We’re all looking towards the new year and what 2011 has in store for us. In the world of gadgets and technology there’s always something exciting around the corner – but what about this time next year?

I’m going to stick my neck out and make a couple of predictions about what will happen over the coming year in the world of gadgets, technology and the internet.

The world of smartphones and tablet PC’s will continue to converge. With exciting new products based on next year’s upgrade of the Android phone system, we’ll see more devices like the Samsung Tab competing against the iPad. With techies developing for the massive iphone and Android markets the Windows Mobile devices will be irrelevant this time next year (so, no change, really!)

On the internet we’re going to see the fall-out from Wikileaks with governments clamping down on websites. This is happening already in America and it’s just a matter of time before it happens here. We’ll also see more bit-torrent based information delivery from people determined to get around the system.

We’re also on the verge of 3-D internet! The new beta version of Chrome browser includes the nuts and bolts for 3D modelling and it’s a small step from that to sitting in front of the computer donning your glasses immersed in 3D Farmville.

One thing that we know that won’t happen is BT’s Infinity hitting the homes of Wigan. None of the phone exchanges around town are scheduled for the upgrade to their super-fast internet, but I remain hopeful that we’ll be hooked up early in 2012.

This was originally published in the local Courier Newspaper.