All I want for Christmas is AI (apparently)

fastcompany.com

“They see you when you’re sleeping. They know when you’re awake. They know if you’ve been bad or good…” No, we’re not changing Santa’s pronouns. We’re talking about the AI -powered gadgets that are likely to be overflowing from his sack this holiday season. AI toys began appearing on the market last year, quickly prompting warnings from child advocacy groups . But the 2026 holiday season will bring a much wider selection of AI gadgets for kids and adults alike, while AI companies are also pushing the technology as a shopping assistant. This week has brought several announcements from Big Tech companies unveiling new AI-powered devices. Apple introduced a slate of smart home products, including the HomeView , which features a seven-inch screen and lets users control doorbells, thermostats, and smart locks, all powered by its AI-enhanced Siri. Amazon is following a similar path with its introduction last week of new Alexa Tablets, which run on Alexa+ , an AI-powered version of the company’s longstanding digital assistant. Simply say “Alexa” or tap the “Ask Alexa” button, and the chatbot can answer questions, control your smart home, and more. Prices for the three models range from $229 to $500. Microsoft, which earlier this summer began testing a wearable AI device for office workers, is hoping shoppers spring for a new Surface laptop equipped with an Nvidia AI chip and a $2,599 price tag. The Surface Laptop Ultra, introduced last week, begins shipping October 16. Meanwhile, Meta is introducing a Windows version of its Muse AI agent , looking to capitalize on the tool’s popularity in Apple’s App Store. Meta, of course, has much more in store for the holiday season. The company has big hopes for its Muse Charm , a Tamagotchi-like keychain with a two-inch display and a pair of cameras. Beyond the usual chatbot functions, the gadget can help declutter your inbox or make a dinner reservation. Meta has also rolled out a new line of AI-enhanced eyewear, including models without cameras, following numerous complaints about people being filmed without consent. The company plans to offer 100 different options for AI glasses by the end of the year. It has competition in the smart glasses market, though. Snap has introduced Snap SPECS , augmented reality glasses that can recommend restaurants or provide directions to get you from Point A to Point B. They’re available for preorder now and expected to ship later this fall. One AI gadget that won’t make it onto shelves this holiday season is OpenAI’s rumored smart speaker, being designed by Jony Ive, the designer behind many of Apple’s biggest products. OpenAI hasn’t formally confirmed the device, which it reportedly hopes could eventually replace the smartphone, but it’s widely expected to arrive next year . AI gadgets aren’t limited to Big Tech, either. The Plaud NotePin is a wearable AI voice recorder and note-taker that boasts 20 hours of continuous recording, 64GB of internal storage, and transcription capabilities in 112 languages. It sells for $159. And once again, there are plenty of AI-powered toys your kids could be clamoring for as the holidays draw near. Among them: Luna Robot Pet Dog , a $499 ChatGPT-powered robotic companion equipped with a high-definition camera to help it understand its surroundings. Ted , a screenless teddy bear equipped with an AI chatbot and both push-to-talk and auto-listening modes. It can answer questions and even read bedtime stories to kids ages 3 and up. Anki’s Vector 2.0 , a desktop robot that looks a bit like a bulldozer but integrates ChatGPT and has facial recognition capabilities. Miko 3 , an AI-powered “educational partner” aimed at kids ages 5 to 10. Child advocates, however, are once again urging parents to steer clear of AI toys. A report from Common Sense Media warns that they “pose unacceptable risks for young children,” citing concerns about privacy, emotional attachment, and reliability.