The Red Herring magazine on Thursday listed some of the top technology trends that will dominate the world of technology in 2005;

1.The end of Moore’s Law: Moore’s Law predicts new computer chips will be developed with twice the power of their predecessors every 18 months, may be running into an even higher authority — the laws of physics. Recent evidence suggests that the great leaps forward in computing power may become smaller hops. Semiconductor makers appear to have hit a limit in how much more power they can squeeze out of computer chips.

2. Medical devices will do more than save your life. Gadgets that go inside your body go beyond the stents that prevent heart attacks. Some devices aim to prevent depression, relieve back pain, and even paint your esophagus to reduce acid reflux.

3. Videos, photos and music on your cell phone. Faster cellular networks will make it easier to send the pictures you snap with your phone. Korea and Japan are ahead of everybody else, with the United States trailing far behind in so-called 3G or third generation networks.

4. Mini fuel cells.Tiny fuel cells will finally make their first commercial appearance next year. Laptop will run for days instead of hours and cell phone will take calls for weeks without a recharge. Industry analysts say the much anticipated — and often delayed — micro fuel cells could sell 100 million units by 2008.

5. Internet telephony. VoIP (voice over Internet protocol) will become a household word in 2005. The technology that sends phone calls over the Internet will continue to grow, delivering good quality conversations at prices the regular phone companies have trouble matching. With several VoIP vendors offering telephone numbers anywhere in the world, no one will know where you’re calling from.

6. The digital living room. The living room will be a more intense battleground in 2005 for the traditional consumer electronic vendors versus the PC and software companies. Sony, Microsoft, Intel and Hewlett-Packard are vying for control of your set top box, in hopes they’ll have a better chance to sell you more stuff.
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