CES 2016 to highlight wearable technology innovations

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 5 (UPI) -- As the 2016 Consumer Electronic Show prepares to kick off, the trade show held a preview event on Monday to showcase the latest products and technology.

In its 48th year, CES 2016 is scheduled to begin Wednesday in Las Vegas, Nev., where more than 3,600 companies will demonstrate their latest innovations to the public.

CES is owned and produced by the Consumer Technology Association, a trade group which represents the $285 billion U.S. consumer technology industry. Celebrities including Ryan Seacrest, Jenny McCarthy, Nick Cannon and Shaquille O'Neal are set to attend the event.

Wearable technology will be a focus this year -- such as smart watches, fitness trackers and head-mounted displays.

More than 28 million wearable devices were sold in the United States last year, while sales are expected to reach 45 million in 2018. About 5 percent of U.S. consumers own a smart watch, with more than 8 million sold last year.

CES 2016 Preview

Flex Cam PIC

The Flex Cam PIC bendable camera is displayed at CES Unveiled on Jan. 4, 2016, ahead of CES 2016, a trade show of consumer electronics, in Las Vegas, Nev. Photo by Molly Riley/UPI

The Flex Cam PIC is a lightweight, flexible camera that can be worn or placed anywhere. There are different models for the device that come in a variety of colors and fun characters, including a model that is water-resistant. The device was developed by the South Korean PICASSO project team and hosts 16 gigabytes of memory. Cost: $89 to $99 -- depending on model.

Bubbles S-One

A Bubbles S-One lockable connected smart phone charger is demonstrated at CES Unveiled on Jan. 4, 2016, ahead of CES 2016, a trade show of consumer electronics, in Las Vegas, Nev. Photo by Molly Riley/UPI

The Bubbles S-One lockable connected smartphone charger, developed by The Bubbles Company, allows store-owners to offer a device to consumers to charge phones for free. With an average charge time of 38 minutes and accompanying phone applications allowing consumers to track Bubbles locations, the company is marketing the phone charger to businesses that hope to increase consumer retention.

iGrow Hair Growth System

An iGrow hands free laser hair growth system by Apira Science is displayed at CES Unveiled on Jan. 4, 2016, ahead of CES 2016, a trade show of consumer electronics, in Las Vegas, Nev. Photo by Molly Riley/UPI

Apira Science's iGrow Hair Growth System low-level light therapy offers male and female consumers the often-illusive promise of regrowing hair. According to Aspira Science, the device increased hair growth by 37 percent during a trial study. Although the entire mechanism behind low-level light therapy is not fully understood, it is believed the therapy enhances cellular activity by making aging cells more active, which increase their effectiveness in hair restoration. Cost: $695.