock and entry handle. Lockin also confirmed that AuraCharge will arrive in a redesigned version of its bestselling Veno Pro smart lock in early 2026, with pricing expected to remain around $350. The V7 Max will be available for preorder in January, with shipping planned for early March 2026. If you’re attending CES in person and would like to check out the Lockin V7 Max for yourself, the manufacturer has it on exhibit at its booth: Venetian Expo, #52712. This news story is part of TechHive’s in-depth coverage of the best smart locks. Read...

SwitchBot introduced its SwitchBot Lock Vision Series of smart deadbolts at CES today. The new locks use facial recognition as a primary unlock method, which the company positions as a more foolproof and hands-free means of securing your home’s front door. A 3D structured-light facial recognition system is the big attraction. By projecting thousands of infrared points onto a user’s face to create a depth map, the lock aims to prevent spoofing via photos or videos. SwitchBot claims the system works even when the person in front of it is wearing glasses, a hat, or heavy makeup, and that all the biometric data the lock’s camera captures is stored locally on the device itself, versus in the cloud, for enhanced privacy. The SwitchBot Lock Vision Series supports Matter over Wi-Fi, allowing it to work with all the most common smart home ecosystems–Amazon Alexa, Apple Home, Google Home, and Samsung SmartThings, among others–without requiring a smart home hub. The less-expensive version of the SwitchBot Lock Vision omits the palm vein and fingerprint recognition that’s present on the Pro model. SwitchBot The lock is powered by SwitchBot’s DualPower, DualBackup system: a 10,000mAh rechargeable battery that should last up to six months on a full charge handles day-to-day use, and there’s also a CR123A backup battery inside that kicks in should the primary battery source become drained (SwitchBot says the backup should last up to five years or 500 emergency unlocks). Should that backup fail while you’re out, there’s a USB-C emergency port for temporary operation. There will be two models in the series: The standard SwitchBot Lock Vision supports facial recognition, PIN codes, NFC, a physical key, geofencing, and app-based unlocking. The higher-end SwitchBot Lock Vision Pro adds palm-vein and fingerprint recognition to those technologies. Palm vein recognition uses near-infrared sensors to map vascular patterns inside the hand. The manufacturer says this technology works even when users have with wet or dirty hands–issues that can trip up a fingerprint scanner–and that it works even in low-light conditions. The locks are designed to integrate with SwitchBot’s existing ecosystem, including its video doorbells, enabling broader smart home automation through the SwitchBot app. SwitchBot hasn’t announced pricing or a release date but says more information will be available closer to launch. SwitchBot hasn’t disclosed a BHMA or ANSI grade for the Lock Vision Series, which are commonly used benchmarks for mechanical lock durability. If you’re attending CES in person, SwitchBot is exhibiting its wares at Venetian Booth #52655. This story is part of TechHive’s in-depth coverage of the best smart locks. Read...

It’s that time once again: CES 2026 is here. Think of CES like a harbinger of what’s next in technology. Every January, the industry descends upon Las Vegas to pull back the curtain on the products that will power the upcoming year. Not only will you gawk at massive walls of bleeding-edge OLED monitors and oddball demoes of all sorts of PC gear, but CES often serves as the grand reveal for new generations of processors — and the army of laptops you’ll find them inside. This year is no different — but what is different is that for CES 2026, PCWorld’s crack team of PC experts will be blogging about the gaudy sights and fresh new tech goodies live as we see them. The show proper kicks off Tuesday, January 6, but many of the biggest blockbuster keynotes will take event on Monday, and CES Unveiled will even showcase a horde of goodies Sunday night. It’s a packed week, y’all — and the PCWorld team is here and primed to cover all of it. Check out our early primers on what we expect from major PC chipmakers and the laptops of CES 2026, then bookmark this page and check back throughout the week for the hottest announcements and wildest sights from the show. Here’s hoping we don’t get too unhinged as the announcements, interviews, and briefings bleed into a week-long haze. It’s Vegas baby. Let’s get weird! ~Brad Chacos 10 mins ago, By bchacosWhite Castle² On the Vegas strip, White Castle is literally a White Castle. Back to tech shortly but ?? — Brad Chacos Link copied SHARE 17 mins ago, By bchacosJensen welcomes the crowds to Las Vegas CES 2026 hasn’t kicked off yet, but the signs are everywhere — literally. Not gonna lie, seeing a 100 foot-tall digital display of Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang smiling benevolently down at the crowds from a gigantic techno-pedestal, in front of high-end Forum Shops dedicated to former Roman emperor Julius Caesar, feels a bit on the nose. Don’t be surprised if AI is the major theme of the show yet again, and Huang certainly is the kingmaker in that field. Look for Nvidia’s livestream keynote to go live at 1p.m. Pacific Time on January 5. –Brad Chacos Link copied SHARE Read...