Does the new age of functionality extend to portable CAD? I know there are lots of iPad apps. Wondering about Android tablets, as well as whether any worthwhile CAD functionality can be extended downward to smartphone (iPhone) platforms.
There have been a flurry of mobile apps in the so-called CAD arena--most around simple viewing and markup. I don't think we'll ever see a full-function CAD tool on a mobile platform (Android or Apple), but I think we'll start to see peeled back layers of functionality that make sense in the mobile paradigme for the way engineers work--what they need access to in the field, etc. I think this will be a big area for development next year.
From my perspective, the biggest breakthrough has also been ease of use improvements over the years. CAD packages now seem so much more intuitive and easier to use than the versions I learned on in the 90's. I think this also helps productivity by making it easier for everyone to use these packages.
@Greg: There have definitely been improvements in terms of ease of use around CAD software. I think the vendors were beat on for years because of the arcane nature of how to navigate a CAD program. As users got more accustomed to the way business applications worked with graphical user interfaces and wizards and tool bars, they expected the same from their CAD tools.
UK-based Plastic Logic and French company ISORG have created what the pair tout as a first in flexible printed electronics: a large area, conformable, organic image sensor printed on plastic.
For 3D printing to make the jump from rapid prototyping to manufacturing, engineers will need to find easier ways to move products from their CAD screens to their printers.
Gigabit and PoE are two networking technologies moving ahead in tandem as industrial users power remote Ethernet devices such as IP security cameras at 1,000 Mbps over existing CAT5 cable.
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