By Allen Thomas
2015 was a decent year for gadgets- starting off with the usual fervor and enthusiasm, before ending in an asymptotic fashion to make way for a whole new breed of gadgets this year.
Before indulging into what's coming to the markets this year, let's take time to remember gadgets such as the uber-cool Samsung Galaxy S6, and the Apple iPhone 6S from 2015. Leading mobile technology into a level one could only imagine back in 2014, the two managed to up the stakes in the never-ending 'war of smartphones'.
Despite that, there was competition too. The Nexus 6P, Huawei Ascend Mate 8 and the LG G4 receives special commendation for giving the two leading moguls a run for their money. Also worth noting were the fantastic- Apple Watch, FitBit Charge HR; and the desirable Huawei Watch.
In any case, up next is a sneak-peak of what's coming this year. CES mode- engaged!
Before indulging into what's coming to the markets this year, let's take time to remember gadgets such as the uber-cool Samsung Galaxy S6, and the Apple iPhone 6S from 2015. Leading mobile technology into a level one could only imagine back in 2014, the two managed to up the stakes in the never-ending 'war of smartphones'.
Despite that, there was competition too. The Nexus 6P, Huawei Ascend Mate 8 and the LG G4 receives special commendation for giving the two leading moguls a run for their money. Also worth noting were the fantastic- Apple Watch, FitBit Charge HR; and the desirable Huawei Watch.
In any case, up next is a sneak-peak of what's coming this year. CES mode- engaged!
1. LG 8K UHD TV
(Photo : LG.com)
Let's begin with the LG, shall we? The blokes are hitting all the right notes at the Consumer Electronic Show (CES) with their 98-inch 8K UHD TV. And yes! LG just doubled the number of pixels- compared to the miserly '4K' from the yesteryear. Making previous models look almost out-dated in comparison to the new 8K technology, the giant promises 'crystal-crisp clarity' and un-matachable sharpness and clarity.
Of-course, you'd say that this isn’t the first 8K TV to be released in the market, and you're right! Sharp was the first to work to the '8K project', before putting their product out for sale a few months back. Then why all the hype for LG? Because the subsequent Sharp TV costs a whooping US$ 130,000 (50,000-Omani Riyals). We certainly don't know the sort of person would prefer that, but given the price-tag, you'd probably want to look for something bigger- maybe a BMW M6, or a Jaguar F-Type.
In any case, The LG should cost around US$15,000 (5750-Omani Riyals)- a bargain in comparison to the Sharp- but also not cheap, because, you know- not everyone should own a '98-inch tele-y'.
Of-course, you'd say that this isn’t the first 8K TV to be released in the market, and you're right! Sharp was the first to work to the '8K project', before putting their product out for sale a few months back. Then why all the hype for LG? Because the subsequent Sharp TV costs a whooping US$ 130,000 (50,000-Omani Riyals). We certainly don't know the sort of person would prefer that, but given the price-tag, you'd probably want to look for something bigger- maybe a BMW M6, or a Jaguar F-Type.
In any case, The LG should cost around US$15,000 (5750-Omani Riyals)- a bargain in comparison to the Sharp- but also not cheap, because, you know- not everyone should own a '98-inch tele-y'.
2. StoreDot Instant Chargers
(Photo : Storedot.com)
StoreDot is a brilliant company. Period! Buckling up for a mid-2016 entry, the company will be bringing their chargers for Electric Vehicles (EVs) to stores. The organic-tech maker first made waves by charging a Samsung Galaxy S4 to 100 percent, in under 30 seconds.
Its new product is expected to reduce charging times for EVs from 6-10-hours to an almost unbelievable 5-minutes, or in electric-car owner words- 'Starbucks time'. We're still not sure about the negative effects this sort of a device would have on the vehicle's battery pack. Last we checked, a BMW i8's battery pack costs around US$12,000 (4600 Omani-Riyals).
Its new product is expected to reduce charging times for EVs from 6-10-hours to an almost unbelievable 5-minutes, or in electric-car owner words- 'Starbucks time'. We're still not sure about the negative effects this sort of a device would have on the vehicle's battery pack. Last we checked, a BMW i8's battery pack costs around US$12,000 (4600 Omani-Riyals).
