Photo: LGEPR / Flickr

LG is desperate to claw its way back into the exclusive club of top notch smartphones, using their LG Optimus 3D unveiled at MWC 2011 as the launch pad. And this makes sense, right? Nobody really wants 3D phones, with fellow South Korean tech giant Samsung being unimpressed by the LG Optimus 3D. The company didn’t mince words in saying now is not the time for mobile phones that have 3D capability.

We’re the best, they’re just not good enough.

Speaking to TechRadar, Jim Powell, who is Samsung Mobile UK’s head of product management, both boasted about how great his company is at 3D before putting LG down for trying to bring 3D to mobile phones.

He said: ‘We are world leaders in 3D, but we haven’t seen a need for 3D on mobiles as yet for UK customers.’

And he’s quite insistent about that. In his words, ‘We just don’t see [3D] is needed yet – good luck to the innovators though, it will be interesting to see if it works, and if it does you’ll see a response from Samsung quickly.’

Besides, it won’t even fit in your pocket

As if the jab about people not needing it was not sufficient, Powell also took the opportunity to point out that 3D phones aren’t exactly practical. He pointed out that ‘There’s a trade off with when it comes to thickness and pocketability when it comes adding 3D into a mobile phone as well.’

Samsung, you hypocrite!

Respectfully, many people believe there’s no need for 3D at all. In fact, some have gone so far as to say it completely goes against how human eyes have developed over millions of years of evolution. Yet, given Samsung has made a massive play with their 3D TVs, its unsurprising that the company is specific about their being no need for 3D on phones, but not prepared to admit most consumers still think there’s no need for 3D in the home at all.

To be honest, 3D TVs and 3D phones alike are ahead of their time, and maybe the platforms will mature. Maybe they will never mature. It is funny to see Samsung take jabs at others for bringing the very same three-dimensional technology it has long been a forerunner in.

Photo: CES Web

On the eve of CES 2011, with several pre-show announcements and many products likely to be unveiled during the expo, the eyes of technology lovers, press and even mainstream media will be focused on the expo. For many companies, this CES more than any other represents do or die – okay, well that was melodramatic. Perhaps put up and prosper or fail and struggle. Here’s what will be the major trends at the Consumer Electronics Show 2011.

Tablets, tablets, tablets

Tablet PCs are all the rage in tech these days, and CES 2011 will see tons of tablets launched by both high profile companies and smaller ones. Perhaps the most anticipated of the tablets being shown off is the Motorola tablet, the first of many Google Android Honeycomb tablets to be shown in the coming months.

Smart TVs

While mobile computing will see a high presence of touchscreen devices, home entertainment’s big play at the Consumer Electronics Show 2011 will be what some people have begun dubbing smart TVs. More specifically, next generation systems like 3D TV, as well as web-integrated systems like Google TV. While Google has reportedly asked manufacturers not to show the hardware off at the convention, but it’s likely some rogues will show off their wares nevertheless.

Major absentees

Even though it’s easy to think that the whole technology landscape will make an appearance at the expo, there will certainly be some glaring absentees. As is usually the case, Apple, who likes to do its own thing won’t be there. Furthermore reports have emerged that HP Palm won’t be there, which, considering webOS was a billion dollar acquisition, is a bit surprising. The company would do well to resurface again.

Other

In addition to the hardware, we expect to see a few major component demos at the Consumer Electronics Show 2011, too. More specifically, there’s been much talk about dual core processors in smart devices, so we expect to see those appear in a few smartphones and tablets, as well as hopefully testing them out.

Furthermore, with Intel Sandy Bridge finally shipping to manufacturers, there is hope that several devices at CES 2011 will demo just how dramatic the much-talked about speed boost is in Intel’s new chipset.

