Better phones, Apps and security features expected this year

Amazon's "octocopter" mini-drone. FILE PHOTO | AMAZON |  AFP

In Summary

• The New Year promises to be interesting technologically.
• 2015 may be the year wearable technology achieves mainstream approval.

By WAGA ODONGO
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The New Year promises to be interesting technologically.

Cloudy future

Businesses and consumers will increasingly embrace cloud services offered by providers like Safaricom, Microsoft and Google.

Microsoft rolled out cloud services to its one billion customers.

Head of Microsoft Enterprise Jared Spataro was in the country in November and said the company would continue deepening and strengthening its provision of online storage to customers.

Cryptic Communication

In 2014, Apple servers were hacked and nude images stored therein leaked. Sony servers were hacked and e-mails leaked. The PlayStation Network was hacked.

Consumers are increasingly concerned about the effects and embarrassment of data breaches.

In 2015, more technology firms will seek security features for customers.

Whatsapp, the world’s most popular message service, also rolled out end-to-end message encryption option for its Android users and has promised to do the same to users on other platforms.

This means messages will only be read by either the sender or receiver. They cannot be intercepted. More companies will do the same to gain favour with clients.

High-Tech Haute Couture

2015 may be the year wearable technology achieves mainstream approval.

The Apple watch is expected to show up in 2015 and it should have the iPhone faithful salivating at the chance to have the Apple logo permanently on their person.

Soon before going out, you could be asking if your Google glasses match the colour of your Samsung gear smartwatch as you adjust your Bluetooth headset.

Bird, plane or drone?

In 2015, it is expected that there will be more benevolent drones in the sky.

Unmanned aerial vehicles will find civilian applications and increased use will help in newsgathering, rescue efforts mineral exploration and mapping.

A Kenyan company promises to start delivering items using drones in 2015. That won’t happen though, obviously.

E-Commerce everywhere

Companies want to sell you more stuff in 2015 through the internet.

Jumia, Kaymu, Kilimall are some of the online portals Kenyans can go and shop and have goods delivered to their doorstep. Kenyans will log on for online shopping sprees.

Fabulous Phablet

Tablets have been getting thinner while phones are getting larger. The trend is expected to continue.

Galaxy S6, the latest sequel in Samsung’s galaxy line, will arrive in the first quarter of 2015.

Expect software upgrades, sharper cameras, improved screen resolution and a faster processor as it will have crammed even more semi-conductors into an even smaller space.

With the release of the iPhone 6, the countdown to the next phone from apple has begun and a follow-up sporting the letter “S” maybe released. The world’s most valuable company did not get there by slouching around.

Sony is also expected to bring the next version of its top of the range “Z” series with the Xperia Z4.