2013 CES Preview

DAILY DOT COM - After months of preparation, the 2013 International Consumer Electronics Show floor is now open in Las Vegas, Nevada.  The CES is a big deal for gadget buffs looking to get a glimpse of the hottest and latest innovations…some 20,000 products and prototypes are on display.

The show floor spans the space of more than 393 basketball courts! Much of the carpeted floor space features gadgets and gears for smartphones, TVs and tablets.

In terms of television, this year's trend is smart internet-connected TV's that put digital content all in one place; in addition to super sharp picture clarity.  For example, new TVs from Samsung will recognize an expanded range of gestures so people can swipe through on-screen menus in a way that revolutionizes the old remote control.  However, LG and Sharp both unveiled bigger TVs that sport "ultrahigh-definition" resolution.   

This year's show also highlights a number of items aimed at making you healthier.  Some of the gadgets in the health and fitness category include devices that can read your body's signals to make you exert more energy, or eat less food.

According to blog posts from the show, tech behind the wheel is another trend this year.  Some of the word's largest automakers have used the show to debut technology aimed at keeping drivers connected and safe.   

Ford and Amazon have combined the automakers in-car music system .  It allows drivers to play music from their smartphones without having to handle the device while driving. 

The automaker talked specifically about a new app created with its Sync AppLink system called Glympse .  It’s a voice activated location-sharing app that can tell family and friends where a driver is and give an expected time of arrival.

The CES began Tuesday, January 8 and wraps up Friday, January 11.