Five new technology predictions for 2011

2010 was a big year for new technology launches – with the iPhone 4, iPad, Amazon Kindle 3 and Android phones grabbing all the headlines. So what’s in store for us in 2011?

1. Year of the tablet?

This will be the year that a swarm of competitors launch their own tablets in a bid to take a bite out of Apple’s iPad success. New models from HP, BlackBerry maker Research in Motion, Motorola, Dell, Asus, Cisco, Lenovo, and others are expected to be rolled out in 2011.

While a lot of these products won’t be as instantly recognisable as the iPad – and won’t have the publicity or celebrity endorsements – they are likely to be cheaper than the iPad.

2. A rival to Facebook?

Facebook and Twitter have been ubiquitous in 2010 – and 2011 looks likely to be the year when Google makes a serious challenge with its own social media tools.

The search behemoth is rumoured to have a ‘Google Me’ product in the pipeline, which is expected to give Facebook some competition in 2011. Others are likely to follow suit – but will any of them be good enough to tempt you away from Facebook?

3. Head in the cloud

2011 could be the year when cloud computing finally takes off. Internet access is close to ubiquitous in many places now, so storing your data on a server that you can reach only when online is becoming more of a reality. Would you feel comfortable storing all of your data in the ‘cloud’?

4. Mobile mayhem

Expect more choice of mobile phones than ever before, as more manufacturers vie for your attention – and money. Google Android phones and Microsoft’s Windows Phone 7 will provide competition to iPhones and Blackberrys for price and apps viewpoint.

5. 3D TV jumps out of the screen

There will be a rise in the number of 3D TVs sold in the UK as more and more of us want the big-screen experience in our own homes. More 3D films and shows will make their way on to your TV.

What do you think will make the news in 2011? Let us know below.