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PREVIEW: 13 Tech Ideas To Look Forward To In 2013

Tech Preview 2013: The 13 Top Sci-Fi Ideas Coming True Next Year
Michael Rundle
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There will be breakthroughs in tech in 2013 that nobody expected. But a few are visibly on the horizon - and we can't wait for them to arrive.

Whether it's the release of some long-awaited video game blockbusters - and consoles - plus gadgets, scientific insights and new takes on old ideas, there's tons about which you should get excited.

There are also a few outliers which could really change the world. From the 'Comet of the Century' to augmented reality glasses, bendable screens (again) and robotic cheetahs, there is no shortage of potential.

Here's our pick of the most transformative, interesting and exciting breakthroughs which we're looking forward to in 2013.

Tech Breakthroughs 2013
Gaia Spacecraft(01 of09)
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In October 2013 the European Space Agency will launch the Gaia spacecraft, which will create an insanely detailed 3D map of our galaxy and catalogue about a billion stars with its billion-pixel camera. It's a dramatically awesome piece of equipment which could change the way we see our universe over the course of its five-year mission. (credit:ESA)
Retina iPad Mini(02 of09)
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The iPad Mini was our favourite tablet of 2012. It's lighter and more beautiful than the bigger version, and it's almost perfect - with one exception: the screen. We expect that to change in 2013 with a Retina model - if Apple can build a big enough battery to fit in the Mini's tiny case. (credit:AP)
Next-Generation Gaming(03 of09)
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Next Year it looks almost certain that both Sony and Microsoft will release new gaming consoles. What they'll be like - and what they'll be called - we don't know yet. But you'll definitely want one. (credit:Flickr:Sin Amigos)
Bendable Phones (Sigh)(04 of09)
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We know, we know. Bendable phones are one of those technologies which has been around for years - despite recent media reports that make it seem as if it's a brand new idea, this picture was taken in 2008! But 2013 might be the year the tech finally hits phones - and even if it doesn't make the handset itself bendy, it will make it more flexible, durable and thinner. (credit:Getty Images)
Samsung Galaxy S4(05 of09)
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Samsung's flagship device the Galaxy S3 will be superceded by an S4 - or something very, very similar - quite soon into 2013. And while it will likely be just an incremental update in some ways, it could be the first truly breakthrough Android device which shows clear space between it and the latest iPhone. Rumours of a 13-megapixel camera, a super HD display and other improvements do make it sound rather tasty - but we'll have to wait and see. (credit:Getty Images)
Virgin Galactic?(06 of09)
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In truth it's probably a long shot, but billionaire Richard Branson thinks his Virgin Galactic space tourism service could launch in December 2013 - with himself and his family as passengers. If it does, it will take space travel to a truly new level. (credit:AP)
Google Glass 2.0(07 of09)
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Google debuted its augmented reality glasses last year, and the 'Explorer Edition' will go on sale to early adopters in 2013. But we also expect other companies to respond - and possibly for Google itself to make a splash in the true consumer space. The tech is still early, but we're getting closer to the next big breakthrough. (credit:AP)
4G UK(08 of09)
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4G launched - to most peoples' surprise - in 2012 in the UK. But it won't be until Ofcom's auction takes place early in 2013 that the market really hots up. We'll see a huge broadening of available 4G services in 2013, and only then will it take off to its fullest extent and start to change lives around the country - particularly in rural areas as-yet unreached by traditional broadband. (credit:PA)
Comet Of The Century(09 of09)
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The Comet Ison could be among the brightest and most intense ever seen, if predictions come to pass. It's set to pass within the Earth and the Sun at the right distance to be visible during the day - possibly emitting as much light as the Moon in a more concentrated pinpoint of light. It could be a spectacular sight - and make for some even more spectacular science. (credit:Alamy)
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