Innovation is the name of the game in technology, and it's always a matter of bringing it first or losing it.

This year opens with rival companies butting heads and gadgets, comparing results, and sparking the battle on initiative and inventions. Here are some tech should-haves to look out for in 2013.

Google's Project Glass

Augmented reality seems like an idea lifted from the pages of a sci-fi novel, but 2013 seems to be the year that will usher in this new technology. And this will be marked by the introduction of wearable computers.

But even before the hype has gone viral, military forces have already been using these glasses. With the major corporations slowly gearing up to join the bandwagon of this technology, it's only a matter of time until consumers and businesses will find these gadgets useful in workplaces and everyday living.

Ever since Google Project Glass made headlines as a potential product, there has been talk about augmented reality becoming, indeed, a reality, particularly this year. Google and Vuzix have already introduced Project Glass, which runs on Android OS and connects to your phone through Bluetooth. From providing map directions to projecting text messages onscreen, the possibilities seem endless for this device.

Xbox 720

After seven long years of gamers' loyalty to the Xbox 360 machine, the countdown has begun for the release date of its successor, the Xbox 720.

Given the long wait, Xbox fans will not be disappointed, as there has been talk of a quad-core processor and an 8GB RAM, which is an awaited improvement from the current Xbox. Other rumored features include Blu-ray support, 3D gaming, and AMD graphics hardware. If all goes well, fans may put this on top of their Christmas wish lists for 2013.

Samsung Galaxy S IV

While 2012 closed off with a bang as Apple and Samsung once again faced off as rivals in terms of producing the better smartphone, the iPhone 5 and Samsung Galaxy S III respectively, 2013 may welcome in another smartphone from Samsung.

Rumors of the Samsung Galaxy IV have already sprung up as early as December last year. Whether it transcends it predecessor-which took the Android industry by storm and landslide-is anyone's guess. But if the rumors are true, the Samsung Galaxy S IV may hit the shelves in May 2013.

Basis Band

With health buffs and dieting enthusiasts on the way to shredding the holiday pounds and attaining an overall fit lifestyle, health tech gadgets are also becoming big on the scene.

The Basis Band, though released late 2012, now gives the ability to track one's health statistics-from heart rate to sleep patterns-via galvanic skin response while transmitting the data to cloud storage. Self-monitoring for healthier living can now be available for everyman, and not just athletes.

Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-TX 10 camera

Photographers won't take the backseat this year when it comes to technology. Though the specs of cameras on smartphones just seem to skyrocket with improvement, photography enthusiasts may still celebrate Sony's newest creation, the Cyber-Shot DSC-TX10.

Conditions have never been a photographer's best friend, whether on a sweltering day or a freezing one. But this time, Sony delivers a camera that is waterproof, dustproof, shockproof, and freeze-proof-talk about considering most, if not all, of the harsh conditions that any adventurous photographer will encounter.

Add the 16.2 Megapixel photos and 3-inch LCD screen, as well as Super Auto modes for image enhancing and subject recognizing Intelligent Auto for point-and-clickers, this is a camera fit for enthusiasts and social users alike.