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Consumer Electronics Market Intelligence Report January 2026

Front Page IKEA’s collaboration with Swedish colourist Tekla Evelina Severin (“Teklan”) Back Page Loewe over ear headphones

Contents 1 Technology & Innovation

2 Artiﬁcial Intelligence & Automation

3 Product Spotlights

4 Connected Living & IoT

5 Wearables & Immersive Technologies

6 Automotive & Mobility Solutions

7 Retail & Consumer Experience

100

8 Market Intelligence & Sustainability

116

9 Industry Events & Strategic Insights

130

10 About 2Twelve

132

Technology & Innovation CES Nvidia, AMD and Intel all had important chip and AI platform announcements on the first day of CES 2026, but all audiences wanted to see more of was Star Wars and Jensen Huang’s little robot buddies.

CES is a huge opportunity annually for companies both large and small to parade products they plan to put on shelves this year. As predicted, artificial intelligence was anchored in nearly everything as tech firms continue to look for AI products that will attract customers.

A look at the new technology announced at CES 2026

Nvidia gets physical The biggest buzzword in the air at CES is “physical AI,” Nvidia’s term for AI models that are trained in a virtual environment using computer generated, “synthetic” data, then deployed as physical machines once they’ve mastered their purpose. CEO Jensen Huang showed off Cosmos, an AI foundation model trained on massive datasets, capable of simulating environments governed by actual physics. He also announced Alpamayo, an AI model specifically designed for autonomous driving. Huang revealed that Nvidia’s next generation AI superchip platform, dubbed Vera Rubin, is in full production, and that Nvidia has a new partnership with Siemens. All of this shows Nvidia is going to fight increased competition to retain its reputation as the backbone of the AI industry. But once Huang called for two little, waddling, chirping robots to join him on stage, that’s all the audience wanted to see more of.

The chips are back in town AMD CEO Lisa Su announced a new line of its famed Ryzen AI processors as the company continues to expand its footprint in the world of AI-powered personal computers. For gamers, AMD also showed off the latest version of its gaming-focused processor, the AMD Ryzen 7 9850X3D. Meanwhile, Intel announced its new AI chip for laptops, Panther Lake (also known as the Intel Core Ultra Series 3), and said the company has plans to launch a new platform to address a growing market for handheld video gaming machines.

Stream Unlimited StreamUnlimited, the system integration leader for connected audio solutions, has announced an end-to-end immersive streaming audio reference system that debuted at CES 2026. The reference platform presents a complete soundbar-based streaming audio system powered by Dolby Atmos® FlexConnect™ – a simpler, more flexible Dolby Atmos® sound experience to enjoy your favorite music or movies. The system is also using NXP Trimension™ ultra-wideband (UWB) for accurate, quick, and automatic speaker mapping during initial setup, enabling the renderer to generate the Dolby Atmos experience for the actual speaker layout.

“Immersive audio is no longer just about sound quality; it’s about intelligence, adaptability, and removing setup friction,” said Markus Rutz, CTO of StreamUnlimited. “We’ve architected this platform to give brands maximum freedom in system design. The result is a highly adaptable and fully deployable solution for brands to take the next step in immersive audio.” Key Highlights - Dolby Atmos FlexConnect Dolby Atmos FlexConnect delivers the simplest and most flexible way

StreamUnlimited Brings Dolby Atmos FlexConnect to a Production-Ready Flexible Rendering Platform at CES 2026

