New technology for 2014 : High-tech or hot air?

Only one thing is likely to rival 2014 sporting events~such as the Olympics and FIFA World Cup and that’s~the exciting technology we can expect to see. While many consumers are still~unaware of these~emerging products (see illustration) recent data from research company Ipsos Mori suggests these high-tech items are far more than a load of hot air.

3D Printers

With a London Science Museum exhibition on the subject and retailer~ASDA~trialing~3D printing services in the UK, there’s a definite buzz surrounding~3D printing right now. While we may be some way off swapping our 2D printer for 3D, the prospect of being able to design your own household products, create off-the-shelf spare parts such as nuts and bolts and replicate body pieces~appeals to many. 3D printing also currently has the biggest traction amongst GB adults according to Ipsos Mori,~with 36% aware~of and 9% interested in purchasing 3D printers. See below.

Driverless / autonomous cars

It may sound like science fiction but driverless cars are more fact than fiction these days. While unlikely to be commercially available for a decade, self driving cars, accompanied by human engineers, are a regular sight on Californian roads after state authorities introduced an autonomous vehicles bill in 2012. After analysing testing data gathered from thousands of miles of assessment, Google claims its driverless cars are now safer than human motorists. Self-driving cars also have the potential to create more space on roads by being able to drive on narrower lanes using robotic judgment to drive closer together. This could cut~on average 52 minutes off the time US commuters spend on average in traffic jams each day.

Smart watch

It’s always seemed a little strange~to me that in an age of technological advancement watches haven’t become extinct. After all, why do we need a watch when we can tell the time from our phone? There are of course two answers. The watch is both an object of adornment and often status (think Rolex). There are also times when we don’t have our phone with us, such as when we are exercising or in a meeting. The smart watch solves these problems by creating a portable device that can be used for telling the time, making voice calls and running apps relatively discreetly.

Smart glasses / Google Glass

Another technology device backed by Google is Google Glass. Currently being trialed through the Google Glass Explorer Program this light, voice-activated headwear allows the user to perform multiple tasks, such as take a picture, record and share what you see, check emails, get~directions and even translate road signs to menus in real-time. Set to be widely available to the public in 2014, the use of smart glasses could be particularly useful for~groups such as delivery or taxi drivers in receiving directions.

Projection gaming

Last year, Microsoft unveiled a proof-of-concept system for IllumiRoom. This technology adapts the science of 3D mapping to Microsoft’s own Kinect sensors which capture the appearance and geometry of the room to~converge the virtual world with the real world environment in which we live.~While still being developed, projection gaming~enhances the traditional gaming experience. Coming to a living room near you soon.

What technology do you predict will enter the mainstream over the next few years? Let us know.