In 2013, 4 months have passed, and there have not yet been many interesting gadgets or mind-blowing software released that could increase our efficiency. Fortunately, there are some interesting points towards the end of this year. I’m really looking forward to the end of this year to enjoy the upcoming hardware and software. So what am I talking about?
Here are 5 of my favorite tech gadgets and software updates coming in late 2013 to make me happier. If you are waiting for anything else, let us know in the comments.
1. Netflix on HTML 5
Netflix currently requires certain plugins to work properly on your desktop, most notably Silverlight. Silverlight is a technology from Microsoft that isn’t even being developed anymore. It’s old and outdated, so Netflix is ??slower and harder to run. It’s also problematic on mobile browsers because plugins don’t work as well on smartphones as they do on desktops.
That’s why I’m so excited to hear that Netflix is ??ditching Silverlight in favor of HTML 5, the newest and best web protocol for the Internet. It will be some time before Netflix officially supports HTML 5 due to digital rights management (DRM) issues. HTML 5 is still fairly new and does not currently support the level of encryption Netflix needs to ensure their files are not pirated. Once that happens, you can expect Netflix to appear literally everywhere, although it no longer has the added benefit of speed and fewer bugs.
2. Windows Blue
Windows Blue is the next version of Windows 8 coming out later in 2013. It is not actually a new version of the OS like Windows 7 or Windows 8, but it is essentially a significant patch. Officially, it may be called Windows 8.1. For the most part, it looks exactly like Windows 8, but gives you a few more options to customize your Start screen, etc.
The importance of Windows Blue is that it MAY return the Start button to the desktop and MAY allow users to boot directly to the desktop! Two huge features that are the main reason why so many people hate Windows 8. It’s great because Windows 8 does have some great new features and improvements that make it better than Windows 7. However, the fact that they are forced users to go to the Start screen and the completely removed Start button – which is why the OS isn’t selling very well. Looks like at Microsoft someone made them sane.
3. Google glasses
In case you haven’t heard, Google just unveiled the full specs of the great Google Glass: 5MP camera, 720p video recording, 16GB flash, all-day battery and best feature of all: the bone conduction sensor. This last function will transmit sound from Glass to the inner ear through the bones of the skull. How cool is that? I know some people will hate Google Glass, but if you’re a techie, wearing one of these things will feel like a dream.
4. Xbox 720 / PlayStation 4
The latest consoles from Microsoft and Sony are due out this year, and it’s about time. It’s been almost 7 years since the last Xbox was released, so I’m really looking forward to some serious unusual graphics for these new game consoles. Along with the Xbox is the Kinect, which is great hardware. The next version of the Kinect will presumably have eye tracking and will be able to track even tiny movements like flexing a finger, etc. I already use my Xbox almost every day, so I can’t wait for the next one to be announced in May!
5. Apple iPhone 5S, iPad 5, and iPad Mini Retina
I love Apple products, and while it annoys me a lot that Apple releases a new phone every 2 years, I still love the 5S. I currently have 4S and I skipped 5 just to wait for the kinks to be fixed in the first place. The iPhone 5S will obviously come with a 12MP camera and perform better in low light. I’m more excited about the iPad 5, which hopefully should have a thinner bezel like the iPad Mini, but it’s also much lighter. Then there is the iPad Mini, which I would buy entirely, but only with a Retina display. The size and weight are super-comfortable, but the resolution is the weakest link. This will most likely be the end of 2013, so let’s hope.
That’s what makes me happy for the rest of the year! And what about you? Are you looking forward to anything tech-related in 2013? Let us know in the comments. Enjoy!
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