to bring immersive Dolby Atmos sound to your favorite big screen. Enjoy astonishing audio that makes every explosion more intense, every song more life-like, every game day more electrifying, and every moment more memorable. Setup has never been easier—place your speakers anywhere, and audio is flexible and intelligently tuned to your environment. Sweet Spot & Speaker Tracking with UWB: The reference platform supports NXP Trimension™ ultra-wideband (UWB) to enable quick and automatic speaker mapping during installation, accurately capturing system geometry in a single step. This allows the Dolby Atmos FlexConnect renderer to adapt immediately to the real speaker layout with minimal user interaction. UWB-radar-based sweet spot position measurement is also available as a fully configurable option, and may be disabled or omitted entirely to align with privacy expectations, regional compliance, or brand positioning. Comprehensive streaming support: Powered by StreamUnlimited’s StreamSDK, the platform natively supports every major music service and protocol. It handles Spotify Connect (including the new 24-bit/44.1 kHz lossless tier), Qobuz Connect, Amazon HD, TIDAL, Deezer, AirPlay Audio, and ArtistConnection. Additionally, all leading immersive formats are rendered seamlessly: Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Sony 360 Reality Audio, MPEG-H, Auro-3D, etc., are all supported end-to-end from music streaming services or from the TV. No matter the service or format, the system plays it back with immersive fidelity. DAB

DAB+ becomes a statement

You would think that radio has a hard time in an age of downloads, streams and apps. Music is a widely used content and is available everywhere online.

However, a new digitization report published by the media authorities shows that digital radio in the DAB+ transmission standard is enjoying increasing popularity in Germany. On average, we Germans listen to the radio for around three hours a day. 7

Artificial Intelligence & Automation Memory Chip Shortage A SK Hynix Inc. 12-layer HBM3E memory chip displayed at the Semiconductor Exhibition in Seoul, South Korea. Chipmakers and analysts are warning of a memory chip shortage that could hit the consumer electronics and automotive industries next year, as companies prioritize massive demand from the artificial intelligence boom.

CEO of Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp, China’s largest contract chipmaker, said that fears of a memory chip shortage were prompting its customers to hold back orders for other types of chips used in their products. “Everyone is hesitant to place too many orders or ship too much in the first quarter of next year because they don’t know how many mobile phones, cars, or other products [the memory chip industry] can supply,” said Zhao Haijun, SMIC’s co-CEO, according to a Google translation. 8

AI boom is fueling a memory chip shortage that could hit cars and phones

Analysts say these supply constraint concerns come as chip manufacturers focus on advanced memory chips used in artificial intelligence computing, with less focus on production needed for consumer products. “The AI build-out is absolutely eating up a lot of the available chip supply, and 2026 looks to be far bigger than this year in terms of overall demand,” Dan Nystedt, vice president of research at TriOrient, told CNBC. AI servers primarily run on processors from chip designers like Nvidia. These AI processors heavily rely on a type of memory known as High-Bandwidth Memory or HBM, which has proven extremely lucrative for memory companies like SK Hynix and Micron to pursue. Memory suppliers have been chasing as much of this AI demand as possible thanks to typically high margins, Nystedt said, noting that AI server companies are willing to pay top dollar for premium chips. “It could be very bad for PCs, laptops, consumer electronics and automotive, which depend on cheap memory chips,” he said. Perhaps a bigger issue, however, is that the memory industry suffered some severe downturns in 2023 and part of 2024, leading to under-investment in the industry. “They’re building new capacity now, but it will take time to get running.” Broader impacts In the face of supply constraints, memory companies have reportedly been raising prices of their chips. Just last month, Reuters reported that Samsung Electronics had quietly raised prices on select memory chips by as much as 60% compared to September. Samsung didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment. “With memory prices rising and availability shrinking, concerns about production bottlenecks are gaining traction,” M.S. Hwang, research director at Counterpoint Research, told CNBC. “Supply tightness is already hitting low-end smartphones and set-top boxes, but we think the risk could broaden,” he added. China is “feeling the pinch more acutely” due to high reliance on low-cost devices, but Hwang cautioned that the supply constraints were a global problem. In the meantime, consumers could pay the price of memory shortages. In a report on Monday, tech-focused market intelligence and consulting firm TrendForce predicted that the memory industry has begun a “robust upward pricing cycle,” which could force downstream brands to hike retail prices, adding pressure on the consumer market.

