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In Depth: The hottest PC tech to look forward to in 2011

<img src="http://cdn.mos.techradar.com//classifications/computing/upgrades-and-peripherals/processors/images/bobcat_bulldozer-200-200.jpg"> It's been a fine year for the PC in 2010. But what technological devilry can you expect for 2011? Faster, cheaper, smaller, funkier – all these are annual givens for the PC every year. But 2011 will bring much more than the usual incremental gains. The very identity of the PC looks set to shift and blur with new form factors, shapes and sizes. The way we interact PCs could well be revolutionised thanks to touch and context-aware interfaces. It could be all change for the software part of the PC equation, too, as the app-store paradigm arrives, cloud computing really kicks off and the explosive growth of social networking continues. The PC may be an old dog. But it's got plenty of new tricks lined up for 2011. Hot hardware Let's start with some key hardware upgrades. In terms of classic computer chips, the first big noise in 2011 will be Intel's new Sandy Bridge processors. Intel has made huge advances in recent years with its PC processors. So, you might think it hard to believe there's much more performance to be found. But found it Intel most surely has. Unfortunately, we're sworn to secrecy until early January regarding many of the details of Intel's latest PC processor architecture. However, what we can say is that the combination of a revised CPU architecture along with massively improved integrated graphics and novel features like the hardware video transcoder make for a compelling package. If you're a PC enthusiast, Sandy Bridge is going to blow your mind. All about AMD As for AMD, Intel's main competitor in the CPU game, 2011 is will be a make or break year. AMD will roll out its own new processor architecture, known as Bulldozer. In basic architectural terms, Bulldozer looks even more revolutionary than Intel's new Sandy Bridge. In fact, with Bulldozer AMD has done away with the conventional notion of CPU cores and created a much more modular chip designed to deliver a better balance of integer and floating point performance. If Bulldozer manages to even to close the gap significantly to Intel's Sandy Bridge, that will be some achievement. Beating Sandy Bridge outright is almost too much to ask for. The game is up for graphics As for PC graphics, 2011 could prove a tricky year. The first problem is the aforementioned Intel Sandy Bridge architecture. Its hardware video transcoder threatens to kill the concept of running non-graphics software on 3D chips, so-called GPGPU applications, before it's had a chance to take off. Similarly, Sandy Bridge's much improved integrated graphics core is a reminder that the days of the discrete 3D chips are numbered and the rise of fusion processors with the CPU and GPU in one chip will continue. At the same time, both AMD and Nvidia could be held back by production problems at TSMC. That's the Taiwanese chip foundry that makes most of the world's PC graphics chips. Both AMD and Nvidia will release powerful new graphics processors in 2011. But these could well be among the last of a dying breed. Tablets, tablets, tablets On a more upbeat note, could the PC benefit from the deluge of tablet computers expected in 2011? The majority tablet designs are likely to be based on ultramobile operating systems such as Google's Android and powered by ARM-derived processors. In that sense, they will be more overgrown smartphones than small PCs. However, there will certainly be some tablet designs using Intel's x86 Atom CPU and some of those will be running Windows 7 or a derivative of Windows 7. It's just possible Microsoft might launch an all new tablet-specific operating system, too. However it plays out with tablet computers, the PC will have an important role to play. Touchy feely Could touch be the next big thing in computer interfaces? If touch screen PCs don't begin to make inroads in 2011, it may never happen. On the plus side, touch-powered tablet technology will inevitably spill over over into the PC. On the other hand, the good old keyboard and mouse is unlikely to be usurped by touch when it comes to serious content creation. Apps on the up Whether its mobile phones, tablets or even HDTVs, everyone wants into apps. Why not the PC? Actually, it's already happening. Intel's AppUp store has been online since September. OK, it mainly aimed at netbook PCs. But it's fully compatible with full power laptop and desktop systems running Windows 7. Of course, you could argue that the PC already has the largest ecosystem of applications of any computing platform by a galactic mile. That's absolutely true. But traditional PC apps are clunky compared to the slick, clever and user friendly apps people are enjoy with their smartphones. Microsoft recently launched the Games for Windows Marketplace online store. What's more, it's rumoured that Microsoft's next major operating system, currently known as Windows 8, will include a full App Store as standard. As we all know, one of the key elements for a healthy app store is a big user base. They don't come any bigger than Windows PCs. Admittedly, Windows 8 isn't expected to arrive until 2012. But 2011 is still likely to see the emergence of the smartphone app-store as a new paradigm for PC software. Cloud and context-aware computing Another area where smartphone trends look set to influence PCs is cloud computing. By that we mean both applications in the form of services like Windows Live and Google Docs and also greater integration of social networking media. It's difficult to predict exactly how this will unfold. But the general trend will be away from heavy application installs and towards browser-based computing, remote storage of media and data and more seamless integration of social media and user content across platforms. From your phone to your PC, in other words. Context-aware computing is further smartphone-related trend that might hit the big time in 2011. Today's smartphone's have several context-generating interfaces including light sensors and GPS navigation. Expect to see PCs take a leaf out of this book with proximity sensors, ambient light sensors and perhaps facial recognition. Simply sit down in front of your PC and it will turn on, recognise your face and log you into both your local user account and various online profiles. Combine that capability with cloud computing and you have the possibility to sit in front of any PC and be presented with a familiar computing environment complete with all your personal files. Admittedly, it's unlikely we'll see such a refined solution in 2011. But the beginnings of this kind of ubiquitous computing platform will certainly be visible. Bits and PCs Elsewhere, PCs will benefit from faster file transfers thanks to bigger, cheaper and quicker SSDs, the increased uptake of SATA 6Gbps and widely available USB 3.0 peripherals. We're also hopeful the a recent trend for affordable POC monitors based on superior VA panel technology will take off in 2011. Meanwhile, the ongoing trend towards mobile platforms will continue. Laptops and netbooks just keep getting more popular. At the same time, all-in-one desktop systems could finally break out of their niche, especially if they offer features typically not found in conventional systems such as touch screens, sensors and integrated services. All of which means 2011 will probably be a big year for almost every kind of PC except the traditional tower system that started it all.

