Top technological advances in 2015

2015 has been a big year for technological advances so far, and this looks set to continue. Let’s take a closer look…

The Apple Watch

Apple’s first ever device which can be worn by the user, the Apple Watch is due for release at the end of April. Having smartphone-esque features, such as allowing the user to email, text and utilise regular apps of their choice, the Apple Watch also enables you to monitor your physical fitness. This is facilitated by the fact that the device comes with a specifically-crafted workout app installed, as well as the ability to monitor your movements, notify you of your physical activity level regularly, and give you some guidance on how to improve this level if need be. And with up to two hundred customizable faces on just one watch, getting tired of your watch’s appearance is a thing of the past…

HTC Vive

Virtual reality is becoming an increasing reality. As technology advances, HTC have created the Vive. This headset, which is worn like a ‘helmet’ and covers the eyes, enables the user to see and hear any realm created by the Vive – from exploring the bustling streets of Ancient Rome to being plummeted into outer space, the user will be transferred to a whole new experience. With HTC collaborating with Valve – who are reputed for infamous games including Half-Life and Portal – the Vive virtual reality headset can take you to breath-taking virtual worlds and, given that it is powered by Valve’s SteamVR, it will soon be compatible with many games available on this service. The suspected release date for the HTC Vive is November.

Sense by Hello Inc.

A gadget for those who need a good sleep to be able to function properly, Hello Inc. have created Sense. This clever device does exactly what the name suggests: it senses all things that affect your sleep quality. Sitting on your bedside table, it detects temperature, light, sound and even humidity in your bedroom. A small device called Sleep Pill comes with the Sense gadget. This tiny device attaches discretely to your pillow and monitors your sleeping pattern; by monitoring your movement, it can detect when you are sleeping – and how well you are sleeping, too. Combining this insight with the information recorded by Sense, the user is informed of the factors that hinder their sleep quality and can then correct these, thereby achieving better sleep! Sense is available now, having been released earlier this year.

Jibo  

Pioneering the way in social robotics, Jibo is the first family robot to be created. Expected for release in December, the aim of Jibo is to make everyday life easier for those who own it. The robot has an in-built personality and strives to be helpful: from reminding you of things on your to-do list to help you stay organised, to expertly telling stories to children using graphics, sound effects and even physical movements for effect, the skills that Jibo has really will prove useful in a family home. Amongst many other attributes, it can deliver messages to other people for you when asked, detect when you or someone else is posing for a photograph without being asked, and can support video calling by turning to follow you whilst hosting the caller’s face on its screen!

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