If you’re following the hype around CES 2012 from a distance as we are, you’re probably aware that apps are stealing the spotlight that was typically reserved for hardware and tech products. This year, apps are the name of the game.

From TV’s to mobile devices and household appliances to automobiles, if it hosts an interface of any kind, manufacturers’ and developers are looking for creative ways to fill it with apps.

By now we all know that if tech and toy manufacturers want a fighting chance at success, they needs to beef up its app arsenal. A perfect example is children’s toymaker Wowwee, which will debut a line of collectible toys called AppGear at CES. The toys connect to mobile devices, mirroring the real world with the virtual world.

So, if your child is playing with one of the line’s small foam airplanes called “Foam Fighters,” they can pretend they’re piloting a WWI airship using the accompanying app.

Apps in the Spotlight

For the third year in a row, CES will be hosting the Mobile Apps Showdown, a contest that pits awesome apps against each-other in a fight to the finish. This year, over 100 apps were submitted to the contest and 25 semi-finalists are already in the running.

A new addition to this year’s CES is a fixture called the Wall of Apps where 20 of the best apps by from devices are on display at the entrance of the North Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center. Titles include Zinio, a global magazine service, FastAccess Anywhere, a password reminder app and more will all be on display for attendees to take for test drives.

The Official CES 2012 Android App

As the event unfolds, we’ll be sharing the hottest apps from CES 2012. In the meantime, attendees to the mega event carrying and Android phone should definitely start out by downloading the official CES 2012 Android app.

The easy to use app features links to exhibitors, keynote events, news, hotel and travel, personal schedule news, alerts, maps and many other useful items. I downloaded it and it has worked very well thus far. The app is easy to navigate, intuitive and speedy, and is packed with features for the future such as special offers, FAQs, a friends link and more.

Turning it back over to you – Will you be attending the event this year? What apps or tech goodies are you most excited about seeing at CES 2012? Drop your comments below or reach out to us on Twitter or Facebook. We’d love to hear from you.