• by Dave Marsey , January 2, 2015

The countdown to CES 2015 is on. And while it's easy to get overwhelmed by the dizzying array of exhibitors and product launches at the show each year, it's also a great place to get inspired.  We’re here to help. Below are the top three categories we recommend you focus on during the show, and key questions to ask yourself as you walk the floor.

Mobile: Virtual Reality will be big for 2015

Focus on Virtual Reality (VR) across both devices and content. Facebook's Oculus Rift will be on the convention floor for the first time, and Samsung will have its Oculus-powered Gear VR.

Potentially the most exciting option is Google Cardboard. While not as immersive as Oculus Rift and Samsung Gear, Cardboard is beautifully simple and promises to make VR accessible and attainable at less than $10. Simply make some folds and insert your phone. The ability to transform what you already have in your pocket will create significant demand for content.

Google-backed Jaunt is arguably the leader in VR content production through their proprietary 360-degree camera. Download their Android app, construct some cardboard, and enjoy. You'll get a sneak peek at VR content at the DigitasLBi dinner Monday night when Jaunt's VP of Content – Scott Broock – will demo devices with VR content.

A key question to consider: How can you take an upcoming campaign or product launch and tell it in 3D?

Home Automation: Many individual solutions in need of orchestration

New for CES 2015 is Tech West, which features many of the Smart Home innovations made possible by the Internet of Things. The categories on display will be security, climate control, appliance automation, lighting, and power control.

As you take in these sometimes one-off solutions, think about the potential to connect everything together.

A service to become familiar with is IFTTT (ifthisthenthat.com). IFTTT is essentially a decision tree – or "recipe", that connects one-off solutions. For example, "If the weather forecast calls for snow, change my alarm to wake me one hour earlier, change the start time for my coffee, and push back my morning meetings".

A key question: How can you create a "recipe" using IFTTT that features your brand as a solution?

Cars: Bring your own entertainment system

Automakers have realized they should give drivers what they want: a truly integrated mobile experience. Apple and Android are adapting both native and select third-party apps for the car environment. They'll integrate with the car's touch screen and steering wheel controls, and the UX will be adapted to provide a safe experience.

Apple CarPlay will be available on almost 30 new makes in 2015, including Chevy. An aftermarket option via Pioneer is available today.

Android Auto will be available on a similar list of makes; however, their release timing is a bit behind Apple's. Hyundai will be on the show floor with their 7" infotainment system that integrates both Apple & Android. The question is, can your brand create or weave into an app for the car? Consider audio partners that can help you adapt your message for the car experience.

There are two additional categories to note including TVs (LCD is the winner—now we need the content; PlayStation—a sign of what's to come.)

You'll be dazzled by 4K LCD TV's from Sony and Samsung. LCD won the battle against Plasma; it's lighter and more energy efficient. Morgan Stanley is projecting that 40% of TV sales in 2016 will be 4K; the challenge is lack of 4K content.

Samsung has agreed to integrate PlayStation Now within their Smart Hub platform in 2015. No console required!

Also consider wearables, both jewelry and apparel.  Apparel is the latest and most literal wearable to hit the market, from changing LEDs for fashion's sake to health information for the more serious athlete to integrated sensors that vibrate to help you navigate new cities—a vibrating right sleeve will tell you to turn right so you can take in the sights vs. staring at your phone.

Jewelry is entering the wearable market, with a focus on fitness and health. It will be off the beaten path at CES, but worth checking out.

What won't get as much hoopla at this year's show will be phones, phablets, tablets and smart watches. Although there will be plenty on display, expect these to be understated, with March's Mobile World Congress becoming more of a coming-out venue for these devices.

Be sure to check in to LIVE @ CES for all the highlights marketers need to know, including how to integrate the technologies previewed at CES to predict, shape, and inspire positive human behavior.