Years ago, talking robots and computers astounded the imaginations of our grandparents and parents. Jump ahead into the 21st Century where technology is advancing so quickly, it’s hard to keep up with all the new must-have gadgets. What can techno geeks and consumers expect to see in the near future? Here, we look at 10 devices to wow you.
1. Google Glass
Right now Google Glass is in the beta stage, but these slim “glasses” have a tiny prism display that’s set right above your eye, not over it. There’s a camera, GPS and a microphone, not to mention it’s voice activated. Take pictures, videos and connect to Google Maps, or instantly stream what you “see.”
2. Xbox 720
A lot is still unknown about the new Xbox, but expect it to be here for Christmas 2013. To compete with the Sony PS4, the Xbox 720 is expected to possess an AMD Jaguar-based CPU (1.6GHz) and 12 processing clusters, which some say means manufacturer Microsoft may be using the AMD Radeon 7790 chip. Expect a split memory chip — one for the system itself of about 8GB and one for the graphics.
3. Lenovo IdeaPads
A trio of IdeaPads is out there for users to choose from, the Lynx, S Series and A Series and these multimedia android tablets are featured-packed. Depending on the IdeaPad model, get Windows 8, the Android™ 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich or Intel Atom™ as your core technology. With 7-inch to 11.6-inch touchscreens, based on the model, you also get front and rear cameras, Bluetooth, 3G connectivity and long battery life.
4. Apple TV 3rd Generation
The 3rd Generation of Apple TV is here, and it offers 1080p streaming for movies, music and videos. Connect with iTunes, Hulu, Netflix and TV shows from your laptop or PC, and you don’t need a compatible Apple device. What’s nice is new releases for all mediums are often available on Apple TV before they hit the stores.
5. Oculus Rift Headset
Your 3D reality is here with the Oculus Rift wrap-around headset. This new technology gadget tracks head movement and is what virtual reality gamers desperately desire for optimal gaming experiences.
6. Blackberry 10
If RIM (Research In Motion Ltd) has a chance to compete with iOS, Android and Windows phones, it’s with the new Blackberry 10. The operating system is totally revamped and is touted as “the next big thing” in smartphones but will this prove to be true? Only time will tell.
7. Sony Xperia Z / Yuga Tablet-Phones
These tablet/phones from Sony have a 5-inch screen and are super thin. At their core is a Qualcomm APQ8064 chipset and Adreno 320 graphics; powerful, smart and small.
8. Pebble Watches
An e-paper watch for the iOS and the Android? Yes, it’s true and Pebble watches come with an MP3 player. Stay connected to Twitter, Facebook and Instragram on the go.
9. Lockitron
A nifty little gadget that will take the worry about whether you locked your front door or not! Set to work with iOS and Android smartphones via a downloadable app and if you have kids, you can get texts at the office once they’re safely home.
10. Looxcie LX2 Video Cam
Can’t wait for Google Glass? The Looxcie wearable video cam might not have as many features, but you can take videos and share on social media, upload them to the cloud or save them on the headset—it has five hours of video storage.
Over to You
New technology is always fascinating and these top 10 are sure to please both gadget heads and non-techies alike. What are your thoughts with all of the new gadgets on the market? What, if any of these, have you used? What are you looking forward to trying?
About Teddy HuntTeddy Hunt is a freelance content writer with a focus on technology. When not behind a computer, Teddy spends the majority of his free time outdoors and resides in Tampa, Florida.
Hi Teddy, we tend to settle down with the latest technological inventions. However, we keep on getting news of some or the other more advanced version to be laubched. I personally believe we can never have enough of technology, be it in any field. Thanks for sharing the post with us.
Hi Derek,
Thanks for taking the time to comment on Teddy’s guest post. Technology keeps our lives interesting that’s for sure.
Sherryl Perry recently posted..Friday Finds: Focus on Customers, Facebook Tips and Website Load Times
Technology seems to be a rebel. It never fails to achieve far beyond people expect it to. However, if it doesn’t do so people will not be the super power they are today. Whatever the modern world today has, is all because of this over achieving aspect of technology.
Harry,
That’s an interesting observation about technology helping super powers. I agree with you.
Sherryl Perry recently posted..Facebook Graph Search Privacy Concerns – Be Careful What You Like
The world is growing rapidly in technology and that is why new technologies emerge every year.
Thanks for sharing this awesome post.
