One thing that is quite unique with technology these days is that it keeps itself updated year after year. We have seen the battle between the iPhone 5 and the Samsung Galaxy SIII and Note 2. Will the same war wage for 2013? Are there new technologies and innovations that will be introduced in this coming year? With the news that are coming out of what to expect with the developments of computers and gadgets, you may not be able to grasp it all. So without further adieu, here are the top 10 tech predictions of 2013, making sure that you become as updated as most people are.

10. The War Wages On

Google, Apple, and Microsoft have already begun the fight for digital supremacy whether it involved the sphere of operating systems, multiple device support, smartphones, applications, and tablets just recently. The competition shows no signs of stopping and we will yet see another war between the three tech giants.

9. Smart TVs Will Become Smarter

Sony and Samsung, among many other competitors are making an edge with Smart TV that unified TV-watching with internet browsing by having WiFi sensors on the TV, which provides a whole new dimension to using HDTVs. And since this is a developing market, it may not be too soon when people will see Apple invade this tech field.

8. New Devices Will Come Out in the Market

For smartphones, fanboys and tech freaks are already anticipating the release of Apple’s iPhone 5S, which was based on the trend of the iPhone 3, 3GS, 4, and 4S. If the Cupertino tech company devices some new design or concept, rather than improving on inner specs, then we may be expecting the iPhone 6 sometime in October. The Samsung Galaxy SIV is also under wraps and may be unveiled as another game changer, as what has been seen with the dawn of the SIII. PS4 and XBox 720 may also be released within the year, taking advantage of deeper video gaming together with more powerful graphics processors.

7. Data Plans and Contracts will Slowly Deter

In the US and in most parts of the world, telecom services are offering data, calling, and SMS plans at prices that are sometimes considered over the top, especially when it involves a tie up with more expensive gadgets. This is one reason why only the rich are taking benefit of such offers. However, there is a growing trend of purchasing prepaid plans that offer cheaper services for mobile internet, calling, and texting, which will someday opt users to buy unlocked devices and resort to more economic telecom solutions.

6. Apps Will Now Involve Enterprise Levels

Back at the time when the first apps have been launched, it was benefiting the masses that wanted free apps, games, and other applications that make user experience easy and convenient. With such focus, the security for such apps have been kept low, making way for viruses, hacks, and other infiltrations, compromising account information and devices being affected. Now that the world is recognizing the massive use of smartphones and tablets that utilize WiFi and mobile connections, security has also tightened and became stricter, making apps accessible to corporate and enterprise users.

5. The Cloud Will Increase in Expanse

When the cloud was first introduced to the masses, they were delighted with the fact that people can now save their files and other information outside their computers and other tangible devices. Also, doing the same process gives them the access to retrieve their files wherever, whenever, or however they want to, as long as internet connection is available. This year, expect the support to be bigger, wider, and better, with more applications and products using such methods.

4. 3D Printers Will Find Their Way in Business

The idea of printing 3D images with the use of a program and modified plastic has become a reality back in 2012. There was even one person who had gained a slot in Nintendo’s empire for creating Koopa shells with wheels as a remote controlled car, thanks to a 3D printer. With such creations providing wonders, more and more people may be interested of what can be done with such for markets, creators, and even at-home consumers.

3. Flexible Touch Sensors Will be More Exposed Than Ever

If you could recall some of the tech conventions in the last 3 years, you may have seen flexible screens being developed by Nokia, Corning, and other companies. Some have been surprised that you can still see digital images in full integrity even when you bend the flexible glass, while utilizing touch sensors. It would be more like you are using a smartphone that can bend like crazy. If it had been possible with glass, other developments that include metals, plastics, and fiber may also be processed for this coming-of-age technology.

2. Utilization of Internet and Mobile Connections in the Physical World

Some have already seen NFC technologies being used as entry services in railways, transit, and even in movies while others have and there are also moving vehicles that provide free WiFi connections during travel. The business world is looking for more ways to integrate digital innovations and physical presence. For example, with the use of sensors, people can now be connected to internet servers, and mobile phones become gateways to interacting with other services that exists in stores, restaurants, kiosks, and more.

