So, brace yourselves, folks! Because here are the top tech toys that you’re going to absolutely, positively need to get your hands on in 2007.

SONY PLAYSTATION 3

WHAT IS IT: Have you been living in a sensory depravation tank for the past couple of years? Because that’s the only excuse you’ll have for not knowing what the PS3 is all about. This eagerly anticipated console finally comes to our shores, bringing with it an ever-growing library of hot games, as well as cool functions like doubling up as a Blu-ray player.
IS IT OUT YET: You bet. You can pick one up for $799 at Family Con (#04-03 Centrepoint, 176 Orchard Rd., 6733-2595).

NINTENDO WII

WHAT IS IT: If you think the PS3’s going to be the only console worth clamoring over this year, think again. Already earning itself quite a following in the US, the Wii’s (pronounced “wee”) coolest feature is its infrared- and accelerometer-enabled controller that allows users to control the game via physical gestures, as well as traditional buttons.
IS IT OUT YET: Nope, but keep an eye out. Its release details are set to be announced very, very soon.

PRADA PHONE BY LG

WHAT IS IT: Apple’s iPhone’s at least a year away, but the Prada Phone by LG—the world’s first touchscreen phone—will be here a whole lot sooner. Seductively sexy and sleek, the phone has to be one of the best looking on the market, and with an interface that’s up to par with what users have come to expect from LG, expect this one to be flying off the shelves.
IS IT OUT YET: It’s scheduled to be released in late-Mar/early-April and will be available at The Prada Store (#02-46 Paragon, 290 Orchard Rd., 6735-5026). No price details have been confirmed yet.

MICROSOFT ZUNE

WHAT IS IT: The Zune may have been met with lukewarm reception in the US, but that hasn’t dampened the anticipation of Singaporean music lovers to give this baby—and its Wi-Fi enabled ability to share songs with other Zune users–try.
IS IT OUT YET: No word yet on when it is going to be out.

Was there a particular reason you chose to set Cages in Singapore?
I really had no choice. The moment my eyes set on the magical sight of Tiong Bahru, I knew there was a story in it.

Why did you channel a bit of Singapore’s kampong days as well as the country’s more modern aspects?
I felt the biggest wedge in a healthy and happy society is the age gap. I wanted to create a clear visual separation to articulate that issue. So, I consciously chose to paint the city in colder colors. That was represented in the modern elements of Singapore. In contrast, rustic, worn, warm colors and elements portrayed my interpretation of the older generation.

What do you feel is, visually, the most beautiful thing about Singapore?
As a foreigner, I must say it is the canopy of foliage created by the towering trees. And I love the rain in Singapore. I love the flowers, the birds, even the moss! You got to remember: I’m from Los Angeles. It’s just a big flat concrete covered desert over there. You have no idea how beautiful Singapore is from my eye.

What was it like working with Tan Kheng Hua?
When I heard she had studied theatre, I was very interested in her work. I knew I needed a trained actress to hold the leading role. She’s a damn good actress and, on top of that, a wonderful person. Acting alone wasn’t enough; I knew we would have to be family forever!

Were there any problems while filming in Singapore?
Weather. My director of photographer Mark Lapwood is a perfectionist; he only shot when the lighting was right. We sometimes waited a bit for the exposure to be just right. I was determined to tell the story of beauty through the visual tapestry that Singapore had to offer. If it meant waiting a few additional minutes, it was worth it.

Do you have plans to film another movie in Singapore and would you consider getting more involved in the Singaporean cinema industry?
Sure. Just ask me. I am proud to make a film shot in Singapore.

PLUS: our movie review of Cages

With user-friendly technology, everyone and their mothers think they can easily spin to a crowd or create the next big blockbuster. While the capabilities are readily available, picking the right gadgets and software to get you on the road to fame and acclaim is a different story altogether.

We spoke to an upcoming DJ and filmmaker to get the lowdown on the tools of the trade that have worked well for them.

The DJ

Johnson Ong, 30, Managing Director of Projects at Big Kid Productions & Communications.
Spinning for around a year at corporate and private events.

PreSonus Firebox Multi-Channel Sound Card
This splits the audio signals, allowing one track to be played through your headphones and another through the main speaker.
The Details: $490, Steinberg Media Technologies Asia (#02-06 Redhill Forum, 16 Jalan Kilang Timor, 6274-3577).

