The Top 7 Technology Trends That Will Dominate 2014Strap yourself in, its going to be a wild ride. In considering the changes weve seen in technology over the past year, Im bracing myself for unprecedented growth when it comes to anytime, anywhere, on-demand information and entertainment.Based on the trends weve seen so far in 2013, I predict 2014 will see many fledgling technologies mature and grow beyond what we could have imagined just a few years ago.So without further ado, here are my top 7 predictions for technology trends that will dominate 2014.1. Consumers will come to expect Smart TV capabilitiesWith Smart TV shipments expected to reach 123 million in 2014 up from about 84 million in 2012 we are poised to see explosive growth in this industry.In the midst of this growth, we will continue to see fierce competition between major players like Samsung, Panasonic, and LG. Prices will need to continue to drop, as more consumers crave, and even expect, the ability to use Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Instant Video and their web browser via their TV.Of course, the development were all waiting for in 2014 is the release of Apples much anticipated iTV. It appears the iTV is now in the early development stage, and that Apple may be in the process of making a deal with Time Warner to facilitate programming on Apple devices.The device is rumoured to include iCloud sync, the ability to control your iPhone, and ultra HD LCD panels. Keep an eye out for this release as early as summer 2014.2. Smart watches will become smarter

Rather than having to pull out your smartphone or tablet for frequent email, text and social media updates, youll glance at your watch.2014 is the year to keep an eye out for the Google watch. Rumor has it the device will integrate with Google Now, which aims to seamlessly provide relevant information when and where you want it (and before youd asked for it).Well see smart watches become even smarter, learning what news and updates are important to us, when we want to receive them, and responding more accurately to voice controls.For smart watches to succeed, theyll need to offer us something that our smart phone cant; whether this means more intuitive notifications, or the ability to learn from our daily activities and behaviours (for instance, heart rate monitoring), it will be interesting to see.3. Google Glass will still be in wait and see modeWhile Google Glass hasnt yet been released to the general public, weve heard enough about it to know its still very early days for this technology. With an estimated 60,000 units expected to sell in 2013, and a predicted several million in 2014, its still a long way from becoming a common household technology.These augmented reality glasses allow you to access information like email and texts, take hands-free pictures and videos, effortlessly translate your voice, and even receive overlaid walking, cycling or driving directions, right within your field of vision.Its predicted that both Google Glass 2.0, and its companion, the Glass App Store, should be released to the general public sometime in 2014.Be on the lookout for competition in this market, particularly from major players like Samsung. I predict well see much of this competition aimed at niche markets like sports and healthcare.4. Other applications and uses for Apples TouchID will emergeThe release of the iPhone 5S has, for the first time, made on-the-go fingerprint security a reality. The potential for Touch ID technology to really take off is, I believe, an inevitable reality. Touch ID, which uses a high-resolution camera to scan your fingerprint, allows convenient ultra-security for your iPhone.Currently, the technology is limited; the only real uses are unlocking your iPhone, and making purchases in the App store. I predict that well see this technology incorporated into other Apple products soon. I think well even see TouchId integrated into MacBook products later this year or next.I also predict TouchID, though not quite bug-free, will be used for other purposes, such as to securely integrate with home security systems, access password software, and even pay for groceries (more on that in an upcoming article).5. Xbox One and PS4 will blur the lines between entertainment and video gamingThe new gaming consoles (Xbox One and PS4) will increasingly integrate social media-like connectivity between players. Players could have followers, work together to achieve in-game goals, and new technology will allow for equally-skilled players to compete.The PS4, slated to be released November 15th, will track both the controller and the players face and movements for more intuitive play.Apart from great gaming, these systems will allow for a far more integrative entertainment experience. For instance, rather than switching between TV, gaming, music and sports, youll be able to do two or even three activities side-by-side, or by easily switching back and forth.6. 3D Printing will begin to revolutionize productionWeve seen a huge rise in the popularity of 3D printing this year, coupled with a dramatic fall in pricing. The ability to easily create multi-layered products that are actually usable well, thats pretty amazing.Ill be watching for a movement towards simple products being produced close to home, and to greater customization given the ease of manufacturing. I think its inevitable that manufacturing in countries such as China will become less appealing and lucrative for businesses given the high costs of shipping and managing overseas contracts.I dont expect these changes to reach their full effect in 2014, however I believe businesses will be starting to consider how this will affect their production plans for 2015 and beyond.7. The movement towards natural language search will make search more accurate and intuitiveThere was a time when we used terms like personal digital assistant to describe a hand-held calendar. Oh, how times have changed.With the emergence of intelligent personal assistants like Google Now and Apples Siri, the goal is to have information intuitively delivered to you, often before you even ask for it. The shift seems to be away from having to actively request data, and instead to have it passively delivered to your device.Natural language search will continue to overtake keyword-based search, as seen by Googles move towards longer, more natural searches in its recent release of Hummingbird, Googles largest algorithm update thus far.

