It’s the new year, and you know what they say… “Out with the old and in with the new”.  And in the wonderful world of technology, that couldn’t be more true.

Here’s a quick look at what we have to look forward to in 2010.

Google Chrome OS.  It’s a brand new computer operating system that Google boldly claims will give Microsoft and Apple a major headache, by changing the way people think about computers.  This new operating system is designed to run entirely off the internet.  That means there won’t be very much data stored on the hardware you physically have on your computer.  That is supposed to mean a much faster connection, and it’s expected to be much less likely that you will get a virus on your computer.  Google OS is expected to start shipping out a raft of netbooks by the end of 2010.

Next… We talked about this at the beginning of 2009, but this year, 3D TVs will finally come of age.  3D TVs will be moving off the showroom floor and into living rooms.  Sony will be launching one this Spring, and a 3D channel will be starting up in the UK soon after that, with plans to broadcast some of the World Cup soccer games in 3D.  Direct TV will be launching a 3D channel in the states, and hopefully that will happen here in Canada as well.

For the last year or so, the Nintendo Wii has been the big advance in gaming.  The system allows users to physically move the controllers to simulate actually driving a car, or using a board to play Wii Fit and exercise.  Well, how about using no controller at all?  Microsoft XBox is getting ready to one-up Nintendo with Project Natal.  The new gaming system is a small device that sits above or below your tv.  It emits light beams to sense your body in front of the tv, and puts you inside the game with no controller at all… YOU will be the controller.  Microsoft says Natal will be able to map your whole body to enough detail to know how many fingers you’re holding up.  It sounds like the most life-like, most engaging home gaming experience ever created.  And another very cool thing is the system will automatically know who you are by using facial recognition when you walk in front of the tv.  I really cannot wait for the launch of Natal, which is expected to happen in November of this year - just in time for the next holiday shopping season (not that you’re thinking THAT far in advance, right?)

Here’s a video showing how it works: