Smarter devices, Ultra High Definition TVs expected at CES

Over 3,600 exhibitors are expected in Las Vegas for CES 2016. (CEA)

With the 2016 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) due to open this week, connected devices and Ultra High Definition (UHD) displays are hotly awaited at the show, which runs from Jan. 6 to Jan. 9 in Las Vegas.

Stars of the show: connected devices

It's no real surprise that the Internet of Things is likely to see a wealth of new arrivals at this year's Las Vegas consumer tech show. Smartwatches should, for example, be set to make headlines once again, as manufacturers like Pebble, LG and Samsung could be set to present new generation models. FitBit and other fitness-tracker makers may showcase new devices too.

As well as all kinds of smart objects (all with varying degrees of "smartness"), Virtual Reality (VR) is likely to be a hot topic at this year's CES, notably embodied by the first VR headsets. Oculus, HTC, Samsung, and Sony may all be poised to unveil their latest innovations in the field. Microsoft could even give a new demo of its HoloLens headset, as seen at an October 2015 press conference with a hologram-based fighting game.

UHD & flexible displays

After seeing the first curved OLED displays presented in 2013 and 8K TVs demoed in 2014, spectacular developments are once again awaited in the TV sector. This year, 8K technology is expected to be present in a bigger way, with more manufacturers set to preview models at CES 2016, even though no content is yet available in this format.

Given the string of new devices released in autumn and winter 2015, and with the Mobile World Congress due to be held in Barcelona, Spain at the end of February 2016, there's little chance that any major new smartphones will be unveiled at CES. However, some major innovations could still be showcased, such as the first entirely foldable smartphone, currently under development at Samsung. Although theoretically destined for the Asian market, it might be presented at the Las Vegas event if finished in time.

Like every year, CES 2016 has a busy conference schedule, featuring prominent guests such as Won Pyo Hong (Samsung), Brian Krzanich (Intel), Ginni Rometty (IBM), Reed Hastings (Netflix), and Robert Kyncl (YouTube). The future of the connected car will be presented by guests including Mary Barra (General Motors) and Herbert Diess (Volkswagen).

A total of over 3,600 exhibitors from all over the world will be heading to Las Vegas for CES 2016.