It’s not ultra-thin mobile phones or super-fast computers, but specialized robots, gaming, and the latest generation of extremely modern televisions that will dominate technology trends over the next 12 months.
Premium “Household Helpers”
The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) in the United States has recently predicted the “technology shopping” trends for 2006, reflecting an inevitable advancement in science and technology that increasingly satisfies the daily lives of people.
The image of homemakers, overwhelmed and bulky, is gradually being replaced by dynamic, beautiful women, thanks to the assistance of robots that allow them more time for other tasks. This “premium maid” workforce has been discussed for some time, but to date, no generation of robots, no matter how advanced, has been able to perform the intricate and skilled tasks required to meet the ever-growing demands of humans. However, thanks to cutting-edge technology, these robots are still seeking ways to integrate into households. It is no longer a far-fetched idea, as there are currently 500,000 households in the U.S. “hosting” vacuum and cleaning robots. This trend continues to grow robustly. The number of household robots, from sorting clothes for the washing machine to scrubbing kitchen floors, is now on par with other consumer electronics. In the near future, these devices will be more accessible to the public as prices become increasingly affordable.
The “Luxury” Television Generation
More and more households are willing to spend significantly on their home “television set” to enjoy higher-quality images and sounds. The “luxury” television generations, featuring flat plasma screens or LCDs, are thriving as new technologies like SED (Surface Conduction Electron Emitter) and OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diodes) are in the works. SED can be understood as a technique that combines the advantages of traditional screens with LCD technology, while OLED technology enables the creation of large, flexible screens using organic diodes.
DIY Devices
Another emerging product line, which is not surprising, is the DIY (do-it-yourself) support devices, ranking among the top technology trends of 2006. These devices are found in nearly every industry and help create customized products for individual preferences. They range from weaving and sewing machines to photography equipment, software, printers, digital camcorders (which record video, take photos, play MP3 music, record audio, store data, and function as webcams). This is a lucrative market as people increasingly seek to express their creativity. Therefore, DIY devices are set to foster new generations of photographers, filmmakers, musicians, and artists in the near future. Experts predict that consumers may spend around $8 billion on these devices.
Gaming
This product category is causing a stir in the market and is expected to expand further in 2006. Gaming has always held a significant position within the top 10 new technology trends, whether it’s online games or video games produced by Microsoft, Sony, or Nintendo. In discussing new technological trends, the future living room is envisioned to be filled with a variety of digital devices and the aforementioned gaming options.
Uyên Phi (BBC)
