CES 2026: DeskMate MagSafe Charger Gives iPhone AI Personality
KEYi Tech Unveils DeskMate: An iPhone-Powered AI Assistant
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Published january 6, 2026
KEYi Tech, the creator of the Loona companion robot and ClicBot modular robot, introduced DeskMate at CES 2026 – a new AI assistant exclusively designed for iPhone users.
From Charging Hub to AI Companion
Rather than developing a standalone robot, KEYi Tech has reimagined the AI assistant as a desktop charging hub. This innovative approach leverages an iPhone’s existing capabilities – its display, camera, and microphone – to create an interactive AI experience.
The DeskMate features a rotating and tilting MagSafe charging stand that dynamically adjusts to keep the iPhone facing the user during conversations. It also projects animated,Pixar-style eyes onto the iPhone’s screen,adding a touch of personality.
Functionality and Integration
upon connecting an iPhone to the DeskMate charging pad, a companion app automatically launches. This app enables voice command functionality, calendar management, reminder setting, and general question answering throughout the day. KEYi Tech states that deskmate can proactively initiate conversations, offer tailored suggestions, and provide updates upon the user’s return to their workspace.
The AI assistant seamlessly integrates with popular workplace tools, including slack, email clients, and calendar applications. It can even participate in video meetings, offering note-taking and summarization capabilities.
DeskMate is designed to learn user routines and preferences over time, refining its responses and suggestions for a personalized experience.
Availability and Pricing
KEYi tech plans to launch a Kickstarter campaign in March to fund the DeskMate’s production.The device is expected to be priced under $300, though final costs are still being determined as of January 6, 2026.