(CNN) One of the largest technology trade shows will open its doors Sunday in Las Vegas.

At this year's CES consumer electronics show, better known as CES, companies hope to impress reporters, investors, and ultimately consumers with a flashy mix of smart assistants and smart cars, giant TVs and, of course, robots. Some of these products may make waves in the year ahead, others will likely be forgotten by the time the conference wraps up next week.

Apple AAPL Google GOOGL Amazon AMZN More than that, CES typically helps set the tone for which tech trends stick for the rest of the year. It's been years since major tech players have made revolutionary announcements at CES. After all, many of the biggest companies, includingand, host their own product launch events at their respective headquarters. However, the event remains a key platform for some companies, especially startups, to launch new products and make some noise.More than that, CEStypically helps set the tone for which tech trends stick for the rest of the year.

headliners, including Samsung SSNLF Sony SNE John Deere are all readying announcements this year too, in a nod to how CES has grown beyond its roots. The lineup of companies getting stage time this year extends well beyond the usual CESheadliners, includingand Panasonic. Impossible Foods, Delta and evenJohn Deere are all readying announcements this year too, ina nod to how CES has grown beyond its roots.

Apple will also mark an unofficial return to the show for the first time since former CEO John Sculley debuted the Newton personal digital assistant (PDA) in 1992. A senior executive will speak on a privacy-related panel, alongside panelists from Facebook and the FTC.

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