CES 2016 starts this week: Get ready for these huge tech breakthroughs

CES 2016 begins in less than a week and the trade show is expected to showcase advances in virtual reality, high-resolution television, and autonomous vehicles, among other things.

According to The Verge, advancements in automotive technology are expected to be shown and emphasized by this year’s CES, which occurs between January 6 and 9.

GM is predicted to show off the first production version of its long-ranged, reasonably priced electric car, the Bolt. Volkswagen is predicted to unveil a new, electric version of its iconic Microbus model.

Additionally, Ford is rumored to have teamed up with Google to make autonomous cars. This year’s CES is rumored to be the first ever unveiling of any concrete information about these cars.

On the television side of things, it is expected that many 4K resolution TVs will be showcased, as well as a few 8K models. TVs coming complete with features like HDR, Dolby Vision, and other visual improvements apart from a simple resolution increase are expected as well — and in far greater numbers than they were seen in last year.

Apple and Google are projected to show off new smarthome concepts, leaving analysts to wonder what, if anything, other companies like Samsung and Intel have to show off. It is expected that this year, more so than any other year, smarthome technology will have a large presence at CES.

Speaking of Apple: wearable computing — stuff like the Apple watch or Fitbit — is predicted to represent a large chunk of what CES has to offer, though it is doubtful whether or not there will be a watershed moment for the budding field. Smart headphones called “hearables” are expected to be shown, and sensors in clothing items are a hot ticket as well.

In additional headphone news, Apple’s Lightning connector — which has become the standard among modern Apple products — will allow companies to design more comprehensive, fully featured headphones than those that operate exclusively through the A/V port. Companies like Philips and Audeze, as well as others, are expected to show off Lightning headphones.

Rideable computers are also expected to have a large presence, and it is expected that this presence will go beyond the hoverboard focus from CES’s of years passed. For example, Arcimoto will showcase its 3-wheeled electric cart and Inboard will be demoing its electric skateboard.

Because virtual reality is set to ship early this year, there might not be many advancements to show off on that front. However, augmented reality, like Microsoft’s HoloLens, has the potential to show off something new and unexpected. It’s also thought that companies previously not involved in VR might announce new products.

On top of all of this, there will of course be the CES mainstays: phones, cameras, drones, laptops, and tablets will all be represented healthily at the trade show this year.