2015 was the year of juicers and smart watches, but what gadgets does 2016 have in store? We ask industry insiders for their forecasts…
MICHELLE DE BOER, BRAUN
“With time in the home becoming ever more limited, people are increasingly looking for easy-to-use gadgets which help to speed up household tasks. We expect the trend for time-saving gadgets to continue into 2016, as people look to alleviate some of the time and hard work they put into doing the household duties.”
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PHIL SAMUELS, CURRYS PC WORLD
“After showing some life this year, smart watches are set to boom in 2016, as Apple and Samsung battle over who has the best software, design and the all-important payment service; in 2016 we’ll all be using our smart watches to pay for our next coffee or see when someone has called or texted us. Virtual reality is coming to our home computers in 2016; the year we’ll see the likes of HTC’s Vive and Oculus Rift reach consumers with truly immersive virtual reality experiences – better than 3D has ever been, and the beginning of what feels like a revolution in the way we consume content over the next decade.”
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NEAL JONES, DE’LONGHI
“In recent years, people’s appreciation of coffee has grown exponentially, where now a one-size-fits-all drink is no longer acceptable – each coffee lover has their own unique interpretation of the perfect brew and gadgets are evolving to accommodate this. Recent research from De’Longhi found that we’re no longer a nation of tea drinkers, with Brits now drinking an average of 3.2 cups of coffee per day, versus only 2.4 cups of tea. 2016 will see the consumer demand for barista-quality personalisation at home increase.”
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ALEX GORT-BARTEN, DUALIT
“No one could ignore the trend for metallics throughout 2015 – with copper and brass adorning furniture, lighting, appliances and even gadgets. Metallics have staying power, making them a firm investment. I expect 2016 will see pastels come to the fore in a big way, adding a softness to what has previously been quite a stark and edgy interiors look. Think pistachios, pale pinks and creamy blues for all aspects of the home – from soft furnishings to kettles and toasters.”
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NICK GROCOTT, HOUSE OF MARLEY
“2015 has seen a massive surge in wireless headphones, a trend we believe will continue to grow in 2016, with more and more audio brands providing Bluetooth compatibilities for consumers who want to take their music wherever they go. Another trend we believe will have a big impact in 2016 is the rise in high-fashion headphones, with numerous audio brands releasing rose-gold headphones this year.”
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JOHN ANDERSON, SONY UK AND IRELAND
“Sony continues to innovate and we believe that some of the products and technologies launched this year will continue to be popular in 2016. Sony’s focus on connecting products in the home saw the launch of a multi-room proposition that delivers music any time and anywhere via a range of audio products. We believe these trends will continue in 2016. Photography also continues to be a growth area with new cameras being introduced, capable of creating awe-inspiring photography.”
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