The Next Ipod/Wii/Must Have Technology?

[molotovwars]

So I was giving some thought to some of the technologies that are dominating the marketplace right now or at least they did in the recently and was kind of wondering about what will be next.

I know my exposure to new products is limited or at least it seems that way anyways, and I am sure there are a lot of neat products out that I haven't heard of or aren't getting much publicity.

Netflix is changing the way movies are rented, as is RedBox, and in a similar vein Steam is proving that digital distribution may easily become a reality for future generations of games (Netflix is doing it too with the idea of streaming movie rentals). Sites like Youtube are being bought out by google and other larger companies (just as Skype was bought by Ebay a few years ago - though I've heard they are going to split Skype off into its own company again).

So I'm asking you guys what are some of the services, products, or companies that you think have something to offer and are going to emerge in the near future. I guess this could also be ideas you have that haven't yet been made, but I'm thinking more of things that are actually out there that haven't caught on.

Go!

[corn619]

I think 3D will be a major playing force in future consoles. The step up in graphics won't be such a big deal but gameplay and experience will be the "thing". Imagine playing Natal with full 3D on a 60" LED? I think thats how companies will push the digital distribution crap, with game experiences and gameplay evolutions that can't be made, felt or played on any other system past or present.

[molotovwars]

So I had heard talks that Natal might be designated for Microsoft's next generation console (Xbox 720), but still its hard to believe that it will be central to the system and its success. Right now the Xbox 360 is popular because it doesn't have motion control, or at least it has "hardcore" games that feature more mature content and greater graphics.

From what I can tell Microsoft has been trying to separate itself from Sony (in that their consoles can handle the same games, where as the Wii cannot) through its services. Netflix is now an option for Xbox 360 users as well as some social networking deals involving Twitter and Facebook.

I watched the demo videos for Natal (with the person interacting with the boy) and while it seemed really neat, with great potential for immersion, as one can see with the Wii (and even the Nintendo DS), developers are downplaying the features that make those consoles stand out (motion control and touch screen respectively). Wii Motion Plus may change things and I think a Dead Space game is looking at new ways to use the motion controller (such as rotating the Wiimote for alternate fire) and Lets Tap tried something new. Regardless, the majority of gamers are returning to the standard controller, or at least are standing by it. Natal will certainly be interesting and there is a new article on Kotaku about Sony's wand, but I don't quite seem them catching on the way the Wii did.

(Oh and any ideas people toss out don't need to tie directly into gaming, anything goes)

[Hatta]

I think this thing called the Dreamcast is going to take the world by storm.

[corn619]

I think this thing called the Dreamcast is going to take the world by storm.

You might be onto something there Hatta.

[IcKy99]

I think this thing called the Dreamcast is going to take the world by storm.

its got a 56k modem! online gaming is the future!

[Jrecee]

Shoulder Buttons.

[otaku]

more green tech! Computers need to become more like what Hp did with my beloved firebird (seems the move is to laptops and netbooks which takes care of this as well) also more enviro friendly cars-more hybrids and such. Also loving the LED tv's my next set will be one of those I hope and I want a kindle like ereader with that cool display that reads like paper.

Console wise I think we need to worry about reliability continuing to perfect these cool new motion controls and in terms of visuals perhaps start exploring real 3D visuals if possible

[molotovwars]

more green tech! Computers need to become more like what Hp did with my beloved firebird (seems the move is to laptops and netbooks which takes care of this as well) also more enviro friendly cars-more hybrids and such. Also loving the LED tv's my next set will be one of those I hope and I want a kindle like ereader with that cool display that reads like paper.

Yes, I read an interesting article in the economist about how netbooks are becoming very successful, especially in "developing countries" because they are much more affordable. Initially many of them ran Linux to keep the cost down, this resulted in Microsoft having to lower the price of its XP operating system to still get its OS onto Netbooks. Netbooks also give Google the opportunity to expand its Android mobile OS into a full fledged operating system.

I had though about Green Technology, but hadn't made the connection with netbooks and laptops. I see it in Apple commercials and you mention HP. I also know Wal-Mart advertises its "green" activities.

Know other companies advancing green technology? Its something I've been meaning to look into, as well as alternative forms of energy (green energy) such as using wind turbines or using mirrors in deserts to harness power from the sun (as opposed to solar panels)

[MrPopo]

more green tech! Computers need to become more like what Hp did with my beloved firebird (seems the move is to laptops and netbooks which takes care of this as well) also more enviro friendly cars-more hybrids and such.

I wish environment-friendly wasn't a synonym for "more expensive".