Here at Paragon we use technology to assist and enhance good old fashioned investigative skills, and we keep an eye out for anything that can improve the services we provide.
Take a look at the top 10 tech trends for 2015 – from new batteries to drones, the tech landscape is constantly changing.
We’d especially love to see number 6 (the end of passwords) come to fruition. The amount of online security breaches is very concerning and anything that can be done to minimise this risk is always welcome.
Hoverboards would also be welcome, but we don’t see that happening anytime soon.
Remember, we’re always happy to discuss any requirements you may have in 2015. The services we provide are broad, and chances are we’ve seen it all before.
Article below by Blayne Slabbert, from Stuff.co.nz
1. Windows 10
The new version of the world’s most popular desktop operating system is due to be released this year and it can’t come too soon for some.
Grumblings about Window 8 and 8.1 have worn away at Microsoft’s reputation and it needs a win with this update. Early signs show the company plans to bring back the Start menu and other popular options which will be welcomed by many.
2. Battery life
We can land a man on the moon but we can’t invent a smartphone battery that can lasts three days. Most phone manufacturers managed to make incremental improvements but each seems more concerned with slim design than long-lasting batteries. I hope this is the year we get three to four-day battery life.
3. Personal assistants
We have been putting up with the quirks of Siri, Cortana and Google Now for too long. Speech recognition technology is improving all the time and it should develop significantly this year so it can become something that truly improves our digital lives. The uptake from users has been slow and no one service has really cracked the technology yet.
4. Online streaming
The battle of the five streamers in New Zealand will get fierce this year. Netflix arrives in March to take on Lightbox, Neon, Quickflix and VideoEzy. Research by Impact PR shows 59 per cent of Kiwis have watched TV online, or on a smartphone or tablet app, in the last year. This will soar this year and I expect at least one of the companies will fold as each scrambles for market share.
5. Smartwatches
These devices have threatened to lead the wearable technology revolution but they have not become must-buy gadgets. Sony, Samsung, LG and others have all had watches on the market for a while but sales are not spectacular. That will change this year as Apple releases its watch in spring with the first device that will tempt many iPhone users to finally try a smartwatch.
6. The end of passwords
There have been several major security breaches that exposed millions of passwords and (hopefully) made people realise how vulnerable they are. There are now several excellent password managers available and two-step authentication to help protect your details, but the next step is to eliminate them altogether. This means “you” become the password which involves using your fingerprints, faces, voice and heartbeat for security.
7. Teched-up home
Tech companies are very much part of your personal life and they want to be in your home, too. This is part of the internet-of-things trend which aims to connect everyday devices to the internet. Soon everything from your front door lock to your fridge will be able to be operated by your smartphone.
8. Tech in cars
Google and Apple are ramping up their efforts to keep you connected in your car. Both have done deals with companies to include their operating systems in cars. It’s part of their plan to be part of your lives all the time, even when you are driving.
9. Drones
Personal drones are going to be everywhere this year. While you may see some buzzing around sports grounds operated by experts you’ll also see your neighbours flying them around. Most will have a camera attached which will also raise concerns around privacy.
10. The internet
This month, the internet we use today celebrates its 22nd birthday. Its impact on our lives will continue to grow as our lives become even more linked to the web. We will continue to reap both the benefits and downsides as debate continues around privacy, net neutrality, cybercrime and whether it is a right or a privilege.