3. Cube 3D Printer
(Photo : cubify.com/cube)
Kudos Cube, you've just made life a bit more interesting. Officially releasing its 3D-printer for non-commercial use sometime this year, Cubify say that the product is very user-friendly.
It also comes with the 'Cube App' which allows you to design and colour the object you want to create. Its fast printing carves out the object in less than 5-minutes, and is rumored to be priced at US$600 (230-Omani Riyals), or lesser.
It also comes with the 'Cube App' which allows you to design and colour the object you want to create. Its fast printing carves out the object in less than 5-minutes, and is rumored to be priced at US$600 (230-Omani Riyals), or lesser.
4. PlayStation Virtual Reality
(Photo: Playstation.com)
When PlayStation first announced their interest to indulge users in 'Virtual Reality' with its consoles, we laughed. But of-course Sony weren't kidding. The VR consoles are expected to hit the markets by June.
However, with leaked prices pointing at a US$800 (310 Omani-Riyal) pricetag, experts doubt if the product would be successful. Moreover, Samsung; Microsoft; LG and Oculus are planning on entering into virtual reality market at a fraction of the cost. Of-course, you couldn't enjoy games such as Call of Duty, Project Cars or Gran Turismo on a Samsung phone.
P.S. We believe the PlayStation VR would definitely please its consumers.
However, with leaked prices pointing at a US$800 (310 Omani-Riyal) pricetag, experts doubt if the product would be successful. Moreover, Samsung; Microsoft; LG and Oculus are planning on entering into virtual reality market at a fraction of the cost. Of-course, you couldn't enjoy games such as Call of Duty, Project Cars or Gran Turismo on a Samsung phone.
P.S. We believe the PlayStation VR would definitely please its consumers.
5. Sony Glass Sound Speaker
(Photo: sony.com/electronics/sony-ces-announcements)
Sony first showcased its glass speakers in 2009. Of-course, it never went into production. However, 'CES 2016' saw Sony’s Glass Sound Speaker and LED Bulb Speaker stand out.
It's so unique, we want it. Sony even say that the speakers are 'highly durable' and at the same time will produce exceptional sound.
It's so unique, we want it. Sony even say that the speakers are 'highly durable' and at the same time will produce exceptional sound.
6. Altec Lansing DJ Headphones
(Photo: AltacLansing.com)
No one hates Altec Lansing, but it was about time they came out with something unique. Aimed straight at the DJ-ing crowd, these Altec Lansing headphones have built-in HD-cameras to broadcast live events with utmost clarity and sound.
No, we haven't tried it, but we're sure it will make its way into the hands of gamers (Yes, KSI!) and sports-people. So we're waiting for hilarious bloopers to land on YouTube and other social networking sites, which obviously the DJ Headphones will stream to.
Honestly, a bit gimmicky! But at US$200 (77 Omani-Riyals) it is not a bad gadget to invest in.
No, we haven't tried it, but we're sure it will make its way into the hands of gamers (Yes, KSI!) and sports-people. So we're waiting for hilarious bloopers to land on YouTube and other social networking sites, which obviously the DJ Headphones will stream to.
Honestly, a bit gimmicky! But at US$200 (77 Omani-Riyals) it is not a bad gadget to invest in.
7. LG Signature Refrigerator
(Photo: LG.com)
LG's Signature series is so unique, it almost won the 'CES 2016'. But why on earth are we all interested in a refrigerator? Simple. It opens itself.
Of-course, it's a bit more complicated than that. The Signature's auto-sensing 4-door refrigerator has sensors at the bottom that detects activity to open the doors. It's a nifty feature if your hands are full.
Also, the designer fridge has black-doors, which turns transparent when knocked on (thrice!). This feature helps maintain the quality and freshness of the product, while saving a great deal of energy.
Yes, this is where we're at now. Expect the refrigerator to hit the US$2000 to 3000 (770-1155 Omani-Riyals) mark.
Of-course, it's a bit more complicated than that. The Signature's auto-sensing 4-door refrigerator has sensors at the bottom that detects activity to open the doors. It's a nifty feature if your hands are full.
