CES Day 2

Key takeaways

Nvidia’s new Vera Rubin platform offers a significant upgrade in AI computing power and efficiency.
AMD is positioning itself as a leading competitor in AI chips, especially with its partnerships with tech giants like OpenAI.
Nvidia's investments in self-driving technology may set it up as a serious contender in the automotive industry.
Dell’s return to the XPS brand indicates a shift back to prioritizing clarity and reliability in product naming.
Innovations in robotics, like RoboRock's stair-climbing vacuum, are redefining household technology at CES.
Lego’s Smart Brick initiative represents a notable shift towards interactive play, aiming to merge traditional building with responsive technology.

Summary

Nvidia's Vera Rubin Launch

Nvidia kicked off CES 2026 by unveiling its Vera Rubin computing platform, a significant leap forward in AI processing capabilities. The platform consists of six new chips for creating an AI Supercomputer, claiming to cut down inference and training costs considerably. Nvidia's senior director emphasized that the Vera Rubin can deliver five times the AI training compute compared to its predecessor, Blackwell, while using fewer GPUs.

AMD's New AI Advancements

AMD made waves at CES with the announcement of their next-generation CDNA 6-based MI500 AI chips. These chips promise dramatic performance improvements, targeting enterprises and tech firms with significant computing needs. CEO Lisa Su highlighted collaborations with companies like OpenAI, reinforcing AMD's position as a competitor in the AI chip market, even as Nvidia remains dominant.

Automotive Innovations by Nvidia

Nvidia is venturing into autonomous driving with news of its new L2 driver assist system set to be available for multiple automakers. The technology shows promise in competing with Tesla's full self-driving systems, hinting at broader ambitions for the automotive market. The company has been investing heavily in the development of autonomous solutions.

Dell's XPS Brand Returns

Dell has reinstated its XPS brand, introducing new models that return to the brand's roots after a brief period of confusion from rebranding efforts. The new XPS laptops are equipped with Intel's latest chip series and are aimed at appealing to users looking for high-performing machines. Dell seems to acknowledge that diversifying under multiple brand names might have led to more confusion than clarity.

Innovative Robotics at CES

The podcast discussed the RoboRock Soros Rover, a unique robot vacuum concept that incorporates two wheel legs for climbing stairs, showcasing the growing role of robotics at CES. While previous robotic vacuum models faced criticism, RoboRock's latest approach is innovative, allowing for navigation across varied terrains.

Lego's Smart Brick Revolution

Lego announced its 'Smart Brick,' a major evolution in their classic building system. This brick features sensors and technology to create interactive play experiences without screens. The Smart Brick aims to enhance creativity by allowing Lego sets to respond to physical interactions, potentially revolutionizing the way children and adults alike engage with their building toys.

Show notes

Nvidia launches its next chip platform. AMD says, hey, us too! Also, did you know Nvidia is building self-driving car platforms? Did you know Dell is bring the XPS brand back? And did you know that the most interesting product launch I’ve seen so far has come from Lego?

Nvidia launches Vera Rubin AI computing platform at CES 2026 (The Verge)

AMD shows off new higher performing AI chip at CES event (Reuters)

I tested Nvidia’s Tesla Full Self-Driving competitor — Tesla should be worried (The Verge)

Dell Admits It Made a Huge Mistake When It Abandoned XPS (Gizmodo)

Robot Vacuum Maker Roborock Shows Off Stair-Climbing Model With Legs (Bloomberg)

Lego announces Smart Brick, the ‘most significant evolution’ in 50 years (The Verge)