CES is a wall of shiny distractions. The play is to ignore the hype and track the few pieces that actually improve your workflow. Think commute-ready noise-cancelling earbuds that stay stable on a packed train, not another RGB monument.

Rebuild reflection: what I’m watching (and why)
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Creator-first filters
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  • Signal over spectacle: Gear that reduces friction for filming, editing, or publishing.
  • Travel tolerance: Packs small, charges fast, no proprietary nonsense.
  • Shared spaces friendly: Looks professional on calls, quiet in open offices, clean on-camera lines.

The short CES 2024 watchlist
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  • Noise-cancelling earbuds for commuting: Stable fit, strong ANC that doesn’t induce pressure headaches, solid mics for platform calls.
  • Compact creator lights: Key lights that avoid medical-device vibes, run off USB-C, and travel well.
  • Capture and I/O: Small capture cards and USB-C hubs that won’t cook themselves during long sessions.

Shortlisted gadgets (eyeing, not buying yet)
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1) Commute-ready ANC earbuds (2024 picks)
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  • Look for multi-point, strong but comfortable ANC, IP rating for rain, and mics that handle wind on subway stairs.

2) USB-C creator light bar or mini key light
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  • Under-$80, adjustable color temp, compact stand/clip, USB-C power, no loud fans.

3) Small, reliable capture card
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  • 1080p60 or clean 4K30, low heat, plug-and-play, doesn’t demand a tangle of extra cables.

Workflow tweak: prune one automation or app connection per week (January only)
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Step 1: List all automations and app links (calendar zaps, email filters, shortcuts). Step 2: Each week, pick one to review: is it saving time or breaking flow? Step 3: Kill or simplify it. Replace complex daisy chains with one clean step. Step 4: Document the keepers so you know what’s actually running. Step 5: Revisit at month’s end to see what you don’t miss.

Why it works: fresh gear without workflow bloat is pointless. This keeps January light and intentional.

Wrap-up: selective curiosity
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The best CES reset is choosing what not to chase. Track the drops that cut friction; ignore the rest. Which CES drop should I track?