Photo: Samsung

This is our second entry in our seven part series chronicling the hopes tech titans have for 2011. Our first post covered Sony’s 2011 hopes, and this one covers the hopes and plans of its biggest like-for-like rival, Samsung. And if the South Korean tech giant’s 2010 is anything to go by, Samsung 2011 will be a serious force to reckon with, likely playing a big part in the collective tech push back against Apple’s unbelievable dominance.

The smartphone factor

Photo: Samsung

For our money, Samsung 2011 will be all about the smartphone. The company finally turned the corner in 2010, from making lackluster smartphones to releasing what is easily a top three contender for best phone in the world, period: the Samsung Galaxy S. The South Korean company’s immediate roadmap is even more interesting than that, with an as yet unnamed phone sporting an 8mp camera is looking to make the Galaxy S look like old news come February 2011.

And not only is the South Korean giant killing it on Android, their Windows Phone 7 handsets are very competent, too. Seriously, in terms of handset manufacturer quality, off one handset alone, Sammy has put itself in the company of HTC and Apple both, which is no mean feat.

The tablet factor

Photo: Samsung

Samsung second anti-Apple assault comes in tablet form with its Galaxy Tab and the inevitable Samsung 2011 tablet(s). While the Galaxy Tab has been extremely divisive to say the least, it’s on track to move a million units before the year is up, to leapfrog into the second highest selling tablet in the world. The problem is the tablet up in first is generally considered superior and is outselling it hands down right now.

Sammy 2011 will be about outdoing one of Samsung’s most important frenemies, which at this stage is impossible for many, but the Korean giant stands an outside chance of making a dent.

The television game

Sammy’s vice grip on the global LCD TV market has only recently come under threat, and that’s within only one – albeit very important – market. What makes the South Korean company’s performance in this market particularly impressive is that not only does Sammy have the volumes game, they’re also highly competitive on price even with a remarkable product. This is a recipe for success few have any chance replicating with ease.

Samsung 2011 is likely to also keep throwing resources at their 3D TV lineup. While we’re still not sold on home 3D television yet, manufacturers are hell bent on making it work, and Sammy is at the front of this curve.

While Samsung 2011 focus will be on taking major strides in consumer electronics, one needs to remember that they’re the leading manufacturer of memory in the world, which means insofar as the uptick of flash memory continues, Samsung will make bank, too. Of all the companies on our list, Samsung is the one with the most eclectic product mix, and uncanny ability to generate support. Can it upend Apple? We’re doubtful in the short run, but anything can happen in the long term.

Between the Galaxy Tab, Galaxy S, the successors of those two products, and its major bet on 3D TV, it’d be irresponsible to ignore Sammy.

Photo: IFA

IFA is Europe’s biggest consumer electronics show and that means manufacturers from all over the globe look to show off their wears. Tablet PCs, connected TVs, 3D TVs and e-readers are expected to have a strong presence at the conference. With the first press conference kicking off today, we give you a rundown on what to expect.

Tablets galore:

The story of IFA 2010 – much like the story of CES 2010 – is the tablet PCs invasion. They will be absolutely everywhere, with a number of Android tablets expected to finally make their public appearances.

3D TVs galore

In addition to tablet PCs gunning for your attention, its clear 3D TV manufacturers are still all-in with their Avatar boxes. Though most of the world has simmered on their expectations of 3D, going from bullish to curious, the investment laid down in the tech is so great that for firms to pull back now would be more costly than just pushing through the slow start.

Who to watch

A number of big-deal tech firms have a big presence at IFA 2010, with Sony, LG, Samsung and Google making their presence felt. LG recently claimed that their tablet would be noticeably better than the iPad (hmmm) so hopefully they can back up their talk. The Samsung Galaxy Tab makes its appearance at IFA 2010, too, so we’re keen to see what the South Korean giant has cooked up this time. Sony will also reveal its next wave of e-readers at IFA, so that should be interesting, too.

All in all, IFA 2010 should be fascinating, and we’ll have full reports of the days’ happenings every morning. Google’s Eric Schmidt is doing the closing keynote, too, so, that should make for interesting viewing, as well.