In Depth: The hottest PC tech to look forward to in 2011

It's been a fine year for the PC in 2010. But what technological devilry can you expect for 2011? Faster, cheaper, smaller, funkier – a...

In Depth: 10 gadgets to look forward to in 2011

<img src="http://cdn.mos.techradar.com//classifications/world%20of%20tech/images/motorola%20android%20tablet2-200-200.jpg"> While many people are waiting until Christmas to receive some of 2010's best gadgets and technology, we're already looking forward to 2011. Around this time we always get more and more excited about the potential for each year to top the last. Of course, 2010 has been pretty damn good for gadget lovers, what with the tablet revolution and 3D, but we have faith next year can top it thanks to these great products. And this is still before all the <a href="">CES 2011</A> announcements! Oh, it's going to be good… Here are the 10 gadgets we're looking forward to. 1. BlackBerry Playbook <img alt="Playbook" src="http://cdn.mos.techradar.com/classifications/computing/mobile-computing/Tablets%20and%20touchscreens/BlackBerry_PlayBook/BlackBerry_PlayBook_photogallery-420-100.jpg" width="420"></IMG> BlackBerry maker RIM has seemed a bit lost for the last couple of years, unsure whether to persevere with the style that always served it well or embrace touchscreens wholly. That quandary continues on its phones, but there's no doubting the focus of the <a href="">PlayBook tablet</A>. A brand new operating system, an extremely powerful dual-core processor, all of the usual BlackBerry business features and, perhaps most importantly of all, a real focus on getting third-part developers involved. The PlayBook is already looking stylish, slick and easy to use. With a carefully crafted tablet operating system and advanced specs, we could be looking at some major competition for the iPad. 2. Nintendo 3DS <img alt="NIntendo 3ds" src="http://cdn.mos.techradar.com/classifications/images/3DSred-420-100.jpg" width="420"></IMG> If 2010 wasn't all about tablets, it was all about 3D. We've seen a huge push on 3D TVs, but some people just <a href="">aren't on board with having to wear the glasses</A>. So while everyone else is battling the same problems Nintendo had when it released its first 3D console, the Virtual Boy, the <a href="">3DS</A> is getting ready to bring a glasses-free third dimension (other than the regular, real-life one, obviously. As if simple, comfortable 3D gaming wasn't enough, Nintendo is making sure the 3DS doesn't suffer the same lack of third-party titles the Wii has had (and the N64 had, and the Gamecube, now that we mention it). Some of the biggest names in gaming are already on board, including Metal Gear Solid and two absolutely stunning looking Resident Evil games. 3. LG Star <img alt="LG star" src="http://cdn.mos.techradar.com//classifications/Mobile%20Phones/LG/LG_Star_handled-420-100.jpg" width="420"></IMG> Nvidia's powerful Tegra 2 chipset has finally found its way into a phone, and that's a profoundly good thing. The <a href="">LG Star</A>'s processor not only has the potential to be power-sipping, but it leaves opposing mobile processors weeping softly at their inadequate performance. Early reported benchmarks put it an entire league ahead of the best-performing Android phone to date. Add to that the likely inclusion of the shiny new <a href="">Android 2.3</A> Gingerbread OS, an eight-megapixel video camera, 1080p video recording a four-inch screen and an HDMI out, and the <a href="">Google Nexus S</A> will be knocked of its throne as the king of Android before it's even got comfy. 4. iPad 2 <img alt="iPad 2" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/Review%20images/TechRadar/Gadgets/Apple%20iPad/More%20pics/1004ipad_hometimes-420-100.jpg" width="420"></IMG> Well, <a href="">iPad 2</A> had to be here didn't it? It's not official yet, but the old 'smoke=fire' adage definitely applies when you've got the sheer volume of rumours we're currently hearing about an updated <a href="">iPad</A>. Some of the rumours are more likely than others, but we feel confident you can expect to see a camera and FaceTime support, a gyroscope to match the <a href="">iPhone 4</A>, a faster (or possibly dual-core) processor and probably a new, sleeker design. Considering just how good the current iPad is, we think there might a small amount of demand for the updated version. 