
Hands-free Neural Control
Naqi’s Neural Earbuds Turn Subtle Movements Into Control
Naqi’s neural interface earbuds translate subtle facial movements into hands-free control. CES 2026 recognized them for accessibility innovation, showing early promise in inclusive tech.
Imagine earbuds that respond to your tiny facial movements. That’s what Naqi’s new neural interface earbuds do. No voice commands, no tapping, just subtle expressions and gestures translate into control for your device.
These earbuds just won Best of Innovation in Accessibility at CES 2026. They could make everyday tasks easier for people with limited mobility, while also opening doors for general users to interact with devices in a completely hands-free way.
How It Works
The earbuds detect small electrical signals from facial muscles and translate them into actions like pausing music, scrolling, or answering calls. It’s a neural interface packed into something as small as your typical in-ear headphones.
Behind the scenes, there’s advanced AI decoding those signals quickly and accurately. It’s what makes the interaction feel natural rather than frustratingly slow or inaccurate.
Why It Matters
For accessibility, this is a big deal. Tools like this reduce the reliance on hands or voice, making devices more inclusive. But it also hints at a future where controlling tech without touching it could become more mainstream.
Naqi is still a startup, and these earbuds are an early product. But winning a CES award shows there’s serious potential, not just for novelty, but for devices that actually improve daily life.
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Published January 8, 2026 • Updated January 8, 2026
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