"We will see hundreds of drones at CES," says Richard Doherty, an analyst with Envisioneering Group.
The same technology that's advanced smartphones — small chips and sensors — has come to drones, making them smaller, cheaper and easier to make.
Getting a birds-eye view of the world isn't simple. Drones have to be flown, and there's a learning curve there. But this new crop of drones will be way easier to use, say manufacturers.
Derick Xiong launched his Ghost Drone on crowdfunding site IndieGogo last year, offering a unit that could be operated by a smartphone app. He hoped to bring in $100,000 but ended up getting nearly $700,000 for the unit he advertises as "the most affordable, user-friendly drone." He plans to start shipping the $400 unit this month.
"We are making them more automatic," says Xiong. He sees skaters, surfers and even skiers taking their drones with them when enjoying their sports.
Most drones work by connecting to the small GoPro action cam, the wildly popular tiny camera favored by action sports enthusiasts.
Doherty expects GoPro to join the party at CES with an introduction of its own drone, with a built-in GoPro camera. "Within three months, GoPro could become the No. 1 manufacturer of drones," Doherty says.