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Another year passes and another is looming. No doubt 2006 has seen an impressive year in terms of new technology and high-tech gadgetry. Thousands lined the streets at midnight waiting to get their hands on the latest video game systems in the Nintendo Wii and Playstation 3. Cell phones continued to advance in technology and include "everything but the kitchen sink" (and devices are getting smaller). We saw a new wave of portable entertainment with high capacity mp3 and video players that have become the must-have items for teens and adults alike. With all the cool things that came out in 2006, what can be expected from 2007? We'll take a look at some of the new technologies, gadgets, software, and services that we can expect to see in 2007.
New meaning to "mobile" PCs
A new generation of PCs are truly going mobile and breathing new life into telematics, the fancy word for in-car computing. Using an EVDO connection to get broadband from anywhere there's a cell phone service, on-board PCs will allow you to check your email, send instant messages to friends and family, and browse the web all while on the road. One of the first companies’ pioneering the mobile pc is KVH with their TracNet 100 Mobile Internet Receiver with MSN TV. Taking advantage of the growing trend towards placing television screens in cars, SUVS, and boats, KVH Mobile Internet Receiver connects with the television screen to deliver a superior Internet experience. In addition, its built-in Wi-Fi functionality can transform your vehicle into a Wi-Fi hot spot, allowing passengers to use laptops and other devices anywhere in the vehicle. It's a next-generation experience that will catch fire in the years to come!
Get ready for Vista!
After years of delays and speculation, Microsoft is finally setting up for an international release of their new revolutionary operating system, Windows Vista. Vista gives a complete facelift to Windows XP with highly stylized aesthetics and spectacular visual effects, such as a 3D view of the applications open on your desktop. Microsoft has developed a user interface that has to be experienced to be appreciated. This version of Microsoft’s flagship operating systems sees a greater focusing on communication and security, proving that Vista offers an overwhelming number of enhancements that go much further than purely aesthetic. On the front of safety, Vista has built-in parental controls so parents can restrict their child’s access to specific websites, games, and files. A detailed activity report outlines how the child was using the PC, complete with details on websites visited, programs used, and directories browsed. To protect your system from Malware and Spyware, Vista includes Windows Defender. Defender constantly monitors your PC to protect it against incoming threats. When it comes to communication, Vista provides all the tools necessary to stay in touch with family and friends. Vista ships with Windows Mail, an advanced email application that minimizes the risks associated with email. One of the more powerful features of Windows mail is the advanced search feature that allows you to search thousands of files and emails almost instantly. To read and learn more about this exciting new operating system, please visit http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/default.aspx.
Batteries go High-Tech for 2007
In the past decade we've witnessed tremendous technological gains in just about every facet of life and every category of technology. From video games to televisions, even down to computer microchips. Advances have been everywhere! So why is it that batteries have almost remained unchanged for that same decade? Finally... 2007 looks to be the year where batteries get a face-lift and a technological shot in the arm. Introduced at the last CES (Consumer Electronics Show) was the Ecosol Power Stick. This power stick is a high-tech battery that produces portable power for a multitude of devices, including digital cameras and blackberries. What makes this battery unique is the manner in which it's recharged. The battery draws it's energy from the rays of sun or through a USB port on a computer (or any other device with a USB port and a steady power supply). Once charged, the gum-stick sized battery's power can be tapped by the device of your choice. The need to keep buying expensive batteries may soon be over.
Consumer Robotics Advancing in 2007
By now most people have seen (and heard) Robosapien. Robosapien, from Wow Wee technologies, is a large white and black robot with advanced movements and command recognition. The past 2 or 3 years has seen a tremendous leap in consumer robotics in both sales and advancement. 2007 looks to continue the trend with a new kind of robot for the average consumer. It's expected that Wow Wee will introduce a new "flying" robot. The dragon-fly-like robot is approximately the size of a fist and flies by beating it's wings, much like a real dragon-fly would. Shifting gears towards more useful robotics, iRobot (makers of the Roomba Discovery floor sweeper robot) are about to roll out a new robotic workman for your garage. The Dirt Dog is a self-automated floor sweeping robot that is designed specifically for the tough task of cleaning and scouring garage floors. Using two brushes that spin at 1000rpm, the Dirt Dog is capable of picking up all kinds of garage debris, including nuts, bolts, screws, and more. It's expected that 2007 will be a banner year in both consumer robotics sales and technology advancements.
As sad as it is to see another year pass, there is plenty to look forward to in 2007 for both hard-core technology buffs and the average consumers. Technology advancements continue to make our daily lives simpler so we can focus less on menial tasks and more on enjoying life. Wishing everyone a happy and fulfilling 2007!
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