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General discussion

What are your tech predictions for 2011?

Dec 16, 2010 1:32PM PST
What are your tech predictions for 2011?

Since we are rapidly approaching the New Year, I thought it would be fun to give the technical help and how-to a break and throw out a question about tech predictions for 2011. Do you think 2011 will be the year for tablets since so many companies are following suit after the Apple iPad release? Or how about 3D TVs: will the technology eventually become an integral part of all TVs or will it simply fade away? Will streaming video devices kill the DVD market? What about cell phones: will they all eventually be replaced by smartphones? Will the Google Android platform overtake the Apple iPhone OS? Will e-book readers eventually evolve to become tablet devices? These are some thoughts I had, but I'd like to know what you think? If you have a tech gadget prediction for the New Year or have any opinions on the questions I wrote above, I'd love to hear them. Let's discuss it together and have some fun! Thanks in advance.

-Lee

Here are some member predictions to get you started, but
please read all the predictions that our
members have contributed to this question.

Tech predictions --Submitted by: mad_reaper
http://forums.cnet.com/7726-10152_102-5048451.html

2011 predictions --Submitted by: minimalist
http://forums.cnet.com/7726-10152_102-5048579.html

My predictions --Submitted by: Nicholas Buenk
http://forums.cnet.com/7726-10152_102-5049167.html

Tablets, smart phones, high end desktop computer --Submitted by: LivingForTheFuture
http://forums.cnet.com/7726-10152_102-5048501.html

Tech predictions --Submitted by: Michael Panknin
http://forums.cnet.com/7726-10152_102-5048549.html

Thank you to all who contributed!

Discussion is locked

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No Usernames, No Passwords, No Credit Cards, No Keys
Jan 18, 2011 6:51AM PST

One Cell Phone. 2011 will bring us connectivity and authentication like we've never seen before. Our devices are ours and we use them constantly. The cell phone will be used for transaction and identification purposes. Stores, agencies, organizations, schools, everyone will start to use your phone to identify you. It will also be used to pay for food, purchases, anything. ...Not only pay but receive payment as well!
Ok, so the username and password won't completely fade... you will have to use them to log on to your devices for the first time. Once logged in your profile will always be there. Fingerprint readers will be integrated in the phones for security. That should soothe the worried mind.
If a device is lost, use one of your many other devices to track and locate your lost device. If your device is stolen you---or it-- will report it missing and it's location. The cops will be able to verify the information and get your phone back.

What is the downside of not having to remember any usernames, passwords, where your wallet is, or where your keys are? I'm sure the antagonists and pessimists will think of some.. but I am excited for the comfort, ease, and security that will come from having all these important things on one traceable device.

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2011 FTW
Jan 24, 2011 8:22AM PST

You have no idea how much computer builders (like me) know. I'm exited about ARM. So far they're progressing very well because they've just got IBM to work with them. I'm also looking forward to AMD's bulldozer architecture which is coming out in Q2 from what I heard. It will possibly be just as good or 2x faster than the i7-950 from rumors spread on the internet and that it will obviously be inexpensive. That's why I personally already believe AMD is better than Intel. More bang for your buck. I'm also excited about the 7000 series graphics cards and Codemaster's Dirt 3.

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My tech predictions for 2011
Jan 28, 2011 9:00PM PST

t\The existing technology for BluTooth earpiece, and voice recognition will be combined to create a mobile personal computer that can be operated handsfree somewhat like the one used in the Startrek TV series. The CPU could be worn on your belt. A miniature screen would be mounted on a headband, one side of an eyeglass frame or bill of a baseball style cap. The BluTooth earpiece, the miniature screen and the belt mounted CPU would make up the entire unit. It would be password protected to discourage theft.
Winston Hooker, Sr.
Cary, NC

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Recommendation to Lee Koo
Jan 28, 2011 10:03PM PST

Next time, don't ask for predictions on "Tech". Everybody who owns a PC or tech device writes in to tell you what they "think" will sell, won't sell, become obsolete, blow the market open, etc. If they really know, they should take their advice to the stock market and get rich. Instead I recommend that you ask for ideas from readers as to what tech developments, inventions, products, etc. that they would like to see in the coming year. That would induce some creative indeas. Thanks.
Winston H. of Cary, NC

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Technology in colleges
Jan 28, 2011 10:33PM PST

The costs for attending college is growing faster than the cost of medical care. When I was studying to get my engineering degree from NCSU with wife and one child, my total costs including living expenses was about $13,760 back during the late 1950's. Even attending a state supported college, a typical student can spend that much in a semester. After I graduated and wanted to study for my Masters degree, no classs were offered although I lived less than 25 miles from Duke, Carolina and NC State. On campus, I walked 8 miles per day and I lived on campus. Things have improved but the campuses are even larger and costs still escalating. For-profit colleges ae now offering degrees but the costs are high. I predict that students will need to go to labes to do lab work but will be able to get all of their lectures on line and take their exams and quizes on line. Exams will all be "open book" as they should be. No need for large lecture halls or classrooms and no need to do all that moving from building to building. No need to limit the number of students in a class. Textbook costs are obscene. You cannot resell textbooks when professors publish newer editions. We need Kindle versions of all texts and online workbooks that can be downloaded. Infrastructure costs on campupses keep rising. We have only begun to adapt technology in colleges and costs must be reduced. Winston H. of Cary, NC