Often we find ourselves unable to keep up when technology is advancing at such a rapid rate. We can’t turn our heads without a new smartphone release or a tablet creation with even more apps and features than you could imagine.
And with Christmas just around the corner, it’s no surprise why brands are pushing the boundaries to create fresh and exciting gadgets that we’re sure technology are just itching to try.
As the year draws to an end, we take a look at some of the most exciting gadgets to keep an eye on in 2016 and just how much these could really transform the face of modern technology as we know it.
- Wearable Technology
If you’re not familiar with the Apple Watch by now, you may want to do a little catching up. However, as a result of Apple’s latest creation, 2016 looks set to be the year when a whole host of other wearable technology devices hits the shelves.
The Pebble Time Steel watch in particular promises 10 days of battery life from a single charge, making it a worthy competitor for Apple. It is compatible with apps on both Apple and Android, meaning you don’t have to choose a watch that is going to work for your phone – a handy feature for buyers who perhaps don’t want to stick to the same model.
It links to your past, present and future by showing you emails you perhaps may have missed out on and up-and-coming events. Based on these great features, it’s easy to see why the Pebble Time Steel watch could be a big hit in 2016, and a way for other brands to follow suit and start creating their own versions.
- Airwheel Airboard
Ever since the 80s classic, Back to the Future, we’ve all secretly been waiting for the day that a hoverboard is created. However, whilst technology hasn’t quite mastered it, the Airwheel Airboard is a close substitute.
The physics of the board allows you to lean in the direction you wish to go in, simply by pushing your toes down. The board uses pressure pad recognition in order to achieve this and it is incredibly easy to use and navigate – making it a big hit for everyone.
Due to its popularity and fantastic workmanship, we wouldn’t be surprised if children and even adults have this on their Christmas wishlist this year.
- MIITO
For those of us who have even been in a situation where we have accidently overfilled the kettle (and let’s face it, we’ve all been there) then the MIITO product might just be what you’re looking for.
Created by two students in the Netherlands, and in an attempt to become more energy efficient, MIITO heats only the amount of liquid you want heating in the vessel it comes in. Simply fill your vessel with liquid, place it on the base and put the rod in the liquid. The base then heats the rod, which results in the liquid also heating up – genius!
This is a great product for reducing waste, not to mention it is highly durable and versatile – we want one!
- Contactless payment
With the release of Apple Pay, we’re no doubt likely to see contactless payments becoming a more prominent feature in 2016.
The new iPhone models (iPhone 6 and up) allows users to use their Apple Pay account by verifying their identity using the fingerprint scanner feature on the home screen.
Due to its convenience and popularity, it seems this method could be set to eliminate more traditional methods of payment and even prevent fraudulent activity. It also puts Apple at the forefront of modern technology, giving them room to create even more ground-breaking technology for future mobile devices.
- Virtual reality
Video gaming is about to get a whole lot more interesting with virtual reality being the latest craze on the market.
The first device was Occulus Rift, which was bought by Facebook, and set the benchmark for other brands to follow in its footsteps. Many companies such as HTC have since taken this to another level and Sony’s brand new device for virtual reality was designed to be the official headset for Playstation 4.
With other brands using this opportunity to create great gadgets, we wouldn’t be surprised if 2016 is the year virtual reality really takes off.
- 4K and 8K televisions
For some of us, it might be hard to believe that we have had HD television for a considerable amount of time. And as we have seen new innovations such as curved TVs, 3D Television, ultra thin units and super-sized models, the technology doesn’t look to be slowing down anytime soon.
2016 is set to see the arrival of an even higher definition alternative, with 4K TV being one of the front runners. This is where the TV is capable of stunningly high-quality picture displays and colour.
It may not even be long before we see 8K televisions, which is roughly 16 times more detailed than the typical high definition pictures we’ve grown accustomed to.
Either way, 2016 is going to be a great year for TV and film buffs.
There’s no stopping technology in today’s society and 2016 is a year we predict will showcase some truly magnificent creations. The trick is to keep our eyes peeled so we don’t miss a single one.
If you are a technology enthusiast and you are looking for certain types of equipment to perhaps hire as opposed to purchase, take a look at ITR Hire.