The world has been taken captive by a gadget revolution. Most people used to be happy with their sturdy, old television sets, mobile phones and computers, and they didn’t really care about keeping up with the latest trends. Now, new devices boast futuristic upgrades with each new model, and even technophobes are queuing up for the latest gadgets thanks to the popularity of tablet computers and e-book readers.
This year promises to be an exciting time for technology enthusiasts, and many of the gadgets on this list feature some innovative and even life-changing breakthroughs.
1. Google Glasses
Google Glasses really do seem like something from the future. The wearable glasses deliver an augmented reality overlay to whatever the user is currently looking at. Capable of recording in 720p high definition and connected to the Internet via 3G or 4G, Google Glasses are completely hands-free and can unobtrusively retrieve and display information via voice commands.
2. Next Gen Gaming
Hot on the heels of Sony’s recent announcement that a PS4 will be hitting stores by the end of the year, gamers are waiting with baited breath to see if Microsoft will announce a new Xbox for 2013. A new generation of gaming is just around the corner, and it is expected that both consoles will make innovative use of motion control technology and social media integration.
3. Samsung Galaxy 4
Information about the Samsung Galaxy 4 is sparse, but that hasn’t stopped the technology rumour mill from speculating what features the new smartphone will have. The Galaxy series has managed to rival the iPhone for the coveted ‘best smartphone’ crown, and it is expected that the latest Galaxy will be one of the most impressive models to date.
4. Apple iTV
Apple are hoping to enter the TV market in 2013, and the iTV is expected to be an all-in-one entertainment hub. Full details haven’t been released but it is rumoured that the iTV will have a built-in hard drive, streaming capabilities and support for synchronisation between iPads and iPhones.
5. CST-01 E-Ink Watch
Watches are set to be given a gadget makeover when the impressive CST-01 is released in 2013. Using E-Ink technology for the display, the CST-01 weighs 12 grams and is only 0.8 millimetres thick. The minimalist gadget has no buttons or knobs and is set and charged by a base unit station.
6. Amazon Smartphone
Following the success of its Kindle e-readers and tablets, Amazon is expected to enter the smartphone market in 2013. Few details are available but it is speculated that Amazon will follow their aggressive low pricing model by offering a cheap and powerful smartphone that will be capable of rivalling the likes of Apple and Samsung.
7. iPad Mini Retina
The latest in a long line of successful gadget launches, the iPad Mini was a big hit for Apple in 2012. However, a common complaint was that the Mini lacked the powerful high resolution of the Retina display found on iPads and iPhones. A second generation model will be released in 2013 and Apple is expected to include Retina technology along with a more powerful processor.
8. iPhone 5S
Even the most devout Apple enthusiasts find it hard to keep up with the latest iPhone models, but the iPhone 5S might be the most impressive smartphone to date. The speedy new model will pack the latest quad-core A7 processor for lightning fast applications, and it is also expected to have built-in fingerprint scanning technology for increased phone security.
9. Google Touch Chromebooks
Google are set to revolutionise the laptop computer in 2013 with its Google Touch Chromebook line. The user-friendly models boast that they are the easiest way to use a computer as they boot in seconds, come pre-packaged with virus protection and require almost no maintenance. All of these features are topped off with a sleek design and an intuitive touchscreen display.
10. Toshiba 84 inch Quad Full HDTV
The Toshiba 4k series will set a new benchmark for high definition TV displays in 2013. The Ultra HD is capable of providing four times the pixel resolution of the standard 1080p, and it will even be able to boost the resolution of Blu-ray disks. Other features include Cloud TV support, streaming news integration and Skype video calling.