THE FUTURE
Ouya console
Ouya
console
Though not an official Google project, this
open-source console will likely be based on Android and will follow the Big G's
'hackable' philosophy by bundling a dev kit for tinker-prone users. Designed by
Yves Behar of the One Laptop Per Child project and Jawbone Jambox fame, and
backed by former Xbox honcho Ed Fries, it could bring free, ad-supported gaming
to the mainstream for about $89.99.
Google driverless car
Google
driverless car
Robo-cars are the stuff of Tony Stark, not
of real companies run by grown-ups. But Google's Driverless Car is far from
sci-fi fancy - in May 2012 it took a major step towards reality when the US
state of Nevada granted an official road license to a Toyota Prius modded with
driverless AI software. With Japan and California also thrashing out laws for
autonomous cars, real-life KITTs could be on the roads as soon as 2020.
Space elevator
Space
elevator
The most outlandish project that Google's
top-secret X Lab is rumored to be rustling up, this giant bean stalk may enable
rocket less travel into orbit. A sci-fi staple since the 19th century, the
space elevator could conceivably take Google's insatiable appetite for data
collection out into the solar system though we suspect 'galaxy-wide domination'
is still a few places below 'exterminate Apple' on its to-do list.
Project glass
Project
glass
Yes, the thought of having Google attached
to your face is a bit Orwellian. But for us, this is far outweighed by the
prospect of wearing these Android- powered glasses and pretending to be a
Universal Soldier. The first batch of Glass Explorer Edition specs will be
available by 2013 but sadly, only to developers. We'll be first in line with
our glasses prescriptions come the wider 2014 release. Can't wait.
Apple iPhone 5
Apple
iPhone 5
With so much pressure on the next iPhone's
shoulders, it's fortunate that they're rumored to be constructed from a
super-tough alloy called 'Liquid metal'. Further reinforcements may come in the
form of NFC for use with iOS 6's Passbook app, a 4in Retina display, a modified
version of the iPad's A5X chip and, less excitingly, a 19-pin dock connector to
make it incompatible with your current accessories. oh. OK.
Apple iPad Mini
Apple
iPad Mini
Steve Jobs dismissed rumors of a 7in iPad
back in 2010, stating that "the size isn't sufficient to create great
tablet apps". But with Google and Amazon now attacking on the 7in front,
rumors of an Apple counter-punch have resurfaced with two analysts claiming
that a Nexus 7-sized iPad with a 1024x768 screen will arrive in time to bulge
Christmas stockings. Hope we've been good this year.
Apple iPanel
Apple
iPanel
Though we think there's more chance of it
being called iTelly than this clunky moniker, rumors are growing that an
iCIoud-connected Apple television will land in the next six months. The claims
are founded on the slightly shaky basis of a recent deal between Foxconn and
Sharp, though Apple CEO Tim Cook did recently say that television is "an
area of intense interest for us". Intense enough to build a full-sized TV
around? Maybe.
Project Detroit
Project
Detroit
A Microsoft car might sound about as
enticing as a DHL courier van, but this pimped '67 Mustang shows how cool
Windows wheels could be. Designed to attract developers to the project's
open-source code, this ride has Kinect cameras serving up live video feeds, a
Win 8 tablet in the dash, and the ability to display messages to other drivers
on the rear windshield. Road rage just got next-gen.
3D desktops
3D
desktops
Think Windows 8 is a radical change? Wait
until you see its 3D successor. The Microsoft Applied Sciences lab has used
Samsung's transparent OLED display to create a virtual 3D space in which you
can grab and manipulate on-screen objects. A camera tracks your head, allowing
you to 'look around' your creation. Combine it with a 3D printer for the
ultimate pottery 2.0 experience.
Xbox infinity
The next Xbox won't be a console - it'll be
a media hub that also happens to play ace next-gen games such as Watch Dogs.
A recent leaked document hinted at some fascinating potential features,
including the ability to record live TV while you're playing games, a
four-player Kinect 2 setup - and a year or so after launch, the release of AR
'Kinect Shades' for virtual reality. Hurry up, Microsoft, and take our money.
In summary...
Why Google will win
Consider yourself a member of the iCamp?
Then you could boast of the most complete mobile experience around: a highly intuitive
OS weaved together seamlessly with a piece of hardware you could practically
lick. However, chances are that you're using all that pricey kit to access
Google apps of the search, mail and maps variety. Same goes for all you
Windows-shoppers. That isn't just some coincidence. Google's been lending its
rich online services to manufacturers everywhere so you can have the luxury of
choice. Combine its butter-smooth Jelly Bean OS with stellar kit built by Asus
and the world gets an ace tablet like the Nexus 7. It's the very reason most of
you have Android in your pocket.
Why Apple will win
If you hypothesize this tech-trio as a
band, Apple undoubtedly has to be the lead singer. The charisma surrounding its
on-stage entry, new launches and speculation on the next release is
unprecedented not just in the tech industry, but that of any consumer product!
Sure it likes to keep its secrets and won't let you pitch a tent and have your
own BBQ in the fields but once you enter its polished aluminum and scratch-resistant
glass arena, there is no turning back. The simplicity, timelessness, seamless
functionality and future proofing of its hardware is second to none. Try
running Android ICS on the original Google phone and see how far you can get.
The original iPhone can still run iOS 5! It's all about the experience...
Why Microsoft will win
Windows as an OS is everywhere. It is
loaded on over a billion PCs around the globe and has made its way so deep down
that the guy who gives you a haircut would know about a certain version of the
OS. Most current PCs will be able to run Win 8 when it hits shelves on October
26. On the other hand. OS X runs on a much less number of Elitely priced
machines. Developers too are locked on to the Windows 8 architecture simply
because you make a Metro app and it'll run on those PCs, every Surface tablet,
and even on the WP8 phone. Then there's Xbox, the world's most- played console.
Apple and Google are huge, but Microsoft is about to show them the meaning of
the word ginormous.
Verdict
Apple's hardware remains unmatched as a
complete package - but don't try to open it up. Windows 8 and Surface bring
Microsoft back on to the playing field, but it has a lot to prove. It's
Google's open ethos, ace new hardware, multi-platform cloud services and plans
for the future that make it the most exciting tech company on the planet right
now.