1. Mobile Technology Becomes Even More Mobile

In the recent years, people have seen mobile phones that have pierced through the market. Smartphones such as BlackBerry, Apple, Nokia, Google, LG, HTC, Samsung, and Motorola among others have gained fast-pacing recognition to consumers, thanks to apps that are easily downloaded, providing a whole new experience in mobile technology. Tablet PCs have also changed the game back in 2012. In 2013, expect a whole new age as mobile becomes wearable with wristwatches, buttons, eyeglasses, and even shoes.

10. Same Multi-device Support

Quite recently, users have been used to seeing tablets and PCs as separate entities where you can easily distinguish the look on both environments as different. Functionalities are not as adaptable as it is on one system with another. You may not believe it, but there are users who prefer one device over another due to limited capabilities that one device can do. However, with the new user interface for Windows 8, whether you are using tablets or computers, you would not have to endure the frustration of getting used to one device other another as support is extended on both spheres. Yup, not only will you sense that mobile feeling in your PC or laptop, but you will enjoy the same experience whatever you take hold of.

9. Pin Option

The pinning option started with Windows 7 giving the option to a user of pinning a specific program into the Taskbar or the Start Menu, thus providing ease of accessibility for the user. Rather than finding the program to the in-depth Programs Menu, you can have an application right where you want to access it right away. Windows 8 hypes this option where you can pin anything you want, from pictures, to websites, files, and more.

8. Gesture Driven

Windows 8 has now gone beyond what PCs has never gone before. Macs only have gestures in their trackpads and so with other operating systems. Perhaps the new Windows is the first to have touch screen gestures such as pinch-zoom, semantic zoom, and even swiping on particular sides of the screen to perform specific app functions. You may even replicate the same functionality even if you are not using a tablet where your PC can do the same wonders.

7. Charms

Accessible by pressing C and the Windows Icon on the keyboard or clicking on the right corner of the screen, the Charms bar helps you do search, sharing, accessing settings, opening the Start Menu, and even managing connected devices all in one stop. Since most of the functions for Windows 8 are system wide, you can utilize the Charms function pretty well, no matter what you need to find or open.

6. Windows To Go

Back when Windows 7 was recognized as the best OS there is after Windows XP, after Vista being a flop and all, many users dreamt of bringing the operation of Windows 7 to different computers in order to maintain user momentum. It was difficult back in the day. With Windows 8 and through Windows To Go, an Enterprise Edition Feature, you can now create a bootable USB drive that has stored Windows 8, settings, and files in one tiny device.

5. Multitasking Functions

Back in Windows 7, you may actually opt to multitasking via Aero Mode when you drag one screen on one edge, which fills half of the screen, while another screen may be put in on the other side. However, you do not really interact with most things at the same time real-time. You usually find yourself pressing the switch window hotkey just to do things fast. But with Windows 8 and with the Snap Multitasking, you can now have two apps work side by side, and even resize them according to priority or eye comfort. By merely dragging one screen away from the other, you can now focus on maps while checking updates on mail, or you can chat while playing your favorite video games.

4. Share Option

When talking about sharing in a computer perspective, the only things that come to mind are file sharing via network connections from PC to PC, or using apps such as Facebook and Twitter for pictures, links, and others. These days, there is a new description for Sharing, and that is done by connecting to social networks, websites, and other programs when you wanted other people to see what you are reading, pictures that you love, articles that are worth spreading, and more. All of these can be done without jumping from one app to another, where things are integrated.

3. Task Manager

For those who have been used to the Windows OS for a while are very familiar of what happens when they press the CTRL+ALT+DEL, which actually brings out the Task Manager. This is the usual solution for closing programs that are going loco or that are causing certain operations to haywire. As it served such a purpose with the previous release, Windows 8 improves this same function by adding information that would provide users an in-depth look on what’s happening with the apps and the memory of the computer. Operations in apps and background processes can now be easily identified, and you can even find out if there is traffic in RAM, PC, Disk, and Network Usage, all in one screen.