Top 10 Smart Phones In The World:The race to be the worlds best smartphone continues with tech giants churning out cutting edge premium smartphones. With Samsung recently unloading the GS5, it is being predicted that the new iPhone 6 is not far behind as well. As the war to be the best continues, here is a list of the best premium smartphones available in the market right now - 1. Samsung Galaxy S5

SamsungBound to be an instant retail hit, the Korean offering is powered by an Exynos Octa Core processor clocked at 2.5GHz mated with 2GB RAM. The 5.1 FHD Super AMOLED (1920 x 1080) display delivers pictures at 432 ppi. The GS5 runs Android 4.4.2 KitKat out of the box. Also, the phone sports a dedicated heart rate monitor, Accelerometer, Gyro, RGB ambient light and Gesture sensors. The Fingerprint sensor is yet another talked about feature of the phone that lets you scan and store 3 different finger prints and allows you to make PayPal payments. All this technology is packed in 142 x 72.5 x 8.1mm and 145 gram IP67 certificated Dust & Water Resistant shell. The phone is priced between INR 51,000 53,000.Performance: 9 Display: 9 Camera: 8 Design: 6.52. iPhone 5S

AppleThe arrival of the Samsung Galaxy S5 might have shadowed the iPhone 5S, but Apple has its own loyal customer base which never disappoints. The revolutionary American smartphone packs in a powerful 64-bit A7 chip, fingerprint sensor technology (using which you can also finalize your iTunes payments) and the M7 motion-tracking chip wedged in a wafer-thin feather-light body. The 8MP camera works phenomenally well and the latest iOS 7.1 update has added further functionality to the handset. Users can now update their handsets to iOS 7.1.1.Performance: 9 Display: 9 Camera: 8 Design: 93. Google Nexus 5

GoogleThere are rumours that Google might be ditching the Nexus series to create a new brand. However, the Google Nexus 5 is nothing short of a supreme Android phone. Available at a much cheaper price than most premium smartphones, the Nexus 5 is holding on pretty well in the market. The Android phone is powered by Qualcomms super fast 2.3GHz Snapdragon 800 quad-core processor which makes media playback and user interface navigation absolutely seamless. The reworked 8MP camera is hands down better than any other camera phone under the same price tag and captures brilliant pictures. Now pre-installed on the Nexus 5, the latest 4.4 KitKat Android OS ensures hassle-free Google Now support and Hangout access. The outer shell is dust and water resistant as well.Performance: 9 Display: 8.5 Camera: 9 Design: 8.54. Samsung Galaxy S4

YoutubeThe former Samsung flagship smartphone still remains one of the most preferred handsets. The massive 5-inch Super AMOLED screen with 1080 resolution is brought to life by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 600 processor and runs 4.3JellyBean out of the box, and can now be upgraded to Android KitKat. Further, the phone features 2 GB of RAM, 64 GB internal storage (expandable), a 13MP camera and a long lasting battery life.Performance: 9 Display: 9 Camera: 8.5 Design: 7.55. HTC One Max