Product Spotlights Amazon Having announced the upgraded Alexa+ AI assistant earlier this year, Amazon has now revealed four shiny new Echo speakers to take advantage of it: the Echo Dot Max, the Echo Show (in 8-inch and 11-inch sizes), and the Echo Studio. All four of these models are upgrades on existing speakers, with faster processors, more memory, and advanced sensing capabilities intended to deliver “ambient AI experiences that fade into the background of daily life” – think reminders that you hear when you walk into a room, for example. First up, the Echo Dot Max, a new take on the 5th-gen Echo Dot that brings with it a new design, 3x the bass power, two internal speakers, plus all the internal upgrades. It’s yours for $99.99 / £99.99 / AU$199.

Amazon just unveiled 4 new AI-powered, Echo speakers – here’s the full lineup and how much they cost

Then we have the new $219.99 / £219.99 / AU$429 Echo Studio, replacing the old Echo Studio. It’s 40% smaller, looks a lot like the Echo Dot Max, and includes a high-excursion woofer and three full-range drivers. Spatial audio and Dolby Atmos are supported, and like its predecessor, it’s one for the audiophiles out there. As an added bonus, Amazon says you can easily set up a maximum of five Echo Studio and Echo Dot Max devices as a surround sound system for your Fire TV. This was possible with the existing hardware, but the limit was a 2.1 channel system. Preorders are open now, with availability on October 29. Show me the speakers Next there are the two new Echo Show models, with 8-inch and 11-inch screens. The design has been revamped from the older versions, and they now have a more modern look and improved touchscreens. There’s a 13-megapixel camera that can recognize you, and personalize the information (like calendar schedules) shown on screen. With two front-facing speakers and a custom woofer, Amazon promises superior sound from these units as well. The on-board software has been reconfigured too, to surface more information and information that’s more relevant – across entertainment, shopping, and the smart home. You can also now connect your Oura account to get health and wellness data up on your Echo Show screen, with more partners to come. These two speakers are available from November 12, though you can preorder them now. The 8-inch model costs $179.99 / £179.99 / AU$349, while the 11-inch model – actually a new screen size for the series – is $219.99 / £219.99 / AU$429. All of these new products come with Alexa+ out of the box, Amazon says, which means you get the smarter, more conversational, more natural AI assistant at your disposal – something more like Google Gemini rather than Google Assistant.

L/R X ($2,299–$2,399): The flagship model, delivering 800W of Class D amplification, dual 5-inch woofers, dual 6-inch force-cancelling passive radiators, and a 28mm Torus tweeter. Each model has been thoughtfully designed to serve a specific purpose while maintaining the sonic integrity Cambridge Audio is known for. Whether you’re spinning vinyl or casting a playlist via Google Cast, each speaker delivers clarity, punch, and presence that outpaces the typical multi-room speaker systems available today. Engineered for Seamless Streaming Both the L/R M and L/R X are equipped with Cambridge Audio’s StreamMagic Gen 4 platform, allowing Wi-Fi streaming from popular services and support for multi-room playback. AirPlay 2, Bluetooth, and Google Cast are built-in, providing native access for both Apple and Android ecosystems. Whether you prefer Spotify, Tidal, Qobuz, or your own digital library, the L/R Series makes high-quality audio effortlessly accessible. The inclusion of HDMI eARC on the flagship L/R X also places it firmly in the home theater conversation. With TV passthrough and multi-source compatibility, the L/R X becomes a legitimate alternative to a soundbar and subwoofer combo— without the need for additional boxes or wiring clutter. High-End Audio Meets Smart Integration Cambridge Audio’s latest Torus tweeter technology is featured across all three

models, engineered to reduce distortion and widen the soundstage. This acoustic design advancement ensures consistent performance across speaker sizes. For vinyl enthusiasts, the L/R X also includes a moving-magnet phono stage, allowing direct connection to turntables without needing an external preamp. The ability to switch between sources—Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, phono, and HDMI— makes these speakers more than just wireless speakers. They’re comprehensive audio hubs, able to anchor a living room setup, supplement a studio, or elevate casual listening in a home office.

