Loona Deskmate Transforms Your iPhone Into a Clever Desktop Companion

KEYi Tech introduced its Loona Deskmate to the world, or at least to those who were lucky enough to attend CES 2026 in Las Vegas. Here’s the thing: the minds behind Deskmate were rather transparent in their ideas. It went something like this: you already have a mobile computer in your pocket. Why step it up a level and construct a full-on robot when that same iPhone can power the screen, camera, microphone, speakers, and all the rest?

Simply place your iPhone on the MagSafe pad, and the associated app will launch automatically. Before you know it, the screen is filled with animated eyes, and they belong to a charismatic character, whose features, I suppose, owe something to the world of cartoons. The base is motorized, and it tilts and pans the gadget so that as you move around the room, you make eye contact with that desktop presence.

While using DeskMate, the iPhone remains tethered to the MagSafe charger and continues to charge normally. What’s so cool about DeskMate is that it doesn’t simply replace your charger; it also replaces your cluttered workplace. The device’s base features three USB-C connectors and one old-school USB-A slot. No more looking for outlets to plug in your peripherals.

Voice commands are sent through the iPhone microphone; DeskMate handles reminders, calendar updates, and other tasks; and the connectivity extends much farther. It can read the screen content of a nearby Mac or Windows computer and summarize emails for you. It can even respond to a Slack message automatically.

It gets really cool when the entire system is tuned in to you, with the front camera observing your actions and expressions. Deskmate can even complete a sentence for you if you don’t finish it. If you’re completely focused on a task, it will simply shut down and wait for you to initiate, while the opposite is true if you begin to go off track.

Now, the processing takes place directly on the iPhone, eliminating latency. Requests are answered faster than with cloud-based assistants, and hand gestures give an extra layer of usability. A small wave of your hand draws DeskMate’s attention to you, and a nod confirms the action you requested.

What will truly make DeskMate shine over time is the way it establishes a connection with each of its owners. It learns your habits and adapts its replies on the fly. It even tracks your preferences and provides you with more personalized care every day. Crowdfunding is planned to commence on Kickstarter soon, and believe it or not, the estimated price point is less than $300.
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