Google Glasses
Google’s new augmented-reality glasses take technology to new heights. The idea is simple — you put on a pair of glasses and as you go through your day you can seamlessly interact with your surroundings. You can check the weather, message friends with voice commands, get directions or watch a video; all of the data simply hovers over your field of view.
Check out the video below to see a demo of things to come.
E-paper
A Taiwan based company has invented electricity free e-paper. It works similar to the old etchescetch, but a single piece of paper, made of a thin plastic, can go through a copy machine up to 260 times. Each time it is printed the copier, fitted with a thermal print drum, will erase and reprint the document.
The e-paper has a reflective display that uses ambient light to display 16 shades of grey without needing any electricity to maintain the image impression. E-paper may not be ready for prime time in 2012, but imagine never having to throw out paper, banners and signage, when you are done you can simply load it back in your copier to be used again.
3D Printing
A printer that can make 3D replicas and models isn’t anything new, however one that can do it for a price a school or household can afford may be hitting the market in 2012. A mini 3D printer, named MarketBot Thing-O-Matic, is capable of printing small models in less than an hour and at under $1100 the printer is inexpensive for what you get.
The Thing-O-Matic can print things such as a chess set, lego men, model cars and just about anything else you can imagine. The 3D printer may not be for everyone but it shows how technology has come a long way in a short time. Watch the video below for a humorous look at this technology.