Native Instruments Traktor 3
Helps you synch and match the beats of your MP3s right off your laptops.
What Johnson Says: “It’s extensive software that’s great for anyone new to DJing. It’s so easy to use that you can synch the incoming and outgoing tracks at a click of the mouse.”
The Details: $430, Team 108 Technical Services (6/F, 33 Tannery Lane, 6748-9333).

Sennheiser HD 205 Headphones
These help you to monitor the incoming track as yoou prepare to mix.
What Johnson Says: “It’s perfect for DJing, because it’s got a swivel that allows me to comfortably listen to just one side of the headphones for the next song without cramming my neck, while keeping track of the song that’s still playing.”
The Details: $109, Best Denki (#09-06 Great World City, Kim Seng Promenade, 6319-9922).

NuMark iDJ
Similar to old school turntables, this is used to mix tracks but with two iPods instead of vinyls. However, it can be used independently of the iPods and with the Traktor 3 instead as a basic mixer console.
What Johnson Says: “I prefer using it with [Traktor 3], as the software is more flexible than the console in terms of functions like manipulating tempo and looping. Also these days, DJs need to put on a show, so operating from a console like the NuMark, as opposed to a simple laptop, just looks better!”
The Details: $450, Sinamax Electronics (#B1-24 Parklane Shopping Centre, 35 Selegie Rd., 6338-8657).

The Filmmaker

Kelvin Sng, 32, film instructor.
Has been making short films for around six years and is currently working on his first feature film.

Panasonic GS60
Kelvin uses a Panasonic NV-DS15, but since this model is rather old and a pain to find, the Panasonic GS60 will serve your cinematic needs just as well. A simple digital video camera, its features are basic, but perfect for budding filmmakers.
The Details: $499, Courts (#05-38/39 Funan DigitaLife Mall, 109 North Bridge Rd., 6338-6500)

Celtx Script Writing Software
A software that simplifies scriptwriting, Celtx is a step-by-step program designed to make getting ideas down as easy as possible for anyone unfamiliar with a script format. Options for storyboarding are also available.
What Kelvin Says: “This software makes it so easy. It’s probably the best place to start for beginners.”
The Details: Free to download from www.celtx.com

Ulead VideoStudio
This software is designed to ease the editing process. Like Celtx, it’s a step by step process that’s foolproof. While Kelvin is using version six of the software, the most recent edition is the Ulead VideoStudio 10 Plus.
What Kelvin Says: “A lot of schools are using this software, because it takes the students through the stages.”
The Details: $199, Challenger Superstore (#06-100 Funan DigitaLife Mall, 109 North Bridge Rd., 6413-0121).

While the emo scene has become something of a parody of itself, Fall Out Boy (FoB), the band that’s been somewhat synonymous with the genre has been staying strong. With Infinity on High, their latest acclaimed album which has already spawned one massive hit single in “This Ain’t A Scene, It’s An Arms Race,” the boys have affirmed their place as more than just an emo band, and are a musical tour de force not to be taken lightly. So, what better time for them to bring their own brand of smart pop punk to our shores?

Ever since their first commercial release, 2003’s Fall Out Boy’s Evening With Your Girlfriend, the band has progressively made a name for themselves with not just well-written and emotionally resonating songs, but witty lyrics and song titles (take the song “Our Lawyer Made Us Change the Name of This Song So We Wouldn’t Get Sued,” for instance). But it wouldn’t be until their single “Dance Dance,” from 2005’s From Under the Cork Tree, became such a colossal hit that the band would truly invade the public’s consciousness.

Becoming a voice for the misunderstood and sorrowful everywhere, without resorting to being whiney, FoB’s popularity only grew when they went on tour with other prominent acts like Panic! At The Disco, Taking Back Sunday and Less Than Jake.

With their latest release, the band engaged the help of hip-hop producer Timbaland (who last worked with Justin Timberlake) for a sound that transcends beyond the simple boundaries of musical genres.

Singapore is the boys’ one-and-only Asian destination, so if you like your music catchy, funny and with a surprising level of emotional gravitas, you know you can’t miss this.