2. New User Interface

Believe it or not, even those who have been used to Windows Phone 7 Mango still had something coming when they saw and encountered Windows 8. Aside from seeing tiles all over the Start Menu on a new environment, tiles now come in different colors, unlike the ones who have been seeing all blue and white, or vermilion on their smartphones. What’s even more amazing is that some of the tiles provide real-time information without the need of actually opening them for full view. Notifications can be seen in the same tiles where the app is supposed to be clicked open. New Facebook status, Twitter feeds, new emails received, and even update notifications can now be seen right in your face.

1. Accessibility Speed

One of the most obvious changes that Windows 8 touts to its users is the speed when it comes to starting up, logging in, shutting down, or even going back from sleep or hibernation mode. This has been possible due to the “hybrid boot” that actually hibernates the kernel, therefore making it easier for the system to open the next time operation is demanded. Windows 8 also utilizes the availability and capability of multi-core PCs, making it possible to harness processing power faster and more efficient.

10. Official London 2012 Mobile Game

Getting bored staying at your hotel or feeling impatient while waiting for the next event to begin? You can now get a piece of the action, and even participate in some of the Olympic sporting events by playing the Official Mobile Game of the London 2012 Olympics, which can be accessed and enjoyed via iOS or Android. Having Training, Olympic, and Challenge Modes to keep you immersed in the game, you can develop an athlete of your choice, enhancing particular skills according to your gaming preference.

9. Official London 2012 Results

Why should you go through the inconvenience of waiting for a TV coverage of the Olympics just to know the current standing of a particular team or sport? With the Official London 2012 Results App, you can be easily updated with a push notification or two, giving you the results of who won the prize, and who came in from first to last; all in the palm of your hands. Oh, and you can even check out the schedule of events, medal tables listing all countries, and even some athlete profiles to keep you posted.

8. Official London 2012 Join In

What better way to be updated and be on toes with the actual events of the Olympics than an official app coming from them. As a matter of fact, the Official London 212 Join In App also has things more than the events alone where owners of the app can be updated on the next venue of the event, the sports that will be hosted, and even some of the places that you can visit during the Olympic season when games are not played.

7. London Olympics Ultimate

Are you somehow feeling unsatisfied with the official apps for the Olympics when it comes to information that you need to be updated and filled in? In case this is your dilemma, then let Android’s London Olympics Ultimate take charge in your Olympic news, information, updates, and even socialization as it has a forum section where you could exchange views and opinions while you are on the go. Oh, and in case you are not fond of the London 2012 theme colors, then this should do fine.

6. TopTable Restaurant Finder

Are you in London and feeling hungry all of a sudden that you wanted to know where you could grab some bite without asking strangers about where to eat? When you have your iPhone or Android smartphone on hand, along with your GPS service activated, you can rely on the TableTop Restaurant Finder providing you locations on map where you could chow some lunch or enjoy some treats. It can even help you decide by flashing some menus on available restaurants, and even assist you with table preparations when possible.

5. Tube Map

Perhaps one of the most challenging things you need to think over when staying in London is the means of a scheduled and organized itinerary, especially when within the city. However, thanks to the Tube, which is quite handy when getting around London, you can now command your time thanks to the Tube Map that has all schedules of departures, arrivals, and even destinations that can help you plan your trip in case you need to watch an Olympic event in a particular venue.

4. Rail Planner Live

Thanks to the assistance of the National Rail Enquiries updating the information of the Rail Planner Live app, which is accessible via iPhones or Android phones, you can now easily be informed of the many train station schedules that are bound to depart or arrive, from and to London. After all, there are certain events in the Olympics that are hosted outside the city, and there is nothing more convenient to travelling than having the right information where you could touch it fast and easy.

3. TripAdvisor

In case you are a tourist that’s very unfamiliar with London or you just want to experience the convenience of seeing options for hotels to stay in, dining places to satisfy your craving, or knowing things to do without pressuring your mind, then the TripAdvisor app can be very useful for you. With the owl leading you the way to where you should go, you can also access reviews and know the exact location of the place where you can spend some of your time with.

2. London Bus Checker

If you will not be going around London via the subway, then the next best option is for you to take the bus. However, this option may become complicated if you do not understand much of the transport system, or the routes and schedules of buses. The London Bus Checker app is a perfect guide for you to utilize the bus as it can provide you data on the route, nearest bus stops, and it can even notify you when you are nearing your destination.

