One thing can be said for sure about gadget lovers, they are always looking towards new gadgets and technologies that are coming their way. They’re always on the lookout for what’s newest, thinnest, sleekest, fastest…and weirdest. And, now that we’re ready to wrap up 2008, manufacturers are beginning to reveal some of the cool devices we expect to see in 2009.
T-Mobile, Motorola, use of the Android operating system in mobile phones
Fans of the most advanced devices who enjoy virtual social interaction will appreciate the new Android operating system that T-Mobile adopted earlier this year. And now it looks like Motorola could incorporate it into its mobile phones as early as next year as well.
According to an exception business weekThe idea behind Motorola’s evolution to the new Google-backed operating system is to make its phones part of a new class of smartphones, allowing users to access social networks like Facebook and MySpace.
pc napkin
It is said that many great ideas were born on a napkin. So the industrial designer, Avery Holleman, developed the Napkin PC. The PC Napkin is a cool concept that uses a base station, disguised as a napkin holder, with seven different styluses that allow multiple users to write their ideas on individual “napkins” that ultimately interact with the base station.
It’s definitely an idea that has creative types and businessmen thinking “outside the box.” The concept allows users not to have to limit their creativity in front of a PC screen. The “napkins” employ full-color electronic paper and multi-touch technology.
The napkins can contain the drawn image indefinitely, or until the user erases it. Which means you can hang it up or share it with your co-workers at your next meeting. The Napkin PC won first place in the Judge’s Award and Chairman’s Award in the NextGen PC Design Competition.
Nokia Aeon
The Nokia Aeon cell phone is still in the research and development phase of its life, but device addicts all over the world are already “amazed” by the full touch screen. Nokia is keeping all other details under wraps due to competitive pressure.
Membrane Computer B
We may not see the B-Membrane computer concept for some time, but it’s certainly worth mentioning just in case. The B-Membrane computer is a unique version of a laptop/desktop computer.
Korean designer Won-Seok Lee created his B-Membrane computer to look like no other. In fact, it’s about the size of a large round dinner plate and features an omnidirectional projector, rather than a monitor. A keyboard appears on the computer surface membrane when needed.
When not in use as a desktop, Lee’s design can be used to create a relaxing environment using a variety of light effects through its projector.
Microsoft Arc mouse
The Microsoft Arc Mouse is a handy little device that serves as both a desktop mouse and a laptop mouse, depending on whether you have it extended to its full length or folded. The mouse uses Microsoft’s BlueTrack laser technology and has a wireless range of up to 30 feet. It offers four customizable buttons, Tilt Wheel Technology, and comes in red or black.
This is a clean and money saving concept. You can buy this from Microsoft for $59.95.
Asus EEE laptop with touch screen
The Asus EEE laptop is truly an amazing device for the college student or business traveler who just needs access to basic computer programs like Microsoft Word, Excel, or PowerPoint. You know, it’s like a kind of electronic notebook. Its small profile is not much larger than a normal book and can easily slip into your bag or briefcase. But the really cool thing about this device is that the manufacturer offers a touch screen option with this computer. While it does come with a stylus, many users find that they are perfectly comfortable simply using their fingers to move pages and open programs.
Asus has also released a more powerful desktop version of its EEE computer with touch screen capabilities.
Schwinn Tailwind Electric Bike
In these tough economic times, when everyone is looking for cheaper ways to get around, the Schwinn Electric Tailwind bike is expected to hit the market in early 2009. While it certainly looks like a traditional bike, the Schwinn Electric Tailwind, called e-bike packs a lot more punch. Essentially, Schwinn joined forces with Toshiba to create a hybrid bike.
Schwinn uses a Toshiba Super Charge lithium-ion phosphate battery to help propel this bike down the road, giving you the option of pedaling yourself or offering adjustable pedal assist if needed. Toshiba’s battery charges in just 30 minutes and can be recharged approximately 3,000 times before it needs to be replaced. The battery slides discreetly into the luggage rack and you’re good to go.
Visit Schwinn Tailwind to take a look at this fantastic set of wheels. You can get yours for around $3,200.
Hamburger tube test
And, while this next item isn’t actually a device you can get your hands on, it looks like it may be something you can sink your teeth into next year. In 2006, stories were circulating about the test tube. Burger. Yes… scientists believed they could produce enough fake meat from one stem cell to feed a million people for a year. His goal was to have it on people’s tables by 2009.
The folks at The Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) and other vegetarians, of course, are delighted at the prospect of thousands of cows being saved by this in vitro beef. In fact, PETA is said to have offered a $1 million reward to the first scientist to produce and commercialize in vitro meat.
While it may sound questionable to some, the in vitro The beef expected in 2009 is said to look, smell and taste just like real meat. Real, standing meat lovers may be skeptical, but meat created this way could give vegetarians a reason to say “where’s the meat?”