All eyes are turning to Las Vegas as the 2015 International Consumer Electronics Show opens this week. Over 3,500 brands are expected to join the massive exhibit, where companies will launch their latest products and devices. 

Even though the event is a popular venue for the latest smartphone devices and home entertainment systems from popular brands like Samsung, Panasonic, LG, and Sony, analysts are also looking forward to the new devices from smaller brands that will launch new types of wearables, 3D printing, smart cars, as well as innovative "connected home" gadgets, which is believed to be one of the main attractions of this year's event. 

Johnathan Marsh, the buying director for electronics and home technology from John Lewis, made his predictions for the exhibit. According to him, "CES will see the debut of many home automation products, from thermostats and CCTV cameras to smart lighting and kitchen appliances, which will all be controlled over the internet or via tablets and smartphones." 

Smart cars are also expected to make a big splash during the CES 2015. According to reports, BMW will unveil a high-tech smartwatch-controlled i3, while other luxury car makers like Audi, Mercedes, Lexus ad Volkswagen are also expected to come up with their own innovations. Forrester Research analyst Frank Gillet claims that although car makers have been developing improved car technologies in the past years, they seem to be neglecting the incorporation of mobile apps to help build better customer rapport.

"What I'll be watching for are signs of the auto industry embracing the mobile mind shift, such as Ford did by adding specific features and support to Automatic's product that improves the experience with cars already on the road, rather than only brand new cars," Gillet stated. 

Although analysts are now questioning the significance of big product events like the CES because of the capacities of the leading companies to launch their products in their own time, it is still expected that this year's event will have a big attendance and will draw huge crowds. 

"It's still the most important event in the calendar across the broader technology landscape," HIS Technology consultant Ben Keen said. 

The 2015 International CES kicks off on Jan. 6 and ends on Jan. 9.