We may not have had a one-on-one interaction with any of these the past year, But it would be cruel to not mention any of the potential advancements we were smitten by when it came to technology. [P.S. Given the speed at which the industry is evolving, excuse us if the following list does not includes your ‘favourites’.]
1. Intel compute stick
Did you ever imagine a device, which is so small and yet still efficient enough to make provide you with the desired entertainment and educational uses? Did you ever imagine such revolutionary tech – you can literally transform your TV or monitor into computer with it – to be inexpensive?
While highlighting their significant innovation projects in their yearend leadership session, Naveed Siraj, country manager of Intel Pakistan, discussed this form factor: Atom-powered, carrying 32GB storage, 2 GB memory, and integrated Bluetooth and Wi-Fi technologies.
The compute stick is an inspiring solution for many people, irrespective of whether it’s the space issues or the susceptibility of your USB/laptop to virus that troubles you.
2. Intel processors
Sounds biased to note yet another of Intel’s smart product? But how can one not talk of the likes of Cherry Trail and Skylake? If the very smartphone, tablet, ultrabook, or the 2-in-1 hardware you are using at the moment lets you enjoy perks like a ‘desktop-qulity visual experience’, ‘facial recognition’, and ‘long-battery life’, then either of these two does warrant a (separate) mention.
Catering to a class that seeks versatility, portability, better performance, and overall convenience, Intel processors are setting new standards, opening new avenues, and reaffirming that digital experiment can essentially be eco-friendly too.
3. Google’s ‘Loon’ project
We hastened to congratulate ourselves to have creaed a global villlage with the advnt of internet. But, like the project brought to attention, almost two-thirds of this community is still deprived of the said access. Realizing the idea thus, Google came up with a cheaper and more reliable option: solar-powered balloons controlled by advanced algorithims. 2015 was the year when Google officially became partners with Information and Communication Technology Agency, Sri Lanka, besides three of Indonesia’s major mobile networks expressing participation next year to launch the service.
Bringing billions of people online, the project aims to give individuals economic and educational opportunities. The only imperative being a smartphone or other LTE-enabled item that can be connected to the huge network of balloons set to travel in the stratosphere.
4. Camera drones
Speaking of drones, the tech just keeps getting better and better, especially if they let you capture aerial pictures and videos. A hot gadget, what you’d love the most about them is their user-friendly nature. Different manufacturers stand for different quality, including models like UDI U818A, Parrot Bebop2, DJI Phantom 3 Standard, and Axis Aerius.
For those who are no longer intimidated by the stuff, being well-informed the battery life, flight time, efficiency of motor, and performance should suffice to find one in line with their reasons and within their budget. With unrestricted bird’s eye view transforming every shoot, it is actually exciting ‘toy’ to record your every move.
5. Precision cooker
One of the products that brings sous vide cooking expertise within reach, the Anova Precision Cooker is the perfect excuse we have been waiting for to try the technique. As if the promise of total control over food were not enough, consumers were further lured in by enticing retail prices.
To note, the 2015 ‘modern’ version is a follow-up, including improvements like addition of short-range wireless connection and a literal dial. Whether it was a matter of steak or an egg to begin with, this is your best bet to cook them at a precise temperature, consistently.
- S. Zuberi