Nerds have infiltrated the marketing industry. Unashamedly I am one of them. We’ve got to understand the data, we need to keep up with our early-adopting consumers and we need to provide seamless experiences.
Apart from being a data nerd I am a tech-geek and I wanted to share with you the 5 tech toys that I’m looking forward to seeing in 2013.
iPhone 6
Love it or hate it, the 2012 launch of the iPhone 5 didn’t exactly strike the hearts and the minds as those launched before it had. But you can bet they’re going all out to make sure the iPhone 6 will be something truly special.
Whether we see the iPhone 6 in 2013 is dependent on their plans of an iPhone 5S, which if launched will sure to be a modest upgrade to the current model.
If the rumours are true expect another change in the screen for the iPhone 6 with a larger 4.8 inch retina display that will be thinner and boast even more clarity. Apple will also use their new processor chip as another upgrade to the iPhone, whilst there is also talk about sonar technology and wireless charging.
It will be a huge year for the smartphone market as Samsung seeks to further their gains with the launch of Samsung Galaxy IV, and keep an eye on the progress of Motorola’s multi-year partnership with Intel – Smartphones with Intel chips has to be a good thing. Could Facebook launch its own smartphone in 2013?
Apple iTV
Taking the Apple TV set top box one step further, there is significant talk that Apple is planning a long-awaited launch of the Apple iTV – That’s right the whole TV produced by Apple.
The rumours suggest that Apple hopes that it will be the main focus of consumers’ living room, having control across a range of multiple devices. It is also rumoured to feature Siri and FaceTime, which I’m not even sure the Jetsons had imagined.
Steve Jobs had discussed his desire to really interrupt the television industry in the same manner Apple did with iTunes but then again the iPad’s impact on the television experience may have quelled their desire.
Either way it sounds like Apple has a launch planned for 2013 but it just might be a huge upgrade to the Apple TV set top box.
MacBook Air with Retina Display
Apple launched the MacBook Pro with retina display in 2012 and we would expect to see the new MacBook Air feature a retina display when launched in 2013.
Many will be eagerly awaiting the launch, particularly those who made the move from the MacBook Pro to MacBook Air prior to hearing of the new display.
Also expect to see an upgrade to the processor platform for the new MacBook Air.
Google Glasses
Google took them for a test drive in 2012 without releasing them but it is expected there will be an initial release in 2013 after pre-orders were taken in 2012 at US $1500.
The early-adopters will be wearing the glasses like they’re wearing a smartphone, they’ll be taking pictures and recording video, sending SMS and making phone calls and so much more.
A number of questions surround the Google Glasses, like will people seriously walk down the street wearing these things? Do Google even care whether these things sell? Are they going to fail like other radical technology launches like the Segway?
Personally, I think we’re ready and whilst they may not hit that critical mass anytime soon they will be viewed as a successful advancement in technology.
For those not quite inclined to hit the slopes you may also be interested to know that Oakley has already launched Goggles with a built-in display integrated with Bluetooth and GPS and allowing users to make the most of pre-loaded maps and a music playlist.
The Flex
We’re going to see a flood of new devices and apps to help us stay fit in 2013 and beyond. One that will likely grab the attention of the broader consumer base will be Fitbit’s The Flex.
The stylish wristband on pre-order for US $99 should be worn 24 hours a day so it can track your steps and kilojoules burned, monitor your sleep quality, and more. Data is nothing if it can’t be synced and The Flex will do this with your desktop, tablet or smartphone.
Honourable Mention
Robot Dragonfly
Techject started research on the Robot Dragonfly with a US$1 million grant from the US Air Force. Since then they’ve sought further funding via Indiegogo thus bringing the product to the public. The funding is now closed after reaching a further US$1.1 million.
The Robot Dragonfly is more than impressive fitting into the palm of your hand and weighing just 25 grams (Roughly the weight of an AA battery). Even more impressive is the fact that the basic version was coming in at just US$99.
With the funding now closed Techject are not officially taking orders but you would assume with significant interest resulting in US $1 million of funding more than their project goal, they might be taking additional orders at some stage in 2013.
But if you’re keen don’t hold out for the $99 entry model, take a look at the version starting at $399 which takes high-definition pictures and can be controlled by your tablet or smartphone via wi-fi.
This is one tech toy that I would love but will never get because well, it’s just a little creepy. Worth an honourable mention.
