July Trends

Hi and welcome to the trends article.

After last month’s revamp, we’ve decided to stick with the monthly bog... whilst bringing you our top 5 trends that have captured our eye.

As normal we’ll ask our panel to cast their opinion!! We have 12 no nonsense 14 – 24 year olds, that aren’t scared of voicing their opinion... no matter how critical it may be!!

They’ll also be asked to mark each individual contender out of 10... giving us a ‘top tip’ to look out for.

Feature Blog

Niche social networks are nothing new... over the past few years we’ve seen Facebook and co. slowly manipulate the market in the way we interact with one another on the web.

However this hasn’t stopped numerous trendy niche networks sprouting up, offering users an alternative. Although this is nothing new, these new sites offer members a rather unique service.

One network in particular is Totspot. For far too long have I come across Facebook addicts posting their babies first moments and tagging them in every picture possible.

This social network though gives parents the opportunity to create a profile for all their child’s milestones and events. A modern day scrap book, where just like Facebook, parents can post and share photos, whilst sharing those special moments.

This is where the alarm bells started to ring. Why would anyone want to post pictures of their newly born for any Tom, Dick or Harry to see?

Well, only invited friends and family can view your children’s pages. Totspot even keeps a log of all visitors giving parents a little piece of mind.

Dubit Mum Angie, said “I have mixed feeling about this. Part of me loves the idea. The ease at which you can share photo’s with family members all over the world. Yet it seems to take away that personalised touch. I love my son’s baby scrap books. They not only mark major milestones in his early life, but also show the love and attention that went into producing it.”

My thoughts echo Angie’s. Great for sharing moments with long lost relatives in Australia. But you can’t beat an embarrassing baby book for sentimental value.

Other News

Rasba.com, started by a 17 year old America student, is a site that combines the worlds of online shopping and social networks together. This innovative site enables young shoppers to connect with some of their favourite brands, whilst interact with like-minded people sharing their must have items.

Top 5 Trends

Collapsible Board

The surfboard is arguably one of the best inventions of all time... in my eyes anyway!! The thrill of gliding down the perfect wave is guaranteed to make the hairs on the back of your next stand on end. But once you’ve had your ‘narly’ session, where do you store the board?

That’s no longer a problem thanks to Nicholas Notara. The collapsible surfboard makes storing a surf board easier than slipping into that super skinny wetsuit!! But what about the dynamics of the board I hear you cry? According to Notara, the board maintains the standard weight distribution, meaning you can surf to your heart’s content without the fear of wiping out.

I love the idea, but just some part of me still pines for the traditional, wax covered board.

67% Panel Success Rating

• “Wow, I love this. A definite must have!”
• “I can see why some people would like this, but give me a traditional board any day of the week.”
• “I’ve never surfed before, but this board makes me want to take it up!”

New Wii for 2010?

The impact the Nintendo Wii has made has been incredible. It’s innovative technology made it a firm household favourite. But now Nintendo are planning the next step... Wii 2.0!!

Although all of this is speculation, the tech guys at T3 have made a few suggestions to what they expect, a headset accessory. Using your brainwaves, the set would allow you to control your character movement!

Planned to hit the shelves in 2010, this concept may be asking a little too much. It would also take away the likeable features the Wii is renowned for.

Perhaps bigger storage and improved graphics would be a better bet?

86% Panel Success Rating

• “Roll on 2010.”
• “Is this feasible? It would definitely be taking consoles to a new level.”
• “Why? The Wii is all about active participation! This just takes it back to sitting in a chair.”

Pool Crashing

Picture the scene, you’ve had a nightmare of day at the office. But the prospect of taking a dip in your pool makes it all seems worth it!! Yet you return to 200 ASBO kids audaciously having a pool party in your back yard!!

Pool crashing is the new craze that’s taken the US and even parts of the UK by storm. Youths use Google Earth to locate the unsuspecting pool before posting the event on Facebook, encouraging others to follow.

A novel ideal for those living in LA and Florida, but taking a dip in Britain’s finest... not too appealing!

46% Panel Success Rating

• “Ha ha, this is funny. But I can’t see it catching on here! Imagine pool crashing on a dark gloomy day in England... hardly sunny LA!”
• “What’s the point? Destroying someone else’s property... go to the swimming baths!”
• “I wonder if there are any pools around my area!”

Portable X-Box

More rumours are rumbling on the gaming front that Microsoft are planning on designing the latest in portable handheld system.

Combining attributes of the Zune player with the Xbox 360, Microsoft aim to create the ultimate handheld that will over power Nintendo’s DS.

Although still in its early stages, whether or not there is room in the handset market for another leading brand is up for debate.

77% Panel Success Rating

• “I can’t wait for this one to come out. The perfect solution to playing my Xbox away from home.”
• “Oh great, another handheld! Is this really going to offer anything different?”
• “I’m not a big gamer but I know my brother would love it!”

Amazon MP3 to hit Britain

iTunes has long been the ‘official’ website of choice for music lovers. Easy, quick downloads are available in their millions. But there’s been a growing rival site in the US that looks set rival Apples domineering site.

Launched in the US in September 2007, Amazon MP3 differs from iTunes as all downloads are DRM-free... a unique selling point. It also offers Daily deals where users can buy popular albums for as little as £1 each!!

Where prices will remain so low when the site launches in the UK is yet to be confirmed... but I wouldn’t count on it.

51% Panel Success Rating

• “£1 an album? That’s cheap... sign me up! Plus DRM-free albums, about time!”
• “Just another MP3 site... think I’ll stick with Limewire though, it’s free!”
• “Just like normal, one price for others and a ridiculously high price for us!”

The proposed headset for the Nintendo Wii may well have caused a stir with our panel, but the pool crashing craze from across the pond seems to have fallen upon deaf ears.

We always like to know your thoughts on our articles so please let us know your thoughts on this month’s collection. If you would like any more information about our trend panel please get in touch.

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