5 technologies that will make sense in 2015

 

 

New technology is a wonderful thing, but waiting to get it into your hands can be maddening. It's all very well when Nikon launches a compact camera or Sony a new version of the PSP, but take it beyond the realm of consumer hardware and that lag time can go on forever. So, while we're spending time during Future Week looking at things that have barely been thought of and things that never made it, today is the turn of the technologies still waiting for their moment in the sun. Here's our take on five that have arrived today, but will probably only have made the splash they meant to by 2015.   WiMAX  

 

What's the hold up? No product support Worth the wait? Probably The idea of WiMax has been around for so long now, that it almost feels like a backward concept. Kicking around as a telecommunications standard since 2001, Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access - as its mum might refer to it when it's done something wrong - offers excellent wireless internet connection

 

speeds as well as fantastically broad "hot-spot" coverage. The idea is that, simply speaking, WiMAX radio towers can work in two ways. The first is to offer large-scale public access with a radius of up to 30 miles to those on the go, and the second is to transfer the signal onto and back from other towers and to homes instead of having to use fibre or copper hard wired cables. It's a good idea for a number of situations, but the problems have been finalising the standards, building these towers and company's coming out with devices of a decent price point that support WiMAX too. With the launch of a couple of phones and laptops here and there, the products are starting to come and there are already sites and plans for a number of the major telecommunications companies in the US, the UK and all over the world

Livescribe 3 Smartpen The infrared camera in the tip of the Livescribe 3 smartpen captures your handwriting, storing it on the built-in memory. When it's paired with your tablet or smartphone, all your notes are synced to the Livescribe+ mobile app. Livescribe 3 smartpen uses Bluetooth Smart technology to pair with compatible mobile devices to support over 14 hours of continuous use between charges. Pairing is also made much easier – just turn on the Livescribe 3 and accept the pairing request on your mobile device with a single tap. After that, your smartpen will pair automatically each time you launch the app. The Livecribe 3 smartphone currently works with devices running iOS7 or newer; iPhone 4S or newer, iPad third generation or newer; iPad mini, iPod touch fifth generation or newer. Cost: $149             
Microsoft Surface Pro 3 The Microsoft Surface Pro 3 is a tablet that also functions like a laptop with an integrated kickstand and an optional click-in keyboard. The Surface Pro 3 has a 12" screen that provides a 2160x1440 resolution, a fourth-generation Intel Core processor (available in i3, i5 or i7), and provides up to nine hours of battery life while Web browsing. The tablet runs the Windows 8.1 operating system and is capable of running the full Microsoft Office Suite. Multitasking is also a breeze, as the tablet allows you to snap up to three apps or desktop programs side by side. Microsoft has also recently released a new docking station for the Surface Pro 3. When you pair the tablet with the docking station, it really puts Surface Pro 3 in a league of its own because it also allows this powerful tablet to replace your desktop PC. Costs: Starts at $799