Latest in drones, wearable tech star at Consumer Electronics Show

What's hot at this year's International Consumer Electronics Show? The buzz is rising around the latest in drones (yes, drones), the next generation of 4K Ultra HD TVs, cheaper 3-d printers, phablets and virtual reality along with wearable technologies.

For the uninitiated, a phablet is a phone-tablet hybrids. But you'll learn all about them and lots of other new technologies at the annual International Consumer Electronics Show running from Jan. 6-9 in Las Vegas, which brings more than 900 vendors to show off their advancements in technology to an estimated 100,000 viewers.

Also Read: 15 Gadgets and Stars to Get Excited About at 2015 CES (Photos)

TheWrap got a look at what was generating early buzz:

While 4K Ultra HDTV's are not new to the market, the anticipation is that 2015 may be the year these units become more affordable for consumers, and offer more content in 4K to give people a reason to upgrade. Currently priced out of the range of most consumers, the technology has been around for a few years now and is finally ready to make a push for the mass market.

Also Read: Sony Hack Attack: US Official Dismisses Conspiracy Theories Exonerating North Korea

Drones:

CES

Wearables:

One of the hot buzz topics of the year will be wearable devices, with more designers offering functional accessories that are also fashionable. Samsung, Sony, LG and Motorola are expected to debut their latest wearable technologies like smartwatches and fitness bands, but all of it will be done under the looming shadow of Apple's forthcoming Apple Watch. The smartwatch is slated to drop in the spring and Apple, per usual, will not be making an official appearance at CES to promote it.

Also Read: Disney's Mobile Showcase: ESPN.com Revamp, 'Maker Axis' Platform, Disney Infinity 2.0 Previews

Hyundai

3D Printers:

With 3-D printing revolutionizing so many aspects of modern life, the burgeoning technology is marking an even bigger presence at CES with more than 30 3-D printing companies in attendance. With costs expected to drop in 2015 and consumers learning more about the myriad uses of 3-D printing — from creating toys and electronics to prosthetics and even clothing — 2015 could be the year of more mainstream acceptance of the new technology.

Also Read: Universal Names Michael Wise Senior VP, Chief Technology Officer

CES

Virtual Reality:

Phablets:

Meanwhile, a quieter battle will be taking place on the showroom floor where Samsung and others will be premiering new phablets, a hybrid of tablets and phones. Phone screens have been getting bigger, with the latest generations offering both larger display with sharper resolution. As consumers gravitate toward these hybrids, tablet designers and manufacturers will be looking for innovative ways for their devices to stand out and get noticed.

Sony