Consumer Technology Association SmartBrief
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February 26, 2026
 
 
Consumer Technology Association SmartBrief
News covering the consumer technology industrySIGN UP ⋅   SHARE
 
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Today's Digital Pulse
 
Samsung expands its Galaxy with S26, smarter Buds
 
A Samsung Galaxy 26S Ultra pink-gold smartphone displayed during the Galaxy Unpacked event in San Francisco, California, US, on Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026. Samsung Electronics Co. unveiled its Galaxy S26 lineup of smartphones, with an emphasis on artificial intelligence features and real-world privacy over major design changes. Photographer: David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Galaxy S26 Ultra (Bloomberg/Getty Images)
Samsung’s Unpacked event pulled back the curtain on the Galaxy S26 lineup and refreshed Galaxy Buds 4 and Buds 4 Pro. The updates include rounded-corner designs, a new Privacy Display on the Ultra, upgraded ANC earbuds and deeper AI integrations across Galaxy devices.
Full Story: Engadget (2/26), The Verge (2/25)
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Where will AI take your technology?
See the AI breakthroughs redefining the way technology companies build, accelerate, and deliver. Join Microsoft at NVIDIA GTC to explore physical AI, AI factories, and agentic AI. In-person passes are going quickly—don't miss your chance to be in the room. Explore pass options and register now.
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Smart Home
 
Aliro unlocks a future without keys
The Connectivity Standards Alliance has released Aliro 1.0, an open standard designed to unify smart lock access across devices and platforms. Supported by Apple, Google and Samsung, the standard uses near-field communication, Bluetooth low energy and ultra-wideband to enable features such as tap-to-unlock and hands-free unlocking.
Full Story: The Verge (2/26)
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Smart mowers keep lawn and order on autopilot
Lifewire (2/26)
 
 
Xbox gives cloud gaming a 1440p boost
Engadget (2/25)
 
 
YouTube emerges as front-runner for new NFL game package
Awful Announcing (2/23)
 
Renew Your 2026 CTA Membership
Attention CTA Members — renew your 2026 CTA membership by February 28 to stay connected and ready for the year ahead. Not a member? Join CTA and level up with trusted research, industry setting standards and more.
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From Blue Chips to Startups
 
Instagram will alert parents to teens’ at-risk searches
 
The Instagram logo appears on a smartphone screen in this photo illustration in Ontario, Canada, on February 16, 2026. (Photo by Thomas Fuller/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
(NurPhoto/Getty Images)
Instagram has announced that it would notify parents if their teens repeatedly search for terms related to self-harm or suicide, but only for those enrolled in the platform's parental supervision program. Notifications will be sent via text, email, WhatsApp or directly through the parents' Instagram account, aiming to prompt parental intervention while minimizing unnecessary alerts.
Full Story: PBS (2/26)
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Cook announces Apple event is a multi-day affair
PC Magazine (2/26)
 
 
Startup CUDIS puts AI on your finger
TechCrunch (tiered subscription model) (2/25)
 
 
EBay celebrates Pokemon's 30th anniversary with live event
Chain Store Age (2/24)
 
What AI Means for Retail Discovery
From search to purchase, AI is reshaping the shopper journey. This report draws on insights from 2,082 U.S. consumers to show how discovery is changing and what retailers need in place to stay visible. Read the report.
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Free eBooks and Resources
 
Free eBooks and resources brought to you by our sponsors
 
 
Nonverbal Communications Skills -- The 10 Skills You Need to Learn
 
 
70+ Excel Keyboard Shortcuts for Windows (Free Cheat Sheet)
 
 
Best Practices for Email Etiquette
 
 
11 Habits That Will Give You A Complete And Successful Life
 
 
Creating Positive Habits - The Ultimate Guide
 
 
 
 
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