Top 100 Multimedia Trends of 2016

From 360-Degree Recording Glasses to VR Painting Experiences

— January 29, 2017 — Tech
The 2016 multimedia trends show how exciting a time it is for consumer entertainment. Many people can clearly remember a time when entertainment content either came on television, in a movie theater, or over the radio, but advancements in technology have created entirely new media for telling stories and creating experiences.

The most notable of the 2016 multimedia trends is surely virtual reality. Though VR has existed for several years, 2016 was the year in which the technology began to become affordable and realistic for the average consumer. This translates in terms of both hardware and software.

On the hardware front, many companies have released affordable VR headsets that either work as standalone products or as adapters for users' smartphones. Perhaps the most striking of these is the Xiaomi Mi headset, which costs just $29. In terms of software, companies are embracing the potential of VR and releasing fantastical branded content for consumers. McDonald's VR painting experience, which was available for attendees at SXSW, is just one example.

If you're looking for more information on multimedia trends, check out our FREE 2017 Trend Report.
5.3
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
99
Dynamic Audiophile Headphones
Dynamic Audiophile Headphones
Sonorous' New Quality Headphones Offer Top-Notch Performance
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98
Fitness-Focused Earphones
Fitness-Focused Earphones
These Wireless Earphones Are Sweat-Resistant and Tangle-Proof
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97
Vibrant Light Show Speakers
Vibrant Light Show Speakers
The Soundstream 'Street Hopper' Home Theater Stereo is Powerful
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96
Audiophile DAC Devices
Audiophile DAC Devices
The Boomstick Jack Improves Listening by Enriching the Audio Quality
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95
Digital Painting Soundscapes
Digital Painting Soundscapes
Yiannis Kranidiotis Depicts Classic Paintings as Digital Soundscapes
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94
Pocket-Sized Projectors
Pocket-Sized Projectors
The RIF6 CUBE Pico Projecting Device is Designed for on-the-Go Use
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93
TV-Connected Illuminators
TV-Connected Illuminators
The 'DreamScreen' LED Backlighting System Syncs with TV Content
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92
360-Degree Smart Cameras
360-Degree Smart Cameras
The Misafes 'Panoporter' Video Chat Camera Offers Comprehensive Coverage
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91
Touchscreen Computer Projectors
Touchscreen Computer Projectors
The 'PaperLight' Computer Projector Turns a PC into a Smart Board
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90
Collapsible VR Headsets
Collapsible VR Headsets
The 'Pocket VR' with CandyShell Grip Made Its Debut at CES 2016
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89
Photography Brand 3D Printers
Photography Brand 3D Printers
The Polaroid ModelSmart 250S 3D Printer Comes to CES 2016
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88
Intuitive Home Hubs
Intuitive Home Hubs
The 'Smart ThinQ Hub' Recently Debuted at CES 2016
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87
Modular Music Headphones
Modular Music Headphones
The 'Krome' Headphones are Capable of Being Changed for Different Genres
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86
Portable Bluetooth Speakers
Portable Bluetooth Speakers
These Oversized Speakers Are Ideal For Large Outdoor Gatherings
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85
Virtual PC Headsets
Virtual PC Headsets
The Pico Neo VR System Operates as a VR Headset and Virtual Computer
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84
Sweatproof Wireless Earbuds
Sweatproof Wireless Earbuds
The 'Truu' Wireless Earphones Operate and Charge without a Single Wire
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83
Pop-Up Display Monitors
Pop-Up Display Monitors
This Pocket-Sized Monitor Can Be Expanded Into Full Size In One Second
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82
Handheld Android Projectors
Handheld Android Projectors
'ODIN2' Mini Projectors Enable Multimedia Projection and Video Calls
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81
Cardboard Box Theaters
Cardboard Box Theaters
The Cardboard Home Cinema Experience Replicates the Theater
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80
