CES 2026 is killing the cable. From LG’s Zero Connect OLED monitors to the 2,200W Ki Cordless Kitchen standard, discover how wireless power is finally becoming a reality.
Contents
Key Takeaways (Quick Summary)
- The Trend: “True Wireless” is moving from peripherals (mice/keyboards) to high-bandwidth video and mainline power.
- The Gaming Shift: LG is expanding its “Zero Connect” tech to UltraGear gaming monitors, beaming 4K/144Hz video without HDMI cables.
- The Home Shift: The Ki Cordless Kitchen Standard is launching, allowing appliances (blenders, toasters) to work wire-free on inductive countertops.
- The Impact: This enables flexible, modular living spaces where desks and kitchens can be reconfigured instantly.
For decades, the “dream desk setup” has been plagued by one messy, tangled reality: cables.
You buy the sleekest monitor, the most minimalist mouse, and a glass desk, only to ruin it all with a rat’s nest of HDMI, DisplayPort, and power cords dangling off the back. Enthusiasts have spent years buying cable sleeves, drilling grommet holes, and zip-tying wires in a desperate attempt to hide the clutter.
This week at CES 2026, the industry is finally saying: Stop hiding the cables. Just get rid of them.
While we are seeing massive shifts across the industry—from AI agents to predictive health (which you can read about in our full CES 2026 Tech Trends breakdown)—the most visually satisfying trend is the death of the cable.
Here is why the “Zero-Cable” revolution is the most practical trend to watch this week.
1. The Screen Unchained: LG’s Zero Connect Expansion
For the last two years, LG has teased us with “Signature OLED M” televisions—massive screens that receive 4K video wirelessly from a separate “Zero Connect” box. It was impressive technology, but it was strictly for the living room.
Now, reports from Las Vegas confirm this tech is finally shrinking down to the desktop.
What to Expect at CES 2026:
LG is expected to expand its “Zero Connect” technology into its UltraGear gaming monitor lineup. Ideally suited for the premium market, these 5K OLED monitors sit on your desk with zero video cables running to your PC.
- How it Works: You plug your PC or Console into a small transmitter box that sits up to 30 feet away (hidden in a drawer or on a shelf). That box beams 4K/144Hz (and potentially higher) video instantly to the monitor.
- The “Experience” Factor: Unlike casting a YouTube video to your TV, this uses proprietary 60GHz transmission frequencies to ensure zero latency. For gamers, this means you can finally have a floating monitor setup without a single black cable ruining the aesthetic.
2. The Kitchen of the Future: The “Ki” Standard
While LG is killing the video cable, the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC) is here to kill the power cord.
You are likely familiar with “Qi” (the wireless charging standard for your phone). Meet its big brother: Ki (pronounced “Key”).
The Ki Cordless Kitchen Standard is making its official mainstream debut at CES 2026. This isn’t just for low-power devices; it delivers up to 2,200 watts of power wirelessly. That is enough to run a blender, a toaster, an air fryer, or a high-end desktop monitor.
Why “Ki” is Different:
- Invisible Power: Companies like Jabil and STMicroelectronics are showcasing granite and wood countertops with “hidden” Ki transmitters underneath.
- Safe to Touch: Because the power is magnetic (induction), the surface doesn’t get hot and won’t shock you. You can wipe down your counter with a wet cloth while the power is theoretically “on.”
- The “Place and Play” Era: You take your blender out of the cupboard, set it down on the counter anywhere, and turn it on. No hunting for an outlet. No wrapping the cord around the base when you’re done.
3. Why This Matters (Beyond Aesthetics)
Sure, a cable-free desk looks incredible on Instagram. But the real revolution here is flexibility.
When devices aren’t tethered to the wall, your room layout changes.
- The Hybrid Office: Your dining table can be a high-tech workstation during the day (powered by a Ki mat) and a regular family table at night, with no cables to unplug.
- The Modular Kitchen: Small appliances become “grab-and-go” tools rather than permanent fixtures cluttering your workspace.
The Reality Check
Is it perfect? Not yet. Wireless video still commands a premium price, and retrofitting your kitchen with Ki counters is a renovation project, not a quick fix.
But for the first time, the technology exists to make the “Zero-Cable” dream a reality. The War on Wires has officially begun.
Want the bigger picture? Wireless power is just one of the 5 massive shifts happening this week. To see what else is coming—including the new “AI Agents” for your laptop and the next gen of smart rings—check out our full guide on Top 5 CES 2026 Tech Trends.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is LG Zero Connect good for gaming? Yes. LG’s Zero Connect technology uses a dedicated 60GHz wireless frequency, which provides comparable speed and latency to a wired HDMI 2.1 connection, supporting 4K at 144Hz.
Q: What is the Ki Cordless Kitchen standard? Ki (pronounced “Key”) is a global wireless power standard that delivers up to 2,200 watts to kitchen appliances like blenders and toasters using magnetic induction, eliminating the need for power cords.
Q: Can I retrofit my kitchen with Ki wireless power? Yes, Ki transmitters can be installed under standard non-metallic countertops (like granite, quartz, or wood), turning your existing counter into a wireless power surface.
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