2012 Tech Predictions

We all love tech & gadgets with a new year ahead of us, we ask 'what could be the big trends of 2012?' The stock answer of course, is Apple, but there tech market is bigger than even Apple (remember when nokia ruled the mobile world?)

Here are 93 Medias top 5 Tech predictions - things that we think will be the real deal in 2012...

The Cloud

It has been around for a while we know, but with the launch of iCloud for Apple users and a strong push by virtually every company out there, as boring as it is, The Cloud will continue to dominate the headlines in 2012 as more and more services convince you that downloading or streaming your content over the Internet is the way of the future. By the end of 2012 there is a very strong possibility that every facet of your multimedia life will be cloud based.

Wireless payments and ticketing

After years in the wilderness, it looks like Near Field Communication (NFC) will finally get to enjoy the spotlight in 2012. Most of the major phone manufacturers have started embracing the tech now, and bigger players like Visa and Starbucks are also starting to promote the idea of paying without cards. If you are heading to the Olympics expect some element of your day to involve you paying or accessing the venue without even getting out a ticket or card. Think Oyster card, but everywhere.

Voice control

Apple, Google, and Microsoft are all pushing voice control and those voices are only going to get even stronger in 2012. Rumours are already abound that Apple is looking to put the technology in a TV, while we should expect the new iPad to have the tech too. Meanwhile Microsoft has a number of games for the Xbox 360 slated, like Mass Effect 3, that allow you to control the gameplay but talking to it if you've got the Kinect sensor plugged in.

Windows 8

The update to the most dominant operating system it expected at some point in 2012 meaning there will be plenty of chatter about what the new features are, whether you should upgrade, or give this one a miss. Whether you go for it or not you'll need to make sure you read up so you've got an opinion on what's what and that included whether you are planning on upgrading to the new system.

Ultrabooks

Intel is throwing a lot of weight behind the MacBook Air challenger and with plenty of support from Asus, Acer, Toshiba, Lenovo and others like LG and HP. Expect there to be plenty of Ultrabook announcements over the next 12 months as Intel looks to promote the new form factor to you. In reality it should prompt all laptop makers to make thin laptops meaning the name will eventually mean nothing, but it will mean that either way your next laptop is going to be thin.