4 Laptops.
3 Tablets.
2 Smartphones.
1 All-In-One Pc.
Technology is the new norm for today’s American family, and as odd as it sounds, my children will never know a world without it. The ability to text my husband a quick grocery list so that he can pick up those items on his way home is an invaluable timesaver, as is our synced Google calendar that lets us know where the other will be at any given time. Similarly, the ability to engage my children in a virtual storytime while I’m cooking dinner means they are learning, rather than passively watching television or getting into trouble.
In an effort to keep abreast of what is on the cutting edge of the industry, I headed to Las Vegas 2 weeks ago for the Consumer Electronics Show. With over 3000 exhibitors, I had to be purposeful, so I headed to the family-tech section for the latest in electronics, gadgets, and toys for families. Here are the top family-oriented tech trends to watch in 2013:
Photo: One Laptop Per Child
Trend #1: Tablets for Kids
Every time one of my kids pick up my iPad, I shudder. While I’ve done everything I can to protect it from a devastating screen shatter, there is not much I can do to prevent my children from moving my apps (or worse, deleting them). And unless I’m sitting beside them, monitoring their every cyber move, I can’t be certain that the limits I’ve set are stringent enough to shield them from the endless inappropriate content that is simply a gesture away.
Enter tablets for kids for which there was no shortage of this year at one of the largest international electronic trade shows in the world. From well-known companies like Polaroid, who’s award-winning Android-based tablet comes with built-in parental controls, a safe web browser, and innovative bumpers to newcomers like French company Lexibook, which currently offers 3 tablets and a laptop specifically designed for children. During the show, One Laptop Per Child (OLPC) announced the release of its XO-3 Tablet which engages children in an educational, interactive experience. Like most tablets for kids currently on the market, the XO-3 features targeted, age-appropriate content, complete parental controls, and a durable kid-friendly design. But what we like most about OLPC is its commitment to delivering education through technology to underprivileged children around the world.
Trend #2: Smart Technology
Perhaps you’re old enough to remember when a mobile phone was actually used the way it was intended..to make and receive phone calls. It seems like over night, our phones became smarter, notifying us when it is time for a meeting or conference call, helping us navigate through rush hour traffic, and enabling us to pay for our morning coffee drink without pulling out a single penny. Now that the consumer has experienced the full range off smart phone technology, there is a demand for our appliances and other electronic devices to possess that same technology.
This year’s show highlighted the next level of innovation in what can only be described as smart technology. We saw smart TVs which, in many ways resemble today’s smartphone. These connected televisions integrate internet capabilities, allowing users the ability to access user=generated content, run applications, and engage in social networking.
But this technology won’t be limited to televisions. Companies like Whirlpool, Samsung, and LG already offer internet-connected appliances that can give users access to their Google calendar, enable them to engage in social networking, and even receive notifications that an item is missing from their refrigerator.
Which leads me into the third prevailing trend we saw at CES this year….
Photo: Whirlpool
Trend #3: Innovative, expansive use of mobile applications.
It goes without saying that, in their most basic form, applications make it easier to do the things you want to do when you are away from a computer from a smartphone or tablet device. But what if you could control your heating system from your mobile phone while in another state? Or what if you were able to get notifications via an app that your laundry was finished? This is the new generation of applications, particularly as they relate to smart technology. This year’s Consumer Electronics Show highlighted the vast and versatile ways the two technologies are being merged to enhance the users experience as it relates to the connected home.
Want to learn more about the latest technology trends to be unveiled throughout 2013? Check out the daily CES reports on Walmart. This dedicated site also features technology-related news and savings on the hottest tech trends.
As a participant in the Walmart Moms Program, I’ve received compensation for my time and efforts in creating this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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