Podcasts

CES 2026 trends take center stage in this conversation with tech journalist Jon Cohen. You hear how AI has shifted from hype to practical, on-device use, why privacy now matters more, and which products feel close to real-world adoption.

From the show floor in Las Vegas, Marc Aflalo sits down with Jon Cohen to unpack what CES 2026 actually delivered. AI is still everywhere, but the tone has changed. Companies now focus on local, on-device AI instead of cloud-first systems, driven by privacy concerns and faster processing power.

Jon highlights two future-facing ideas that stood out. The first is a non-invasive breath sensor that aims to estimate blood glucose levels using molecular analysis. It is still in clinical trials, but the potential impact for people with diabetes or pre-diabetes is clear. The second is a new generation of exoskeletons designed for daily life, work environments, and aging in place, rather than extreme activity or sports.

They also explore the rise of assistive and age-focused tech, the growing accessibility presence at CES, and why augmented reality glasses are evolving more quietly than expected. Jon shares insights on new smart glasses designs that address privacy concerns, the explosion of robots on the show floor, and even a blackjack-playing robot built for Vegas.

The conversation wraps with hands-on impressions of the Clicks physical keyboard phone, nostalgia-fueled BlackBerry design cues, and a clever new audio concept from Soundcore that blends open-ear listening with active noise cancelling.

Chapters

0:01 – CES 2026 overview and AI maturity

0:45 – On-device AI and privacy shift

2:45 – Non-invasive glucose monitoring by breath

4:44 – Exoskeletons for work and aging in place

6:17 – Accessibility and age tech at CES

7:00 – Smart glasses and privacy-first design

8:20 – Robots everywhere at CES

9:29 – AI ethics and public perception

10:48 – Gesture control and wearable interfaces

11:18 – Blackjack-playing robot in Las Vegas

11:36 – Clicks keyboard phone hands-on impressions

14:45 – Soundcore AeroFit Pro 2 audio concept

Like and subscribe for weekly coverage of tech, accessibility, and real-world innovation. New CES insights continue all year as these products reach the market.

Relevant Links

Jon Cohen website: https://johncohen.ca

This Is My Tech on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThisIsMyTech

CES: https://www.ces.tech

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CES 2026 is back in full force. Marc Aflalo speaks with Allie Fried live from the show floor about the energy at CES, the expanded Las Vegas Convention Center, the shift from AI hype to real outcomes, humanoid robots, accessibility breakthroughs, startups at Eureka Park, and why CES still matters to business and humanity.

After three intense days on the CES 2026 show floor, Allie Fried joins Marc Aflalo to share what feels different this year. With 17 in-person CES events behind her, Allie describes a show that feels energized, optimistic, and more human-focused than ever.

They discuss the newly expanded Las Vegas Convention Center, including the debut of the Central Hall Grand Lobby, and how CES has evolved far beyond consumer electronics. From AI-powered agricultural equipment and construction machinery to mobility, digital health, and marine tech, CES now represents nearly every industry.

The conversation dives into the changing role of AI at CES. Instead of buzzwords, companies are focusing on outcomes and real benefits. AI has moved from headline feature to embedded teammate. Allie also shares standout moments from the robotics halls, including humanoid robots with improved balance, dexterity, and real-world use cases in hospitality and service industries.

One of the most meaningful highlights is accessibility technology. Allie describes a product designed for blind, low vision, and autistic users that uses smart glasses paired with a haptic wearable to interpret facial expressions. It is a powerful example of technology improving human connection.

They also explore the scale of CES business activity, including over 4,000 exhibitors, 2.6 million square feet of space, 1,400 startups at Eureka Park, and an average of 29 business meetings per attendee. The episode closes with reflections on CES’s economic impact on Las Vegas, the focus on digital health and longevity, and why CES no longer has one single theme, but an overarching focus on improving the human experience.

Chapters

0:00 – Live from CES 2026 with Allie Fried

0:58 – First impressions and show floor energy

1:43 – From TVs to every industry at CES

2:44 – AI hype vs real outcomes

3:12 – Robots, humanoids, and real-world use

4:42 – Can anyone actually see all of CES?

5:23 – Eureka Park and startup energy

6:35 – The business of CES and industry meetings

7:03 – Planning for CES 2027 already

7:44 – CES impact on Las Vegas post-pandemic

9:05 – Accessibility tech that stood out

10:44 – Final days on the show floor

11:39 – Is there a single theme for CES 2026?

