Most notable technologies of 2013

10. iPhone 5s

Apple presented the iPhone 5s with some changes to the operating system. With iOS 7, users could enable the touch ID sensor and take clearer photos with an iSight camera, an LED flash, and custom lighting effects. The newest addition to the iPhone lineage included an A7 chip with a 64-bit design and a 4″ Retina screen of 640 x 1136 pixels. People can even purchase the iPhone in gold or silver for added awesomeness! 

 
9. The expansion of the 4K Ultra HDTV market

Bringing movie theater quality to your own living room with Ultra HDTVs became extremely popular in 2013. TVs like the Samsung LED 9000 Series 4K Ultra HD Smart TV have 3D capabilities. There is a resolution of 3840 x 2160 and HDMI inputs are inculsive. The Smart TV has browsable apps and “smart panels” where users can interface with other entertainment and content simultaneously while watching TV.

8. Nokia Lumia 1020  

Nokia’s rendition of a smartphone included a 41-megapixel camera with an HD display – it’s basically a point-and-shoot camera installed in a smartphone. Within Nokia’s camera app, you can control shutter speed, ISO, exposure settings and receive 4×5 photography resolution. System updates even enable shooting in RAW image quality. Users can store and share information within the cloud. Over 175,000 Windows Phone apps are downloadable, and users can engage in Xbox One gaming action directly from their phone. The phone contains 32 GB of storage.

7. Google Chromecast

Virtually the easiest way for TV-addicts to stream web content on their TVs. Chromecast is compatible with any TV’s HDMI ports, and there are no wires needed! The smartphone integration allows consumers to always have a touchscreen remote that controls what content they want to watch. Users can stream YouTube, Netflix, Pandora, and Hulu – just to name a few – all with the $35 device.

6. Xbox One

The Xbox One has been a highly coveted product since its release in May. Containing a Kinect sensor that enables the user operate the console, this device tracks the movements of your hands, muscles, and can detect your heartbeat.

5. iPad mini with retina display

 
The newest iPad mini delivered a complete iOS 7 experience with a gorgeous Retina display, using an indium gallium zinc oxide battery. With a resolution of 2048 x 1536, an A7 chip, and a Bluetooth keyboard, this iPad has the power of a desktop computer without paying the price for an actual desktop CPU.

4. Nest Labs smoke detector and thermostat

Created by two former iPhone innovators, the Nest devices keep your household safe while controlling the smoke detectors and thermostat from your smartphone. The intuitive microprocessors help the sensors to detect if there’s a fire or carbon monoxide in your house. Even if users are not home, they will receive notifications on their smartphone if any hazards are detected.

3. 3D Printing

  3D printers hit the commercial market this year, revolutionizing the new definition of what it means to print. It’s absolutely amazing how 3D printers can now produce food, weapons, and even body parts!

2. Wearable technology

Google Glass first appeared this year with a 16 GB storage capacity, generating power from a lithium polymer battery.  The concept of a wearable computer is simultaneously brilliant and bizarre, engrossing the wearer in technology. Smartwatches like the Pebble Smartwatch and the Samsung Galaxy Gear were received with mixed reviews this year since they’re like a smaller version of your smartphone strapped to your wrist.

1. Actualization of drone technologies

Was this the year of the drone? From the idea of Amazon’s drone delivery program to Google’s acquisition of robotics companies, drones were always relevant in the news. Most recently, The Federal Aviation Administration has selected research facilities across the nation to test the different variations of drones. Looking forward to 2014, the use of drones in the public sphere will most likely be implemented.