2009 is set to be the most technologically-advanced year in mankind’s history. Want to be part of it? James Holland tells us how…

 

The next 12 months promise a whirlwind of high-tech innovation. From connected household devices to next-generation mobiles, 2009 will be the most technologically advanced year in mankind’s history – and it’s all stuff you can get your hands on. Some of the hottest technology around will be on shelves in time for the New Year, so don’t delay, get a step ahead with the latest gadget knowledge right now!

 

HOT FOR HER

LG SCARLET TVQ LG, from US$635

www.lge.com

Big-screen TVs should be on any tech-fancier’s wishlist, but until now they’ve been tricky to slip into the lounge without re-organising the furniture. Not so, with this ultra-stylish model. Dubbed the Scarlet, it’s phenomenally thin at just 45mm thick, yet it still manages to squeeze in the latest technology. There’s full HD resolution, and a 24p mode to show high definition films at the same frame rate they were filmed in, ensuring silky smooth pictures and distortion-free playback. The Scarlet range also has ambient light sensors, automatically adjusting its backlighting to avoid straining your eyes, and wasting power, while three HDMI sockets and a USB connection make it easy to hook up your home entertainment kit, including digital cameras to show photos on the big screen.

 

HOT FOR HIM

Samsung i8510Q Samsung, from US$145 on contract www.samsung.com

This eight megapixel cameraphone is nothing short of amazing. Tiny enough to slip un-noticed into a pocket, it’s also one of the most advanced mobiles in the world. As well as packing in a jaw-dropping camera, there’s also GPS, Wi-Fi and 3G connections. What makes it really special, however, is its smartphone operating system. It’ll let the phone run third-party software, serving up chat, web applications and eye-popping games. It’s a master at shooting video too, able to take DVD-quality footage as well as film ultra high-speed movies at 120 frames per second, capturing every bit of action-filled scenes, or creating smooth slow-motion clips. When it comes to storage, there’s 8GB or 16GB built in, so there’s no need to fiddle with memory cards, and enough space for up to 8,000 pictures!

 

HOT FOR THE KIDS

NINTENDO Wii MOTIONPLUSQ Nintendo, US$45

www.nintendo.com

The Nintendo Wii was a huge hit during 2008, but it’s almost a year old, and now Nintendo’s ready for its second wind. That second wind will come in the shape of Wii MotionPlus. It’s a neat little add-on that clips into the Wii’s controller, packing extra sensors to instantly improve its responsiveness and unlock more accurate movement detection. Nintendo’s planning a slew of new games to take advantage of the technology, but the majority will launch in 2009. Major publishers are clamouring to create games to take advantage of the refined motion-sensitivity, which allows true one-to-one actions in sports games, fighting simulations and even musical titles. It’s a tiny device, but the difference it makes is monumental. With this in the Wii’s accessory arsenal, there’ll be no stopping its success next year.

 

HOT FOR THE OUTDOORS

ROBERTS SOLAR DAB RADIOQ Roberts, US$145 www.robertsradio.co.uk

Solar technology used to be confined to calculators, dodgy rechargable garden lights and emergency phone chargers. Not any more though. The technology has advanced to the point where it can generate enough juice to power a notoriously hungry digital radio. Roberts’ new model will play for as long as it’s kept in direct sunlight, and once it’s fully charged, it’ll play back without the aid of sunlight for a staggering 27 hours. It’ll even charge slowly on a cloudy day, thanks to the ultra-sensitive solar cells in its top. It’s the first of a new wave of green gadgets that are entirely self-sufficient. Watch out for a steady stream of them throughout 2009, or grab this one and be the envy of all your eco-friendly mates.

