Advances in technology continue to blow the minds of consumers every year. In 2013, there are a lot of exciting developments to look forward to. Today’s tech gadgets are blurring the lines between tablets, laptops, ultrabooks and smartphones, offering devices that provide much-needed convenience and functionality in a single product. Here’s a look at a few of the most exciting innovations for the year, introduced at CES 2013 and elsewhere.
Ascend Mate: Smartphone with the Largest Screen
Introduced by Huawei at CES 2013, the Ascend Mate has replaced former leaders as the smartphone with the largest screen. These large-display smartphones are also called phablets, noting the similarities between these devices and tablet PCs. The idea is to combine the large-screen capabilities for entertainment and usability with the small size of a smartphone.
The Book of Do: Thin, Light, Complete Computing
Lenovo’s latest improvements to the ultrabook are also ones to watch in 2013. Lenovo’s Ideapads are thin and light enough for easy transport, yet they offer the necessary functionality for whatever tasks you need to perform and come complete with full QWERTY keyboards. Perhaps this has something to do with the company’s foray into the smartphones segment.
Intel North Cape Hybrid: Blurring the Lines
A magnet wire secures this new hybrid laptop in its place. Also unveiled at CES 2013, the Intel North Cape Hybrid offers the company’s new CPU, functional, responsive keyboard and rich display. This device is ideal for professionals and frequent travelers who want the ability to flip between the portability of a tablet and the full functionality of a laptop.
Horizon Table PC: Redefining the Interpersonal Experience
CNET names Lenovo’s Horizon Table PC as one of the company’s most innovative solutions for 2013. It lies flat on any surface, allowing more than one user to interact with the 27-inch PC simultaneously. This year’s enhancements include user interface improvements as well as additional apps.
LG Tab-Book H160: A Tablet or a Laptop
The LG Tab-Book H160 is a Windows 8 Slider which functions either as a tablet or laptop. The most appealing feature is it’s easier to transition between functional modes than similar products released in earlier years. Whether users are watching videos for entertainment or need a full keyboard for word processing or other office functions, this hybrid device covers all the options.
Lenovo IdeaPhone K900: Leader of the Pack
Playing off the success of the Ideabook, the Lenovo IdeaPhone K900 aims to bring usability and exceptionally fast processing capabilities to the smartphone market. A 13-megapixel camera combined with a sleek stainless steel body means this smartphone both looks sharp and takes sharp pictures—an ideal device for users who rely heavily on their smartphones to take photos on the go.
There are dozens of advanced devices slated to hit the consumer tech market in 2013. Whether you’re the type of person who must have the latest tech gadgets or you’re simply looking to upgrade your current device to something more functional, the latest releases for 2013 won’t disappoint.