Top technology of 2006
Technology is getting smaller, more complex and so versatile that it seems to go everywhere these days. It’s attached to hips, hands, shoes, ears and can be found in homes, schools, offices and grocery stores.
This year has brought some big advances in the techno world, from phones that do almost everything to new video game systems and high-definition DVD players.
Bluetooth technology, which has been around for a couple of years, seemed to catch fire this year and now people talk while roaming on the streets, in their cars and in stores without even having to hold a phone, while a small cell phone device is clipped to their ears.
“I think the future will bring more integrated devices that can perform everything,” said Jaynie Smalley, a customer service manager at Logan’s Best Buy, who mentioned how cell phones aren’t just made for talking and texting anymore, but also for TV shows, music video clips and instant messaging.
Becoming a couch potato may be more addictive as progressive scanning in televisions improved this year, Smalley said. TV picture quality has increased and people may be more inclined to get glued to the tube. TVs with progressive scan technology is a big thing these days, Smalley said, and is what many dads want for Christmas.
Watching DVDs in high definition is possible now with new Blu-ray DVD players that start at around $1,000. According to Blu-ray.com, the new DVD format was developed to enable recording, rewriting and playback of high-definition video, as well as storing large amounts of data. The new format can hold up to 25 gigabytes on a single-layer disc and 50 gigabytes on a dual-layer disc. That’s more than five times the storage capacity of traditional DVDs.
In the digital music world, Microsoft introduced Zune, which will compete with the Apple iPod with its bigger screen and better resolution, Smalley said. The Zune features wireless technology, a built-in FM tuner and its three-inch color screen for pictures and video. With so many new choices of digital music players, everyone’s getting MP3 players now, Smalley said, adding that it’s usually Best Buy’s busiest section.
Digital music players are carried everywhere, from campus to groceries stores and the gym. New Nike + iPod sport kits can be purchased and come with sensors to put in running shoes that wirelessly transfer data about miles and minutes ran to iPod Nanos. MP3 capability has spread into cell phones, too. Walk into the Verizon Wireless store on Main Street, and anyone can see the walls are covered with phones with music capabilities.
Dusty Berrett, assistant manager at Verizon Wireless in Logan, said people can now buy tiny memory cards for their phones that can store up to two gigabytes of pictures, music and other media. Right now they are working on a four gigabyte card as well. One phone Verizon Wireless offers for $430 can take 3.2 megapixel pictures and can play full TV shows.
There are even cell phones for kids these days – little ones that can program emergency numbers like mom and dad. Teens may be fascinated with phones that can download some of the latest video games, not to mention the new gaming systems, Playstation 3 and Nintendo Wii, which were introduced last month.
Smalley said the systems have better graphics and that the Wii is very interactive for children and adults. Gamers can play tennis, bowling and box while using a motion-sensing remote. Players literally move their arms to swing, steer, shoot and hit.
Although electronic experts are saying “in with the new” for all the latest and greatest technologies, that doesn’t necessary mean “out with the old.” Smalley said folks will be spending on older models of products and equipment because it will coming down in price. One example she mentioned was plasma TVs and how they are becoming more and more affordable.
Progress won’t be stopping anytime soon, though. Chris Spencer, an associate at Radio Shack in Logan, said cell phone manufacturers eventually hope to have live TV capability, which will surpass how they can already receive news and weather updates and downloaded programs.
According to Spencer, technology will continue to get better and smaller. He added that mobile devices are going to be able to do a lot more complex things in tinier models. They will incorporate more wireless technology and contain more features.
-mnewbold@cc.usu.edu