Trends in 2014: Tim Bajarin

 This list of predictions is more eclectic than most in terms of the topics covered. See here for more lists. 

Tech Predictions for 2014

by Tim Bajarin   |   December 16th, 2013

For the last 27 years I have written an annual industry prediction column where I try to forecast what I see happening in the PC and CE markets in the New Year. To be fair, I spend thousands of hours each year researching these industries and their products and get to see inside the labs of many companies as well as peek into start-ups and garage shops all over the world. So what I predict has more to do with taking an intelligent guess about what I see happening in 2014 and less an actual prediction. So as I look into my crystal research ball, here is what I believe will happen in tech’s New Year.

1. Google spins out Motorola 
2. Large tablets for people to share. I don't see people getting a large tablet exclusively to share; we all already pass our tablets back and forth to each other.
3. Dual-OS laptops and desktops. I agree; these are just about to come to market. 
4. Apple will release an awesome productivity device. It's probably always a safe statement that Apple will do ____ that is arguably awesome. 
5. Smartphones and beacon-based sensors take off. iBeacon is Apple's branding of Bluetooth Low Energy, and would send notifications over a short distance (< 50 m) to smartphones. 
6. Smartwatches are dead in 2014. I differ; see here. 
7. PC market could grow in 2014. 
8. Internet of Everything goes mainstream. I don't know about "mainstream," but it's coming. See here. 
9. More acceptance of Chromebooks. 
10. Digital health will be big in 2014. 
11. 3-D cameras and printers will become more popular. 

Full list at link above.