When I asked Lenovo CEO Yang Yuanqing about AI skeptics during CES 2026, he said, “Nobody can avoid it.” At a keynote event in Las Vegas, Lenovo introduced Qira, a personal AI assistant that connects across Lenovo and Motorola devices. This year, AI is everywhere at CES, shaping the future of tech and our daily lives.
From AI smartphones to AI washing machines and wearables, the message is clear: technology is becoming smarter. One interesting product is the Project Maxwell AI wearable, designed to enhance personal assistance by understanding what you see and hear.
In a follow-up Q&A, I asked Yang and Lenovo’s CTO, Tolga Kurtoglu, how they address concerns from consumers wary of AI’s reach. Yang reassured everyone that AI is meant to empower us, not replace us. He sees AI as an essential trend that can enhance creativity and productivity.
Kurtoglu emphasized responsible AI development. “We follow strict guidelines for privacy and security as we build our AI,” he shared. Lenovo reassured users that opting to use Qira is entirely voluntary. If you choose to engage with AI features, you’ll benefit; if not, that’s perfectly fine.
However, as AI tech becomes standard in many devices, opting out might become more challenging. According to Lenovo, AI PCs could make up 70% of the market by 2028. Interestingly, a CNET survey found only 11% of smartphone users are excited about AI features, highlighting a gap between industry enthusiasm and consumer interest.
Yang also addressed fears of an AI bubble, asserting that demand for AI is just starting. “This isn’t a bubble,” he stated. “Every individual will have their personal AI, and businesses will increasingly need to harness data for intelligence.”
With such rapid integration of AI in tech, it’s clear that the conversation around it will only grow. As we adopt these advancements, understanding and shaping how we interact with AI will be crucial.
For more insights on CES 2026, check out CNET’s final list of the best products at the event.
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