Pure Pure has expanded its Classic range with three fresh additions that blend vintage aesthetics with contemporary audio features. The new products – the Classic H6 stereo radio, Classic C-D4 CD player/radio, and Classic Stereo Mini micro hi-fi system – join the recently launched Classic Aura speaker to complete the manufacturer’s retro-inspired audio collection.

The Classic lineup pairs traditional wood-effect finishes with modern connectivity options, with each model available in either Cotton White and Oak or Coffee Brown and Walnut colour options. Kicking off with the £150 Classic H6 (pictured above), it delivers 30W total output via dual 3-inch full-range drivers, each powered by a dedicated 15W amplifier.

Pure adds affordable stereo radio, CD player, and micro hi-fi to Classic lineup

The stereo radio supports DAB+ and FM broadcasts, with capacity for 80 station presets split evenly between both bands. Bluetooth 5.3 handles wireless streaming, while USB-A and 3.5mm auxiliary inputs provide wired connection options. A 2.4-inch colour TFT display also serves up album artwork and station information, and a remote control is supplied for good measure. Elsewhere, Pure has incorporated dual alarms, a sleep timer, and kitchen-timer functionality into the unit, which also features a telescopic antenna for reception. At the same price point, the Classic C-D4 combines CD playback with DAB+/FM radio in a space-conscious design. The all-in-one speaker houses a single upward-facing 3-inch driver delivering 15W output in mono configuration. Like the H6, it offers 80 radio presets (40 DAB+, 40 FM), and includes Bluetooth 5.3, USB and aux connectivity.

The range-topping Classic Stereo Mini (£280) steps up to true stereo separation with twin 20W speakers incorporating 4-inch woofers. The micro hi-fi system handles CD playback alongside DAB+/FM radio, offering 20 presets per band, rather than the 40 found on its siblings. Bluetooth 5.3 streaming joins USB and auxiliary inputs, with a headphone output unlocking private listening sessions. The system also includes an equaliser with presets, and shares the 2.4-inch colour display and remote control found across the range.

Rega Solis & Mercury

British Hi-Fi At a time when wireless speakers dominate the market, it’s tempting Engineering Still to think that traditional separates are becoming obsolete. Rega’s Has a Place new Solis power amplifier and Mercury pre-amplifier prove otherwise.

These are not mass-market products — they are aimed firmly at hifi enthusiasts who value transparency, detail, and zero-compromise analogue engineering. The Solis uses a fully symmetrical circuit design with triple high-current output stages, enabling it to drive demanding loudspeakers with ease. Inside are dual toroidal transformers, each meticulously hand-wound in the UK. The Mercury pre-amp complements it with precise switching, extremely low noise floors and a layout optimised for purist analogue paths.

What’s important, especially for your reporting, is that Rega is demonstrating how hi-fi brands can remain relevant in a streaming world. Their strategy is not to compete with Sonos or Apple HomePod; it’s to serve the listener who wants the highest possible fidelity and still enjoys the ritual of physical components. For product developers, Rega’s release cycle is a reminder that not all customers want convergence — some want purity. And those customers are often the most loyal and brand-engaged buyers a company can have. 16

WiiM At $299, the WiiM Sound features room correction, Wi-Fi 6E, stereo pairing and 5.1 setups, but lacks AirPlay, HDMI-ARC, and a phono input Since bursting onto the scene in 2021, WiiM has been shaking up the music streaming market with affordable gear that punches well above its price—starting at just $100. Their followers have only grown as each new product lands. At the 2025 High-End Munich show, they unveiled their first smart speaker, the WiiM Sound, a full-stack unit that combines streaming, amplification, and speakers in one tidy package. Building on their streaming expertise—and the award-winning Ultra, Amp Ultra, Vibelink, and WiiM Amp Pro WiiM is staking its claim as a one-stop source for smart, room-corrected audio, even if AirPlay fans will have to look elsewhere.