1. BBC Olympics

Nothing beats real time news and updates on the coverage of the London 2012 Olympics as it is delivered by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). You can download their app and get in touch with what’s current in the Olympics by accessing articles, news, stories, and you can even listen to commentaries made during actual sporting events. Oh, and in case you have missed some of the Olympic highlights, the app can also give you access to online streaming, 24 hours a day.

10. Appearance Will Be Different

Thanks to the development of the Windows 8 Operating System Platform, other integrations such as Microsoft Office will also undergo the same kind of facelift in order for it to look just as savvy as the new OS in the market. Expect to see lesser lines, more colors, and cooler animations that could make you think of using the system as if you are not in front of a computer.

9. Working Environments Will Be More Connected

Due to the trends of cloud computing, mobile integration, and multi-device support, Microsoft Office 2013 takes a leap into the advanced networking world where you could take advantage of being hooked whether you are using a PC, a laptop, or even a smartphone. All you need to have is a Windows Live ID in order to have your settings brought along with you, even if you are using someone else’s computer.

8. Requirements Will Be More Demanding

Expect that since the new MS Office will provide better performance and look to the office user, more demanding requirements will be asked in order to make every application smooth sailing, together with the OS that makes it shine better. Processor speed now needs to be about 1GHz or greater, RAM now demands 1GB for 32-bit and twice in 64-bit, Windows 7 or 8 can run it (yup, Windows XP and Vista have to pass on this one), graphics should be on DirectX10, and you should have a disk space of 3.5GB.

7. Flexibility is on the Rocks

Back in Office 2010, you need to have the Office 365 along with the application suite in order for you to use certain services such as Exchange Online, sharing and storing files online with SkyDrive, and checking out email over the phone. This time around, with your MS Office 2013 licensed copy, you can now tap into SkyDrive and share and store files online by just having your Windows Live account active and kicking.

6. Business Solutions Will Be More Adaptable

In case that you like to maximize your cloud-computing services to a higher level where you intend to keep yourself connected with workmates, peers, and other groups, then availing the Office 365 Suite should help you keep things going. You may choose to have the Office 365 Home Premium, Small Business Premium, ProPlus, and Enterprise, all different based on PCs to use it, size of SkyDrives to utilize, along with additional corporate features to work with such as professional email, HD video conferencing, and also multi-linking programs such as SharePoint and Lync.

5. Other Systems Will Take Benefit

It is part of reality that not all users prefer to use Windows Mobile, or a Windows PC just to get themselves going. However, since there are many users that recognize the functionality and value of MS Office in everyday activity, others like Mac users, and even Android or iOS owners should be more than happier that the Office 2013 will also be available to them.

4. Release Will Attract Technocrats, Fans, and Curious Cats

Since the MS Office 2013 will come out perfectly compatible with the Windows 8 Operating System, people from all walks of office and tech life will flock at the time this office suite becomes available for purchase. Once tech bloggers and product reviewers share word on how the new Office 15 is worth the curiosity, even letting users catch the preview, many may save money as early as now and anticipate the next best thing in computing.

3. Release Will Create Tension among Fans

Microsoft done one of the best things when it comes to making people excited and making MS Office 2013 the next buzz in town. Imagine that they have conducted market and consumer previews, only to have the downloaded copy become obsolete where all data, including settings, and other personal stuff will be deleted. Oh how furious they will be that they would demand MS to quickly push the official release, having no idea when it will be out in the market.

2. Products Will Be More Expensive

You have to anticipate that since this is a new system and features have been hyped up a lot, along with looks being sleeker, and updates are now on the roll, the price will be more expensive than ever. Nevertheless, knowing that it could simplify your office life a lot more, the cash you will shell out will be worth every penny.

1. You Will Enjoy This Release

With everything said about what can be expected with the newest MS Office release, there is guarantee that all users, fans or just mediocre users alike, will enjoy this latest offering from Microsoft. With providing a fresh perspective in mind, you can anticipate that it will be a whole new experience for you.

