The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2026 in Las Vegas has wrapped up, and the verdict is clear: the smart home is no longer about gimmicks; it is about interoperability and biometrics. The era of getting locked into one ecosystem is ending, replaced by the universal "Matter" standard.

From locks that read the veins in your palm to robots that can finally conquer stairs, the tech on display promises a frictionless domestic life—if you can afford it.

Top Picks from the Floor

• Lockin V7 Max: This isn't just a door lock; it is a fortress. Featuring palm vein scanning (which works even if your hand is dirty) and facial recognition, it supports the new "Aliro" digital key standard. At over $1,000 (KES 130,000), it is the Rolls Royce of security.
• Aqara Thermostat Hub W200: A game-changer for energy efficiency. It uses millimeter-wave sensors to detect human presence—even if you are sitting still—adjusting the climate instantly. It is also the first to support Apple Home’s new Adaptive Temperature features.
• Roborock Saros Rover: The holy grail of cleaning robots. It has legs. The Saros can lift itself to climb stairs, solving the biggest headache for multi-story homeowners. No more carrying the vacuum upstairs.
• Govee Ceiling Light Ultra: Blurring the line between light and screen, this fixture can display detailed animations, like a rotating Earth or a sunset, thanks to a dense 616-LED array.

The "Matter" Revolution

The unifying theme was Matter. Every device, from the cheapest bulb to the most expensive fridge, now speaks the same language. For the Kenyan tech enthusiast, this means your generic smart bulb from Jumia might finally talk to your high-end iPhone home app seamlessly.