IKEA Debuts at CES 2026 with Affordable Smart Devices

At CES 2026 in Las Vegas, IKEA made its debut at the major tech show, unveiling a range of affordable smart home devices and audio products aimed at expanding its presence in connected living spaces. The highlights included a low-cost Bluetooth speaker called the Kallsup and updated versions of its popular Varmblixt lighting series, both set for release in April.

The Kallsup speaker stands out for its simplicity and price, retailing for $10 in the United States and €5 in Europe. Measuring about two inches on each side, the cube-shaped device sits on small feet for stability and comes in white, green, or pink. It features Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity and two top buttons: one for pairing and another for play or pause functions. Volume and other adjustments must be made through the connected device, such as a smartphone. The speaker charges via a USB-C port, though no cable is included in the box, and it powers off automatically after inactivity. While individual units produce clear sound at normal volumes without noticeable distortion, they lack deep bass due to their compact size. A key feature allows users to link up to 100 Kallsup speakers together via a button sequence,...