Technology Highlights of 2016
The year 2016 has passed, and it was a colorful year for technology lovers. It brought innovations with long-term impact, including devices with distinctive design, extreme performance, and enhanced functionality. Let’s explore some of the groundbreaking technological advancements of 2016.
1. Notable Laptop Releases
2. Exciting TV Monitors in 2016
3. Technological Advancements in Smartphones and Wearables
Microsoft Surface Studio
In 2016, a remarkable All-In-One PC emerged as a true competitor to Macs. Microsoft introduced the Microsoft Surface Studio. Its unique design offers professionals a platform for creative hardware and software utilization. The AIO computer features a 28-inch Pixel Sense display with a resolution of 4500 x 3000 pixels and a 3:2 aspect ratio, capable of displaying a full range of DCI-P3 colors. It boasts impressive internal components, including Intel Core i5 and Core i7 (SkyLake) processors, up to 32 GB of RAM, and Nvidia GeForce GTX 980 with 4GB VRAM for enhanced graphics. The product became available for sale on December 15, 2016, with a starting price of $2,999.
Xbox and PlayStation Pro
The leading console manufacturers made significant strides in 2016. In August, the market saw the introduction of the Xbox One S. It offers gamers a superior experience by integrating a more powerful CPU, GPU, integrated power supply, and exclusive support for 4K resolution content, including Ultra HD, Blu-Ray, and HDR support. The price range starts at $299.
The PlayStation 4 Pro made its debut in November 2016. It features a high-clocked processor and an improved graphics card capable of rendering 4K content. The Pro also provides exclusive support for HDR, enhancing its VR capabilities. However, it does not include Ultra HD Blu-ray support. The price was set at $399.
Oculus Rift and HTC Vive
The VR industry had a banner year in 2016, with the debut of the Oculus Rift in March and the HTC Vive a week later. Both VR goggle models feature advanced OLED screens with a screen resolution of 2160 x 1200 pixels and a refresh rate of 90 Hz. Both offer similar specifications, including high-speed quad-core processors and high-performance graphics cards. The primary difference is the size of their gaming libraries, with HTC Vive holding an advantage. In terms of pricing, the Oculus Rift costs €699, while its competitor, the HTC Vive, is priced at €899.
Echo Amazon and Google Home
The Internet of Things (IoT) saw revolutionary entries from Google and Amazon. Amazon’s Echo hit the market in late June, while Google Home launched in November 2016. Both devices operate on voice protocols, with Amazon’s Alexa and Google Assistant providing voice-activated capabilities. These devices serve as wireless speakers and intelligent assistants, priced at around $180. Both devices run on the Fire operating system and incorporate Chromecast for seamless integration.
DJI Phantom and Phantom 4 Pro
The drone industry saw significant advancements, with DJI launching multiple new drone versions. The Phantom 4 was released in March 2016, priced at $999, while the professional version of the Phantom 4 was launched in November, roughly twice the price of the standard version.
Compared to its predecessor, the Phantom 4 introduced several improvements, including collision avoidance sensors, extended flight time with a higher ampere battery, increased speed, and enhanced video quality with 4K resolution support. The professional version of the Phantom 4 offered even greater speed, up to 72 km/h, and integrated a 20-megapixel camera with a CMOS sensor. This provided users with a smoother and more reliable long flight time on a single charge cycle.
iPhone 7 / 7 Plus, Samsung S7 / S7 Edge, Google Pixel
The smartphone market was incredibly dynamic in 2016, with numerous releases from leading manufacturers. Samsung introduced the Samsung Galaxy S7 and Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge in March 2016. These devices featured IP68 water resistance, MicroSD card readers, large batteries, and advanced cameras.
In September 2016, Apple launched the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus at a starting price of $769. Both models offered water resistance, quad-core processors, and the P3 color palette. Notably, they removed the headphone jack.
In October 2016, Google entered the smartphone market with the Google Pixel and Google Pixel XL, priced from $649 to $769. These devices were equipped with Android version 7.1, powerful components, and meticulous craftsmanship.
The previous year proved to be remarkable for Samsung as they successfully competed in the market by introducing cutting-edge technology.
LG OLED G6 and Samsung KS9800
The market for 4K televisions experienced tremendous growth, with LG and Samsung as prominent players. LG introduced the LG OLED G6 for the first time with an OLED thickness of 2.57 mm and HDR support. These brands offered UHD displays, with LG launching its product in June 2016 at a starting price of $6,000 for a 65-inch screen. Samsung also introduced Quantum Dot technology in its displays.
LG introduced curved LED TVs with 10-bit resolution panels and HDR support. Sales began in June 2016, with pricing starting at $3,499 for a 65-inch display.
NVidia GeForce 1080 GTX and AMD Radeon RX 480
The NVidia GeForce 1080 GTX was a highly anticipated release. It delivered outstanding performance improvements over its predecessor and was equipped with the latest gaming technology. NVidia unveiled it in May 2016 at a fixed price of $699.
AMD released the Radeon RX 480 for $239, offering slightly less advanced technology compared to the NVidia counterpart. However, AMD’s competitive pricing made a significant impact on the market.
MacBook Pro and Asus ROG GX800
The laptop market saw substantial advancements for professionals and gamers. In November 2016, Apple introduced the MacBook Pro, starting at $1,499 for the 13-inch model and $2,399 for the 15-inch version. The laptop featured powerful SkyLake processors, ample RAM, and an innovative Touch Bar for added user convenience. Performance improvements and design changes were accompanied by the transition to soldered RAM, CPUs, SSD drives, and integrated batteries.
Asus made a noteworthy entry with the Asus ROG GX800. Equipped with the latest Intel Core i7, up to 64 GB of RAM, and an NVidia GeForce 1080 GTX, this gaming laptop made waves in the industry. The use of liquid cooling technology ensured low temperatures even during overclocking. Its launch was highly anticipated, with a price of around $5,000.
HP Spectre 13.3 and Acer Swift 7
In May 2016, HP introduced the HP Spectre, a 13.3-inch laptop with a remarkable thickness of just 10.4mm. It became the market’s thinnest laptop. The device incorporated SkyLake, 8 GB of RAM, and SSD for peak performance. In October 2016, the Acer Swift 7 was released with a thickness of 9.98 mm. It featured Intel 7th generation processors, 8 GB of RAM, a full HD display, and fast SSD drives. The HP Spectre offered three USB-C ports, while the Acer Swift 7 had two. The Swift was priced at €1,299 or higher.
