[Top 6] Ways technology can change your 2013

Technology has, and continues, to revolutionize our lives. Everything is becoming quicker and easier thanks to new technologies and innovations. Hence, we call this "the digital era". Therefore, its no surprise that 2013 is set to be one of the most innovative year, as technologies which have been in the development phase, are ready to be launched. Let’s take a look at some of these amazing concepts that could change your 2013. Our hearts, our minds, our doors are always open for that.

Uber-fast mobile broadband

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4G and LTE is a concept that is already familiar with the general public in the US and Europe thanks to the mobile operator Everything Everywhere (AKA Orange/T-Mobile). EE has been offering this since October 2012, as they were first in the race to market. However, all other mobile operators will release this technology by summer 2013, therefore as consumers, you can look forward to really fast online connections which work brilliantly with videos and games.

Google’s self-driving cars

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Five years ago Google started to develop its self-driving cars. Initially, they were totally experimental, and could only be run on special test areas free of humans. However, in May 2012, Nevada actually licensed them, which was quickly followed by California.

The cars operate without a physical driver by steering and navigating using the driver-less technology, although they do still require a driver to sit in their usual position. The aim of Google (and other car-makers) is to develop software that replicates the decision-making of a ‘safe’ driver. They will do this by incorporating tracking motion and activity technology outside of the vehicle.

Self-driving cars on a global scale is not expected for several years. However, it is expected that in 2013, more US states will license Google self-driving vehicles.

Google's Project Glass

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Another Google product, Google's "Project Glass" has been dubbed "the successor to the smartphone". The Google Glass product is essentially spectacles that also give you an "augmented reality" (AR) view of the world i.e. they overlay information about what you are seeing in your field of view.

Project Glass products are head mounted displays (HMD) that display information in the same format as smartphones. The idea is that the product is hands-free but the user can interact with the Internet using natural language voice commands.

The real buzz is not the actual Project Glass product, but the "augmented reality" (AR) technology. This communicates real-life information, which can be digitally interacted with or manipulated, in real time. The technology industry sees many benefits of AR, and its longevity in the future.

It is rumored that Microsoft and Apple are also developing this concept. Google Glass goes on sale to select beta testers in 2013. We can expect a full roll out late 2013/early 2014, though no release date has been confirmed.

Flexible phone screens

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Flexible phone screens have been rumored to make an entrance to market for a while now. This is the concept of a flexible mobile phone, which can be rolled, bent, and dropped, but is still usable. These handsets will be just a millimeter thick.

Companies such as Samsung, Philips, Nokia and LG are all currently developing this product, with Samsung already showcasing their prototype at CES this year.

Get fit apps

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The age-old tradition of signing up for a gym membership in January (following a glutinous Christmas) has transcended many decades. However, in 2013, this act alone is not enough, as thanks to the many "get-fit" apps, you now have to sign up for a gym and get a little device (such as the Fitbit) that measures exercise taken during the day, how fast; and logs it all. Therefore, this digitally records your progress against that of your friends.

Biometric Security

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The use of biological data (biometric) for identification purposes has been in the development phase for many years now. This means that the process of identification via fingerprints or retina scanning is almost ready to launch. The main industry that this will benefit is the banking industry, as it will eliminate the need for a PIN number of signature, thus providing a more secure service.

It is likely that biometrics will be rolled out this year, specifically in the banking sector. The trend will spread quickly to other banks around the globe. Moreover, this technology has plenty of opportunities in other sectors such as education, business, and indeed anywhere that has a need for security.

This is a guest post by Ollie, who is a technology expert from England. He writes for CTS Networks  - The UK’s leading audio visual installer, offering services such as hotel tv distribution systems, digital whiteboards for schools and church audio systems.