As technology becomes the driving force for quality of life and for productivity, electronics is focused on developing products that integrate this duality in an effort to promote better living through digital devices. This is becoming especially prevalent with smaller processors that have a stronger capacity, turning everyday items into smart technology and making portability a larger factor in desirability.

While a number of the prevalent trends in technology for the New Year do overlap on certain applicability, it is also creating industries that are solely devoted to the development of devices that are becoming a staple rather than a luxury in everyday activities. This also ties in to the overlying trend that 2015 will experience, and is expected to influence the future competitive offerings from the silicon sector.

1. Integration Is Key

Although this concept has been gaining influence since mobile devices and smart phones are gaining prominence, it continues to be an overriding goal for the tech industry. While developers are still devoted to proprietary innovations that can corner the tech market, the prevalent attitude appears to be that cooperation is more provident to popularity. Along with further developments to the actual programming of mobile apps, tech companies are also trending towards integrative methods of connecting mobile devices for users to be able to control multiple routine functions from one device.

One of the more prominent places that this is being seen is in the security sector. This can range from all encompassing alarm systems to hybridized smart phones that can be digitally controlled from a tablet or smart phone. Beyond features such as regulating lighting, entertainment systems, and closed circuit cameras, the concept of integration is also extending into more unlikely home realms.

Although a complete smart home is not yet prototyped, efforts to improve lifestyle efficiency and comfort are leading to tech advances in basic sectors.

• Appliances

• Heating and cooling

• Remote device access

While consumers have already experienced some of the benefits for integrative technology in the home, smart appliances are looking to be one of the greater offerings for 2015. This includes digitally controlled stoves and ranges, washers and dryers, and even refrigerators. Initial integration efforts include these systems becoming linked to home monitoring networks for included safety features, but the eventual outcome is thought to include appliances that can be controlled from a distance in order to facilitate regular routines.

2. Wearables And The Expanded Social Network

The prevalence of wearables is another trend that has been greatly influenced by the focus on integration. Initial offerings such as smart watches, fitness trackers, and even digital glasses serve a dual purpose in technological advances. The initial concept is to provide users with highly portable electronics that can all be linked together for better user control.

However, wearables are also expected to increase the development of digital socialization. Many wearables can be further linked to friend and community network, so that people can track progress, interact with others, and develop collaborative efforts in almost any arena. Smart watches are one such device that is already showing promise for all of these applications, with different versions that are focused on professional productivity, as well as ones that are devoted to personal goal setting.

As wearables become more widely used, it is also expected that connection with wider networks and greater applications will also become a result. This is particularly anticipated for digital glasses, which can replicate many of the features of a smart phone with added point of view benefits. The outcome presents users with a more efficient portable device that can still be linked to other electronics for greater use.

3. Tablets For All Occasions

Mobile devices in general have been a strong force in the current trends for technology. Productivity for these digital devices has been increasing, giving professionals a viable and highly portable unit that can contend with nearly any business need. Although tendencies to use these devices solely for entertainment do still prevail, more programs are being developed to increase functionality and to improve integration with other devices. It is likely that tablets will continue to become more streamlined, but this will also include higher processing power, greater storage, and interchangeable programs with other devices. More features that are expected to become commonplace on digital devices also include voice capture and transcription, more incorporation of stylus functions, and other changes that turn tablets into simple to use replacement for basic office and home items.

4. The Internet Of Things

While this development is also highly linked to the idea of integration and wearables, it does represent its own specific trend for technology. As most users are turning towards technology for practical solutions, the Internet of Things becomes the instant virtual access to everything from products and services to information and funds. This includes a digitized model of real time needs and interactions for both promotion and use. The expectation is that items such as mobile devices and wearables will continue to drive this form of integration, although the introduction of smart devices for the home will also be a contributing niche to the development of the market. With an Internet of Things at the disposal, homeowners may find that routine activities such as scheduling a service call or waiting for a contractor no longer need to be managed. Smart devices can send out contact information and allow for repairs to be regularly enacted without extensive human intervention.

5. The Sound Of Progress

Part of all of these prevailing trends in technology do rely upon the miniaturization of components, which means that smaller electronics can now provide the same benefits as larger counterparts. In sound technology this is also a prevalent movement, which is seen especially in speaker systems, Bluetooth component, and sound bars. High powered home entertainment systems no longer require a number of components for optimal function. Sound bar and speaker technologies like the Qube are particularly leading this front, affording users a theater quality audio performance in the comfort of the living room. Qube speakers are also highly compact and portable, so that they can easily be moved to different setups in the home. This ease of quality sound is made even more attractive with the extensive use of built in wireless capacity in more compact components.