Subscribe for more CES 2026 coverage, accessibility-focused tech conversations, and in-depth interviews from the people shaping what’s next.

Relevant Links

CES: https://www.ces.tech

Las Vegas Convention Center: https://www.lvcva.com

CTA Foundation Accessibility Stage: https://www.cta.tech

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CES 2026 recap with Marc Aflalo and Mitchell Whitfield, covering the shift from AI buzzwords to real outcomes, the return of BlackBerry-style typing with Clicks, Pebble’s comeback with a color e-ink watch and a $70 voice memo ring, LG’s household robot, Dell reviving XPS, Samsung’s trifold and a no-crease folding display preview, and Lego Smart Bricks that add lights, sound, sensors, and on-brick logic.

Marc and Mitchell kick off the new year with CES, and a simple question: what will actually show up in real life after the hype?

They agree the tone around AI changed. AI is still everywhere, but brands are selling results instead of shouting “AI.” Marc points to privacy concerns and recent headlines as part of the reason. The show floor feels less like one giant theme and more like a mix of ideas that let people chase what interests them.

They run through the biggest standouts.

Clicks returns with two products. First, an updated MagSafe slide-out QWERTY keyboard accessory that works across devices. Second, the Clicks Communicator, a prototype Android 16 phone built around distraction-free communication, with a stripped-down interface and a clear “secondary device” pitch. Mitchell likes the idea, but questions whether most people want to carry two phones.

Pebble makes a comeback at CES with the Pebble Round 2, a round watch with a full color e-ink display, built as an accessory, not a phone replacement. They also flag Pebble’s new smart ring, priced around $70 to $75, with a microphone for quick voice memos and one-button reminders, positioned as a lower-cost, less intrusive option compared to higher-priced rings.

Robots show up again, this time with a practical angle. Marc calls out LG’s household robot, aimed at folding laundry, helping with kitchen tasks, and interacting with smart appliances. Mitchell immediately jumps to security risks, then lands on the real question: cost. These robots need to become mainstream enough to stop feeling like luxury items.

Dell revives the XPS brand in a more serious way than a simple rebrand. Marc highlights the clean XPS branding, new 14- and 16-inch models, and fixes to past complaints. Mitchell adds that XPS still matters for people who want high-end performance without the gamer look.

Samsung’s Galaxy Trifold gets its official moment, but the bigger story is the booth teaser, a folding screen preview with no visible crease. They both want real video proof, not marketing images. The conversation turns to hinge engineering, materials, and the likely premium pricing of folding hardware.

Then they hit the moment Mitchell has been waiting for: Lego Smart Bricks. They describe bricks with chips that recognize other bricks, plus built-in lights, sounds, music, and sensors that detect movement, rotation, pressure, and orientation. Marc adds the key detail: logic can run on the bricks themselves, triggering actions when parts tilt, separate, or reconnect. They predict companion app control, Bluetooth customization, and a big wave of sets starting with Star Wars, then Marvel.

Subscribe and follow Your Tech Report for ongoing CES 2026 follow-ups, including interviews with CTA’s Allie Fried and more guests from the show floor, plus check-ins with companies featured in past years.

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This episode launches a special PC build series on Your Tech Report, following the process of building a high-performance gaming and creator PC from the ground up. Marc Aflalo and his son Zach are assembling a system component by component, learning directly from the companies behind the hardware.

Bryan de Zayas from NZXT explains why starting a build with the case, cooling, and power supply sets the foundation for everything that follows. Instead of chasing a graphics card first, the conversation focuses on airflow design, cable management, power headroom, and engineering choices that support both gaming and creative workloads.

Bryan walks through NZXT’s design philosophy, showing how clean, minimalist cases are the result of careful internal engineering. The discussion highlights how cable routing and internal layout improve airflow, thermals, and overall system reliability, not just aesthetics.

The episode also covers common mistakes builders make when choosing power supplies and cooling systems, especially underestimating future upgrades. Bryan shares practical advice on wattage planning, fan placement, system positioning, and ongoing maintenance to keep performance consistent over time.

The conversation wraps with the official NZXT hardware selected for the build: the H9 Flow RGB+ case, Kraken Elite RGB 360mm cooler, and a 1200-watt power supply. Beyond hardware, the episode highlights the personal side of PC building, focusing on creativity, family connection, and how gaming can support social development.

