From the invention of the toothbrush in around 1770 to the automatic kettle in 1955, the Radio Times is currently celebrating some of the finest British inventions of the past 350 years.
But, what's going to be big in 2013? Well, Steve Wilson has a selection of ground-breaking gadgets for us including an anti-gravity treadmill, the world's first TV-concealing aquarium, and a mobile that works underwater.
Products featured
1. ALTERG ANTI-GRAVITY TREADMILL: AlterG's unique 'anti-gravity' technology was originally developed at NASA and tested at Nike's Oregon Research Project by America's top distance runners and is the only device of its kind in the world. The treadmill is a useful tool for reduced weight exercise and tackling obesity. The differential air pressure - which allows you to feel up to 80% lighter than your usual body weight - also allows for stable support during the process of injury rehabilitation. The top speed is 19Kph and you can go from full body weight to 20% of you body weight in 1% increment. The treadmill gives patients the ability to set the precise point where exercise becomes pain free. Anti-gravity treadmill, £30,000 +VAT from AlterG
2. TV TANK: The world's first TV concealing aquarium. The TV is hidden inside a fully working aquarium, complete with heater, lights and water filter. Press the remote and the TV automatically lifts to viewing height; press it again and it magically disappears. The TV switches off automatically to save power. There are no messy wires and cables, as they are hidden from view. The cabinet is made from high gloss acrylic (parapan) and the TV is completely isolated from the wet area. There is also storage space for the water filter, fish food and home cinema equipment. There is an opening at the top for maintaining the aquarium and feeding the fish. The TV tank can take up to 50in TVs, while other finishes including a concealed Fireplace is an alternative option. TV Tank prices start from £6,806 inc. VAT from Picture House Cabinets
3. EPSON HD-READY 3D PROJECTOR: The portable home entertainment projector that delivers 3D cinematic experiences. It can easily be packed up and put away when not in use, making it a good alternative to a giant plasma screen. We will be viewing the projector with active glasses (lightweight, rechargeable Radio Frequency active shutter 3D glasses.) These don't come with the projector as standard, but are bought separately for £70 per pair. Steve will demo with the 3d film trailer from 'Ice Age 4 3D'. HD-Ready 3D projector, £599 inc. VAT from Epson
4. MAKEY MAKEY: Designed by two chaps in the US, MaKey MaKey allows you to create computer controllers from everyday items. All you need is the kit, some crocodile clips and an assortment of objects. Any material that will conduct even a slight electrical current will work as a control surface; from Play-Doh to pencils, from grapes to Grandma. Simply load up a program - games, instruments, word processors, you name it - and plug in the MaKey MaKey board; then it's just a case of deciding what does what. You can control Pac-Man from a pencil drawing, or turn a staircase into a piano. Rather than requiring hours of setup and study, you can open the box and be experimenting immediately. Makey Makey, £39.99 from Firebox
5. SONY'S XPERIA Z SMARTPHONE: On Tuesday this week at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas Sony Mobile announced its new Android smartphone, the Xperia Z - a mobile that works underwater. The "superphone" operates in up to a metre of water for half an hour. It means it can take pictures underwater or even be used in the shower. The super-slim mobile has the biggest and most detailed phone screen yet. Measuring five inches diagonally, it is as detailed as an HD telly. It's also being tipped as the first smartphone suitable for builders, thanks to its dust and shatter-proof case and screen. The Xperia Z will launch in the UK in the fist quarter of 2013. Prices will vary between mobile provider.
6. BABYPING VIDEO MONITOR: The BabyPing Video Monitor offers the core functionality of a traditional baby monitor but adds in the latest technology and features to create a simple to use smart baby monitor that works through your iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch. When you are at home, BabyPing functions as a local baby monitor that alerts you to every cry through your device, and when you are out of the house the BabyPing Video Monitor is also a simple mobile internet viewer so you can see your baby from anywhere using 3G, 4G or any Wi-Fi network. The monitor has won several awards so far including the Silver Award for 'Innovative Product' (over £30) at this year's Practical Parenting and Pregnancy Awards. Baby Ping, £149.99 from Maison Bébé