Self-propelled skates, web-connected toothbrushes among Consumer Electronics Show stars

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 5 (UPI) -- The International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) starts Tuesday with more than 900 exhibitors in Las Vegas showcasing the latest products and technology.

In its 47th year, CES will feature gadgets like smartphones, drones, fitness trackers, mobile-device keyboards and transportation devices like RocketSkates, a transportation technology presented by ACTON Inc. that's essentially a self-propelled set of roller blades that can reach speeds up to 10 mph.

Connectivity between everyday items like cars, toothbrushes and kitchen appliances is a focus of this year's event.

"The Internet of Things," as regarded by Karen Chupka, senior vice president of events and conferences for the Consumer Electronics Association, means connectivity between items in a network that can be linked to devices like smartphones will allow "greater control and management of our everyday lives."

Motion-sensing technology applied in cars, robotics and medicine as well as technology that can control the lighting, security and other features of "Smart Homes" via tablet will also be displayed.

Nest Labs will be showing off a Smart Lock that can either warm or cool your home immediately after locking your door and a thermostat that detects who is home and what temperatures they prefer.

A bluetooth speaker that floats above a base took the top prize in innovation.

More affordable Ultra High Definition, or 4K, televisions that offer some of the highest resolutions available will be presented.

LG announced the company's new brand of OLED TVs will have 4K resolution with streaming capabilities between devices. The company also announced a washer and dryer that has a smaller washer underneath the bigger one for lighter loads.

Keynote speakers for this year's CES, which runs through Jan. 9, include Boo-Keun Yoon, president of Samsung Electronics, Dieter Zetsche, chairman of Mercedes-Benz, and Mark Fields, president and CEO of Ford Motor Co.

Information about technology on self-driving cars that are smart enough to know how speed limit signs operate is expected, and although Apple Inc. won't be participating in the event, companies are expected to show off accessories for the Apple Watch.