CES 2026: Looki L1 Gains Proactive AI Through Major Software Update

Looki announced a major upgrade to its Looki L1 wearable ahead of its debut at CES 2026, positioning the device as the first proactive, scene-adaptive AI wearable. The update marks a shift from reactive AI systems, which rely on user prompts, toward real-time intelligence that continuously interprets context and delivers relevant information without explicit commands. 

The Looki L1 combines multimodal sensing with real-time AI processing to observe environmental and behavioral signals such as light, motion, sound, and user activity. By analyzing these inputs, the device builds contextual awareness, enabling it to recognize what the user is doing and provide timely insights or capture relevant moments automatically. The goal is to support users by augmenting daily experiences rather than interrupting them.

Physically, the Looki L1 is designed as a compact, ultra-light wearable that can be worn around the neck, held, placed on a desk using a stand, or aimed depending on the situation. The device focuses on life vlogging, described verbally as “AI-powered life vlogging.” We could see it in person in a demo at CES, done by a Looki representative.

It primarily captures video, but still photos can be taken manually. Audio recording is possible, but only when triggered (in other words, it’s not listening to its surroundings all the time). The gadget features a glass-mounted, waterproof form factor intended for all-day comfort, along with onboard storage of 32 GB. Battery life supports up to 12 hours of continuous use in Story Mode.

A defining feature of the Looki L1 is its scene-adaptive intelligence, which allows the device to automatically switch between three primary modes based on real-time context. Expo Mode is designed for events, travel, and networking, capturing environmental context, recognizing interactions, and surfacing insights for follow-up.

Fitness Mode focuses on activity detection, motion tracking, and performance summaries, offering real-time cues during workouts. Everyday Life Mode observes routines and focus patterns to deliver personalized suggestions aimed at improving balance, awareness, and productivity.

There is also the Story Mode, which is a distinct capture mode, not continuous recording. It is manually triggered, and it groups moments into a narrative-style sequence. 

Some limitations

Important limitations disclosed by the brand include the fact that Looki cannot retrieve or answer queries on the device for content older than roughly 48 hours.  Moreover, content older than roughly 48 hours is automatically uploaded to the cloud and cannot be directly accessible via on-device queries. To access days or weeks of history, users must use the Looki companion app.

Privacy is built into the system architecture, with sensitive data processed securely on the device and users retaining control over what information is stored, shared, or deleted. Priced at $199, the Looki L1 is positioned as an accessible, always-on AI companion designed to observe, interpret, and support users across a wide range of daily environments.

Filed in Gadgets. Read more about CES, CES 2026 and Wearable.