CES 2014

In the past few years, I haven't attended the CES show as often as I used to. It wasn't as rewarding to make the trek as it proved to be in previous years. At some point, it almost seemed to have lost its way, but CES seems to have bounced back from a relative lull since 2010. Additionally, the mainstream tech media is providing so much more coverage, that you can more comfortably follow the trends from the comfort of your desk without having to walk the miles and miles of show floor space.

As of last year, CES started to spotlight smaller hardware startups. This has notably resulted in a more vibrant and relevant show. One of the bigger announcements were made in the wearable tech sector. The Pebble watch was launched in 2013, but was back to introduce a more upscale lineup with metal cases and bands. Read more on how "Startups steal the show"

HIGHLIGHTS:

WEARABLE TECH: new metal banded Pebble watches, Qualcomm Toq, and other doodads. Even a connected toothbrush by Kolibree!

CONNECTED HOME APPLIANCES: Belkin WeMo LED light bulbs, and a real odd WeMo controlled Crock Pot, EverSense thermostat (competes with the Nest) and other items such as stoves, and wireless locks...

SMART HOME HUBS: What do you do with all the various wireless, connected devices in your home when they are made by so many different vendors; how do you integrate and control it all? Well, several companies introduced "smart hubs" to provide solutions. They can consolidate control via a single smartphone app, and the Ivee can even do this through voice control: Zonoff (partnered with Staples), Revolv with HomeDepot, Ivee Sleek (Kickstarter funded).

All the hardware products here are "works in progress" and are actively trying to be compatible with every vendor possible. There will be countless ways to trigger automated events (ie - wearable bluetooth bands) especially when combined the awesome IFTT(If This Then That).

CAR TECH: Google and Apple announced alliances with major car manufacturers

LATEST TV TECH: What is CES without their major anchor, the venerable TV. 4k screens are being touted heavily, despite the fact that content is not available yet. There is the Samsung bendable LCD screen. It seems more of a gimmick than something that is actually viable. Sony ultra short throw 4k projector that uses lasers.

That pretty much wraps up my short list this year. For more in-depth coverage, I recommend CNET's CES 2014 landing page.