3D Technology
The cinema has begun to embrace 3D technology again, but better technology is now making it easier for consumers to watch interactive games and movies within their own homes.
Earlier this year at the Consumer Electronics Show, Samsung revealed a 3D 22-inch high-definition monitor. Other manufacturers are quickly catching up, and a number of 3D based displays are scheduled to hit the shelves in 2010.
The only downside is cost. The latest 3D monitors require high-end graphics processors, and these will set you back several hundred dollars.
Windows Mobile 7
With so many players in the smartphone market, it’s easy to forget Microsoft’s Windows Mobile software is one of the dominant producers of mobile operating system software. Next year the company plans to release Windows Mobile 7, the next generation of its mobile OS.
The software was initially scheduled for release this year, but delays have pushed it into the second half of 2010. It is expected to include a totally new user interface, a new version of Office Mobile, an accelerometer function, which could include support for games, and a new media player.
The company has kept its new software no secret, confirming leaks from tech blogs and analysts. But based on the reception from tech journalists given access to the new software, Windows Mobile 7 could very well put Microsoft back on top of the mobile OS market.
Solid state hard drives
Most entrepreneurs don’t have time to worry about installing new hard drives, but the upcoming release of cheaper solid state drives should excite even the most technologically ignorant business owner.
These hard drives differ from traditional models by having no moving parts whatsoever, making them less noisy and more resilient to damage. But best of all, they’re faster – much faster.
According to SanDisk, some solid state drives can boot up a Windows Vista-powered computer in less than 30 seconds, from pressing the “on” button to opening a program. If you’ve ever spent precious minutes waiting for a program to load when you could be getting some work done, you need to seriously consider buying some solid state drives.
The only downside, as with all technology, is cost. A 500GB hard drive will cost you about $80, but an equivalent solid state version will set you back as much as $2,000.
Dual-screen laptop
This year has given rise to the netbook, stripped-down versions of laptops relying on cloud-based software to minimise the amount of hard space needed for bells and whistles. But an Italian company is taking that concept a step further, removing a keyboard altogether to create a dual-screen laptop.
V12 Designs released a concept version of the “Canova” laptop two years ago, but production hasn’t been scheduled since the art’s release. However, the company has suggested 2010 could see a release date for the device.
It’s essentially two touch-screens hinged together, and is marketed towards graphic designers, students and eBook readers. Using a touchscreen keyboard may seem out of place on such a large device, but based on the hype this upcoming device has generated it’s a sure bet tech fans will be quick to adapt.
Apple Tablet
Forget software, keyboards and gaming devices – this is the most anticipated device of the year. Ever since a Wall Street analyst predicted Apple would release a tablet computer early in 2009, experts and bloggers have fantasised over what the gadget would contain.
No official data has been released, but a host of leaks and rumours have kept Apple’s upcoming device alive on the internet – manufacturing allegedly taking place in Asia – discussions with media companies regarding new LP formats for a larger tablet-sized product and the leaks from developers regarding apps for a larger touchscreen.
The device is rumoured to come with 3G connectivity, allowing it to access the internet at all times. An improvement on the App Store is also rumoured to coincide with the release of the device, with new program capabilities expected to be introduced.
Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster was the first to say Apple would release a tablet device to bridge the gap between its iPod Touch and low-end MacBook. It’s expected to cost between $US500-700, and will cater to a wider group of customers than low-end netbooks offered by rival manufacturers.
One thing is for certain – Apple changed the face of the music industry with its iPod. Could the Apple tablet, rumoured for release in the first half of 2010, do the same for laptops?
Patrick Stafford is a freelance journalist and a former deputy editor of SmartCompany.