 

HOT FOR THE GARDEN

SONOS BU150 BUNDLEQ Sonos, US$1,260

www.sonos.com

Sonos creates extremely easy to use multi-room audio systems, sending music from a PC or Mac to any set of speakers or stereo system in the house. This new generation improves dramatically on the last versions, reducing the size of Sonos’ wireless receivers by a whopping 43% while doubling their wireless range, so they can comfortably access signals, even outside the house. Perfect for accessing your computer’s entire music library from the potting shed, greenhouse, or even while lounging on the lawn, Sonos’ bundle includes two wire-free ZonePlayer receivers, as well as a touch-sensitive controller with a full colour screen. 2009 looks likely to become the year of wireless multi-room audio. Yes, there are cheaper models available, but this bundle is the best quality kit available, and comprises everything you need in one box.

 

HOT FOR THE HOME

PURE EVOKE FLOWQ Pure, from around US$475

www.pure.com

Famous for creating some of the world’s best digital radios, Pure has taken its time building this, its first internet radio. It might look similar to traditional radios, but that’s Pure’s intention. Inside is a completely new design – from the plug, which reduces radio interference for an ultra-strong signal, to the software, which is blisteringly quick and easy to use. It’s been more than two years in the making and with its unthreatening looks, is set to make internet radio a mainstream product in 2009.As well as tuning into thousands of stations, podcasts and on-demand shows through a Wi-Fi network, the Evoke Flow houses a DAB and FM radio for traditional broadcasts. It’ll also stream music from a PC on the same network. But its best feature is its companion website, www.thelounge.com, letting owners access favourite stations, podcasts and programmes from anywhere in the world. It’s the first truly ‘connected’ radio, and one to watch in 2009.

 

HOT FOR BUSINESS

BLACKBERRY BOLDQ BlackBerry, from US$180 on contract www.blackberry.com

This new BlackBerry is the brand’s flagship phone for 2008/09. Inside its traditionally-shaped shell are some seriously advanced features. It’s 3G, for speedy e-mail and web access, includes GPS for satellite guidance and route-finding, and also has Wi-Fi inside to connect to wireless networks. OK, so there’s no touchscreen, and the camera’s still only 2 megapixels, but as business phones go it’s one of the best equipped. It also sports the finest screen of any BlackBerry to date, and despite a sluggish journey from the drawing board to the store shelves, expect to see businessmen and women clutching one to their faces or frantically pecking out e-mail messages well into the new year.

 

HOT FOR TRAVEL

TOMTOM GO X40 LIVEQ TomTom, US$540

www.tomtom.com

Until now satnavs have been dumb devices that sit on the dashboard and shout directions. That’ll change in 2009, as the navigation boxes become connected to the web and extremely clever. TomTom’s Go X40 LIVE is the first of a new satnav breed. Instead of receiving slow and unreliable traffic updates from radio signals, it connects to the web to receive new data constantly. It also serves up details on events and attractions as you pass, lets drivers check fuel prices at petrol stations along their route, and even uses the past journeys of other TomTom owners to calculate the speediest, and most reliable route. It’s incredibly clever, but doesn’t come cheap. After the initial three-month trial period, you’ll need to pay around US$18 a month to continue receiving the LIVE service. It’ll guarantee punctuality, but not without prying open your wallet first.

 

HOT FOR SHEER INDULGENCE

SONY XEL-1 OLED TVQ Sony, US$2,500

www.sony.com

Sony’s been parading its OLED TV for the past few months, but it’ll finally go on sale worldwide in 2009. You’re probably wondering what’s so special about it. Put simply, it’s the biggest leap in telly technology since the switch to colour. It uses Organic Light Emiting Diodes (or OLED for short) to create a pin-sharp picture on a screen just 3mm thick. That’s slim enough to slide under a door! The technology also allows richer colours than on any other type of TV, and black levels deeper than any of its rivals. It’s the most perfect telly ever created, and Sony is the only company in the world to be selling them. Expect to see them crop up in expensive department stores and showrooms throughout 2009. Their design and image quality will make you stop and stare, but to own one yourself you’ll need to shell out a small fortune, even if the screen itself is only eleven inches across.