Technology Trends in 2010

eReaders and eBook Players

eReaders and eBook Players

The year 2009 was witness to the rise and fall of technology and gadget trends. It was characterized by intensified video gaming blow outs, a new approach to mobile phone use and computer portability, and an endless quest to create better and more advanced gizmos.

As the New Year unfolds, video game expert and technology analyst Scott Steinberg unveils at Digitaltrends.com a sneak peek on the "what’s what" in technology for 2010.

1. The year 2010 may be the time for eReaders and eBook Players — digital tablets designed to simulate the customary reading-on-paper experience — to come into their own. Expected innovations in 2010 include selections powered by Android OS, more affordable models and full-color eReaders with touch screen and wireless 3G support.

2. Smartphones will continue to shine in 2010, but with added surprises. Android-run and Windows Mobile-powered smartphones will create an established market. Cell phones will likely be run by applications that offer more power and flexibility, allowing these devices to evolve and potentially replace laptops. Adapting to lifestyles, Smartphones will be must-haves in 2010, and Google’s Nexus One Smartphone is to watch out for.

3D TV

3D TV

3. The household names in television manufacturing are keen at beginning a new era of TV viewership. Shops filled with a display of cutting-edge three-dimensional TVs, as well as Blu-ray players that power 3D flicks, will be anything but extraordinary in 2010.

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10 Ways to Spice up your Boring PC

deskstop computer

You already have your monitor, your CPU (the Central Processing Unit), your keyboard, mouse, and printer. The recent Windows Microsoft’s OS (Operating System) is already installed, as well as other basic office programs. Your PC seems to be complete yet you find yourself bored with it. Here are 10 easy steps to liven up your PC:

1. Add other hardware and accessories.
High-performance speakers or headphones that give off quality sound from mp3s and other sound files can be bought from almost any electronics or computer shops. While you’re at it, why not upgrade your printer with those that can act as scanners, colored and black & white printer as well?

2. Change the basic desktop settings from time to time (wallpapers, icons and others).

Wallpapers, icons, and cursors can be changed. You can do this by right-clicking on your desktop and selecting Properties. If you find the wallpapers, icons, and cursors boring or uninteresting, there are websites that offer good ones for a free download. Changing these settings will give your PC a more personalized and creative feel to it.

3. Add a screensaver.
Screensavers of different themes and designs can also be downloaded from the Internet. Cartoons, animals, nature scenes — you name the design. It will be fun to look at it after you’ve left your PC on standby mode.

4. Install PC Games.
Free computer games like Bookworm and Text Twist challenge the vocabulary and minds of just about anyone. They may be a bit simple and generic but they can give life to your boring PC. They definitely serve the purpose when you have nothing much to do.

5. Install Photoshop and other graphics editing programs.
There are many things that you can do with graphic editing programs. You can edit and enhance photos from your digital camera. You can also create your own wallpapers or desktop backgrounds and icons out of your photos or designs.

6. Get yourself an Internet connection.
The Internet is a good source of news and information. It also makes correspondence with family, friends, business partners and clients easier. Once connected, you gain access to networking sites and other entertainment domains where you can watch movies, music videos and other video clips for free. You can also compete with players from all over the world in a multitude of online games.

7. Install or subscribe to reputable anti-virus software.
Norton and McAfee are two of the leading anti-virus programs that protect your computer and rid it of viruses that cause harm to it. They can be downloaded online and are provided to those who need them by subscription. You can also download free trial anti-virus software before you make any subscription.

8. Download music or rip music from your CDs.
Programs like Apple’s iTunes and Windows Media Player can rip music from CDs. Programs such as iTunes also has a vast library of songs up for purchase and download. At 0.99 cents, you can already get any song that you like.

9. Upgrade your PC with an added RAM or an extra hard disk.
The Random Access Memory (RAM) determines how fast your computer can function. With a high-performing RAM, your desktop can function with relatively less fear of malfunctions. RAMS with a capacity of 2 to 3 gigabytes can be purchased in electronic and computer stores.

10. Get a DVD-writer or an external storage.
External hard disks that store up to 250 gigabytes-worth of computer programs, files or documents, videos, images and sound files are for sale in the electronics and computer shops. There will be no fear of running out of storage space when downloading more files if your PC is supported with an external hard drive.

Microsoft Takes a Cheap Shot at Apple

Microsoft Laptop Hunters featuring Lauren

Microsoft Laptop Hunters featuring Lauren

With the fears of recession and overall scrimping on unnecessary expenses, Microsoft shows some marketing savvy by positioning it as the better and cheaper alternative to Apple’s Macintosh.

Microsoft recently released a new ad featuring Lauren, a bespectacled redhead. In the commercial, a voice-over tells her to go hunt for a laptop that would suit her needs, and if she does, Microsoft would buy it for her. Lauren then goes into an Apple store, but quickly goes back out and dejectedly reports that the store did not have her preferred laptop: one that has a comfortable keyboard, a 17 inch screen and fast performance. The only thing she could afford from the Apple store is a 13 inch Macbook.

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Desktop PC Shipments Are Expected to Fall to Record Lows in 2009

If InformationWeek is right, desktop PC manufacturers are in for a bleak 2009. InfoWeek reports that global PC sales will most likely fall by 12% this year. If that happens, it will easily surpass the record 3.2% drop registered in the year 2001.

Citing the market research firm, Gartner, the report says that the combined effects of the current economic slowdown, as well as changing consumer behavior, have influenced the bleak outlook. With more and more people out of jobs, and money being tight, desktop PC owners are trying to save money by holding on to their current machines. Businesses are also seen to follow the same pattern as individual PC owners.

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