At the heart of Las Vegas this January, the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2026 has become a showcase for Amazon’s latest vision of artificial intelligence and smart living. The tech giant is rolling out a suite of innovations designed to make daily life not just easier, but smarter and more connected than ever. From a completely overhauled Fire TV interface to new wearable AI companions, Amazon’s announcements signal a bold step forward for the future of home technology and personal assistance.
For anyone who has ever felt frustrated by the Fire TV’s clunky navigation or slow response times, there’s real reason to celebrate. According to Amazon, the newly redesigned Fire TV user interface is up to 30% faster, thanks to a complete rewrite of the underlying code, as reported by About Amazon and corroborated by industry coverage. The new UI doesn’t just move quicker; it looks better, too, with rounded-corner tiles replacing the old flat rectangles, giving the screen a more modern and visually appealing feel reminiscent of Google TV’s interface.
The update isn’t just cosmetic. Dedicated homes for each content type—movies, TV shows, sports, news, and live content—let users browse titles from all their subscriptions in one place, no longer siloed by app. As detailed by both About Amazon and coverage from tech outlets, users can now pin up to 20 of their favorite apps to the home screen and reorder them to suit their preferences. So, if Netflix and Prime Video are your go-tos, you can keep them front and center. Sponsored content recommendations remain, but the overall navigation is smoother and more intuitive.
Amazon has also made it easier to access features and settings. The Fire TV remote’s menu button now opens games, art, photos, and Amazon’s Ambient Experience, while a long press of the home button brings up a shortcut panel for quick access to audio, display settings, and connected devices. These touches are designed to streamline the experience and put control literally at your fingertips.
The redesigned Fire TV OS will first roll out in February 2026 to select devices—namely the Fire TV Stick 4K Plus, Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2nd Gen), and Fire TV Omni Mini-LED TVs in the US. Later in the spring, the update will expand to other Fire TV devices, including the 2-Series, 4-Series, and Omni QLED series, as well as partner TVs from Panasonic, Hisense, TCL, and Insignia. If you’re eyeing Amazon’s new Ember Artline TV, you’ll get the revamped UI right out of the box.
Speaking of the Ember Artline, Amazon is making a splash in the lifestyle TV market with this new 4K QLED model. The Ember Artline boasts a matte display, access to over 2,000 pieces of free art, and AI-powered recommendations that match artwork to your room’s décor. With ten easily adjustable frame colors, users can customize the appearance to fit their style. This move positions Amazon to compete directly with similar offerings from rivals like Samsung, but with the added bonus of deep Fire TV integration and Alexa+ support.
On the software side, the Fire TV mobile app has been overhauled as well. Users can now browse content, manage watchlists, and select titles to play directly on their TV, making it easier than ever to control the big screen from their phone. Amazon says these changes are in direct response to user feedback, aiming to deliver a more seamless second-screen experience.
But Amazon’s ambitions at CES 2026 go far beyond entertainment. The company is doubling down on AI-powered personal assistance, with Alexa+ taking center stage. Alexa+ is now fully integrated into the new Fire TV OS, giving users the power to search for content, jump directly to favorite scenes, and control smart home devices—all through voice or the newly launched Alexa.com web platform. This expansion brings Alexa+ to browsers, mobile devices, and voice, ensuring the AI assistant is accessible wherever you are.
Since its launch nine months ago, Alexa+ has seen explosive growth, reaching tens of millions of users. According to Amazon, users are engaging in twice as many conversations, making three times more purchases, and requesting recipes five times more often than before. The web experience at Alexa.com offers persistent context and seamless integration across devices, allowing users to manage calendars, plan meals, make reservations, and control their smart homes from any platform.
Alexa+ is also extending its reach through new integrations with major brands. In 2026, the next generation of Alexa Custom Assistant will be available in select BMW models, including the latest BMW iX3, bringing intelligent voice control to the road. Samsung is adding Alexa+ to its smart televisions—the first time the assistant is built-in on a third-party device. Bosch’s 800 series coffee makers will support voice-directed commands, while HERE Technologies and TomTom are integrating Alexa Custom Assistant into their navigation services. Oura, the health-focused wearable, is also rolling out early access to Alexa+ integration, enabling users to monitor and act on health information through voice.
Security is another major focus for Amazon this year. Ring, the company’s smart home security arm, has unveiled a host of new AI-powered features and devices. The standout is Fire Watch, a feature in the Neighbors section of the Ring app that provides earlier warnings and real-time information during fast-moving fire events. By leveraging AI to analyze video for signs of smoke or fire, and allowing users to share snapshots, Fire Watch aims to deliver critical alerts faster than ever. This feature is made possible through a partnership with Watch Duty, enhancing neighborhood safety during emergencies.
Ring is also introducing the Ring Appstore, a new marketplace within the Ring app where customers can access third-party apps built by trusted developers. This opens up new ways to use existing Ring cameras and devices, expanding the ecosystem’s capabilities. Additionally, Ring Sensors—built on Amazon’s Sidewalk network—offer always-on protection without the need for Wi-Fi limits, hubs, or base stations. These sensors provide three seamless layers—Security, Safety, and Control—working together to protect homes, prevent damage, and simplify routines.
Perhaps the most futuristic announcement comes from Bee, Amazon’s wearable AI assistant. Since joining Amazon, the Bee team has shipped several major updates, transforming the device into a true personal AI companion. Bee can now connect to your email and calendar, turning conversations into actionable outcomes—drafting emails, scheduling meetings, and more. Daily Insights use AI to surface patterns in mood, relationships, and recurring themes, offering personalized goals. Voice Notes let users capture thoughts on the fly, while intelligent Templates automatically summarize content in the format best suited to the moment, whether it’s a study plan for students or a sales recap for professionals.
All told, Amazon’s CES 2026 announcements paint a picture of a tech ecosystem where AI is not just an add-on, but a proactive, integrated force in everyday life. With faster, smarter home entertainment, expanded personal assistant capabilities, and new security solutions, Amazon is betting big that the future of consumer technology is both deeply personal and seamlessly connected.
