I haven’t posted for a while, so I thought I’d make a few technology predictions for 2008. I’ll check back on this post in January 2009 and see how close – or far – I’ve been:

Apple iPhone

I don’t actually see a new iPhone being launched during 2008. There’s lots of speculation around it, but I do feel Apple are some way away in bringing out a second version with something like 3G. The first version still has to appear in APAC markets, so until it does, I don’t see Apple releasing the next. My other prediction is that they’ll realise some killer apps, plus the long awaited Microsoft ActiveSync technology to allow the iPhone to work with corporate Exchange email

Sony PS3 Home

Sony will release their long-awaiting virtual reality world, Home, to replace the cross-media bar (XMB)

Blackberry handsets

Blackberry will reveal a new handset that will have a longer, wider screen. However, I don’t believe it will have a touch screen as predicted – but a folding or movable keyboard. Blackberry never bring out phones with a camera, GPS and WiFi packaged together – they always mix it up – but I believe the next generation of phone will have all of these – but still probably be GPRS not 3G

Offline browsing, web-to-go

We are going to see more use of offline browsing tools and application in the next year such as Google Gears, Adobe Air and Microsoft Silverlight. There will be more opportunity for offline browsing and then syncing-up your sessions and work once you’re back online

Apple Reduced Size Laptop

I see Apple creating a new small laptop with a screen of less than 12 inches and weighing in pretty light. Perhaps this new mini-laptop will have a touch screen such as the iPhone. With new Intel chips on their way such as Silverthorne that are notable for their very small size, speed, computing power and very low power consumption, Apple will be well placed in this area. These minature laptops will probably pave the way for a new iPhone flavour – but not until 2009 at least.