The year 2020 is off to a great start and all industries are blossoming with new ideas, refurbished concepts, tech wonders and conscious efforts. So, we thought, why not do a roundup of all things trendy in gaming, gadgets and tech, fashion, beauty and travel?
GAMING
The gaming industry is constantly evolving, and 2020 is looking pretty great in terms of the industry adapting tech innovations to provide gamers better experiences, better game play and easier access. Here’s what to look forward to in 2020.
Handheld consoles
They are not necessarily a new concept, but in 2020 the gaming industry will embrace more handheld consoles. The success that Nintendo Switch saw was testament to the fact that there still is a market for handheld gaming consoles, with people enjoying the on-the-move gaming experience. As opposed to playing on tablets or smartphones, handheld consoles provide better performance and high-quality graphics, similar to full-size consoles.
Big games on small screens
Mobile gaming is loved by many and 2019’s biggest moment was when popular franchise Call of Duty released Call of Duty: Mobile, the hit game shrunken for the small screen. The game featured levels from older games and a similar experience like its full-fledged counterpart. While previously, bringing a big franchise to the smartphone has resulted in a cluttered interface and slow gameplay, with bigger names tailor-making the experience for small screens, we just might have more mobile editions of the games we love!
GADGETS
The tech industry is the fastest growing and evolving one out there and every year we are left feeling equal parts surprised and relieved for the innovations that make our lives easier. Here’s what’s trendy in 2020…
All about 5G
Last year saw the rollout of all-new 5G which boasts of speeds that are about 100x faster than 4G! Since its rollout, several smartphone providers have switched to 5G. The fifth generation wireless technology for digital cellular networks will be deployed to more countries around the world, and will inevitably make streaming and data transfer faster.
More AI – Devices that talk
When it comes to AI devices, tech companies are coming out with better and more compact solutions to make our lives easier. Now that we’ve had smart assistants that talk, we’re about to witness smaller home and kitchen appliances that are more intelligent than ever before. From refrigerators to microwaves, ovens and cooking pots, with advanced AI, these devices will offer recipes, help make and maintain grocery shopping lists and even tell when food is ready-to-eat.
More 8K
The next step in ultra high resolution, 8K is about to grace our homes with more and more TV brands looking to incorporate the futuristic technology on premium TV sets. 8K offers four times more pixels than 4K, measuring 7680×4321 pixels, providing for a truly immersive picture-viewing experience like never before. With the onslaught of 8K televisions, content makers, TV production studios and Hollywood have begun the use of cameras in order to film in 8K – a gamechanger that is sure to make onscreen visuals more real, crisp and clear.
TRAVEL
Microcations, staycations, eco-travel, glamping, we’ve seen so many travel trends over the years. Some have run their course, while some remain long-time favourites. Here’s what’s new in travel…
Green travel + sustainability
As we all adopt the environmentally friendly approach in our daily lives, it seems like a no brainer that we would have a green approach towards travel too. International hotel and resort chains have recognized the need to adopt sustainability measures in order to practice environmental consciousness as well as cater to the needs of conscious travelers. Large hotel chains are doing away with single-use plastic; better utilising water and energy and ensuring zero-waste.
Motion-based travel
Avid travelers are turning to motion based travel in an attempt to be reduce their carbon footprint. Instead of driving or hailing Ubers in holiday destinations, they are opting for cycling around towns and cities, walk-throughs and bike to boat tours. A great way to get a workout and enjoy the scenery, we reckon.
Second city travel
This concept will see a boom in 2020 and is all about travelling to lesser known places to reduce over-tourism and protect the environment. More tourists are seeking places which are simple, barely popular yet beautiful and hope to bring revenue to alternative stunning locations.
FASHION
Year on year we are treated to changes and updates in the fashion circuit that quickly outdate our existing wardrobes. 2020 is no different if the amazing Spring/Summer fashion collections are anything to go by. Here are all the fashion trends to look forward to this year…
Tangerine hues
Classic blue may be the Pantone colour of the year, but when it comes to making a fashion statement, go tangerine. The hot, loud, summery colour perfectly complements all skin tones and gives off that fun, flashy vibe that is so 2020! While all neon colours (highlighter shades) are super on-trend at the moment, tangerine grabbed eyeballs on the ramp, and is sure to do the same on the streets.
Bermuda business
Believe it or not, work wear gets a new addition with Bermuda shorts! Yes, we are saying it’s okay to wear Bermuda shorts suits to work. Fashion Weeks around the world showcased various such styles and fashionistas are embracing the look, putting their twist on it and absolutely slaying it. The best way to merge comfort and business formal, we think!
Crochet everything
We’ve got great news – it doesn’t have to be winter for one to wear something woolen and crocheted. The art of crochet has found its way to summer wear, dresses, vests, skirts and tops. The colourful options make each piece versatile enough to be worn all year long. So don’t be surprised when you see crochet everywhere, from high fashion moments to brunch scenes, in 2020.
Tiers on tiers
Layers of frothy fabric, one of top of the other to create flowy silhouettes is so in at the moment! Whether it’s an evening gown in sashaying tulle or a summer dress is soft cotton, tiers add oodles of drama and texture to any ensemble and suit all occasions. And of course, the added bounce and spring in your step when dressed in tiered ensembles will be the envy of all!
Colour Pop Leather
Gone are the days when leather was only available in black, tan and maroon, shades that were only apt for fall. If the past fashion season is anything to go by, this year we’ll be spotting chic leather ensembles in the brightest colours all year round.
BEAUTY
There’s always something new to discover when it comes to makeup, nails, hair and skincare. Let’s find out what beauty trends are going to feature on the top of our wish-lists this year…
Customised skincare
No one’s skin is like another’s and so, to cater to very individual skincare needs, a few brands perfect customised skincare in 2019. In 2020, the customised skincare sector if going to get bigger and better, with more brands adopting the concept, and mixing individual concern-specific skincare on the spot for customers. We love!
Blooming Nails
Over the years nail art has gotten more creative, and yet, in 2020, we’re going back to basics. We’re not talking about French manicures – though they are having a moment too this year. We’re talking floral nail art; nothing says summer and spring like flowers, so having a bunch of pretty blooms adorning your nails will be on trend all through the warm months.
Exaggerated Eye Makeup
All those soft, nude tones are out, and neons, bright blues and embellishments are in when it comes to eye makeup. You can rock a simple look with stand-out white eyeliner, opt for loads of shimmer and graphic shapes, glam out by blending bright tones like yellows, pinks, purples and oranges, or tack on some sequins, studs and stars for the ultimate statement.
Twilighting Hair
We are not about to head off into the vampire universe of Twilight, but twilighting is a new hair colour technique that we’ll be seeing a lot of this year. This low-maintenance hair colour look is intended for brunette shades with warm undertones, though it can be replicated for blondes and redheads too. It involves painting a few gilded balayage pieces throughout the hair, in addition to some foiled babylights placed around the hairline and a couple inches into the fringe or hairline to keep it uniform. The balayage is focussed toward the back of the head to achieve a sunkissed, natural look.
