Convenience, security, and mobility are at the forefront of many new products, and with good reason. Here’s a look at some revolutionary tech products that will affect the way we work and live in 2015 and beyond.
1. Cicret smart bracelet
The Cicret (pronounced “secret”) bracelet (still in the prototype and venture capital funding phase) turns your forearm into a full-color, touch-sensitive smartphone screen with a flick of the wrist.
You can do anything you would on a swipe-enabled smartphone or tablet on your skin. It pairs with your phone via Bluetooth and will come with 16GB or 32GB of storage.
For aspiring secret agents, the free Android app is now available. It provides fully secure, completely anonymous and untraceable chat, sharing and information sharing. Only other users to whom you provide your private ID can contact you and vice versa; every interaction with other Cicret users has its own encryption. You can also store a text or audio file on your computer and retrieve it on your smartphone with Cicret.
Watch the promotional video on Cicret.com; Try a beta version of the app on Google Play.
2. Mobile Payment Systems
Apple Pay, a mobile payment solution, launched in October. It is a contactless payment technology that allows users to pay with their iPhone, Apple Watch or iPad (Air 2 or mini 3), without the need for a wallet or credit cards. Simply enter your credit and debit card information into Passbook (you can also do this from your iTunes account) and it will be securely stored there.
Accepting stores and banks have contactless (no swipe) readers at checkout counters/stations. iPhone 6 uses Near Field Communications (NFC) – just hold the phone near the contactless reader with your finger on the Touch ID icon on the screen. On Apple Watch, double-click the button next to the Digital Crown and hold the watch face near the contactless reader. You can also use Apple Pay within apps on iPhone 6 and enabled iPads; At checkout, simply select Apple Pay and place your finger on Touch ID.
Apple Pay has some nifty security features built in to protect users. A unique device account number (a “token”) is encrypted and securely stored on a dedicated chip in the device. These numbers, which are used to process your payments, are never stored on Apple’s servers, so your data is safe. Device Account Numbers also protect your actual credit or debit card numbers from being shared with merchants or transmitted with payment.
Transaction details are also not stored, so your payments are private. Plus, you’ll never have to show your personal details (name, card number, security code) to cashiers like you do when you use a credit card.
3. Connected cars
Cars are becoming the ultimate mobile wireless device. Their devices can connect to vehicles through app interfaces, and automakers offer optional in-vehicle Wi-Fi routers. Some (including GM, Volvo, Nissan, Mercedes and BMW) are working on smartwatch-connected vehicles. The 2015 Hyundai Genesis is even compatible with Google Glass.
GM plans to equip most 2015 Chevrolets with integrated OnStar 4G LTE that turns your Chevy into a wireless hotspot for your smartphone, tablet, laptop or Apple Newton. Also look for apps and various radio streaming programs in cars.
All of this integrated wireless technology has interesting commercial applications. Mobile solutions like those from AutoNet change the way people will work from the road to:
Mobile and sales professionals: Improve productivity by filing reports, scheduling meetings, and updating website information or real estate listings from the car.
Truck/Car Fleets: Increase efficiency with affordable location tracking, nimbly redirect drivers to meet customer pickup requests or changes, set alerts for preventative maintenance, get mobile timecards for drivers and much more.
Shuttle buses and rental cars: reduce idle time for busy passengers/customers and improve service. Connected vehicles allow them to get the latest news online, shop online, update travel reservations, check email and transfer files.
First Responders: Connected ambulances can transmit EKG readings to hospitals and gain access to drug indexes, emergency medicine physicians, or response guides.
Law Enforcement – Officers can access secure web-based crime databases. For more routine matters, wireless handheld ticketing devices can replace handwritten paper tickets.
Connected vehicles aren’t all work and no play; they also interact with Facebook, Spotify, Pandora, online content and handheld game consoles.
4. Multi-device keyboards
The Logitech K480 Bluetooth Multi-Device Keyboard can be used with up to three Bluetooth wireless devices (must support external keyboards) and is platform independent. Type on your computer, check social media on your tablet, and reply to a text on your smartphone, all from one keyboard.
The Easy-Switch dial allows users to switch between three connected Bluetooth wireless devices. The integrated stand is ergonomically configured to hold your phone or tablet at the right angle so you can read while you type. It’s inexpensive, lightweight, and great for travel or as a new type of keyboard/docking station for the office.
5.Mobile printing
You’re already using your smartphone, laptop, or tablet to share or work on files; now you can print from them with the HP 1200w Mobile Print Accessory for NFC-enabled devices. Connects to the USB port of compatible HP LaserJet, OfficeJet Mobile, and MFPs in your office for wireless direct printing. It’s secure because it bypasses your network with a peer-to-peer connection and print files are sent using 128-bit encryption. You can also control access to your printer. Integrated print function is available for Apple iOS, Samsung Android and Windows 8; for mobile devices without built-in printing support, users must first download the HP ePrint software.
6. Mobile device management
In a BYOD world, it is increasingly critical to protect mobile access to company data. Whether employees use their own or company-provided devices, IT administrators must have a way to manage all users, devices, and data from a central console.
To safeguard business data, you need to know who is connecting to your information and systems, and from what device. Products like MaaS360 provide the control and security organizations need to manage mobile devices and platforms with a true 360° view of who uses what, where and how.
7. USB Flash Drive Cufflinks
Never show up to a presentation without a USB backup with these unique and stylish USB cufflinks; each has 4GB of flash memory and a hidden USB connector. Open the cufflink and plug in your USB stick. Sending them as a gift? You can have them recorded for your favorite technology.
Looking to improve your company’s on-premises or cloud technology in 2015?
Contact us for a consultation on your computer network, hardware and software or ask about our flat-rate managed IT services.