High-Fidelity Headphones
High-Fidelity Headphones
Marshall's Bluetooth Headphones Are Perfect For Both Music and Movies
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79
Horn-Inspired Speakers
Horn-Inspired Speakers
The OMA Imperia Home Sound System Features an Unexpected Design Aesthetic
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78
Fast Food Gaming Systems
Fast Food Gaming Systems
This Chain is Installing Samsung Galaxy Tablets in Its UK Locations
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77
Surrealist World Simulators
Surrealist World Simulators
The 'Disney and Dali' Experience Takes Participants Inside Paintings
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76
Powerful Portable Boomboxes
Powerful Portable Boomboxes
The BeatBringer Can Be Carried Around In Your Backpack
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75
Projecting Smartphone Concepts
Projecting Smartphone Concepts
This Technology Concept Imagines the Samsung G8 with a Projector
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74
Live Face-Swapping Apps
Live Face-Swapping Apps
The 'Face Swap Live' App Helps Users Digitally Trade Faces in Real Time
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73
Affordable Virtual Reality Systems
Affordable Virtual Reality Systems
The Xiaomi Mi VR Headset is Priced at Just $29
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72
VR Cooking Shows
VR Cooking Shows
The 360° Meals at Samsung Series Combines Gourmet Food with VR Technology
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71
VR Shopping Experiences
VR Shopping Experiences
The Kabuki-Pedir Shop is Launching 'VR Shopping with Voice Chat'
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70
Discreet Rearview Mirror Cameras
Discreet Rearview Mirror Cameras
The 'GoSafe 260' HD Dashcam Features Motion-Detection Technology
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69
Lucid Dream-Sensing Headphones
Lucid Dream-Sensing Headphones
The 'SleepPhones' Were Unveiled at CES 2016
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68
Ultra-Fast 3D Printers
Ultra-Fast 3D Printers
This Device Can Produce 3D-Printed Objects in Mere Minutes
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67
360-Degree Smartphone Cameras
360-Degree Smartphone Cameras
The 'LyfieEye' 360-Degree Smartphone External Camera is Easy to Use
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66
WiFi-Connected Flower Pots
WiFi-Connected Flower Pots
The 'Dream Flower' Vase Made Its Debut at CES 2016
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65
Movie-Projecting Computers
Movie-Projecting Computers
The Ideacentre Home Theater Computer Comes With An Optional Projector
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64
Upscale Audiophile MP3 Players
Upscale Audiophile MP3 Players
The Onkyo DP-X1 Digital Audio Player Enhances Your Music Collection
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63
360-Degree Recording Glasses
360-Degree Recording Glasses
'ORBI Prime' Lets Its Wearer Record HD 360-Degree Videos
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62
VR Amusement Rides
VR Amusement Rides
Alton Towers Resort's 'Galactica' is a Virtual Reality Roller Coaster
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61
VR Fitness Platforms
VR Fitness Platforms
Holodia is Using VR Technology to Make Fitness More Fun and Accessible
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60
Smart Home Retail Showcases
Smart Home Retail Showcases
Target's New Retail Space Explores the Future of the Connected Home
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59
HD 360-Degree Cameras
HD 360-Degree Cameras
Debuted at CES 2016, the Quantum Leap VR System Packs 16 Cameras
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58
Three-in-One Audio Systems
Three-in-One Audio Systems
The Level x3 Packs a Speaker, Over-Ear Headphones and Earbuds
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57
4D VR Headset Accessories
4D VR Headset Accessories
The VR Sensory Immersion Generator Brings Simulations to Life
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56
Affordable VR Smartphone Headsets
Affordable VR Smartphone Headsets
The DSCVR Headset Enables Smartphone Virtual Reality with Ease
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55
Deep Sea VR Simulators
Deep Sea VR Simulators
The Amphibian SCUBA Diving Simulator Lets Users Explore Underwater Worlds
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54
Mini Touchscreen Projectors
Mini Touchscreen Projectors
This Mini Projector Can Change Anything into a Touchscreen Surface
