Top 10 Amazing Gadgets of 2013
In 2012 we witnessed the arrival of the Cube, the world’s first home 3D printer; the Raspberry Pi, a computer that costs just £30; and Microsoft’s first tablet, the Surface. So what new tech are we looking forward to testing next year? Here’s our pick of the gadgets we’re most excited about in 2013.
10. Wi-Spy
Truth be told; the 2.4 GHz band is already too crowded and that is why you will need Wi-Fi tools like this. The Wi-spy spectrum analyzer will identify the quietest channel after isolating RF interference sources. This gadget that wireless network consultants and IT professionals will love, is easy to use. It is a perfect choice if you are looking for a solution to analyze, troubleshoot and optimize your wireless networks.
9. Samsung Galaxy S4
Like the iPhone 5S, there are already rumors spinning around about the Samsung Galaxy S4 which Samsung may show off as soon as February at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. The device will be the follow-up to the widely successful Samsung Galaxy S3, a device that is sold over 30 million worldwide. Not much is known about it other than that it will likely feature a powerful rear camera and a 1080p display, possibly 4.99-inches in size, that Samsung may show off at CES 2013 in January.
8. Looxcie LX2
The first of its kind, the looxie LX2 is a wear and share hands free video cam that lets you stream live video and share clips instantly. All you have to do set it up facing the same direction you are, and it will automatically capture whatever you are seeing. You can wirelessly upload clip lasting up to 30 seconds to your favorite site or YouTube. The camera is so convenient that you won’t need your normal digital camera and you can capture your favorite moments instantly without the hassle of having to take the camera out of your bag.
7. SpareOne
The world’s first phone powered by a single AA battery, the SpareOne can remain in standby for up to 15 years until you need to make that one life-saving emergency call. Don’t be caught in a zombie apocalypse without one! And don’t be caught in a zombie apocalypse without adequate cellphone coverage.
6. iPhone 5S
Rumors are already swirling about Apple’s next iPhone, the iPhone 5S. Not much is known about Apple’s next iPhone other than that the company may release it in the middle of 2013 rather than at the end of it like it did with the iPhone 5 and iPhone 4S. One feature that consumers can expect at this point is iOS 7 as Apple tends to release a new version of iOS with it yearly smartphone. As it has with other iPhones, we expect Apple to make some other powerful upgrades to the next iPhone which will make it more attractive than the iPhone 5 already is.
5. Basis band
Most health monitors rely on a pedometer to tell you how active you’re keeping. The only trouble is that they’re not very good if you exercise by, for example, cycling or rowing. The Basis band is a heart-rate monitor that works without a chest strap so you can wear it all the time and get an accurate reading, no matter what you’re doing. The band is also loaded with other detectors, such as a galvanic skin response sensor which monitors sweat levels and an accelerometer so you can see how changes in your heart rate correlate with your exercise habits. This device could give you a more accurate picture of your health than any other consumer gadget to date.
4. Oculus Rift
Virtual Reality (VR) gaming has been every gamer’s fantasy since the film The Lawnmower Man came out in 1992. Thankfully, the Oculus Rift VR headset is nothing like that – it’s much better. Connected to a PC, it presents your environment in full 3D, with a 110° field of view that tracks your head movements so you can look around virtual worlds. It’s been trialled by some of the gaming industry’s leading figures, like John Carmack the creator of Doom and Quake, and has received their seal of approval. When the headset launches next year, its makers say they’re hoping to keep it under the $300 (£185) price mark, which is unprecedented for this kind of technology.
3. Nest
Normally we wouldn’t get very excited about a new thermostat, but the Nest has been designed by two former Apple employees who were involved in the creation of the iPod and iPhone. The Nest learns your habits every time you adjust it and automatically heats your house to suit. It even lets you control the heating when you’re not in via the mobile app. The makers of the device claim that this smart heating can halve your fuel bills. It’s already available in the US, and we’ve been told it’s likely to land in the UK in 2013.
2. Xbox 720
The Xbox 360’s successor will finally be unveiled in the summer of 2013. Currently codenamed ‘Durango’, it’s whipped up a veritable whirlwind of rumours. The latest intelligence – gathered from leaked Microsoft presentations and hardware – is that the console will include Blu-ray support, the ability to record from live TV, 3D gaming and a renewed Kinect device that will supposedly work with augmented reality glasses. It’s thought that the Xbox 720 will be powered by 8GB RAM and a quad-core processor, making it vastly more powerful than the current generation of consoles.
1. Google Project Glass
Google’s co-founder Sergey Brin loves the internet so much that he’s found a way to use it literally all the time. His new Google endeavour, Project Glass, overlays information from the web, such as weather reports, messages from friends and map directions, on top of the real world through one of the glasses’ lenses. The specs are also fitted with a camera that lets you take pictures or record video without much fuss. It’s a revolutionary bit of tech, it’s just a shame you’ll be a bit of a social pariah if you wear them in public.