The International Consumer Electronics Show is one of the biggest electronic showcases each year, with more than 3,500 companies showcasing their wares. The event, held in Las Vegas, occupies roughly two million square feet, the equivalent of about 35 football fields.
But in recent years there has been a definite lack of excitement at the event, as companies have promoted largely unwelcomed versions of existing products, such as televisions or new devices with very little consumer appeal such as clunky virtual reality headsets. This year, however, the International CES may be energized by a new wave of electronics coming from the Internet of Things.
The Internet of Things refers to a concept of adding connectivity to every day consumer friendly devices and providing a central hub for control of these devices that is consumer friendly, like an app on your smartphone.
"This is the digital lifestyle not just coming into concept but into practical execution," says John Curran, managing director of communications, media and technology at the consulting firm Accenture. "The Internet of Things is touching almost every aspect of your life, and it's bringing in a host of new companies and new partnerships."
Some of the new devices that are likely to prove popular at the event include a Wi-Fi connected ceiling fan that can be controlled by the Nest Learning Thermostat as well as automated door locks, light switches and LED bulbs. Clothing manufacturers will also be present with Under Armour, looking to exhibit some of its smart sports clothing.
IDC, a market research firm, predicts the global market for Internet of Things devices to exceed $7 trillion by 2020, making the stakes high for companies looking to gain a foothold in the market share for these types of devices.
"These devices get new life breathed into them as they become connected," Curran says. "Aesthetics and fashion become a core component. It's either hanging in my house or I'm wearing it every day."
Cars, too, will be featured at this year's CES as automakers plan to make our vehicles more connected. Ford, Audi and Lexus all plan to use the show to demonstrate their new technologies and even self-driving vehicles. Volkswagen will even be making an appearance as well, according to Gary Shapiro, the chief executive office for the Consumer Electronics Association, the trade group responsible for the show.
"With all these connected devices, you get an entire spectrum of technology," Shapiro says. "It's a much more future-oriented show."
It remains to be seen if any of these products will garner much consumer appeal when they finally hit store shelves, but many experts believe we are on the cusp of the next digital revolution.
