Exciting technology predictions for 2014
WITH 2013 behind us and 2014 already in full swing, it is time to look ahead at all the exciting new technology we can expect to see this year.
We will definitely see a lot of “sequel” products. There will also be a serious drive towards wearable technology from some of the big names in the industry. Expect to see more from Apple, Samsung and Google in this regard. Smart appliances and innovations in streaming technology will also pick up steam this year. Rumours are that we can expect to see a 4.7-inch iPhone 6 screen (versus the current 4-inch screen) while iOS 8 will definitely bring us some amazing new smartphone functionality.
The excellent Samsung Galaxy S4 will see an upgrade to an S5. Possible inclusions are a metal design reminiscent of the HTC One and 64-bit processing. There are rumours of an Amazon streaming video box, code-named “Firetube”. An announcement was expected last year so you can be sure something will make the news early this year.
Expect similar features to Apple TV and with Amazon’s vast library of digital content, your Multichoice subscription will start looking like an unnecessary monthly expense.
Expect to see a lot of buzz around the words “4K and curved television”. Boasting higher resolutions and curved screens, these televisions will be vying for your hard earned cash.
Leaks of a “real” Apple TV – a flat screen HDTV powered by Apple software, are gaining critical mass. Expect to see an announcement this year. Fans of the Kindle series will be happy to note that a new Kindle Paperwhite model is expected early this year. It will be thinner and lighter than the last revision, boast a better resolution and will offer custom fonts for easier readability. Valve’s Steambox will be making its presence felt with the release of several models at different price points from a variety of manufacturers. Valve is already garnering praise for the excellent controller they have designed for PC gameplay on the television. Google’s Glass project (digital eyewear) has been in beta for a year now and was only available to special testers. Expect Google Glass to go mainstream later this year now that more and more developers are getting behind the project.
Look out for images of Google’s barges – these are possibly floating showrooms for Google’s exciting new technology.
One of the coolest pieces of tech shown off in 2013 should see a release later this year. Oculus Rift is a piece of virtual reality headgear that allows you to be totally immersed in 22seven – keep track of expenses and formulate your budget.
Lose it! – keep those calories at bay by recording your gym and eating habits.
Quit Smoking – see your money savings in real time as well as your daily health improvements.
Evernote – still one of the best organisational apps for storing documents and taking notes.
Lift – start a new habit and cultivate it over time. The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) begins tomorrow. You can bet we will see a lot of exciting new announcements at this event. It is a chance for technology companies to showcase their latest big products so there is a lot to look forward to.
Bradley Millar is a technology adviser and founder of futureTECH – offering personal support in the Port Elizabeth area. Visit www.bradleymillar.com for the latest tech news.