Friday 13 December 2013

10 HOT AND EXCITING GADGETS FOR 2014

A look at all the hot tech expected to land next year

A look at all the hot tech expected to land next year
2014’s shaping up to be another game-changing year for tech. Once again, smartphones and tablets are set to become shaper, faster and cooler. But beyond those staples of the scene, there are some hugely exciting new pieces of kit. From smart watches to disruptive games consoles, next year is going to see tech fight its way even further into the mainstream. Below is the list-

 1.Apple iPad Pro

Apple’s iPad Air and iPad mini with Retina Display are still two of the most desirable tablets around. But with Samsung snapping at its heels and Google plotting more new slates in 2014, the Cupertino company needs something to give it an edge. Step forward the iPad Pro.

Much rumoured in the last few months. this new device will apparently pack a massive 12.9-inch screen, with beefed up graphics and processor power. The name follows the same pattern as Apple’s MacBooks and is meant to make it easy to distinguish between the slimline Air and the powerful Pro.

Expect Samsung and others to respond with similarly capacious kit.


2.HTC M8

Despite being laden with praise for its One smartphone, HTC’s had a tough 2013. Samsung and Apple have put on the squeeze and the Taiwanese tech titan is in a fight for survival.

The company will be hoping its new flagship blower, codenamed the HTC M8, will help lift its fortunes. Much like the HTC One, it’s due to rock an aluminium, unibody design and an Ultra Pixel camera. However, its screen is set to clock in at a larger 5-inches, with a speedier Qualcomm processor under the hood.

That M8 name is set to change too. Word is the phone will take a bow at February’s Mobile World Congress bash.


3.Apple iWatch

It feels like Apple’s iWatch has been with us for months, what with the endless trail of gossip and rumours that have consumed tech watchers since late 2012. While some had hoped the smart watch would be out this year, it appears Apple is gunning for an autumn 2014 release date.

The wearable wonder is believed to use a flexible display, with fitness-focused features coming preloaded. Battery life will be boosted by utilising low-powered Bluetooth, allowing the iWatch to connect to an iPhone and hoover up info such as emails, texts and app notifications.

Expect it to be a more fully realised version of Samsung’s disappointing Galaxy Gear.


4.Samsung Galaxy Round 2

Sammy’s flexible phone is already on sale in Korea. And while it may have sold just 10,000 units, it’s still a device that’s worth getting excited about, especially as the tech grapevine suggests that Samsung is plotting a new version of the Galaxy Round for release later next year.

That means the device could be up for grabs to first adopters outside of the company’s home territory. Chances are it’ll keep the flexible side-to-side design which helps it stand out from rival LG’s G Flex, which curves from top to bottom.





5. Nintendo Android tablet

A salacious rumour, but one we’re rather excited about. The Japanese gaming giant is reportedly working on an Android tablet for release in 2014, although sadly for fans of Mario and Zelda, it’ll be for educational games only.

The idea, according to chatter on Twitter, is to appeal to young kids, so there won’t be any ports of classic NES and SNES titles. More’s the pity.

An unlikely piece of gossip, but then why shouldn’t we get excited by the idea of Nintendo trying something completely different?


6.Google Glass

Google Glass is already up for grabs to people on the Big G’s ‘Explorer Progam’, with users’ friends and family also able to spend north of £1,000 to don the silly specs. But 2014 could finally see them become available to anyone who fancies looking like a second-rate Sci Fi character.

Already laden with impressive features, including public transport information, impressively detailed mapping software and the ability to search the web while on the move, Glass certainly feels like it’s ready to make the leap.

Expect a high price and plenty of column inches about privacy fears when Google does finally give it the green light.


7.Nikon 1 V3

Nikon’s stunning 1 camera (pictured) failed to sell, but it seems the camera cobbler is desperate to keep plugging away with its mirrorless snapper. The V3 edition the Nikon 1 is due to take a bow at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas in January.

Insiders have suggested it’ll look like Nikon’s retro-style Coolpix P7800, with a proper flash hot shoe instead of the accessory port found on the current model. Expect it to also give your bank balance a walloping if you do decide to go all in.


8.Canon EOS M2

With Nikon likely to turn up in Vegas with a new mirrorless camera, Canon is likely to offer something similar. The EOS M2 will be the successor to the super sharp EOS M (pictured) and come laden with impressive features and a cool, compact design.

The 20 megapixel sensor will be backed up by improved autofocus skills, with a launch expected at CES. Like Nikon’s effort, this will be a pricey solution for hardcore camera fanatics.


9. Samsung Galaxy S5

The new Samsung flagship phone has been gossiped about for weeks, with stories emerging on a seemingly daily basis. Word is that Samsung will reveal the device as soon as February, earlier than last year’s S4 which got the full-on launch event treatment in March.

It’s believed to pack a metal chassis, 5-inch screen and Android KitKat, as well as a 16 megapixel camera and brighter display. Being Samsung, a cheaper plastic model is also being lined up.

Never accuse the Koreans of not offering variety.


10.Valve Steam Machines

Valve’s Steam platform has helped revolutionise PC gaming. And now the company is hoping to take on the might of the newly released Xbox One and PS4 with its Steam Machines. These set top boxes are essentially PCs running Valve’s own Steam OS, with access to hundreds of amazing titles at lower prices than top tier console titles.

Prototypes are already being tested by some gamers, with a general release expected later in 2014. Prices will depend on the processing power and tech specs of each Steam Machine, but the aim is to offer better value than Microsoft and Sony’s expensive machines.

No comments:

Post a Comment

add your comments!