SINGAPORE (Mar 19): Technology continues to advance and wow consumers at every turn.

Voice assistants look to do more

Google Home devices look set to permeate your lives even more, following Amazon Echo’s integration into almost everything. Google Assistant can be used on a number of new devices, from brands such as LG, Lenovo and Sony, to access your schedule, recipes and other information you might want to ask your Assistant. Presently in headphones and televisions, the Assistant is even moving into cars with Android Auto.

 

TVs double down on innovation

While 4K TV has been all the rage, manufacturers are now moving to even higher resolutions for TVs, with LG debuting an 8K concept TV. If your TV is getting too big and unwieldy for your taste, LG also has a 65in TV with a flexible plastic display, which can be rolled out from its storage container.

 

Payments go cardless

With payment solutions such as PayNow and NETS QR codes, payments are increasingly going cardless. This is in addition to companies such as Apple, Google and Samsung offering cardless payment solutions in their phones. Now, all you need is your phone to make payments at physical stores. Even services such as tourist tax refunds are becoming an app. An example is Tourego, which offers tourists in Singapore the capability to store their receipts for quicker processing of a tax refund at the various tourist refund facilities.

 

Virtual reality becomes widespread

Virtual reality headsets are getting bigger and better with the HTC Vive Pro, which boasts integrated audio as well as a 2880x1600 high-resolution screen. Cameras that can capture VR content are also gaining mainstream support, with Google launching a range of VR180 cameras with Lenovo and Yi Technology.

 

Wireless charging goes mainstream

Wireless charging is now getting mainstream traction, after Apple included that capability into its iPhone X last year. This year sees a whole bevy of wireless charging products for users who want to utilise their wireless charging features. Some of these wireless chargers even look chic — the iOttie charging pad is fabric-covered and features a USB-C port.

This article appeared in Issue 822 (Mar 19) of The Edge Singapore.

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