Buzz
There is a widespread belief that we are witnessing the greatest technological revolution in history, as we step into an era dominated by high-tech innovations. These advancements are expected to render older technologies obsolete. Below are some of the cutting-edge devices soon to be launched (some have already been introduced) that will forever alter the way we live and interact with the world:
10. Tooth Sensor
Dental anxiety is a significant concern for many children and teenagers. Studies on dental fear show that some young individuals experience such extreme reluctance towards dental visits that they refuse to cooperate, or worse, avoid seeing the dentist altogether.
In reality, no one truly enjoys visiting the dentist, regardless of age, even if it's just for a routine check-up. Researchers from Princeton and Tufts have been developing a thin tooth sensor that could reduce the frequency of dental visits, leading to fewer trips to the dentist and a more content population.
This sensor will notify you when it detects bacteria that could lead to cavities, plaque accumulation, or other dental issues—enabling you to tackle the problem before it becomes serious, thus avoiding a trip to the dentist.
9. Wing Roller Coasters
Step into the future of amusement and excitement. Created by Bollinger & Mabillard, Wing Coasters are roller coasters that position riders on the sides of the track, giving the sensation of soaring on the wing of an aircraft. With nothing above or below, these coasters offer a thrilling experience. There are currently four operating globally: three in the U.S., and a fifth is expected to debut in China sometime in 2013.
This might not be suitable for those who have a fear of heights or for anyone prone to motion sickness. Some things just aren't meant to go together, regardless of how advanced the technology may be.
8. Oculus Rift
Many refer to it as a breakthrough in gaming—and it's easy to see why. Oculus Rift is a virtual reality headset that could permanently change the landscape of the gaming industry.
While gamers already enjoy the impressive design and graphical power of today's console and PC games, Oculus Rift might be the device that finally immerses players fully into the heart of the action. We can only speculate how this technology will blend into the games we already love. How will multiplayer evolve, perhaps decades from now?
7. Parallella
Parallella is set to revolutionize computer manufacturing, with Adapteva providing an opportunity for everyone to join in this technological shift. To put it simply, it's a supercomputer designed for the everyday user.
Real-time object tracking, holographic heads-up displays, and speech recognition will all see remarkable improvements thanks to Parallella. Given that it's essentially a mini supercomputer, the price is astounding—just $99. While it may not be suited for non-programmers or those unfamiliar with Linux, the kit comes packed with development software, making it an ideal choice for those with the technical skills to build personal projects.
6. The 4K TVs
The transition from traditional to digital television has been underway for some time, but the introduction of 4K TVs could very well be the final blow to this aging industry. With a resolution four times that of HDTV, it's clear why 4K is garnering so much excitement.
At present, the cost is high, and the existing television programming isn’t enough to fully utilize these devices. Nevertheless, it marks a monumental leap forward in picture quality and detail. So how soon will 4K TVs become affordable? Some believe it’s just around the corner. You can already buy 4K TVs, with Sony's 55- and 65-inch models priced at $5,000, while the 84-inch model comes in at $24,000. It's also available on YouTube. Check out this stunning 4K video of ink drops (make sure to switch the quality to “original” for the 4K version).
5. Smart Watch
"Pebble" was officially released in 2013 as the world’s first smartwatch. Beyond telling time, it offers the added benefit of connecting to your smartphone or tablet through a simple Android or iOS app. This connection allows the watch to display important notifications like missed calls, texts, and emails. Additionally, it links to an app store, enabling developers to create new apps that further enhance Pebble’s functionality and appeal.
4. Billboard That Produces Clean Water
In today’s world, advertising seems as indispensable as access to clean water. That’s why it's exciting to see one innovative company blending the two. Situated in Lima, Peru, and a collaborative effort between The University of Engineering and Technology of Peru and ad agency Mayo DraftFCB, the billboard can generate up to twenty-six gallons of water per day. It operates with five filtration devices, benefiting from the city’s high humidity.
This remarkable billboard not only aims to supply water to Peru's largest city—where 1.2 million residents lack reliable access to water—but also seeks to inspire local children to apply to UTEC and pursue studies in engineering. This project could represent one of the most significant technological advancements in solving one of humanity's greatest challenges, or it might be an ambitious idea that never reaches its full potential. Only time will tell.
3. Argus II Retinal Prosthesis System
Created by Second Sight, the Argus II is a groundbreaking device designed to restore vision for those who are blind or have limited sight. It works by capturing visual data through a small video camera embedded in glasses, which is then converted into signals that are transmitted to an implant placed in the wearer’s eye.
Once the implant receives the signals, it directs them to an electrode array, which then transmits the visual information to the brain via the optic nerve. This technological advancement is a true revolution, offering the possibility of restoring sight to millions of individuals with disabilities worldwide.
2. Myo
Referred to as the next frontier in gesture control, the Myo is a sensor-packed armband that detects electrical impulses in your muscles to wirelessly control your devices via Bluetooth. As claimed by its developers, the Myo will be compatible with both Windows and Mac OS, with iOS and Android versions expected to be released soon. Preorders for the Myo are already available at $149, with shipments anticipated for late 2013.
The Myo's success will likely hinge on the range of applications it can support. Gamers, in particular, are eagerly awaiting to see how this device will revolutionize gaming experiences. If the Myo proves successful, it could very well replace camera-based gesture recognition systems, making them a thing of the past.
1. Google Glass
While attempts to create smart glasses in the past have mostly fallen short, Google’s “Glass” appears to be the first model that could actually succeed. Users have reported that, despite the slightly awkward sensation of being constantly observed, the experience itself is quite enjoyable. The ability to access real-time information about everything you view might initially seem overwhelming to some, but it’s likely that most people will eventually adapt to this glimpse into the future.
