My Tech Predictions for 2012
- We'll see Siri like voice recognition functionality included in nearly all electronics such as desktops, laptops, tablets, and other mobile devices.
- iPad 3 in April will not see a dramatic change in form factor but will sport a 4G LTE, quad core processor, more RAM, longer battery life and better front/rear cameras.
- Microsoft will launch Windows 8 convertible tablets and slates in late 2012.
- And in late 2012, Amazon will launch two new Kindle tablets: 1) improved 7 inch Kindle Fire touting a front-facing camera, and 1 GB of RAM and 2) 10 inch Kindle tablet with a front and rear facing camera.
- Versons of Xbox Kinect devices will become available for PCs as attachable units that will allow users to be the controller for their PCs vs. keyboard/mouse – Think Minority Report.
- iPhone 5 will sport a new sleek design, 4G LTE, improved Siri artificial intelligence, FaceTime over 3G, and enhanced, more robust Notification Center (widgets).
- Internet-connected/augmented reality eyewear will be available in 2012 with head up display (HUD) and Siri like voice recognition functionality.
- Self-driving cars in 2012 will come to fruition later this year.
- Google+ will gain momentum in 2012 in particular businesses, celebrities, & politicians will use Google+ more to connect with their audience using Google Pages/Hangouts.
- Robotics in the home will become a reality for some individuals in 2012 and go mainstream in 5 years.
Facebook Timeline makes for a decent Twitter Timeline & Archive
Xbox Live Live Now on iPhone & iPad
Xbox just beat PlayStation to the punch with the launch of My Xbox on the iPhone and iPad. The app is pretty slick too; giving users the ability to customize their 3D avatars, send/receive messages from Xbox friends and view your gaming stats.
Although I like the Xbox especially the Kinect games which are totally fun to play, most of my online buddies are on the PlayStation Network (PSN). With the release of Avatar Kinect, Xbox’s 3D Chat rooms I might find myself online more if I can get some new friends to hang out with on occasion. So hit me up if you’re on Xbox. My ID is RaAusar.
PSN please follow suit with a PlayStation Home iOS app that will allow for 3D avatar customization, message our PSN friends, view news and updates on the PlayStation Network.
My First Impressions on the Kindle Fire
The Silk browser seems very reminiscent of the tab browsing on Safari for the iPad. Pages loaded quickly however in my comparisons the Kindle Fire loaded slightly slower than my 1st Gen iPad. This is likely the result of Flash animations loading in the background on the Kindle. It’s important to note that iOS devices do render Flash in their browsers. Yet, the Kindle Fire is no slouch when it comes to browsing the Web. And since I mentioned the iPad, I must admit the Kindle Fire meets many of my tablet needs however it’s not an iPad killer nor a replacement for my current iPad.
Here’s why. The Kindle Fire is that ereader that you wish could browse a website at whim, check your email on occasion or read a magazine or book in color. Very much like an iPad but because of the 7 inch lends it self to very menial tasks. For instance, reading pdf articles is something I do on a daily basis however reading pdfs and magazines to that matter on the Kindle Fire requires a lot of zooming in and out in many situations; something that is very jarring when you’re trying to comprehend a passage of text on the fire. It’s doable for short pdf articles but reading dissertations and long research articles is a bit of a challenge because of the smaller screen.
The lack of availability of apps for the Kindle Fire is another thing I hope will change with time. Currently, the Amazon App Store has approximately 10,000 apps and many of them aren’t even compatible for the Kindle Fire in my experience with searching for apps (Amazon App Store tells you which device can or cannot install a particular app via the web). I was happy to see QuickOffice installed and Netflix available in the store but was very disappointed to find the SpringPad and Speedtest app wasn’t available for the Kindle Fire. Another thing that I find very annoying are apps like Facebook and Twitter which are basically bookmarks to the mobile version of their website.
Overall, as a power user I’m very satisfied with my purchase. This device was meant to serve a specific purpose where I find the iPad too big and heavy to carry around. The $199 price point ($50 for me after using my Best Buy Reward Zone points) and 7 inch screen size makes this device an excellent stocking stuffer. Not to mention, the vast majority of people will mainly use this device to read books and magazines, or check the web. And because it fits nicely in my coat pocket or small tote bag, It’s the device I will use when traveling about and at my bedside. It's a wonder buy and good entry into the tablet market device for many people.
The Verge gives us a Review of the Kindle Fire
http://theverge.vid.io/v/6f31a73e-0e8d-11e1-8262-12313d0556e5
Joshua Topolsky from the Verge gives a detailed run down of the Kindle Fire; launching on the 15th of November here in the States. Based on his review which can be read here I’m happy with my decision to get the Kindle Fire. For me it’s a nice little wedge between my desktop and iPad. Yes, I said iPad – my laptop replacement device for now. It was because of the 7 inch form factor and $199 price point that swayed my decision to get the Kindle Fire. The iPad in many situations is good for a lean back experience however it was terrible for in reading in bed and carrying it around in my ScottyVest jacket. Although it only has WiFi which 99% of the time I’m at least near some sort of hotspot (and I do have a 4G MiFi card that goes whereever I go).
As soon as I have my hands on the Kindle Fire, I’ll post my first impressions. Until then check out Josh’s review.
Sony Computer Entertainment Americas (SECA) just launched a total redesign of it's core spaces in PlayStation Home, a 3D virtual space where users create avatars, play free online games, and hangout with their PSN friends.
The PlayStation Home makeover includes updates like:
- The Hub- a central point of interaction within Home with teleportation pods to various districts within Home. It's the place to get information on community activities and meet new friends.
- Sportswalk – an themed sports bar area geared towards the sport fans at heart that features a several poker tables, a interactive Sports Quiz machine, and big screen TVs piping real world sports news from the Associated Press.
- Action District – a space suited for hardcore gamers containing a first person shooter game called Bootlegger and ports to other action oriented areas of Home.
Other updates include a totally redesigned Mall and Theatre. I think current Home users who frequent the mall will enjoy the walk-in store experience that comes with this update. However, not all stores are accessible for walk-in but there are quite a few like the Threads, Ndreams, & Estates stores. It will be interesting to see a walk-in experience compares to the store front experience. A normal store front for those who aren't familiar with Home only allows your Avatar to entry into the door before the PSN Store displays onscreen. The new walk-in store are more realistic where you Avatar look around inside the store before deciding to make a purchase a the counter. In many ways this yields several opportunities for content creators to highlight certain specials or items in the store.
Lastly, the ability to purchase music to play in our personal space (apartments and clubs) adds a nice addition as well. Hopefully, one day we'll be able to stream music from our PS3.
Amazon Wants You To get Your Kindle Fire Ready Play Music
