2013 headline predictions from top UK tech media
As a tech PR agency, there it is little surprise that we are constantly looking for the next big trends in the industry. As is our tradition at this time of year, we’ve asked a few of our favourite tech journalists to share their thoughts on what we’re likely to be talking about in 2013.Feel free to add your own (or disagree with the following) in the comments!
Milo Yiannopoulos, The Kernel
See what Milo predicted last year, here.“When, this time last year, I anticipated that Facebook Credits would become the currency of the internet, what I couldn't have guessed was how badly the company's IPO would bomb and how dramatically that would set the company back. I still believe Facebook will make major strides into online payments, but it may not be for some years yet and it may not be successful: confidence in internet companies has been shattered after a number of high-profile failures on the public markets.“2013 will be a difficult year for the internet industry after its many recent humiliations. I'm guessing that the majority of innovation will occur in hardware in the coming months: connected, ergonomic devices that further replace people with things. Look out for home devices that are controlled via voice, touch and proximity. Siri isn't a particularly revolutionary technology, but it shows where user interface design is going in consumer electronics: people want to interact with their devices like they interact with other people. “The 3D-printing explosion has been prematurely hyped, but that doesn't mean these devices don't have enormous transformative effect. It will be some years before we can all do away with money and live in a utopian, communitarian future though. Star Trek was set a few hundred years from now for a reason.”
Hunter Skipworth, Pocket-Lint
"As is usually the case, Apple will likely dominate in 2013 and if the long rumoured Apple TV even so much as peeks out from behind a curtain, expect that to claim the prize.“This said, Google has continued to innovate and push Android further, so it could be the big G who takes the crown."
Jessica Twentyman, Freelance
See what Jessica predicted last year, here."There are a number of topics I'm looking forward to writing about in 2013 - commissioning editors, take note! First, there's the next phase in BYOD, where companies shift their focus from mobilising employees to mobilising their applications. “Second, I think there'll be a widespread 'reality check' when it comes to enterprise social, with companies taking a long, hard look at their efforts so far and, in many cases, ripping them up and starting again.“Third, I think 2013 will be when we see enterprise Hadoop really hit its stride - and companies with Big Data ambitions will feel the pinch of skills shortages in this area."
Paul Lamkin, MSN Tech
“The big tech news is going to be Apple TV. For the last few years Apple has been locked in a few evolution cycles with incremental updates to its massively successful portfolio but 2013 will be the year in which it kicks off a Smart TV revolution.”
Chris Lake, Econsultancy
See what Chris predicted last year, here.“So, reflecting on my predictions for 2012... well certainly we've seen the social space continue to mature, and I think a lot of brands are aware that it is a service channel, and not just a marketing channel. Sort out the service and the marketing will sort out itself, to some degree.“I do think companies could be doing so much more to keep hold of their valuable customers. Lots of work still to be done on that score. “As for 2013, we need to see a lot more catching up in the mobile space - specifically the mobile customer experience for shoppers. All of the stats I've seen this year suggest that mobile usage has reached a real tipping point, as far as shopping is concerned.“It is also worth noting that the term 'mobile' is something of a misnomer: I normally use my phone - and tablet, for that matter - to shop while sitting on the couch. Of course it's handy while out and about, but companies shouldn't just see it as being something that helps people while on the move.“In terms of design I think we'll see more storytelling, more emotion, and more focus on the detail. I think there's a greater appreciation of the user experience among web designers nowadays. “We're also being approached by lots of big companies who are still struggling with 'digital transformation', aka the art of adapting a business for the world in which we live. In fact it's more of a science: audit various aspects of your business, train your staff, adapt your culture, reposition your brand and try to cater for the right kind of audience. Not always easy, but much better than languishing and 'doing a Comet'.”