10. Acer Iconia Tab A200

This model does support GSM communication. It has a 10.1 inch display screen of 800 x 1280 resolution and 149-pixel density (PPI). Its OS is Android 3.2 Honeycomb, which could be upgraded up to the 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. It has a solid performance in a very affordable cost along with other interface enhancements such as 2MP camera, a battery that lasts up to 8 hours, an A9 dual-core processor, an 8GB internal storage and 1GB installed RAM. Its price is $329.99 for 8GB, and $349.99 for 16GB, which is a lot cheaper compared to the iPad.

9. Lenovo ThinkPad Tablet

This is the best tablet for entrepreneurs because it has business features that can be maximized greatly in the office, during business meetings, conferences, and others. It has IT manageability, Documents to go, full-sized USB port, encryption, and a real keyboard where you have an option to use its stylus. It has a screen of 10.1 inches with 1280×800 WXGA 16:10 IPS panel at 1280x800pi, Corning Gorilla Glass, Nvidia Tegra 2 Dual-Core 1.0GHz processor, Bluetooth, WiFi 802.11, 3G Connectivity, 5MP rear camera, 2MP front-facing camera, and the Google Android Honeycomb. It might be hefty since it weighs 1.65lbs, but its battery lasts up to 8 hours. At 32GB, you could buy it for $469.

8. Asus PadFone

It could be an expensive option for a new iPad, but it’s worth the price of $859.50. It is also known as the A Series PadFone because you’ll get a 10-inch tablet along with its 4.3 inch smart phone. This price comes with a 16GB storage memory although they also have 32 and 64GB available wherein its prices are ranging from $959.50 up to $1059.50. Focusing on the tab itself, it has keyboard dock, 10.1 inch multi-touch tablet screen, 1280×800 screen resolution, 6547mAH battery that also charges the phone, and a 1.5 GHz dual-core Qualcomm SnapDragon S4 processor

7. Sony Tablet S

It’s a 9.4 inch touch screen, which weighs 1.3 pounds while its width is 0.3 x 6.8 x 9.5 inches. Its operating system is Honeycomb, but could be upgraded to 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. It has the Nvidia Tegra 2 Processor, 5.0MP rear and 3.0MP front cameras wherein its image capture resolution is 2592×1944 pixels max, a Bluetooth integrated stereo, which can be integrated to home entertainment devices, all in the price of $400.

6. Toshiba AT 200

It is a 10.1-inch Android tablet which is very slim and very light. Its 7.7mm thick and 535g light, which makes it easier to hold for longer periods where it has been created to meet the demands of the masses. It is not as high-end as other tablets that you could see on this list, but it’s cheaper that you could easily take it home. It has a micro-USB port, micro SD card slot, mini-HDMI port, headphone jack, volume rocker, customizable switch, and of course the power button. It runs in 3.2 Honeycomb which is fairly standard. The navigation is really simple. It has a dual-core 1.2 GHz processor, which is backed up with a 1GB RAM. It has a 5.0 megapixel camera at its back while 2.0 on the front. Its price is $530.

5. Toshiba Excite 10 AT305

It’s currently priced between $438.31 and $494.84 with its 8.99-inch screen, weighing 632.2g, which is another option for all tablet enthusiasts and followers. It is supported of a quad-core 1.5GHz processor, has an Ice Cream Sandwich operating system, 5MP camera with Autofocus, works under HDSPA and GSM network, has Geotagging features, and LED flash. It has Nividia Tegra 3 Chipset, 10.1 inch, Corning Gorilla Glass, 1280×800 pixels resolution that supports 16M colors.

4. Toshiba Thrive

It’s currently priced at $399, which is packed with Nvidia Tegra 2 dual-core mobile processor, 10.1 inch screen that weighs 1.6 pounds and its OS is an Android 3.1 Honeycomb. It’s the best tablet for your collection of videos and music. It has a video enhancement technology and a makeover resolution, which are only exclusive for this tablet. It has a 5MP autofocus rear camera and a 2MP front webcam that comes with a built-in microphone. It has a beautiful HD video of 720p. It has an 8GB internal flash memory, 1GB internal DDR memory, built-in stereo speakers, GPS, Digital Compass, and other sensors and location features.

