What's the Next Big Thing in Consumer Electronics?

As for tablets, they will continue to evolve, say analysts — perhaps finally stepping out of the shadow of Apple. In fact, it appears that Amazon has led the way on that front, creating a device that doesn't try to replicate the iPad, but offers a different set of features for a different audience.

"What needs to happen is these products need to find a niche or differentiate themselves," says Arnold. "It's hard to put out a product that's kind of like the Apple ecosystem, but lacks the apps and costs the same amount."

Apps seem to be driving the most innovation these days — so much so that this year's CES has vastly expanded the amount of floor space dedicated to them. Once confined to a 4,000-foot section, the iLounge Pavilion now covers 75,000 square feet. The area was originally set to be 50,000 square feet this year, but was expanded because of demand.

"You've got a computer in your pocket, you've got a computer in your briefcase, you've got a computer on your desk — and pretty soon you're going to have a computer in your TV — all running apps — and they're going to do most of what you want to do," says Selburn. "The problem is: How do you wrap up an app and put it under the tree at Christmas?"