With the end of the current year, 2009, looming ever faster than before (I saw a Christmas tree at the weekend!) it’s that time of year to look ahead and try and predict what the technology landscape may look like for 2010.

Last Year Review

Before we get started let’s have a recap on last years predictions.

The three obvious ones of virtualisation, unified communications, and social networking all speak for themselves – pretty much as expected but what about the other four predictions:

Cloud Computing – everyone has their head in the clouds this year. HIT.

Mini Projectors – aha, Pico Projectors just about starting to make an appearance (for example, the Nikon Coolpix S1000pj) – I think we can chalk this one up. HIT.

Temperature Sensors – emotional state awareness will have to wait for the time being. MISS.

Near Field Technology – not much news on this front – seems a bit too far away at the moment. MISS.

Two out of Four – better than last year!

Looking forward to 2010

So, what are we expecting to look forward to next year? In my view 2010 will be a big year in the technology calendar, and not only because of the raft of planned released from big industry names like Microsoft, Google, and Apple.

Web Based Operating Systems – the first all web based OS may make its first appearance. Switch on your computing device and boot direct into the Internet – is is too far out or an inevitable consequence of our digital evolution? It may emerge as a light weight software application installed on a computer before being brought on-board by hardware manufacturers.

Wireless Power Charging – imaging being able to charge our devices without needing to plug little cables into them – conductive charging showed the way and magnetic charging is already available (e.g. PowerMat), 2010 will see wireless power charging reach critical mass.

Life Recorder – Microsoft had a go at the technology (SenseCam, now ViconRevue) but the buzz from social networking will see them integrated with a device which will record everything we see, hear, where we go and what we do. Imagine having our very own personal black box.

Augmented Reality Gaming – Gaming has always been popular – and will become even more so as the combination of ubiquitous computing devices, mobility, GPS, haptic technology, accelerometers and gesture control systems lead to gaming we can play in the streets. Imaging Pac-Man but in the streets where you live. Safety will be an issue.

Meshed Core Processors – forget quad core, even eight core – the boundaries will be pushed down completely as meshed processors will lead the way to dozens, if not hundreds, of processors working in harmony to provide untold computing power (cue maniacal laughter!).

Unified Application Store – Application Stores are really taking off but If I buy an application, from an App Store, for one mobile device why must I buy it again for another mobile device? As application development becomes easier to cross boundaries and platforms a unified Application Store will allow us to buy an application once and use it on whatever device we like.

Home Gaming Changes – No doubt Microsoft’s Project Natal will play a significant role, especially if it coincides with an all new X-Box, but the one to watch will be the upcoming successor to the Nintendo Wii which should take motion based gaming to a new level. I wonder what the boffins at Sony are up to? Also, watch out for online streamed gaming allowing us to play any console game from a single device.

Virtual Computer Room – Most business have one, even if its more of a cupboard than an actual room. With the rise of virtual computing, increases in Internet bandwidth, and Cloud Computing a completely virtual computer room may become a reality. The first step might be a “hot backup” computer room that replicates all our hardware and software functionality in case of disaster.

Flexible Display Screens – One of the problems associated with display technology is that quite often the screen has to be rigid leading to devices that are somewhat bulkier than they really need to be. Flexible screens will allow displays to fold up, roll up, and wrap up and disappear out of sight leading to much smaller devices. With display technology being able to wrap around 3D objects the impact for digital marketing is huge.

Fibre To The Home – A bold, and brave, initiative to accelerate and replace the aged telephone cables to the home with a fibre to the home service will be announced. This may well be driven by the entertainment industry to deliver increased on-demand and higher definition services to the home.