If the past decade was anything to go by, we can expect much more new, life-changing technologies to be part of our everyday lives over the next 10 years. With that in mind, here are a few innovations that we will see this year.
Next-gen mobile phones
Handphone and mobile device users have a lot to look forward to this year. Google’s first foray into hardware in collaboration with HTC, the Nexus One is touted to be a serious challenger to the all-conquering iPhone. Running on the Google Android operating system, it will provide seamless integration with all of Google’s own and other popular Internet-based services such as Google Maps and Facebook. Other Android-based options include the Motorola Backflip.
3D is the buzzword in the movie industry this year. We’ve seen how magnificent the blockbuster movie Avatar is in 3D, and movie buffs can enjoy the same in the comfort of their homes. The Blu-ray 3D specification has been finalised and Panasonic leads the hardware fray with its stunning line-up of Full HD 3D TVs. Other manufacturers such as Toshiba, Samsung, Sony and LG will be releasing models over the year. Viewers will need to wear a specially-designed pair of glasses and have 3D-compatible TVs and Blu-ray players. Also available soon is Panasonic’s Full HD 3D camcorder, but it comes with a hefty price tag of US$21,000 (RM71,000).
Imagine turning any flat surface into a touch screen – well, this is now possible with Light Blue Optics’ Light Touch system. It is essentially a mini-projector that projects a virtual 10-inch (25cm) touch screen onto a surface. Using an infra-red touch sensing system, the device is able to detect where the user is “touching” the image. With both WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity, it can be used for almost any purpose where a control panel is needed. Turn your coffee table into a TV remote control, anyone?
With an increasing demand for tablet PCs and eBook readers, this year promises to be a big year for these devices. There are some stunning eReaders lined up for release this year, and a standout is the QUE proReader by Plastic Logic. It features the largest display in the market – a 10.7-inch (27cm) shatterproof one – and is set to give existing eReaders such as the Kindle and nook a run for their money.
Over on the Tablet PC front, Microsoft and HP launched the HP Slate running Windows 7, giving it a head start against a rumoured similar device from Apple.
However, Lenovo did one better and launched a two-in-one device – the IdeaPad U1 hybrid is able to switch between a tablet PC and notebook book simply by detaching the screen. With a processor in each section, the U1 is truly a two-in-one device.
New gaming experience
Thought the Nintendo Wii was cool? Well, Microsoft’s Project Natal intends to do one better. When connected to a Microsoft Xbox console, what it does is do away with a controller altogether. Instead, Natal utilises motion sensor technology to track body movement, essentially turning you into a giant controller. What’s more, it features face- and voice-recognition too!
Charging without wires
Fed up with having a different charger for each of your electronic devices and getting all the wires tangled up? With the Powermat, you can charge all your devices wirelessly. How is this even possible? Well, it uses the principles of magnetic induction, where a changing magnetic field across a stationary conductor is able to produce voltage. Devices need to be fitted with a Powerpack battery for it to work.
Game or toy?
Here’s something unique the AR Drone 10 by US-based company Parrot. Essentially it is a remote-controlled helicopter, but one that is controlled using the iPhone with WiFi! Incidentally, the AR stands for “augmented reality” and with two on-board cameras, the AR Drone turns your surroundings into a virtual video game!
No comments:
Post a Comment