The annual Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2026 in Las Vegas featured artificial intelligence (AI) as a central theme, integrated across a wide range of consumer technologies. Global PC manufacturer Lenovo introduced its new system-level, cross-device AI assistant named Qira, designed for integration across its laptops and Motorola phones, aligning with broader industry trends toward pervasive AI.
CES 2026 Overview
CES 2026, held during the first full week of January, convened in Las Vegas with an anticipated attendance similar to the previous year, which saw over 141,000 attendees from more than 150 countries and over 3,500 exhibitors. AI was a prominent theme for the third consecutive year, with companies showcasing its integration into various products and solutions. Keynote speakers, including Jensen Huang of Nvidia and Lisa Su of AMD, focused on future AI solutions. Lenovo CEO Yuanqing Yang was also scheduled to address AI developments.
Beyond AI, the event showcased advancements in robotics, with examples like LG's "CLOiD" and new initiatives from Hyundai. Extended reality (XR) was discussed as a virtual training environment for physical AI and robots. Healthcare technology presentations addressed areas such as individual health habit modification, data shortages, and wearable devices for health monitoring. Mobility innovations included self-driving vehicles, boats, and drones. Discussions also covered the increasing energy demands of AI processing, with a Korean company presenting a small-scale nuclear-powered energy creation device, and accessibility technologies for individuals with disabilities and older adults.
Lenovo's AI Strategy and Qira Assistant
At CES 2026, Lenovo announced Qira, a personal AI assistant intended for integration across Lenovo and Motorola devices, alongside a new line of AI-powered laptops. The development of Qira followed an internal organizational change less than a year prior, which consolidated AI teams from individual hardware divisions into a new, centralized software-focused group. According to Jeff Snow, Lenovo's head of AI product, the objective was to create a built-in, cross-device intelligence capable of learning from user interactions and performing actions throughout the day.
Qira's architecture is modular, incorporating both local, on-device AI models and cloud-based models. The system utilizes Microsoft and OpenAI infrastructure accessed via Azure, integrates Stability AI's diffusion model, and connects to applications such as Notion and Perplexity. Lenovo stated this approach avoids reliance on a single AI model, acknowledging the rapid evolution of the AI sector and varied requirements for different tasks.
Lessons from previous AI initiatives influenced Qira's design. Feedback from Motorola's Moto AI, which experienced high initial engagement but low retention due to its perception as a chat feature, shifted Qira's focus to providing continuity, context, and direct device interaction capabilities. Considerations from public responses to Microsoft's Recall feature were also incorporated; Qira is designed with opt-in memory features, persistent user indicators, and transparent user controls, ensuring optional contextual data ingestion and visible recording processes without silent data collection.
While memory prices are increasing, which is projected to affect PC prices, Qira does not impose higher baseline system requirements for personal computers. Optimal performance is achieved on machines with greater RAM, and Lenovo is working to reduce the memory footprint for local models, aiming for compatibility with systems having 16 gigabytes of RAM. Strategically, Lenovo positions Qira as a mechanism for customer retention within its ecosystem and for device differentiation in a competitive market.
Industry Perspectives and Challenges
The widespread incorporation of AI capabilities across products has led to discussions regarding differentiation. Anshel Sag, principal analyst at Moor Insights & Strategy, noted that the extensive integration of AI may challenge distinct product positioning. Examples like new smart glasses expected at CES, offering voice-activated chatbot search and real-time translation, illustrate this trend.
Lenovo leaders addressed consumer skepticism regarding AI. CEO Yang Yuanqing stated AI is an unavoidable trend that will empower users, while CTO Tolga Kurtoglu emphasized Lenovo's commitment to responsible AI development, adherence to regulations, and an opt-in model for its AI tools, allowing users to choose participation.
Lenovo projects that AI PCs will constitute 70% of the global market by 2028, with similar trends anticipated for laptops and smartphones. However, CNET reported survey data indicating that only 11% of smartphone users upgrade their devices specifically for new AI functionalities. Yang Yuanqing dismissed concerns about an "AI bubble," stating that demand for personal and enterprise AI is just beginning.