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I'm just curious about what other people are looking forward to, technology wise, in 2006? It doesn't have to be stuff you are going to buy ... or even ever afford to buy ... but stuff that interests you. Here's my list.
Software:
Windows Vista - Build 5270 put a little faith back in me that Vista really was on track for a 2006 release and wouldn't suck. True I haven't tested it on my non-dual-core system yet, but the interface is clean and responsive, and overall seems like it will be a good product. The interface still needs some tuning, but it's only in Beta 2, so I'm not worried.
Supreme Commander - The spiritual successor to Total Annihilation. I see myself wasting away in front of the computer for 2-3 months when it comes out. I am VERY excited about this title.
Office 12 - I've played with the beta, and it is completely different than previous versions. It's very annoying at first, and has a steep learning curve, but once you learn it, it is very easy to use.
Hardware accelerated video editing - not new to the pro's, but with ATi and nV building HD solutions to battle in 2006, cheap HD video solutions will abound.
Hardware, Computer:
65nm CPUs - The 65 nm process has been good to Intel chips thus far, and if AMD can get their next multi-core rev. on 65 nm it will do wonderful things.
AMD's next gen mobo architecture - DDR2, AM2 (or whatever the new socket is), and the new mega-huge socket for server mobo's, plus a revamped memory controller for DDR2 should put AMD even farther ahead of Intel. Competition is good.
OLED keybaord - Can't recall the name. Optimus? No matter the price and lifespan, it looks DAMN cool.
Hybrid HDDs - It's about time someone did something to speed up HDDs. If the hybrid HDD concept works, it will make many people happy, including me. More than likely I'll be the first in line to buy one so I can load Vist UE on it.
Solid State HDD - Though I doubt a reasonably prices SS-HDD will be out in 2006, rumors that IBM/Infineon will start releasing MRAM (magnetic RAM) for small electronic devices (such as cell phones) this year could kick start interest in solid state, non-volitile HDD solutions. The final bottleneck broken ... hopefully by 2010.
Hardware, other:
Wilson Duette bookshelf speakers - This is one of those pipe dream things. My favorite speaker maker has finally released a speaker under $10k, 250 lbs. (per speaker), and can be hidden in a room. Initial reviews from CES call them phenominal sounding. Now, how to talk to the wife into the $9k purchase price...
1080p - Though there were a few true 1080p devices out in 2005, 2006 will be the year of 1080p. DLP, SXRD, LCD, Plasma, and maybe a surprise or two. Once the competition between 1080p devices hit, prices will finally drop, and Jammrock will move in for the kill.
HD-DVD/Blu-ray - Though I've become disenfranchised with the whole HD/BD battle already, it will still be interesting to see how things play out this year. I hope this battle ends quickly, personally. I'll need some HD content for my new 1080p TV.
That's all I can think of for now.
Software:
Windows Vista - Build 5270 put a little faith back in me that Vista really was on track for a 2006 release and wouldn't suck. True I haven't tested it on my non-dual-core system yet, but the interface is clean and responsive, and overall seems like it will be a good product. The interface still needs some tuning, but it's only in Beta 2, so I'm not worried.
Supreme Commander - The spiritual successor to Total Annihilation. I see myself wasting away in front of the computer for 2-3 months when it comes out. I am VERY excited about this title.
Office 12 - I've played with the beta, and it is completely different than previous versions. It's very annoying at first, and has a steep learning curve, but once you learn it, it is very easy to use.
Hardware accelerated video editing - not new to the pro's, but with ATi and nV building HD solutions to battle in 2006, cheap HD video solutions will abound.
Hardware, Computer:
65nm CPUs - The 65 nm process has been good to Intel chips thus far, and if AMD can get their next multi-core rev. on 65 nm it will do wonderful things.
AMD's next gen mobo architecture - DDR2, AM2 (or whatever the new socket is), and the new mega-huge socket for server mobo's, plus a revamped memory controller for DDR2 should put AMD even farther ahead of Intel. Competition is good.
OLED keybaord - Can't recall the name. Optimus? No matter the price and lifespan, it looks DAMN cool.
Hybrid HDDs - It's about time someone did something to speed up HDDs. If the hybrid HDD concept works, it will make many people happy, including me. More than likely I'll be the first in line to buy one so I can load Vist UE on it.
Solid State HDD - Though I doubt a reasonably prices SS-HDD will be out in 2006, rumors that IBM/Infineon will start releasing MRAM (magnetic RAM) for small electronic devices (such as cell phones) this year could kick start interest in solid state, non-volitile HDD solutions. The final bottleneck broken ... hopefully by 2010.
Hardware, other:
Wilson Duette bookshelf speakers - This is one of those pipe dream things. My favorite speaker maker has finally released a speaker under $10k, 250 lbs. (per speaker), and can be hidden in a room. Initial reviews from CES call them phenominal sounding. Now, how to talk to the wife into the $9k purchase price...
1080p - Though there were a few true 1080p devices out in 2005, 2006 will be the year of 1080p. DLP, SXRD, LCD, Plasma, and maybe a surprise or two. Once the competition between 1080p devices hit, prices will finally drop, and Jammrock will move in for the kill.
HD-DVD/Blu-ray - Though I've become disenfranchised with the whole HD/BD battle already, it will still be interesting to see how things play out this year. I hope this battle ends quickly, personally. I'll need some HD content for my new 1080p TV.
That's all I can think of for now.
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