Chapters
0:00 – Introducing the PC build series
1:03 – What this build is designed to achieve
1:53 – Why NZXT is a strong foundation for a build
3:18 – Why starting with the case, cooling, and power matters
4:44 – Common power supply and cooling mistakes
6:39 – Minimalist design and hidden engineering
8:12 – Gaming, creator builds, and design trends
9:52 – Cooling, airflow, and system reliability
11:39 – Where your PC sits and why placement matters
13:38 – NZXT hardware selected for the build
14:53 – Why this project matters beyond the hardware

Subscribe for the full PC build series and expert insights from the brands behind the hardware.
Visit yourtechreport.com for more tech coverage and behind-the-scenes builds.

Relevant Links
NZXT: https://www.nzxt.com
NZXT H9 Flow Case: https://nzxt.com/collection/h9
NZXT Kraken Elite: https://nzxt.com/collection/kraken
Your Tech Report: https://www.yourtechreport.com

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Enterprise mobility is no longer just device control. In this conversation, Marc Aflalo speaks with Joel Matthew from SOTI about modern Android management, frontline productivity, real-time visibility, and how AI is changing enterprise mobility management.

SOTI has grown from a remote troubleshooting tool into a global enterprise mobility platform used by 17,000 customers across 180 countries. Joel Matthew, Manager of Product Management at SOTI, explains how the company helps organizations manage, secure, and extract real value from their mobile technology investments.

The discussion covers the evolution of mobile device management, moving beyond basic lockdown and restriction toward outcomes that improve productivity, security, and return on investment. Joel breaks down how different industries balance security and usability, from healthcare and government to retail and logistics.

Marc and Joel also explore real-time intelligence and why data-driven visibility matters for frontline operations. Joel explains how SOTI tools help organizations monitor device health, usage, and performance to support better decisions and stronger KPIs.

A major focus is SOTI Sync and the announcements made at the event, including Stella AI, SOTI’s new AI-powered assistant. Joel explains how natural language queries simplify complex enterprise workflows, reduce time spent navigating tools, and help IT teams focus on higher-impact work.

The conversation wraps with a deep dive into Lockdown Reimagined on the SOTI ONE platform. Joel explains how lockdown has evolved from simple restriction to a fully customized, role-based device experience, including branded home screens, NFC-based identity access, and rich usage data that helps organizations understand how devices are actually being used.

Chapters
0:00 – Introduction and guest setup
1:12 – What SOTI does and who they serve
2:05 – The origins of enterprise mobility management
3:16 – Balancing security and usability for workers
6:00 – What sets SOTI apart from standard MDM tools
8:26 – Sharing best practices across industries
10:06 – Real-time intelligence and operational insight
12:01 – Security, zero trust, and productivity trade-offs
13:15 – SOTI Sync and AI announcements
13:24 – Stella AI and natural language workflows
15:01 – Where organizations should start with AI
17:24 – Lockdown Reimagined on SOTI ONE
21:12 – Measuring success and future of mobility

Subscribe for more conversations with the people shaping enterprise technology.
Visit yourtechreport.com for more interviews and tech insights.

Relevant Links
SOTI: https://www.soti.net
SOTI ONE Platform: https://www.soti.net/products/soti-one
SOTI Sync: https://www.soti.net/soti-sync
Your Tech Report: https://www.yourtechreport.com

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Zoho brought major updates to Canada at Zoholics 2025. This episode breaks down the new announcements, Zoho’s AI roadmap, data sovereignty commitments, and the rapid growth of Zoho Workplace with insights from Zoho leader Rakeeb Rafeeque.

Marc sits down with Rakeeb Rafeeque, Head of Market Strategy for Zoho Workplace, following Zoholics 2025 in Toronto. Workplace has seen significant growth this year, including major enterprise and government deployments across India, LATAM, Europe, and the Middle East. Rakeeb explains how data sovereignty, privacy rules, and local data centers are shaping Zoho’s global expansion and why customers value certainty over where their information lives.

The conversation explores Zoho’s focused approach to AI, including Zia LLM, a business-oriented language model built to work inside Zoho’s ecosystem without training on customer data. Rakeeb outlines how customers use Zia to pull insights across email, chat, files, CRM notes, and voice recordings to prep for meetings and manage workflows.

He also discusses customer demand for interoperability between Zoho and Microsoft Teams, which is critical during long enterprise migrations. Rakeeb reflects on ten years at Zoho, the company’s long-term philosophy, and why AI is about to reshape workplace interfaces across email and chat. He shares what makes Zoholics Canada stand out and why Canadian users are some of Zoho’s most engaged and prepared customers.