Orjiakor recently posted..How To Register For Gulder Ultimate Search 2013
I do love gadgets, a bit to much at times. It can be an expensive habit. I think Google Glass has the potential to be a game changer. The price may be a bit out of people’s range but it definitely has the cool factor. The Apple TV 3rd generation Intrigues me. I am in the process of upgrading our TV and will be installing Apple TV. 🙂
Susan Cooper recently posted..Gainey Chardonnay 2011: Wine
Buying gadgets can be an expensive hobby. My husband is the gadget buyer in our household and he usually waits until he finds them on eBay. Good luck with your Apple TV!
It’s interesting how fast development is nowadays. It’s great fun but do we really need all these gadgets? Agree with what Jeanette says about Google glasses. But then again, the majority of people in this world love gadgets and buy anything new because they feel it gives them prestige and makes them feel important.
You should see the amount of gadgets Asian working in the Middle East buy before they go back home to visit. If they don’t, the people in their village conclude they are not successful. First time a medium level Asian asked me where I got my digital camera I was amazed that he felt he could afford one. But they spend a fortune on such gadgets, even though they really cannot afford them.
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Catarina, I agree with Jeannette too that most of us don’t need the glasses and I really fear that some people will try to use them while driving. My favorite gadget in Teddy’s list is the Lockitron. At least that seems practical.
That’s too bad that some people feel the need to buy gadgets as a way of impressing others but it’s reality.
I’m so astonished with E-Paper Watch for iPhone and Android. they are just wow. and of course google glass are awesome. God! I’m scary to think what 2015 will bring to us)
Martin recently posted..Turning your hobby into a job – Make money out of blogging
Martin, Some of the technologies that are coming out are amazing. It wil probably be a while before some of them become main stream.
I can’t wait for the Google Glass to come out in the market. I am sure it is not just me. A lot of techie people are surely excited to get hold of this one.
That seems to be the most popular of the ten technologies that Teddy wrote about Jeremy.
Sherryl Perry recently posted..How Do You Know Which Bad Links Caused Your Google Penalty?
I know my husband will have to get the new xbox, and we rarely even use our current xbox, other than as a receiver for Uverse TV that is. He told me the new one will be able to play blue ray DVDs, so I guess that’s a plus. It will be a really expensive DVD player 😉
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Luckily, my husband isn’t into Xboxes. He tends to go for little obscure gizmos like video cams and other devices that he can use in a vehicle.
Good luck with your expensive DVD player! 🙂
Sherryl Perry recently posted..How Do You Know Which Bad Links Caused Your Google Penalty?
These make me think of the Jetsons TV show and some of the technology does look interesting. I do wonder how you would wear Google glasses over your own glasses?
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Susan,
On July 11th, Google filed a US patent application for a prescription version of Google Glass. From what I’ve read, it’s not clear if it would attach to your eyeglasses or if you would need to buy compatible prescription glasses. (I shudder at the thought of people driving wearing them!)
I do too Sherryl as there are enough distractions when driving.
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Hi Teddy,
I stay in Africa and must confess that we are still lacking behind in most of this technological advancement.
I’m mostly keen and enthusiastic about the Google Glass, I look forward to buying it once it is available in Nigeria.
Hi Dare,
Sorry to hear Africa lags behind in technology. I hope you get your Google glass someday.
Sherryl — Steve Jobs famously said he never conducted consumer research because he believed that people didn’t know what they want. He invented products that produced a need where there wasn’t one before: i.e., the smart phone. Wonderful.
But I think Google Glass has gone one step too far. Do we really need to be walking around with a device on our forehead that that does everything but sing and dance? This is not on my must-have list!
Jeannette Paladino recently posted..How a Tweet on Twitter Got Action (Finally) From a Social Care Rep
Jeannette,
As I read your comment, I got a mental picture of people driving around wearing a Google Glass. It’s dangerous enough with the number of people who text and drive let alone that!
Hi Teddy, Welcome to Sherryl’s place. I am quite fond of tech and gadgets in particular. My favorite tech you listed is the Pebble watch. I’ve had mine since March and can’t stand to be without it. I love that it lets me read my text messages instantly and alerts me to incoming calls. I could have it do more, but I don’t want my wrist buzzing constantly!
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Hi Carolyn,
I’ve always wanted to try the Pebble watch. It seems like it could do so much! Thanks for reading.
Carolyn,
I haven’t seen anyone wearing a Pebble Watch before but I’m going to start keeping an eye out for it. They sound very cool.