It’s been a couple of years since I last did this, but it’s back – my tech predictions for 2008. 10 things which are most likely to happen in the next 12 months. By the way, this will hopefully be the last post I do for 2007.
Please do keep in mind, that I did write these back in November 2007 and that one or two have already started to come true. But I wasn’t to know.
So here goes:-
1. YouTube (and others) will start distributing videos in a widescreen format and also in HD.
More and more users have widescreen TVs, desktop screens, and laptops – it just makes sense that these are accommodated for. HD, bigger screens, more demand for HD services than ever to, it’s just an obvious evolution for such video sites.
2. Apple Mac users will be more heavily targeted with malware, spyware and viruses.
It’s just one of those things which had to happen eventually. With ever increasing numbers of Mac users, and more security issues in 2007 for them, I guess it won’t be long until Mac users will be arming themselves – just like Windows users.
3. Security and privacy issues are going to become a serious issue on social networks.
Before Facebook’s ‘Beacon’ app hit the headlines, I was already thinking that something would get users to think about their security on social networks. 2008 looks to be a time where the freedom of speech is still just as important on the networks, but do advertisers, and our friends really need to know what we have been buying online? And what applications on the networks are already on and working in the background, collecting data and usage habits, shopping habits? It’s like Big Brother, but not from the State, but from our own social communities, shared amongst them.
4. iPhone version 2, or possibly 1.5
Now this is a tricky one, but all the more likely. Apple certainly achieved the marketing and buzz word of the year for 2007 with “iPhone”. But could it be that iPhone version 2 is closer than we think?
The storage capacity is a bit lame on the iPhone compared to the iPod, and Bluetooth is non-existent, and the battery life I hear needs a bit of work. Above all, it is more than likely that if a second generation iPhone comes along, it will be a 3G handset.
So could Steve Jobs be announcing in Mac World Expo 2008 in mid-January, a refresh of the current iPhone, or a new baby brother, but with new and improved features. It was after all a year ago in January 2007 that the original iPhone was revealed and confirmed. It just took a longer period of time for Apple to get it approved for sale by various authorities. It wouldn’t surprise me if the same happens again.
5. Battle of HD vs. Blu-Ray
Now this really is a delicate subject for those in know about it. Personally, I have always though HD would be the winner of the formats (not that this will be decided in 2008), it’s all about retail sales.
Most consumers now know what HD is. When you hear the letters ‘HD’, you think of High Definition straight away. For example, most people who have bought themselves a new telly will have opted for an ‘HD Ready’ TV. They know what it means. Gamers on the other hand will have a better idea of Blu-Ray is, and its picture and storage quality advantages. But the average consumer may be confused by the two, and will probably opt for what they already know.
I know full well that arguments from both sides are raging, and will continue to do so for some time. But, (it’s true at the time of writing this anyway) HD is a term people understand, and HD-DVD players are cheaper than that of the rivals.
6. An HDTV arms race between Sky, Virgin Media, and anyone else who can afford to join in.
HD TV is starting to take effect in the UK, although it’s been around since mid-2006, people are still yet to buy it up. Mainly because the quantity of HD TV channels available is limited. But not just limited in quantity, limited to certain times of the day too.
Now that the BBC Trust has approved the BBC to start broadcasting BBC HD to the masses, it makes sense that other channels are going to want to draw in viewers into their own HD format. But the real way to get people onto the HD platform is when there is a sufficient choice of channels available in HD format, at normal and regular viewing times. Hence, whichever HD broadcaster (i.e. Sky, Virgin Media, etc.) can provide the most HD channels to choose from with win the HD TV arms race.
7. GPS in mobiles as standard
People have certainly become attached to their GPS devices in the car, but when out of the car, do they miss the security of always knowing where they are and where they are going? The answer is probably yes. I think it’s about time that mobile manufactures started placing GPS in mobile phones as standard.
Google Mobile Maps recently achieved this beautifully. The Google Maps system with we all know and love, but in your pocket, with not even a need for a PC. Even if you are without a GPS device on your mobile, it can use mobile phone masts as a way of working out roughly where you are.
I found on the original 2.0 version, that sometimes it was able to pin-point me down to about 200 metres, right up to 1500 meters, which is a little crazy, as all I had done was walk about 50 meters down the Brompton Road. Still, it’s a good start, and the software is free to download and use, so I am not complaining. But I can see that the ease of use will draw many people to use it.
8. Open wireless networks across cities are becoming commonplace
Again, staying with mobiles, but a different technology all together, the emergence of open-to-use Wi-Fi networks in cities. Time and time again, sitting in stations, on trains, or airports I can see a wireless network available to use on my mobile or laptop. But time and time again, it’s a pay as you go system at an over inflated cost. I think with the high-speed rates available on broadband, but the ever lowering cost of it, it wouldn’t be much of a stretch to imagine wireless networks in public spaces, or across cities and towns, that are open and able to be used by anyone – with no fees needed from the users!
9. DRM on music (and maybe video) will be taken away by the big four music companies
Now this is more ‘hope’ than something that could happen anytime soon, but as with all of the predictions for 2008, we will just have to wait and see.
DRM (or Digital Rights Management) is a way of encrypting, locking and limiting usage, or distribution of files and media content. For example, the iTunes Store uses DRM to limit users as to how they use their purchases and on which devices. But, as of this year (2007) they also offered DRM free music. Basically meaning that users could burn their music purchases to CD or copy their music to any type of music player, hurrah!
The snag was that you would have to pay just a little more for the DRM free files. Hopefully Universal Music, Sony BMG Music Entertainment, EMI and Warner Music, will recognise that most of their music customers are happy to pay for their music at a fair price, and that they can use it as they would like. Plus, that they are buying the music for themselves, and not to distribute willy-nilly over the Internet illegally.
10. Home media servers will be the next popular choice in home technologies
Lastly, I can see this would be something starting to catch on towards the end of the year (2008), and really taking on a life of it’s own for 2009 – the idea of having a home media server.
The concept of a home media server is that it stores and share media in the home. The server is a networked attached device for storage, holding video, audio, photos, books, etc. But going beyond that, have printers shared, access your emails as you would when your at home, and so much more.
The big idea is that media whether it be DVD, CD, digital photos, music or others can be accessed and shared across the network. Back-ups of all PCs on the network can also be localised to the server quickly and easily. But, not only this, it could be used to access data remotely via the Internet.
So for example, you want to share your photos of your holidays with friends, you give them access to your photos of the holiday via a special web address. Or another example would be that you recorded your favourite TV show last night automatically, but you’re away on holiday and you just can’t wait to watch it, you can access it straight away and watch it back.
Update: 05.01.2009
A full review of all the predictions for 2008 can be found here.
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