Cloud computing. Ultrabooks. 4G-enabled tablets.
January 2, 2012
DO more with less, that’s the gist of today’s technology. Here are five technology trends likely to change the way we work, play and connect this year
1. More tablets and smartphones
With Windows Phone models, including two Nokia Lumia models and the Android Ice Cream Sandwich-based Samsung Galaxy Nexus to hit Malaysia within the first half of the year, the platform war within the smartphone category will likely heat up. Even with the recent release of iPhone 4S, many users are still anticipating the announcement of iPhone 5…
Next year’s tablets will also feature more improvements in line with higher uptake of mobile broadband services. The rumoured iPad 3 is cited by Citi Analyst to feature retina display while Samsung has revealed plans for a 4G-enabled Galaxy Tab. After PlayBook, it would also be interesting to see what RIM has up its sleeve once its future platform BlackBerry OS10 is released before the end of this year.
2. Ultrabooks over netbooks
While price may be a strong determining factor for road warriors looking for their next computing machine, better processor power and memory, and more superior graphics and connectivity options may give ultrabooks the edge over netbooks. Though there may still be users who would go for netbooks guised in ultrabook-like chassis, industry watchers have noted that inferior specifications may limit the former from gaining further progress.
Acer and Asus have both said they will shrink their notebook and netbook line-ups, while Samsung has announced that it will quit the netbook market altogether this year.
Giving ultrabooks a higher boost is the falling prices of solid state drives (SSDs), as Gartner has noted. One netbook that may yet create a buzz this year is the Chromebook, which Google promises, will be more affordably priced versus its debut tag.
3. HD, 3-D in mainstream compact cameras
Beyond hiking up the megapixel count on sensors, camera enthusiasts can hope for more high-end tools such as higher zoom, HD video recording, 3-D photography, WiFi or GPS in the more affordable point-and-shoot models.
Fujifilm has also announced plans to release its own interchangable mirrorless system camera, joining the likes of Panasonic, Olympus, Samsung, Sony and Nikon.
In the camcorder segment, standard definition will be a thing of the past. So will bulky models featuring hard drives, as the upcoming CES 2012 showings will confirm.
4. Updated entertainment products
As prices for entry-level LCD TVs continue to drop, mid-range and top of the line models will feature more functionalities, including 3-D capability and Internet support. Models with niche capabilities such as LG’s touchscreen Pen TV range may also emerge.
Expect this year’s models to come with Internet support and remote control units to have Qwerty keyboard incorporated in or as secondary accessory. Industry watchers also expect items such as webcam, mic, keyboard and relevant apps to be part of premium model offerings not only from manufacturers but peripheral makers as well.
While last year saw a number of audio visual products especially speakers and players offering iPhone compatibility (docks and wireless connectivity), manufacturers may also consider Android support this year.
Philips has already done so with its Fidelio docking speakers for Android smartphones and tablets.
Gaming consoles will be another smart item to grace living rooms this year. As Sony PlayStation Vita makes its way to other parts of the world outside Japan this year, more users will be able to experience the strength of its quad-core PowerVR graphics processor, WiFi and 3-G network connectivity and GPS functionality. Also, as Wedbush Securities predicts, expect at least an updated version of the Microsoft Xbox console.
5. Cloud-y and app-y
Cloud computing is expected to be one of the three more significant drivers of technological change this year. Already a familiar concept to many, Apple iCloud, Microsoft SkyDrive, Google Apps and the likes are offering gigabytes of storage with security features including backup and restore to appeal not only to home but also business users.
Such services enable users to access their files via multiple devices without worrying about thinning space or dealing with doubles. Meanwhile, business users also get more features including bigger space, desktop synching and enhanced support with a bit of fee.
Apps will also be important to retain an engaging user experience as they switch from one device to another, as well as making devices easier and more fun to use as a whole. While PCs, tablets and smartphones will lead apps offering, don’t be surprised by the emergence of apps for smart televisions, cars, printers, cameras and other devices.
Whether there will be a game bigger than Angry Birds or a killer app more contagious than BlackBerry Messenger is anybody’s guess. Who knows, the next big thing may be a Made-in-Malaysia app!