CES 2016: Virtual Reality, Self-Driving Cars, and Wearables to Steal the Show

Strategic Insights -

As the 2016 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) is set to kick off in Las Vegas, major players in the tech industry are gearing up to showcase innovative developments in virtual reality, self-driving cars, drones, wearables, and the Internet of Things. With over 3,600 exhibitors and 170,000 attendees expected, this year's CES promises to be a significant event in the tech calendar.

Key Takeaways:

  • Fitbit is expected to announce new products, including sleeker form factors and potentially a smart watch, during its January 5 press event.
  • Garmin may unveil refreshed versions of its fitness devices, including on-wrist cardiac monitors.
  • GoPro will not showcase its "Karma" drone at CES, according to analyst Charles Anderson.
  • Synaptics is expected to provide more details on its "Force Touch" touchscreen technology, potentially clearing up speculations of a partnership for Samsung's next Galaxy smartphone.
  • Ambarella will demonstrate new efforts in autonomous drones, cars, and security solutions.
  • Integrated Device Technology (IDTI) may benefit from competitors exiting the wireless charging market, although Maxim or NXP may still make surprise moves into the space.
  • Virtual reality exhibits could pick up for 2016's show, with Facebook, Sony, and others nearly ready to release their first wave of consumer VR products.
  • BlackBerry may showcase efforts in security and Internet of Things.
  • Major automakers such as GM, Toyota, Ford, Volkswagen, and Kia are expected to make multiple announcements as the auto industry rushes to integrate self-driving and connected car technologies.
  • Faraday Future, a potential competitor to Tesla, will host a "press reveal" event to give more details regarding its electric car efforts on January 5.

Statistics:

  • 3,600 exhibitors will participate at CES 2016 (TheFlyOnTheWall.com via COMTEX).
  • 170,000 attendees are expected at CES 2016 (TheFlyOnTheWall.com via COMTEX).
  • 11 companies, including Facebook, Sony, and Samsung, are nearly ready to release their first wave of consumer VR products (TheFlyOnTheWall.com via COMTEX).
  • 5 major automakers - GM, Toyota, Ford, Volkswagen, and Kia - will make multiple announcements at CES 2016 related to self-driving and connected car technologies (TheFlyOnTheWall.com via COMTEX).
  • 15 companies, including NVIDIA, Qualcomm, Intel, and Lenovo, are expected to make announcements at CES 2016 (TheFlyOnTheWall.com via COMTEX).

Sources:

  • TheFlyOnTheWall.com via COMTEX, Dec 30, 2015, 14:56 EDT.