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53
VR Movie Theaters
VR Movie Theaters
The Virtual Reality Cinema Provides Movie Lovers with an Immersive Experience
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52
Holographic Projection Tables
Holographic Projection Tables
FORUM8's Holographic Display Brings 3D-Printed Objects to Life
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51
Connected Salon Mirrors
Connected Salon Mirrors
The Samsung Mirror is Being Used at Leekaja Hairbis to Satisfy Customers
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50
Drone Experience Glasses
Drone Experience Glasses
The Dominator V3 First-Person Viewer Goggles Lets You See a Drone POV
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49
Short-Range Home Theater Projectors
Short-Range Home Theater Projectors
The Philips Screeneo Casts a Huge Image Even Close Up
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48
VR Fashion Shows
VR Fashion Shows
The 'Democratic Front Row' App Mimics the Fashion Week Experience
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47
Personalized Music Festival Promotions
Personalized Music Festival Promotions
These Earbuds Help Users Contol the Live Audio Environment
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46
Digital Menu Boards
Digital Menu Boards
This Fast Casual Restaurant Targets Millennials with High-Tech Innovations
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45
Interactive AR Projectors
Interactive AR Projectors
The 'Egger' Media Projector is Designed with Children in Mind
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44
Horror-Themed Arcade Games
Horror-Themed Arcade Games
This 3D Arcade Game Immerses Players in a Creepy Fantasy Game
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43
Food-Monitoring Fridge Cameras
Food-Monitoring Fridge Cameras
The 'Fridge Cam' Just Made Its Debut at CES 2015
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42
Digitized Sketch Pads
Digitized Sketch Pads
This Tablet Allows Artists to Digitally Record Their Creations
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41
Virtual Dressing Room Apps
Virtual Dressing Room Apps
The 'Swivel Selfie' Made Its Debut at CES 2016
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40
Ultra-Portable Projectors
Ultra-Portable Projectors
The Sony LSPX-P1 Short Throw Projector Offers Crisp, Close-Range Imagery
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39
Dual-Purpose Headphone Speakers
Dual-Purpose Headphone Speakers
'Audiowear' Operates Dually as External Speakers and Headphones
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38
Recycled Leather Speakers
Recycled Leather Speakers
The Giacinto Sound System Comes Flat-Packed for Consumers to Build
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37
Glasses-Free 3D Technology
Glasses-Free 3D Technology
KDX Announces K3DX 3D Technology at CES 2016
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36
DIY Entertainment Systems
DIY Entertainment Systems
'PlayBox' is a 3D-Printed Device for Music, Radio, Videos and Gaming
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35
WiFi-Free Baby Monitors
WiFi-Free Baby Monitors
The Project Nursery Baby Monitor Just Made Its Debut at CES 2016
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34
Laser-Based Holographic Displays
Laser-Based Holographic Displays
The 'Holovect' Holographic Vector Display Draws in the Air
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33
Connected Hybrid Guitars
Connected Hybrid Guitars
The Sensus Smart Guitar Blends Acoustic and Modern Sounds
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32
Digitized Notebook Sets
Digitized Notebook Sets
The Smart Writing Set from Moleskine Allows Users to Digitize Their Notes
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31
3D Body Scanning Pods
3D Body Scanning Pods
The 'mPort' is a Body Scanner That Helps Users Find the Right-sized Clothes
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30
VR Gaming Cafes
VR Gaming Cafes
This Partnership Will Bring VR Content to China's Gaming Cafes
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29
Electronic Circuit Pens
Electronic Circuit Pens
These Electronic Pens Can Draw Functional Circuits on Paper
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28
VR Relaxation Pods
VR Relaxation Pods
This Company is Using VR Technology for Mediation Purposes
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27
Futuristic Platterless Turntables
Futuristic Platterless Turntables
The ATMO SFERA Boasts a Simple, User-Friendly Design
