In this issue of Recap in Tech, we are showcasing the 2015 International CES convention, which occurred this past week.

The 2015 International CES closed on Friday, January 9 and was reported as the largest show in the convention’s history. With more than 2.2 million net square feet of exhibit space and more than 3,600 exhibitors, innovators showcased products across categories like automotive electronics, digital health care solutions, unmanned vehicles, home automation devices, 3D Printers, gaming and more. More than 170,000 industry professionals were present at CES this year to experience the consumer technology innovations from around the world.

“This CES vastly exceeded our expectations. The show inspired and likely gave almost every attendee a sense that innovation will provide solutions to a range of global issues from the environment and agriculture to transportation, health and safety,” said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO, CEA. “CES is the center of convergence among content, services and products, combining to create amazing new technologies to improve our lives and entertain us. It’s been incredible to see thought leaders from many diverse communities come together for cross industry collaboration.”

CES features technology breakthroughs and product launches across the technology ecosystem and this year’s convention had 375 startup companies, which was up from 220 in 2014. CES is actually considered by many as the ‘new World’s Fair’.

CES will return to Las Vegas on Wednesday, January 6, 2016. It will run until Saturday, January 9, 2016. Visit CESweb.org for more information.

BEST OF CES 2015 Awards

Each year companies nominate products to be considered the best of the best of the International CES in the Best of CES Awards. An editorial team from CES’s Best of partner determines the winners based on guidelines for 16 of the 17 categories (People’s Choice Award determined via reader poll).

Best Startup: The startup showing great sophistication and innovation while also demonstrating a clear path to real-world availability. Eureka Park will be a focus.

Winner: AmpStrip

Best Digital Health and Fitness Product: A product exhibiting the most innovative use of technology to improve users’ health and well-being. Example products include smart scales and activity monitors.

Winner: Bragi’s “The Dash”

Best Wearable: The best gadget at the show that can be worn on your person. Examples include smart watches, augmented reality glasses and any piece of wearable item (be it socks or shorts) that have sensors in them.

Winner: Bragi’s “The Dash”

Best Automotive Technology: Technology related to the ever-advancing science of getting from here to there. Example products include infotainment systems and advances in self-driving technology.

Winner: Mercedes’ F 015 Luxury in Motion concept

Best Home Theater Product: This award is all about home entertainment. Example products include set top boxes, streaming players, tuners, audio systems and more.

Winner: Sling TV

Best (Connected) Home Product: A product that belongs in the connected home. Example includes smart refrigerators, connected thermostats and smart lighting.

Winner: Energous WattUp

Best Software/App: A piece of software that stands out from the rest.

Winner: Sling TV

Best Innovation (Disruptive Tech): The product or service that challenges the status quo with its innovative twist on technology.

Winner: Energous WattUp

Best Mobile Device: The smartphone or tablet that most impresses with its combination of specifications, design and overall ability.

Winner: Dell Venue 8 7000 tablet

Best TV product: The television that is deemed the best in terms of display, design and overall quality, or the product that might most revolutionize your use of that screen.

Winner: LG Art Slim 4K OLED

Best Gaming Product: The product that best moves forward the broad field of gaming. Example products include game-specific tablets and PCs, videogame consoles, controllers and gaming services.

Winner: Razer Forge TV

Best Offbeat Product: The product that turns heads on the International CES showfloor without necessarily fitting into any defined product category. This product may not be the best of the best at the show, but it will be one of the most talked-about.

Winner: Belty

Best Maker-Friendly Technology: This product is geared toward the DIY/maker community. Examples include 3D printers and Arduino-like processing units.

Winner: MakerBot composite filaments

Best PC: The best laptop or desktop, judged based on its design and specifications.

Winner: Lenovo LaVie HZ550

Best Robot or Drone: A drone or robot that is deemed the best of this unique category.

Winner: AirDog

Best of the Best Award: The device, service or technology in any category that stands clearly above the rest, judged based on its innovation and design quality.

Winner: Sling TV

People’s Choice Award: The product from this year’s show that most captured the hearts and minds of our readers. The winner will be determined by viewers and readers.

Winner: Razer Forge TV