Kelly Klein founder and CEO, Student@Home talks us through the top ten techs of 2014
1. Apple iTV
Rumours around this highly-anticipated goggle box include Siri voice control, ultra-HD screens in up to 60 inches, an intelligent audio system and a late-2014 release date.
2. Google Watch
A wearable computer that will bring travel alerts, weather reports, location info (and more) straight to your wrist. And in true Bond style, it’ll be voice activated – like Google Glass. Expected by Summer 2014.
3. Apple iWatch
Keeping the competitive spirit alive, Apple is also developing a voice-controlled smart watch, built for easy access to calls, music and apps. However, ongoing production setbacks mean there’s no release date for your calendar.
4. Google Glass
2014 sees the consumer release of what is probably the most personal gadget you’ll ever own (or dream of owning). Read our review here.
5. Ultra HD 4K televisions
Now available from most major TV makers – some with curved screens – these bad boys deliver four times the picture resolution of standard 1080p HD (that’s eight million pixels compared with two million). Coronation Street never looked so good.
6. Bendable TVs
Yes, you heard right. At this year’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES 2014) in Las Vegas, LG and Samsung unveiled cinematic flexible TVs that switch from flat to curved at the touch of a pricey button.
7. Scanadu Scout
This ingenious device from medical tech company Scanadu can read your vital signs simply by being held to your forehead. The Scout can track your heart and breathing rate, temperature, blood pressure and oxygenation, and is expected to decrease hospital admissions by spotting problems earlier. First shipping expected at the end of March.
8. Shiny new smartphones
But of course! Samsung’s Galaxy S5 (iris-scanner, 2K screen, expected April) and Apple’s iPhone 6 (rumoured: full HD display, fingerprint recognition, expected Summer) will slug it out for the title of most-lusted-after mobile of 2014.
9. Haptix computer controller
San-Francisco based company Ractiv is on a mission to replace the mouse and trackpad. Its multi-touch and 3D sensing device Haptix enables you to use any surface or area to control your computer. Computer keyboard, coffee table or even mid-air: just tap to click, pinch to zoom, or swipe to scroll. Find out more and see it in action here.
10. 3D Printers
Following Asda’s foray into 3D printing, 2014 looks set to be the year that 3-DIY goes mainstream. With machines now on sale from £700, you may soon be able to scan and print your grandchildren; though the copies may be quieter, smaller and made of plastic.
Kelly Klein is founder and CEO of Student@Home
Originally posted Student365