IN 2012, we perceived the arrival of the Cube, the world’s first home 3Dprinter; the Raspberry Pi, a computer that costs just $9500; and Microsoft’s first tablet, the Surface. So, what new ‘tech’ are we looking forward to testing next year? Here’s a pick of the gadgets I’m most excited about in 2013:

Google Project Glass: Google’s co-founder loves the Internet so much that he’s found a way to use it all the time… Literally! His new Google endeavour, Project Glass, overlays information from the Web, such as weather reports, messages from friends, and map directions, on top of the real world through one of the glass’ lenses.
The specs are also fitted with a camera that lets you take pictures or record videos without much fuss. It’s a revolutionary bit of ‘tech’; it’s just a shame you’ll be a bit of a social pariah if you wear them in public. More of a headset than a pair of spectacles, the Vuzix projects a small colour image in front of your eyes; runs the Android operating system; and connects, via Bluetooth, to your phone. The screen could show you text messages, emails, or map directions.

Xbox 720: The Xbox 360’s successor will finally be unveiled in mid-2013. Currently codenamed ‘Durango’, it’s whipped up a veritable whirlwind of rumours. The latest intelligence — gathered from leaked Microsoft presentations and hardware — is that the console will include Blu-ray support; the ability to record from live TV; 3D gaming; and a renewed Kinect device that will supposedly work with augmented reality glasses. It’s thought that the Xbox 720 will be powered by an 8GB RAM and a quad-core processor, making it vastly more powerful than the current generation of consoles.
Oculus Rift: Virtual Reality (VR) gaming has been every gamer’s fantasy since the film, The Lawnmower Man, came out in 1992. Thankfully, the Oculus Rift VR headset is nothing like that; it’s much better. Connected to a PC, it presents your environment in full 3D, with a 110° field of view that tracks your head movements so you can look around virtual worlds. It’s been lagged by some of the gaming industry’s leading figures.
Base Band: Most health monitors rely on a pedometer to tell you how active you’re keeping. The only trouble is: They’re not very good if you exercise by, for example, cycling or rowing. The Basis band is a heart-rate monitor that works without a chest strap, so you can wear it all the time and get an accurate reading, no matter what you’re doing. The band is also loaded with other detectors, such as a galvanic skin response sensor, which monitors sweat levels, and an accelerometer, so you can see how changes in your heart rate correlate with your exercise habits. This device could give you a more accurate picture of your health than any other consumer gadget to date.
Time will tell! The Pebble is the first “smart” watch to offer full iOS and Android compatibility with its Bluetooth capabilities. This customizable gadget can act as a distance-tracker and mp3 player, while keeping you updated on Twitter, Yahoo, Google andFacebook, on and on and on…
As per usual, it is expected that Apple will release an “S” update before moving up an integer.
Some are predicting it will come with a new super HD camera/screen, a better battery, and NFC [near field communication] used in such things as contactless payment systems. They also claim that, like the Nano, the phone will be available in six to eight colours. I hope they bring it in orange as well! This is expected in June 2013.
Key Player:Bid adieu to that stomach-sinking “Did I lock the house?” feeling; or the not-much-better “I locked myself out… Again” moment. Lockitron provides keyless lock and entry, initiated through a Smartphone app. For added peace of mind, those with kids can also receive texts when they arrive home.
And, Apple has done it again! Yes! The Apple iTV is almost here! There has been speculation for some years that Apple would make a land-grab for the TV market. Apple CEO, Tim Cook recently remarked that turning on a TV is like going “backwards in time by 20 or 30 years.” That is, like the music and phone industry previously, it’s in need of an Apple update.Cult of Mac reported that the TV would feature both Siri and iSight to enable voice and face recognition; iPhones and iPads could also be used to control it.
Apple iTV will be launched in October 2013; it should cost between $1,500 – $2,000, and come in sizes from 42 inches to 55 inches.
The Internet giant is said to be adding a phone to its range of Kindle readers. The Amazon phone will soon be a reality. Don’t expect any revolutionary hardware! But the software will allow seamless integration between Amazon’s Appstore, Amazon MP3, Amazon Cloud Player and Kindle books. In short, it will be more of a multipurpose Amazon revenue-generating device than a phone. Amazon is expected to subsidise the cost of the handset and the monthly price-plan, using the revenue from the vast amount of Amazon media, electronics and whatnot you are inevitably going to purchase with it. It is also likely to come pre-loaded with a bar code scanner, which will point out how much cheaper everything is on Amazon. Yes! It does sound pretty fascinating! This, too, is expected in  mid-2013.
Gunnar computer eyewear: If you thought glasses were just meant for toning down the sun or for the visually impaired, then you haven’t met the Gunnar computer eyewear. Sometimes, looking at your computer the whole day can take a toll on your eyes, and that is why the Gunnar computer eyewear company makes different kinds of glasses that are meant specifically for people like you.
These glasses will not only protect you against computer vision syndrome; it will also prevent digital eye fatigue, and increase your visual performance. There are different styles to suit all people.
I do hope your 2013 gadget will be one of the above. They are truly remarkable! All of them!