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DO more with less, that's the gist of today's research. Here are five research trends likely to change the way we work, play and connect this year

With Windows Phone models, including two Nokia Lumia models and the Android Ice Cream Sandwich-based Samsung Galaxy Nexus to hit Malaysia within the first half of the year, the platform war within the smartphone category will likely heat up. Even with the recent release of iPhone 4S, many users are after all anticipating the announcement of iPhone 5.

Next year's tablets will as well feature more improvements in line with higher uptake of mobile broadband services. The rumoured iPad 3 is cited by Citi Analyst to feature retina display during Samsung has revealed plans for a 4G-enabled Galaxy Tab. Afterwards PlayBook, it would as well be interesting to see what RIM has up its sleeve once its future platform BlackBerry OS10 is released earlier the end of this year.

2. Ultrabooks over netbooks During price may be a strong determining factor for road warriors looking for their then and there computing machine, better processor power and memory, and more superior graphics and connectivity options may give ultrabooks the edge over netbooks. Even though there may however be users who would go for netbooks guised in ultrabook-like chassis, industry watchers have noted that inferior specifications may limit the former from gaining furthermore progress.

As prices for entry-level LCD TVs continue to drop, mid-range and top of the line models will feature more functionalities, including 3-D capability and Internet support. Models with niche capabilities just as LG's touchscreen Pen TV range may as well emerge.

Expect this year's models to come with Internet support and remote control units to have Qwerty keyboard incorporated in or as secondary accessory. Industry watchers as well expect items just as webcam, mic, keyboard and relevant apps to be part of premium model offerings not only from manufacturers nevertheless peripheral makers as so then.

Number of audio visual products especially speakers

While last year saw a number of audio visual products especially speakers and players offering iPhone compatibility, manufacturers may as well consider Android support this year. Philips has already done so with its Fidelio docking speakers for Android smartphones and tablets.

Gaming consoles will be another smart item to grace living rooms this year. As Sony PlayStation Vita makes its way to other parts of the world outside Japan this year, more users will be able to experience the strength of its quad-core PowerVR graphics processor, WiFi and 3-G network connectivity and GPS functionality. As well, as Wedbush Securities predicts, expect anyway an updated version of the Microsoft Xbox console.

5. Cloud-y and app-y Cloud computing is expected to be one of the three more significant drivers of technological change this year. Already a familiar concept to many, Apple iCloud, Microsoft SkyDrive, Google Apps and the likes are offering gigabytes of storage with security features including backup and restore to appeal not only to home nevertheless also business users.

Such services enable users to access their files via multiple devices without worrying about thinning space or dealing with doubles. In the meantime, business users as well get more features including bigger space, desktop synching and enhanced support with a bit of fee.

Apps will as well be important to retain an engaging user experience as they switch from one device to another, as so then as making devices easier and more fun to use in the aggregate. During PCs, tablets and smartphones will lead apps offering, don't be surprised by the emergence of apps for smart televisions, cars, printers, cameras and other devices.