5. Chrome OS netbooks <img alt="Chrome os" src="http://cdn.mos.techradar.com//classifications/computing/software/operating-systems/images/Chrome_OS/chrome-cr48_crop-420-100.jpg" width="420"></IMG> For those railing against the tablets and clinging onto their keyboards desperately, Google's promise of a range of <a href="">Chrome OS</A> laptops next year is welcome. Aside from offering an alternative to Windows and Mac OS X with a well-known brand name, it should push forward acceptance of instant-on operating systems and cloud services as standard practice for PCs. The Cr-48 prototype that's out now is a little bland, we'll grant you, but we're really looking forward to seeing what the big name manufacturers can do. 6. Motorola Android 3.0 tablet <img alt="Android 3 tablet" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/classifications/world%20of%20tech/images/motorola%20android%20tablet2-420-90.jpg" width="420"></IMG> Android's Andy Rubin showed off a <a href="">Motorola-made tablet</A> running an early build of Android 3.0 Honeycomb at the D:Dive into Mobile conference. And it really did look good. The email app he showed certainly appeared to take a few cues from the way Apple tweaked the iPhone OS to work on iPad - and we're glad it did. Tablets with the usability and style of iOS with the options and power of Android? Sounds too good to be true, doesn't it? We'll see in 2011. 7. PSP Phone <img alt="PSP phone" src="http://cdn.mos.techradar.com//classifications/Mobile%20Phones/Sony%20Ericsson/PSP_Phone-420-100.jpg" width="420"></IMG> [Image credit: xxmajstor] Considering that the iPhone is capable of games with graphics at the level of <a href="">Infinity Blade</A>, gamers must be drooling at the thought of adding buttons to what's already there. Apparently, someone at Sony finally had the same idea. The <a href="">PSP Phone</A> looks certain to be released soon, and may be named the <a href="">Zeus Z1</A>. While we're a little nervous about the possibility of twin trackpads instead of analogue sticks, Sony console fans and phone gamers alike will both be eager to get their hands on this. 8. New HP/Palm devices <img alt="Pam devices" src="http://cdn.mos.techradar.com//Review%20images/TechRadar/Mobile%20phones/Palm/Palm%20Pre%202/pr/palm-pre-2-open-420-100.jpg" width="420"></IMG> The <a href="">Palm Pre 2</A> was a bit disappointing. It featured fairly current internal specs, but the design and screen both seem a little behind the best of current smartphones. HP webOS, on the other hand, is brilliant. Its masterful and smooth handling of multitasking has the potential to knock everything else out of the park, it just needs the right hardware to bring it out. Jon Rubinstein has confirmed that several new devices are on the way, including a tablet. With HP taking over hardware duties, we suspect something pretty special could be on the horizon. 9. ElectroHub wireless charger <img alt="Electrohub" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/classifications/world%20of%20tech/images/Electrohub-420-90.jpg" width="420"></IMG> While we've seen wireless charging concepts before – specifically the <a href="">Powermat</A> – but <a href="http://ces.cnet.com/8301-32254_1-20024327-283.html">ElectroHub</A> has a slightly better way of doing things. Simply stick the ElectroHub battery replacements into your devices and they'll work with the mat. "Aha," you're probably thinking. "But my gadget has a non-replaceable battery." Well, then, you'll need some sort of case for making it work. A bit like the Powermat. But still, it's a better concept for getting your gadgets charged easily, and looks to be pretty reasonably priced, too. 10. iPhone 5 <img alt="TDK boombox" src="http://cdn.mos.techradar.com//classifications/Mobile%20Phones/Hands%20on%20pictures/iPhone/iPhone%204%20hands%20on/iPhone_4_29-420-100.jpg" width="420"></IMG> Finally, isn't every iPhone user looking forward to the <a href="">iPhone 5</A>? While the exact release date, specifications and even the form factor are still the subject of <a href="">speculation</A> (will we see spec bump, 3GS-style, or another full-on redesign?) and there are no hard facts, we've yet to see Apple disappoint with its iPhones. <a href="">Antennagate</A> aside, that is.

In Depth: 10 gadgets to look forward to in 2011

While many people are waiting until Christmas to receive some of 2010's best gadgets and technology, we're already looking forward ...