2010's Hottest Technology

Every year new gadgets and applications flood the market, bringing with them changes in how we communicate, conduct business, and manage our favorite hobbies. The year 2010 has been no different, and has seen a rise in technologies ranging from photography to software, to phones and televisions.

1- Microsoft Office 2010

Since the majority of my day is spent with word processing, Microsoft Office 2010 was obviously first on my list of 2010's hottest technology. I purchased it the month it was released, and was pleasantly surprised to discover that there are many improvements from Office 2007. The menu is more intuitive, there are more functions, and there is even a screen capture tool.

2- Apple iPad

The iPad is the only Apple product I use on a regular basis, and for good reason. It comes in handy when I want to check up on the news over morning coffee. Lighter and more comfortable to use than a laptop, it doesn't replace my computer but acts as a convenient accessory.

3- 3D Television

The possibilities of 3D-TV technology has become reality over the course of 2010, introducing new models and concepts for home theater. Sony has added 3D support for select video games, and there will certainly be more advancements made in this area in 2011.

4- 4G Phones

Also among the hottest technologies of 2010 are 4G phones, which began to gain steam in the final quarter of this year. Many claim that 4G phones will change how we utilize all Internet technology, though more changes are coming next year. For now, 4G networks are not universally available, and the technology is still in its infancy, especially when it comes to the average user.

5- Xbox Kinect

Released in November 2010, the Kinect system for the Xbox 360 is an add-on feature that allows game play via voice and physical gestures rather than controllers. The Kinect initially retails for $199.99, and is designed to appeal to people like me who don't consider themselves gamers.

6- Google TV

There have been rumbles in the technology community about merging Internet and television, and Google TV makes that a reality. Partnering with DISH Network, Google TV adds an additional channel to your service: the Internet.

7- Amazon Kindle

Although the Kindle is not by any stretch of the imagination new, the latest version is certainly one of 2010's hottest technologies. Thousands of people are reading their favorite books, among other things, on the third generation Kindle, which was released in August 2010. It's shorter, slimmer, and more intuitive than previous versions.

8- Apple iPhone 4

Released in July 2010, Apple's iPhone 4 is perhaps the hottest technology of 2010, if based exclusively on buzz. The iPhone 4's improved features over the iPhone 3GS include a better camera, stronger operating system, and increased internal memory.

9- Nikon D3100

I own the Nikon D3000, which was the previous entry-level DSLR camera from Nikon. The D3100, however, is a great opportunity for amateur photographers who want professional-level capabilities from a low-cost DSLR camera.

10- Square

Mobile technologies are perhaps the most important of 2010, and Square is an excellent example. This free payment service created by the founder of Twitter allows users to accept credit card payments on iPhones, Android phones, iPads, and the iPod Touch. Using a connected port, credit cards can be scanned, receipts can be generated, and sales can be tracked.