10 gadgets that caught our eye in 2013 < WHOA THE PAPER TABLET WAS MY FAVOURITE>

2013 was a great year for exciting gadgets, and we've compiled a list of some of the most interesting products which caught our eye.

Sony Lens Cameras: The Japanese electronics giant introduced a novel concept at IFA 2013 – what it called ‘Lens Cameras'. Meant as accessories for smartphones and tablets, the Lens Cameras enhanced the imaging experience of these devices. Interestingly, they can also be used cameras independently of any other device. The cameras work with Android and iOS devices able to support the Sony PlayMemories app.

YotaPhone: Created by Yota Devices, a subsidiary of Russian wireless internet provider Yota, theYotaPhone is one of the most innovative smartphones to have been launched in 2013, featuring a novel dual-display configuration – an always-on E-Ink display on one side, and a regular LCD on the other. The phone's USP is its 'always on' feature, which Yota Devices says is a glaring omission in modern smartphones.

Pebble: A smartwatch that seems to offer a wider-feature set than its counterparts from major manufacturers, namely Samsung and Sony, the Pebble smartwatch was started as a kickstarter project in 2012, but quickly raised sufficient funding, entering mass production in January 2013

Leap Motion: A motion sensor that enables a gesture control interface, with 10-point inputs, the Leap Motion 3D controller for Mac and PC uses an infrared sensor, and multiple cameras to operate. Apart from converting Mac and PC computers into gesture controlled devices, it also features an app store called Airspace, to truly explore and utilise the novel control mechanism.

Google Chromecast: In July 2013, Google unveiled its $35 Chromecast streaming dongle that lets users stream Internet content from their smartphones, tablets and personal computers to their TVs. Called a smart, and disruptive gadget, it is Google's latest foray in the living room, where once it had failed with Google TV.

Oculus Rift: While virtual reality (VR) is almost an ancient concept in technology timescales, it has yet to hit the mainstream, with display and control issues stopping it from mass adoption. The Oculus Rift, a VR goggle, is one of the most serious attempts at bringing VR to reality, and while it is still in its early stages, it has received critical acclaim, and solid funding to proceed.

Nvidia Shield: Initially started as a concept project, and now available in only Hong Kong and the US, the Nvidia Shield is anticipated to be launched on a wider scale in the near future. The portable gaming device features a flip-top display and full-fledged game controller, allowing users to play their favourite Android games on it, apart from, more excitingly, allowing users to stream their PC games onto the device, whilst connected on the same Wi-Fi network.

PaperTab: One of the most exciting products to be showcased in 2013, the PaperTab is certainly a glimpse of the future – a paper-thin flexible tablet that can be twisted and dropped. Shown off at CES 2013, the tablet was developed by Queen's University in Canada in collaboration with Plastic Logic and Intel Labs. It features a 10.7-inch plastic display and a second generation Intel Core i5 processor.

Samsung Curved OLED: Ushering in a new way to watch television, Samsung (and soon after, LG), launched the world's first curved OLED TV at CES 2013. According to Samsung, the curved panel provides more depth to the content displayed, for a more life-like viewing experience. It also provides an immersive panorama effect.

HAPIfork: Looking to optimise your eating habits? This fork will help you. Called HAPIfork, it's a fork with a fat handle containing electronics and a battery, powering a motion sensor. If you're eating too fast, the fork will vibrate as a warning. The company behind it, HapiLabs, believes that using the fork 60 to 75 times during meals that last 20 to 30 minutes is ideal for optimum digestion<