HTCThe One Max can prove to be the game changer for HTC. The smartphone packs in a 5.9-inch LCD panel (full HD 1080p resolution) which delivers super fine sharp imagery and the wide viewing angles enhance the quality of the images as well. The company patented BoomSound (front facing) speakers churns out better sound compared with any other phone on this list. The smartphone is powered by a Qualcomm APQ8064 Snapdragon 600 and runs on Android 4.3 (Jelly Bean). Users can upgrade to Android KitKat.Performance: 8 Display: 8 Camera: 7.5 Design: 7.56. Samsung Galaxy Note 3

YoutubeSamsung Galaxy Note 3 is one phone that made massive smartphones a cool style statement. The mammoth 5.7-inch lifelike 1080p Super AMOLED screen displays stunning life -ike imagery and the UI functions at breakneck speeds as well, all thanks to its powerful Snapdragon 800 quad-core CPU. The 13MP camera performs amazingly and possesses 4K shooting capabilities in all light conditions. The Multi-Window mode scores another point for the Note 3. The option of using a stylus also makes using the phone pretty cool.Performance: 9 Display: 9 Camera: 9 Design: 7.57. Sony Xperia Z1

SonyTill the powerful Xperia Z2 arrives, the Xperia Z1 is probably Sonys flag bearer in the smartphone market. The Z1 is probably the only and the best dust and water-proof phone on the list. The Z1 is powered by a Snapdragon 800 CPU, 2 GB of RAM and 16 GB internal storage. The 5-inch TRILUMINOUS display delivers stunning imagery as well. Z1s impressive 20.7MP camera is capable of capturing some really amazing shots even when fully submerged under water. A sturdy battery life and the 4.2 JellyBean performs seamlessly as well.Performance: 8 Display: 8 Camera: 8.5 Design: 88. LG G Flex

LGLG is the first to create and retail a curved smartphone. The G Flex packs in a Quad-core 2.26 GHz Krait 400 processor mated with 2GB RAM and runs Android OS (v4.2.2 Jelly Bean). The much hyped curved screen measures a massive 6.0 inches and has an impressive resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels. The 13MP camera does justice to your photography needs, while the built in memory is 32GB. Another notable feature is the self healing back panel which literally repairs scratches and keeps the panel looking clean.Performance: 8 Display: 7 Camera: 7.5 Design: 99. Nokia Lumia 1020

NokiaSmartphone laggard Nokia might be going through drastic changes post Microsofts takeover but its Lumia series is selling wonder numbers in India. And the best of them all is the Lumia 1020. The 1020 is a photographers delight. The 41 MP camera not only clicks marvellous pictures, but even lets you zoom in and reframe the focus of your photo and still enjoy amazing clarity and details. The phone boasts of a dynamic Live Tile interface which comes to life on the 4.5-inch AMOLED screen. The phone is powered by a Qualcomm MSM8960 Snapdragon Dual-core processor clocked at 1.5 GHz mated with 2GB RAM.Performance: 8 Display: 8 Camera: 9.5 Design: 910. Gionee Elife E7

GioneeGinoee seems to be going pretty hard at making it in India. The Chinese smartphone makers flagship smartphone Gionee Elife E7 is one phone to look out for. The sizable phone packs in a 5.50-inch touchscreen display with a 1080x1920 pixel density. The amazing display is brought to life by a massive 2.2GHz processor mated with 2GB RAM which also provides for seamless navigation and multitasking. The phone boasts of an ultra impressive camera cluster. The phone packs in a brilliant 16MP rear camera which uses iPhone-like sapphire lens with deep focus ability, and is capable of recording videos at 720p.The 8MP from facing camera shines out any front snapper out there. The price at which the Elife E7 is offered makes it the cheapest device available with a Snapdragon 800 SoC and full-HD screen. The phone runs Android Jelly Bean 4.2 out of the box with Gionees indigenous Amigo UI layered on top.Performance: 9 Display: 9 Camera: 9 Design: 7