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26
Wooden Omnidirectional Speakers
Wooden Omnidirectional Speakers
The 'Hype' Hi Fi Speaker is Crafted from Fine Fabric and Raw Wood
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25
Bespoke Sound Systems
Bespoke Sound Systems
The YAR 'B-yond' Advanced Audio System is for Discerning Audiophiles
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24
Digital Landscape Art Exhibits
Digital Landscape Art Exhibits
Yorgo Alexopoulos Uses Digital Art to Represent the Natural World
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23
Wearable Bass Vests
Wearable Bass Vests
The SubPac M2 Lets Users Enjoy Baritone Sound With Touch and No Hearing Damage
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22
Luminous Interactive Tabletops
Luminous Interactive Tabletops
The 'Interactive Tabletop' by Sony Made Its Debut at SXSW
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21
Supercar Exhaust Speakers
Supercar Exhaust Speakers
The Lamborghini EsaVox by iXoost Car Speaker Pumps Pure Audio Bliss
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20
Wearable Wireless Audio Systems
Wearable Wireless Audio Systems
The 'Sound' System Offers Revolutionary Over-Ear Audio Listening
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19
VR Festival Experiences
VR Festival Experiences
The Coachella VR App Allows Users to Experience the Festival from Home
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18
Undetectable Wireless Earphones
Undetectable Wireless Earphones
The Third Skin 'Hy' Wireless Ear Headphones Offer 18-Hours of Use
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17
Deep 3D Sketching Apps
Deep 3D Sketching Apps
'Mental Canvas' Lets Users Add Depth to Their 2D Sketches
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16
VR Painting Experiences
VR Painting Experiences
McDonald's Helps Fans Unleash Their Inner Artist with VR Art at SXSW
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15
Aerodynamic 360-Degree Speakers
Aerodynamic 360-Degree Speakers
This Beosound Wireless Speaker Unit Concept is Abstractly Designed
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14
Ultra-Precise Guitar Gadgets
Ultra-Precise Guitar Gadgets
The Virtual Jeff Whammy Bar Offers Increased Musical Versatility
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13
Interactive Window Displays
Interactive Window Displays
This Department Store Used Interactive Displays to Track Customer Data
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12
Flexible Paper-Thin Displays (UPDATE)
Flexible Paper-Thin Displays (UPDATE)
The Bendable LG Display Made Its Debut at Ces 2016
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11
Digital Dome Installations
Digital Dome Installations
teamLab's Immersive Installation is Set in an Ethereal Enviroment
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10
Laptop Screen Expanders
Laptop Screen Expanders
'Packed Pixels' USB Monitors Clip onto Existing Equipment
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9
Touchscreen Computer Coffee Tables
Touchscreen Computer Coffee Tables
The HUMElab 'TABATA' Touch Table Features WiFi and Windows 10
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8
Wraparound LCD Displays
Wraparound LCD Displays
This Flexible LCD Display Can Be Wrapped Around Your Wrist
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7
Fitness-Tracking Mirrors
Fitness-Tracking Mirrors
The Naked 3D Fitness Tracker Helps Users Visualize Body Changes
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6
Ergonomic Ear-Shaped Headphones
Ergonomic Ear-Shaped Headphones
The 'Sound by Human' Ear Cup Headphones are Contoured
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5
Vacation-Inspired VR Events
Vacation-Inspired VR Events
This Kayak Pop-Up Transported People to Miami Via VR
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4
Printed 3D Hologram Cards
Printed 3D Hologram Cards
Lumii Technology Lets Users Create 3D Holograms with Consumer Printers
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3
Multi-Sensory Beauty Installations
Multi-Sensory Beauty Installations
teamLab's Interactive Gallery Explores L’Occitane's Products
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2
Luxury Car Digital Experiences
Luxury Car Digital Experiences
This Bentley Digital Experience Took Over an Amsterdam Hotel
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1
DIY Augmented Reality Books
DIY Augmented Reality Books
This Augmented Reality Book Requires No Apps or Special Glasses to Use
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