14 DAY TRIAL // This year was undoubtedly a good one for advanced technologies, in spite of the global economic downturn that saw a lot less money being spent on electronics. But experts estimate that 2010 will be even better. Sneak previews of the products to be displayed at next year's shows and conventions reveal a huge push in the direction of advanced technologies making their way into every home.
And we're not talking only about motion sensor-enabled game consoles and smartphones, to name but a few. LiveScience got a chance to see the tech trends that will be showcased at CES (Consumer Electronics Association) in January, and here are some technologies we could expect to see more of next year.
First off, there is a great push on the part of electronics manufacturers to bring 3D media and content to the average home entertainment system, and, by extension, to its user. Some companies have already promoted 3D-enabled television sets since last years, but the price ranges of those devices were well beyond the average person's possibilities. Now, more and more producers are pondering the idea of making new types of television sets, which could see three dimensions making their presence felt a lot more than they currently do. Cinemas and games are about the only places were 3D is turned on.
Another class of devices that will soon hit the shelves will be tablets. These are electronic products that are about half-way between the capabilities of a smartphone and a netbook, and so their consumer targets are still a bit hazy at this point. However, there seems to be great interest on the part of IT firms to see this type of products on the market as fast as possible. The first such devices are already here – the Amazon Kindle, the eReader, and other reading tablets, which also provide Internet access.
Additionally, more and more producers are beginning to realize that green is the new black. As people become increasingly aware of their effect on the environment, they look for offers, regardless of the devices they are buying, which have the eco-friendly tag on. This means that a lot of manufacturers could start using that as a selling point. Energy efficiency will most likely be the word of the day at the 2010 technology exhibitions.