WSJ Tech News Briefing

Episode: TNB Tech Minute: CES Kicks Off Next Week With AI Focus

Date: December 29, 2025
Host: Julie Chang for The Wall Street Journal

Episode Overview

In this Tech Minute update, Julie Chang offers a concise preview of the upcoming Consumer Electronics Show (CES), focusing on the major themes—particularly artificial intelligence—and what the tech world should expect entering 2026. The episode also presents an overview of China’s thriving gaming market and notes the passing of a seminal tech industry leader. Listeners receive expert analysis and projections in a rapid-fire format, giving a snapshot of the industry’s immediate future.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. CES 2026: A Focus on AI and Consumer Tech

[00:31]

• CES Preview:

  • CES is set to begin next week, with a sharp focus on artificial intelligence.
  • Wedbush analysts predict 2026 will see a "consumer AI revolution"—AI development moving “beyond LLM models” (large language models) into more tangible, widely adopted technologies.
  • Anticipated highlights include “autonomous humanoid robotics and more consumer-driven devices.”
  • The trend is expected to make AI technology “accessible to consumers globally over the coming year.”

• Industry Leadership:

  • Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang and AMD CEO Lisa Su will deliver keynote addresses at the event, indicating the central importance of hardware innovation and AI.
  • These keynote speakers are likely to outline their companies' visions for the role of AI in upcoming consumer products.

• Quote:

  “2026 will usher in a consumer AI revolution that'll go beyond LLM models... autonomous humanoid robotics and more consumer-driven devices will bring AI technology to the consumer globally over the coming year.”
  — Julie Chang citing Wedbush analysts [00:36]

2. China's Gaming Industry: Record Highs and New Frontiers

[01:13]

• Market Growth:

  • Citi analysts project sustained growth in China’s gaming market for 2026.
  • Drivers of this growth: increasing adoption of generative AI and compelling content releases.
  • According to CNG Data, the online game market in China has hit “a record high this year,” propelled by high-quality mobile games, innovative evergreen titles, and rapid expansion of mini games.

• Sector Expansion:

  • Watch for a rebound in China’s domestic animation, comics, and games market, with support from key new launches and overseas growth.
  • Suggests evolving content preferences toward AI-driven and interactive experiences.

• Quote:

  “China's domestic animation, comics and games market could rebound on the back of key new launches and overseas expansion.”
  — Julie Chang [01:35]

3. In Memoriam: Louis Gerstner’s Legacy at IBM

[01:51]

• Passing of a Pioneer:

  • Louis Gerstner, noted as the first outsider to helm IBM, has died at 83.
  • IBM, in announcing his death, didn’t disclose the cause.
  • Gerstner’s leadership credited with transforming IBM during the 1990s: pivoted focus from faltering hardware sales to IT services, setting a major industry precedent.
  • Under his tenure (April 1993–June 2001), IBM’s share price rose by more than ninefold, outperforming the S&P 500.

• Quote:

  “Gerstner steered the company away from what looked like a possible demise and refocused it on services, reducing reliance on hardware... IBM's share price rose by more than ninefold between his arrival in April 1993 and early June 2001, outpacing the S&P 500.”
  — Julie Chang [01:56]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “2026 will usher in a consumer AI revolution that'll go beyond LLM models.”
  — Julie Chang [00:36]

• “China's online game market reached a record high this year, thanks to high quality mobile title launches and innovative gameplay from evergreen titles and strong growth in mini games.”
  — Julie Chang [01:20]

• “Gerstner steered the company away from what looked like a possible demise and refocused it on services, reducing reliance on hardware...”
  — Julie Chang [01:56]

Important Segment Timestamps

• CES Preview / Consumer AI Revolution: [00:31–01:13]
• China Gaming Market Growth: [01:13–01:51]
• Louis Gerstner & IBM Transformation: [01:51–02:18]

Tone and Style

The episode is brisk, news-driven, and concise, with a focus on factual reporting, analysis, and forward-looking commentary. Julie Chang keeps the language clear and accessible while referencing expert opinions and research notes for authority.

Conclusion

This Tech Minute situates listeners at the forefront of the coming year’s technological shifts: the integration of advanced AI into everyday devices, the dynamic expansion of China’s digital entertainment industries, and a nod to legacy leadership that shaped one of tech’s titans. For those interested in deeper dives, the episode points to upcoming full-length briefings for in-depth coverage.