3. Acer Iconia Tab A510

It is the first quad-core tablet manufactured by the Acer Company in the United States, which is currently priced at $450. It is worth buying, especially if you are after the speed since it’s the first Tegra 3 slate of Acer. Its operating system is the Google Android Ice Cream Sandwich. It has magnificent features like a 1280×800 TFT LCD with a 10-inch screen, 1GB RAM, 32GB built-in storage, a turbocharged quad-core CPU because of its 1.3GHz quad-core processor with 1MP front camera and a 5MP rear autofocus camera. Its battery last up to 12 hours because of its 9800mAH power.

2. Asus Transformer Prime

Its prices are $499 for 32GB and $599 for 64GB, along with its keyboard dock, which is priced for $149. It is a 10.1-inch quad-core tablet. It runs with a 3.2 Android Honeycomb OS which is upgradable to Ice Cream Sandwich. It also has an Nvidia Tegra 3 quad-core CPU, multi-touch support, Gorilla Glass, 1280×800 WXGA and it has 32GB EMMC along with its 8GB life time ASUS webstorage space. It has 1 lithium ion battery that would last up to 18 hours of use. Another unique feature of this pad is the updated audio solution wherein it offers sound unheard, which is actually powered by SonicMaster Technology.

1. Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1

It is the number one tab next to iPad, which is a definitely a good choice since it’s a powerful Galaxy Tab that really competes with the iPad. Its tab alone has high redefined resolution of WXGA-TFT touch screen. It has zoom mode application that allows users to view fixed-sized applications. It has premium video & movie content, books/EReading, DivX certified, All Share, Samsung TouchWiz user interface, preloaded applications, and enterprise solution and services. It is priced at $499.99 with its dual-core Tegra 2 processor, 16GB memory capacity, Android Honeycomb 3.1, Adobe Flash compatibility, and its battery could last up to 10 hours. It supports WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n with Bluetooth v2 and 1280x800pi HD resolution. It is packed with other features that you can check once you buy this tab.

iPhone Apps to Make Free Calls

10. Vopium

It carries the tag of having the same calling experience just like using your standard calling service, except it is much cheaper for international calls, free for local calls, and has excellent voice call quality.

9. Truphone

Another contender that functions just like Talkatone is Truphone, as it merges Skype, GTalk, and fellow Truphone users of the same privilege of free calls without any charges or fees. However, you can  get your own number, use Twitter, and even utilize texts and instant messaging.

8. Talkatone

You may already enjoy Google Voice, GTalk, and Facebook VOIP as separate services that are launched by different apps of their own. Talkatone makes it possible for these three apps to be managed into one app and it gives you so much more as you can also send and receive texts.

7. magicJack

In case you are living in the US or in Canada, then you can install the magicJack app and call home phone or cellphone numbers without consuming your cellphone minutes. You do not even have to pay for the app where you can make calls using WiFi, 3G, or 4G LTE connections.

6. Vonage Mobile

From the famous VOIP service in the US that provides cheap and quality phone services for local and international calls, Vonage Mobile also invades the iPhone and Android. It works over internet connections and it also uses the existing address book, which avoids codes, usernames, and other runarounds.

5. Freephoo

Just like any other iPhone call app, Freephoo can help you make free calls to fellow app users anywhere. It can also make calls for Facebook and LinkedIn users. One account can be used for any device.

4. Fring

Everything else can make and receive calls for free over WiFi and 3G or 4G LTE networks, but nothing so far has made it possible to make group voice and even video calls, or even group chatting. This is how Fring beats the rest of the competition.

3. Skype

A considered classic by many fans out there, you can make free calls for anyone who has installed Skype on their phones, whether on iPhone or in Android devices. Video calls have anti-shake features that does not make video calling so wobbly.

2. Viber

Having this app installed on your iPhone and the iPhone of your loved ones or friends, you can make free calls and you can even send texts, photos, and even inform your location, no matter where you are in the world.

1. iCall

Being used by over 4 million iPhone and iPod Touch owners worldwide, iCall makes it possible for you to call US and Canadian numbers over WiFi or 3G, even without the presence of cellphone signals. You do not even get charged for roaming minutes.