Also, the designer fridge has black-doors, which turns transparent when knocked on (thrice!). This feature helps maintain the quality and freshness of the product, while saving a great deal of energy.
Yes, this is where we're at now. Expect the refrigerator to hit the US$2000 to 3000 (770-1155 Omani-Riyals) mark.
8. WiTricity wireless laptop charger
(Photo: PCworld.com)
Laptop chargers were never a thing, and we really cannot explain why. In any case, WiTricity has taken up the project alongside Dell and Intel, to build a wireless charger for laptops.
We're not sure about how portable the device is, but if it is as cumbersome as Dell's previous attempt at wireless laptop chargers, expect this to fail too. But for now, this is an interesting prospect. We'd certainly follow up on this product once it's in the market.
We're not sure about how portable the device is, but if it is as cumbersome as Dell's previous attempt at wireless laptop chargers, expect this to fail too. But for now, this is an interesting prospect. We'd certainly follow up on this product once it's in the market.
9. Project Ara by Google
(Photo: ProjectAra.com)
Google’s project Ara is something of a big deal, to be honest. It has been under development for the past 3-years, but Google seem to have mellowed on the details of the product.
They say it's aimed at '6-billion people', which sort of covers 90 percent of the population. The device allows customers to choose the specifications of their phone, depending on their likes, interests and budget.
Rumors suggest that the phone would start off at US$100 (38 Omani-Riyals) before you even start customising the phone according to your will. A good phone should still set you back a few hundred-dollars, say, if you're opting for powerful processors and GPU's.
They say it's aimed at '6-billion people', which sort of covers 90 percent of the population. The device allows customers to choose the specifications of their phone, depending on their likes, interests and budget.
Rumors suggest that the phone would start off at US$100 (38 Omani-Riyals) before you even start customising the phone according to your will. A good phone should still set you back a few hundred-dollars, say, if you're opting for powerful processors and GPU's.
10. Apple iPhone 7 and Samsung Galaxy S7
(Photo : REUTERS/Dado Ruvic) (2013)
Finally, the big one. Both Apple and Samsung are expected to reveal their devices in the coming months, but not one has released any details on the phones- therefore opening up a world of rumors.
Apple iPhone 7.
Trusted Apple sources state that the new iPhone would get rid of the age-old headphone jack. While it may sound like a cruel joke if you've just bought $500-headphones, the positives of having wireless headsets are just immense. For starters, you don't have to deal with breakage!
Apple is reportedly working on developing a new headphone for its new phone with a leading-company (BEATS, mostly).
The company is also cutting 30-percent of its production this quarter, to reduce over-stocking the shelves.
Samsung Galaxy S7.
Recently leaked benchmark scores suggests the new Galaxy S7 will pack a Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 processor with 4GB of RAM, Quad-HD display, 5MP front-facing camera and a downgraded 12MP rear camera.
Other rumors state that the Galaxy S7 will feature the Exynos 8990 chipset alongside a 4K HD display.
However, we're sure that the S7 will be made compatible with Samsung’s Virtual Reality tech.
These two rivals will be gearing up for another year of sales competition. Let the games begin.
Apple iPhone 7.
Trusted Apple sources state that the new iPhone would get rid of the age-old headphone jack. While it may sound like a cruel joke if you've just bought $500-headphones, the positives of having wireless headsets are just immense. For starters, you don't have to deal with breakage!
Apple is reportedly working on developing a new headphone for its new phone with a leading-company (BEATS, mostly).
The company is also cutting 30-percent of its production this quarter, to reduce over-stocking the shelves.
Samsung Galaxy S7.
Recently leaked benchmark scores suggests the new Galaxy S7 will pack a Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 processor with 4GB of RAM, Quad-HD display, 5MP front-facing camera and a downgraded 12MP rear camera.
Other rumors state that the Galaxy S7 will feature the Exynos 8990 chipset alongside a 4K HD display.
However, we're sure that the S7 will be made compatible with Samsung’s Virtual Reality tech.
These two rivals will be gearing up for another year of sales competition. Let the games begin.
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