Well, 2013 is now behind us and we are now into 2014. I thought I would reflect a little on what we, or should I say I, should expect or think will be the new big things…
My guess is two things. Robots and “wearables”. As we become constantly attached to our mobile (cell) phones we are slowly becoming constantly switched on, constantly attached to the internet.
Wearables will be something that “assists” us in ensuring that we are constantly switched on to the web. I feel there is a lot of work and adjustment still required to make these items fit into our normal life, but I can see it will happen. Examples of the pebble, Samsung Gear and I am sure the soon to be announce iWatch are all items we desire but don’t really know what to do with.
The Fitbit, Nike Powerband and the other similar items are a slightly different type of wearable but never the less is something switched on and attached to you. This device measures and then returns data back to a “hub” – the hub being an iphone, ipad or PC. The pebble etc. are all items which provide you with information even if you don’t want it.
My personal feeling is that we are more likely to see the items that record and auto sync to “hubs” are likely to take off more so than the other type of wearable.
Robots are coming. That is my belief and I am confident over the next year or two this will take off. Dishwashers, washing machines, tumble dryers, manual hoovers are all items which have helped out reduce our time and effort in the home.
I fully expect that robot hoovers, robot lawnmowers and other such items are going to help our daily lives and soon. The robot hoovers such as the Hom-Bot by LG and the iRobot Roomba are now producing suitable quality of cleaning, well, just, and managing it without a finger being lifted by us. Well, apart from pressing the “start” button.
With both of these things, robots and wearables, need the price point to come down. At the moment Google Glasses, pebbles, robot hoovers and lawnmowers, etc are costly items and in some ways a bit of a gimmick. Until they come down substantially in price we won’t see them running around everywhere.
I can promise you this – the price will come down, they will become common place – its coming, and its not too far in the future…