Predictions, folks?

Photo: Acer

Putting aside concerns about whether 3D in the home will work or not, we simply need to come to terms with the fact that it is here. And not only in the living room in the form of 3D TVs, but 3D monitors have begun emerging, too. Here’s a quick rundown on the 3D monitor technology available on the market, as well as how 3D monitor technology works.

How does it work?

All 3D monitor technology currently works with active shutter glasses technology. Effectively, you wear a pair of glasses that sync with a transmitter by your computer instructing each lens to open and close at different times rapidly. This creates the 3D effect.

NVidia 3D Vision tech is fast becoming ubiquitous. It includes the shutter glasses, appropriate software, and the transmitter tech ships with most 3D monitor technology and 3D monitors, with very few manufacturers expecting you purchase it independently.

Current monitor options

Though there are very few 3D monitors available on the market, some have risen to prominence already. The 23-inch Asus VG236H 3D monitor recently began shipping. It sports a 3D LCD monitor at a full HD resolution (1920×1080p), the 3D requisite 120Hz refresh rate and an action friendly 2ms response time.

Photo: Asus

Samsung has recently launched the 22-inch 3D Syncmaster, as have Acer, Viewsonic, LG and Zalman made forays into the market.

The problem

The problem that exists with 3D PC monitors is identical to the problem currently plaguing 3D TVs – there’s very little 3D content available. Whether it is movies or games or television broadcasts, there’s such a little 3D content on the market that it is very difficult recommending you make the purchase.

Nevertheless, in the coming weeks we’ll be giving all of these first wave 3D PC monitors the review treatment and let you know which of them is the best if you’re prepared to jump in already.

Photo: hooverdust / Flickr

Tech companies, pundits, and analysts alike have been throwing the phrase ‘everyone will be doing x thing by y date’ like it’s going out of fashion. We’re here to set the record straight, deflate the hyperbole, and forward our own hypotheses (read: guesses).

Every home will have 3D TV by 2013?

Ubisoft, the good folks behind the insanely popular (and rather brilliant) Assassin’s Creed franchise and all those Tom Clancy Games think that every home will have a 3D TV by 2013. Yeah, and pigs fly. In 2010, a solid five years after the technology began gathering some steam, still not every home has an HD TV in it. We’d be surprised if 3D TV penetration reached 40 per cent in the developed world alone – let alone every home – by 2013.

Chances? Zip. Nada. Absolutely no way.

Everyone of working age will be online by 2015

Internet entrepreneur Martha Lane Fox has taken it upon herself to be a digital champion, aiming to get every Brit of working age online by 2015. Writing her motivations in the Daily Mirror, she says that ‘By getting more people online, everybody wins’. And we agree fully. She reckons that nationwide benefits of having all citizens online will total £22 billion, with average household savings of £560. But Martha Lane Fox realizes she cannot do it on her own and has called on digital champions around the nation to help out with the lofty goal.

Chances? Well… it’s a long trajectory. It’s unlikely, but admirable and not altogether impossible. Hey, that’s something we’ll support. Good on you, Martha Lane Fox.

The only thing everyone will be doing

Photo: ian.crowther / Flickr

Truthfully, the only thing everyone will be doing technologically is using a mobile phone. And no, we’re not pontificating like the analysts we like to snicker at, this is what research is showing. There are now over 5 billion mobile phone connections globally, which, considering there are less than 7 billion people on the planet, is a pretty big deal.

Chances? High! Likely. Roll the credits already.

We like prodding fun at analysts because if they turn out right, we get to congratulate them, and if they’re wrong, we shake our heads at the usual trend. But we’re all armchair analysts and soothsayers, so we’d like to know which of these ‘everyone will be doing this’ predictions you think are likely to come true, or any predictions of your own. 3D TV penetration, Internet usage or the inevitable mobile phone saturation?