(Credit: Angela Moscaritolo)
LAS VEGAS—I probably spend way too much time behind a computer screen, but I found a device at CES 2026 that promises to let me maintain my workaholic ways while keeping the good vibes flowing.
The SunBooster is a device that emits near-infrared light (NIR), offering similar health benefits as natural sunlight, but indoors. It's about the size of an external webcam and attaches to the top of your laptop screen or monitor.
"You receive the light when you're working or studying or gaming, and it boosts your mood and health," Anne Berends, CEO, CTO, and cofounder of Amsterdam-based SunLED Life Science, the company behind the device, told me.
NIR is invisible to the human eye, so you don't have to worry about the SunBooster distracting you while you work. The device features a screen that displays information about your daily dose, accompanied by a bar that fills as you reach the recommended level. Once you've received your daily dose, it automatically turns off until the next day to save energy.
Red light is growing in popularity for anti-aging, but this is different.
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"Red light doesn't penetrate as deep into your skin as near-infrared light, so red light is more a cosmetic solution; this really is more a health and well-being solution," Berends explained.
Plus, unlike an anti-aging red light mask, you can easily use the SunBooster during your workday.
Despite all its purported benefits, the SunBooster isn't a replacement for the actual sun because it doesn't provide vitamin D.
"Vitamin D is related to UV light, which is healthy but can also be dangerous," Berends said. "Near-infrared light stimulates energy production in the cells, so it really energizes the body, and it has all kinds of health benefits—both physical and mental."
The SunBooster is expected to launch in the US in April for $249. Berends says the same technology can also be integrated into devices, and she's at CES hoping to connect with OEMs to do just that.