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In this episode, Hannah Bookbinder, an ADHD and executive functioning skills coach, shares her journey from working with her first client to developing the MyToad app and writing a book. She discusses the challenges and triumphs of helping individuals with ADHD and executive functioning difficulties, emphasizing the importance of understanding and validating their experiences. Hannah explains how her app and book aim to provide tools and strategies for better time management, organization, and accountability, benefiting not only individuals with ADHD but also their families and professionals working with them.

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Alexa Plus is now available in Canada. This episode breaks down how Amazon’s new AI assistant changes everyday tasks, smart home control, privacy management, and accessibility for Canadians.

Marc sits down with Allison Siperco, Country Manager for Alexa Canada, to explore the next generation of Amazon’s assistant. Alexa Plus brings a smarter, more conversational AI that can understand casual speech, take action in the real world, and simplify daily routines without needing a phone.

Allison explains how Alexa Plus can build routines through natural conversation, manage schedules from emails and screenshots, control smart home devices with simple phrases, and help parents keep track of busy households. She also details how the assistant improves accessibility with features like SightWise, which helps identify items and read packaging through the Echo Show camera.

This episode also covers privacy controls built into Alexa Plus, how the wake word triggers listening, device compatibility, early access in Canada, and why the new Echo devices are optimized for the updated experience.

Listeners will hear real examples that show how Alexa Plus can help Canadians stay organized, automate their home, and access information more easily.

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Doc Justice explains how his background as a hip hop DJ and sound mixer on unscripted TV led to creating Halter Technical. Directors and producers kept asking for headphones that didn’t exist, so he built purpose-made tools for production teams who needed accurate dialogue monitoring, proper cable lengths, and hardware that fits real set workflows.

The conversation shifts to WildTrax, Halter Technical’s multi-track recording software that can handle up to 512 tracks. Doc describes why DAWs like Pro Tools didn’t meet the syncing and metadata needs of production teams. WildTrax was designed to stay stable, sync to timecode, label files correctly, and generate reports that make post-production faster.

Doc breaks down what’s new in WildTrax 2026, including pro playback tools, integrated Tentacle Sync detection, MIDI timecode, quick notes, global monitoring, and new licensing. Users can now choose monthly, annual, or lifetime licenses, and the software works with any existing hardware setup.

Marc and Doc discuss stability, podcast workflows, real-world feedback, and the growing community around WildTrax. Doc closes with details on the public beta and the full 2026 launch.

If you enjoyed the conversation, subscribe for more interviews with creators, engineers, and innovators shaping the future of audio and production.

Halter Technical: https://www.haltertechnical.com

WildTrax: https://www.haltertechnical.com/wildtracks

#AudioProduction #SoundMixing #FilmAudio

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Silent Beacon⁠ panic button for personal and workplace safety: how a stuntman’s accident sparked a Bluetooth emergency device that now protects home-health workers, educators, social services, and more—with 911 calling, dashboards, and OTA updates.

Kenny Kelley, CEO and founder of Silent Beacon, shares how a motorcycle crash inspired a hands-free panic button that pairs with your smartphone to call 911 and alert contacts when you can’t reach your phone. The product started as a consumer safety device for runners, students, and seniors, then demand shifted during COVID as businesses needed discreet protection for staff entering unknown environments—home healthcare, social services, education, nonprofits, and government.

Kenny explains real-world use cases, from mental-health interventions where responders needed both hands free, to lighter moments (like rescuing someone stuck in a tree house) that show the device’s range. He outlines the tech evolution: improvements in Bluetooth stacks on iOS and Android, Qualcomm chipsets, better mics/speakers, and over-the-air firmware updates for rapid fixes. For organizations, the dashboard shows connection status, triggers parallel alerts (push, SMS, email, phone) to teams while 911 or a monitoring center is contacted, and supports company-wide follow-ups after events.

Design trade-offs matter: keep it sleek and discreet for daily wear while ensuring buttons are deliberate enough to avoid false alarms. Kenny also addresses accessibility and dignity for seniors and people with disabilities, noting plans for a standalone cellular version for environments where phones aren’t allowed. Finally, he clarifies connectivity: 911 calling works without a data plan; location “blips” require Wi-Fi or cellular data.

Like, comment, and subscribe for more practical accessibility and safety tech. Share your questions or field scenarios you want us to test next.

Relevant Links

Silent Beacon: ⁠https://silentbeacon.com⁠

#SilentBeacon #WorkplaceSafety #AssistiveTech #SafetyTech