The Consumer Technology Association (CTA) announced that Yuanqing Yang, Chairman and CEO, Lenovo will be a keynote speaker at CES 2026. The keynote is at 5:00 PM PT on Tuesday, January 6. Lenovo is bringing its flagship event, Tech World, to CES 2026. For the past decade, Tech World has been Lenovo's platform to unveil new technologies, products, and solutions. This event is only open to credentialed CES attendees, and information on ticketing and logistics will be available soon.

With Perplexity already partnering with PayPal to allow for purchases directly in chat, and ChatGPT slated to bring an integrated checkout system online (with partners including Shopify rumored to be on the roster), the "seismic shift" toward AI-driven shopping and brand channels appears to be on the cusp of realization, per CNBC.

It's back for 2025 -- the Best of Show awards program that celebrates the best custom installation and home entertainment technology launches at CEDIA Expo! Residential Systems, TWICE, and What Hi-Fi? will once again have judges on-site to examine each of the entries and bestow honors on the most deserving.
Here is what you need to know to participate:
The Details

• What? Nominations for the 2025 CEDIA Best of Show Awards, presented by Residential Systems, TWICE, and What Hi-Fi?
• When? Submissions are open now through midnight, PST on August 22, 2025
• Why? Benefits included with each of awards entry submission: One full-page advertorial for each nominated product -- with special distinction for winning entries -- in the Best of Show Program Guide, published and distributed digitally to all Future B2B's consumer electronics lists after CEDIA, plus additional promotion and brand exposure in the post-show recap coverage of award winners.
• How? Everything you need to know, including fees, frequently asked questions, and the nomination form, can be found here.

I would like to extend our congratulations to this year's winners of the TWICE VIP Awards! 2025 saw a wide range of product entries ranging from gaming laptops, outdoor TVs, and automated swimming pool vacuums to the latest TVs and major appliances.
The response to the 12th Annual TWICE VIP Awards was amazing, with over 70 entries across nearly 50 categories to vote on. One thing that makes the TWICE VIP Awards so unique is that it isn't a public vote by people who know nothing about the submissions or the industry.
No, the awards are voted on by you, the industry leaders, consumer tech retailers, and distributors who know greatness, innovation, and what makes the biggest difference in the business. Earning the respect of your peers is a hard-won accomplishment, especially in our industry, and I am proud to be a part of the 2025 TWICE VIP Awards.

Kwikset and DoorBird have jointly announced the integration of the DoorBird app with Kwikset's Halo smart locks. This integration allows residents to remotely unlock their Kwikset Halo locks during a live video call with a visitor from within the DoorBird app.

XGIMI announced it will unveil TITAN, the first in a new line of professional-grade projectors designed for boardrooms, event spaces, and serious home theater enthusiasts at IFA 2025.

I've tested a lot of portable speakers over the years--some punchy, some smart, some built to survive a weekend camping trip. But none have genuinely surprised me the way the Brane X has. When I first heard about a portable speaker with a built-in 8-inch subwoofer, I'll admit I was skeptical. Deep bass from a compact, battery-powered box? It sounded like hype. But after spending time with the Brane X, I can confidently say: this speaker isn't just different, it's a breakthrough.

As a TWICE brief subscriber you're qualified to receive a complimentary digital subscription to TWICE m