Smart Speaker with Room Correction and All-in-One Streaming WiiM Sound — Premium Smart Audio, Without the Premium Price The WiiM Sound packs the kind of advanced features you’d expect from a high-end smart speaker — yet it comes in at just $299. High-Resolution Wireless Streaming: Experience music, podcasts, Smart Presets, and radio in stunning 24-bit / 192 kHz quality. Enjoy top-tier sound without needing to keep your phone connected. 17

WiiM Sound Smart Speaker Launches with Room Correction, No AirPlay Support

Neo Home You can pre-order this charming Neo Home Robot today to do all your chores, but there’s a big catch… I want one now! The dream or nightmare of a humanoid home robot is inching closer to reality. 1X Neo Home robot, a cleaning, dancing, listening, talking, and potentially helpful home assistant, is now on preorder, ready to march into your home and even plug itself into a wall outlet when necessary. A little more than a year after unveiling the Neo Beta, and nine months after introducing the Neo Gamma, 1X introduced its Neo Home Robot.

You can pre-order this charming Neo Home Robot today to do all your chores, but there’s a big catch… I want one now!

Visually, Neo has come a long way – from the slightly creepy, maybe too grabby Neo Beta (they showed it with a gangly arm draped over a female companion) – to the Neo Home robot, a soft-fabric-covered, gentle-faced (though mouthless), 5ft, 6-inch, 66lb automaton. It wears soft, stylish sneakers that might be at home on the feet of any All Birds sneaker fan. On the head are a pair of circular LED lights that help signify the robot’s intention. But it could also do that by talking to you. According to 1X and the launch video, Neo Home Robot can hear via its four on-board microphones and talk through its three

Retail & Consumer Experience Retail Sales December marked the worst set of total monthly sales figures since November 2024, with sales volumes across the crucial ‘Golden Quarter’ “significantly down” on the same period in 2024. That’s according to the latest High Street Sales Tracker from accountancy and business advisory firm BDO, which says high street stores suffered a sales decline of 0.5% in December 2025 compared to the same month in the previous year. Inflation and the cost of living have been cited for the sales slide.

‘Golden Quarter’ falls flat as December fails to boost retail sales

Total retail sales across discretionary spend categories fell by 1.4% in December, compared to the same month in 2024, while in-store sales fell by 0.5% and online sales by 0.6 as sales volumes declined across channels. That followed disappointing sales figures in October and November 2025, when high street stores recorded below inflation sales figures. December marked the worst set of total monthly sales figures since November 2024, with sales volumes across the crucial ‘Golden Quarter’ “significantly down” on the same period in 2024. That’s according to the latest High Street Sales Tracker from accountancy and business advisory firm BDO, which says high street stores suffered a sales decline of 0.5% in December 2025 compared to the same month in the previous year. Inflation and the cost of living have been cited for the sales slide. Total retail sales across discretionary spend categories fell by 1.4% in December, compared to the same month in 2024, while in-store sales fell by 0.5% and online sales by 0.6 as sales volumes declined across channels. That followed disappointing sales figures in October and November 2025, when high street stores recorded below inflation sales figures.

About 2Twelve With more than 20 years of experience in the consumer With expertise electronics sector, 2Twelve has successfully managed and across design, developed numerous audio brands. In recent years, we have concentrated on supporting thirdparty brands with their industrial design, mechanical, electronic, and software engineering needs, creating innovative, industryleading products that drive business growth and delight customers. • Our Services Include • Strategic Business Planning • Product Road-mapping • New Product Development & Industrial Design • Proof of Concept Prototyping • Packaging Design Solutions • Regulatory Compliance & Certification • Market Research & Insights • Product Optimization & Refinement • Production & Supply Chain Coordination • RFQ Evaluation & Manufacturer Selection • User Manual & Quick Start Guide Creation Our holistic approach steers projects from ideation to production. With a small team in the UK and Hong Kong, we excel at identifying market opportunities and developing distinctive products, all while navigating the challenges of launching in a competitive marketplace. Developing Products Is Not Easy! We assist in selecting the right manufacturer for the project and manage the entire development process to ensure the delivery of fully tested and certified products. We help establish robust quality management processes and support the transition from pilot runs to mass production. Our expertise extends to market analysis and over the years and we have published hundreds of market intelligence reports.

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