Norbtek.info Show #013 - Tech Predictions

Tuesday, January 24, 2006

Technology predictions for '06

[News]

From the Register – 802.11n Spec nailed down - The final Working Group specification will be submitted to the broader IEEE for ratification as a standard once the IEEE Working Group finalizes any tweaks. That could happen late ‘06 or early ‘07.
802.11n will utilize MIMO technology or multiple-input multiple-output to deliver 100-200+ mbps operating on the 2.4 GHz band. You can expect to see this being incorporated into personal handheld technology like portable media players, pocket PCs, and of course laptops too.
Currently there are some Pre-n routers on the market, and hopefully they can be upgraded to the new specifications when they are finally ratified.

From CNet – Google Subpoenaed for Porn Searches - Federal prosecutors defending a controversial Internet pornography law are trying to force Google to hand over millions of search records--a request that the search giant is rejecting.

The Bush administration asked a federal judge to force Google to comply with a subpoena for search term information from the search engine's visitors. The Feds are requesting a "random sampling" of 1 million sites available through Google, and a random sampling of 1 million search queries during a one-week period.
The request is part of the Feds attempts to defend the 1998 Child Online Protection Act being challenged in court.
Microsoft, AOL, and Yahoo! Have all complied with similar subpoenas instead of fighting it out with Bush’s Administration.

From eHomeUpgrade.com – Linux Media Center - CyberLink, the makers of the PowerDVD software for playing of DVD movies on your PC, bring you PowerCinema Linux, which makes a Linux PC into a Media Center PC.

The new PowerCinema features analog and digital TV, radio, Teletext and electronic program guide browsing. It also boasts about a 10 second boot time and quick shutdown that gives it that CE feel. PowerCinemia sports a 3D interface and operates via a remote control for easy navigation of DVD movies, music, pictures, and video modules.
While the software does not look to be sold directly to the general public, it will be available to CE OEMs. The PowerCinemia is also scaleable so expect to see a host of Linux based handheld media players as well as the expected laptops and desktops. Watch out Bill and Steve, the penguin is nipping at your heels.

[Main Topic]

My predictions for Technology in 2006 – What will be HOT!

• The PDA/Phone/Camera/MP3/Video Player all in one. Not that Apple will come out with one, but hey, if anyone were to, they would make it sexy.

• Digital Audio providers such as Napster, Rhapsody, and Yahoo! Music will be providing Pay-for-Play video and “unlimited” services. This will include shows from the major networks, cable, and movie channels such as HBO, Cinemax, and Showtime. Expect Netflix to be in the running too.

• Podcasting will explode as well as videocasting. Already there is Digital Life TV featuring the former TechTV “Screen Savers” cast members Robert Herron and Patrick Norton doing tech like no one else. Soon you will see indie show series that will break new ground and allow for greater freedoms than even cable provided.

• More root-kits will be revealed in what was thought to be “Safe Software”, such the one revealed by Symantec in their Norton SystemWorks program. Sony was the first to get caught, but will they be the last? Or will other software makers fess up like Symantec?

• SP-3 for Windows? Well, after the Windows Meta File exploit found at the beginning of the year, I predict that there will be at least one mor major flaw, or in this case, “feature” that causes Microsoft to issue a Service Pack even though they have said that they would not issue one until some time later in ’07. Can you say Open Source?

• Plasma TV prices will drop around the end of the year to about $2000 for a 42” 1080i screen with good contrast ratios. Expect a relatively lesser known manufacturer to lead the charge.

• iPod and one of the satellite radio services will join forces. Not an integration of Sirius or XM into the iPod, but iTunes featuring shows from the services and the in-car players will hook up to your iPod so you can play tour tunes or recorded programs.

• A relatively unknown company will develop the next generation of DVD technology sinking the HD-DVD and Blue-Ray DVDs because they are fighting each other and not looking over their shoulder.

• New homes will come with built-in communications packages including iPod docks for your home audio system, 802.11n Wi-Fi, and VOIP.

• Apple makes deals with other hardware manufacturers to make Apple branded Camcorders and Digital Cameras.

• DV and DVD camcorders go by the wayside because Hard Drive based High Definition and 3-CCD models take over and are cheaper.

• TiVo will unveil a dock that allows you to sync your video iPod straight to the TiVo so you can have “Lost” for free.

[Gadgets of the Week]

Migo from Verizon Wireless is a $50 kid-friendly wireless phone, after a $30 rebate, much like the $100 Firefly that lets parents and kids stay in touch. It's fun for them, and added peace of mind for parents. The Migo phone has a simplified keypad, a parent programmable 4 number call list, an incredible speakerphone, and a dedicated emergency key. The Mingo will soon come with a GPS locator service that lets mom and dad know where their child is and if they go into undesirable territory. This service will run an additional $10-15 a month and is expected to be available some time in May.

Gain peace of mind with DriveSync™. With DriveSync™ you can keep an eye on your teen’s driving progress while they gain the experience to become safe, responsible drivers. – Yeah, its going James Bond on your kid. This device utilizes GPS and USB technology to record the vehicle’s usage, and then you simply plug the removable USB stick into you PC and upload the data to the DriveSync™ servers for processing. You will get a detailed trip log including data on how fast the vehicle was going, where it went, and when. It is not yet available, but we will let you know when it is and how much.

Now for another “USB gimmick” – The DancinDogg Optical Swing Pad game simulator. It comes wit a 16 foot USB cord and houses 16 infrared optical sensors to determine how bad your swing sucks. The Calculation Engine calculates club head speed, face angle, club path, ball carry distance, distance offline, and tempo. It reportedly works with EA's Tiger Woods PGA Tour '05. All this for only $260. Heck, my golfing partners tell me that my swing sucks for free.

We have Gmail invites to give-away. Send me an email, Norbtek.info@gmail.com, with “Gmail Invite” in the subject line and we will get that out to you.

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