Technology is ever evolving, and so too our vocabulary along with it. Here are some new-ish tech words that have entered my vocabulary this year, or new uses for already existing words. In some cases these words are not new, but I have not used them in conversation (or in my head) until this year. The 8 words I’ve started using this year include:
Accelerometer– We all carry one of these around in our smart phones. If you are counting your steps with a fitness app or switching from landscape to portrait view when taking pictures on your phone, you’re using your accelerometer! Okay I know accelerometer does not easily roll off your tongue, it’s easier just to think of when using it.
Chip (aka Smart Chip) – A chip used to be something in our cookies (the edible not computer kind), now it’s on our credit cards. And since not all point of sale devices have been updated, “chip or no chip” has become my new phrase when checking out. Hopefully by this time next year I’ll no longer be chanting this phrase.
Emoji – Often in my head I say, “is there an emoji for that?”. Check out emojipedia.org and you’ll find more emojis than you can handle. Who would have thought we would be expressing so much with these little pictures. When texting or emailing I often resort to emoticons “:-)” because it’s just faster than searching for the perfect emoji which I’m not sure my recipient will even understand (unless they are 35 or under).
FOMO – That’s the acronym for Fear of Missing Out. I would typically use this term with those 35 or under.
Smart Home – Yes now we can control our lights, front door, thermostat and other appliances with apps on our phones or tablets. My home is still stupid for now.
Smart Scale – any scale that tells me I’ve lost weight or body fat, gained lean mass, measures my BMI and can wirelessly update my account which I can see on my phone or computer is indeed a smart scale. If it tells me I’ve gained weight, increased body fat, or lost lean mass, well then I am not so sure.
Smart Watch (or Smartwatch) – I wasn’t seriously speaking about smart watches last year, thinking they weren’t ready for prime time and a bit self-indulgent, but one was on my holiday list this year. The Apple watch is not the only one on the market, there are numerous offerings. Just google “smart watch brands” and see the variety.
VR – Virtual reality has become reality. It really is here, although future improvements can be expected. Perhaps not mainstream yet, applications abound including gaming, theater, music, travel, and real estate. You never know it could be a “hot item” on holiday lists for 2016.
Do you have any new-ish tech terms you’d like to add to the list?
Wishing you and your loved ones a Joyous, Healthful,
and Peaceful holiday season and 2016!
Jeri Usbay 