iPad 3
Launch date is as early as late Feb 2012 latest rumours state that the 24th is the most likely date. Pricing looks to be similar to the current iPad 2 prices with the iPad 2 being reduced so as to maintain competitiveness in the market. Most reports say that the new device is quite similar to the iPad 2 and could even be launched as the iPad 2 Plus. As with all things Apple the company are playing their cards pretty close. The iPhone 5 was due to launch last October but actually it was the 4S that became their flagship phone for Q4 2011 so nothing is certain. There are also strong rumours that Apple is planning a Kindle sized ‘mini’ iPad in order to take on the Amazon Kindle
Dell Tablet
Due for Q4 2012 no price levels confimed as yet. Dell have been playing a waiting game in terms of consumer tablet PCs and learning from the errors of other manufacturers who have sought to go head on with the iPad.
Microsoft Own Brand Tablet
Due to launch in competition with the IPad 3 in Spring and utilising the latest Windows 8 operating system.
HTC Quattro Tablet
Early 2012 release for HTC’s first entry into the Tablet market. Runs on Android 4.0 and rumoured to be equipped with Beats speakers and headphones.
Amazon Kindle Fire
Still no confirmed release date for the best selling US tablet but expected early 2012 if content issues can be resolved. Pricing likely to be very aggressive – perhaps should be reasonable.
Acer Iconia Tab A700
Major desktop manufacturer with huge processing capacity and high resolution screen. Highly regarded in reviews but no pricing news. As with all the tablet competitors going up against the iPad it is pricing that will determine how successful this will be, it appears that many manufacturers are waiting to see what the apple pricing model will be once iPad 3 is launched.
Smart Phones
iPhone 5
Some reports point to a June 2012 launch but it looks like this will be Apples Q4 flagship product and not launch until October 2012 (as with previous iPhone launches).
Said to be a complete redesign with a new casing and larger screen plus faster processors. No news on pricing but Apple has the marketing on these devices sown up so expect shortages and premium prices for early adoption.
Samsung Galaxy S3
Apparently the most exciting device on the horizon for techies (even if Irene says her current model Galaxy is rubbish!). Android 4.0 updated operating system, dual core chip, 3D screen but a price at the iPhone end of the scale. Due around April 2012.
Nokia Lumia
Before the iPhone Nokia were all conquering (once you’d mastered the quirky predictive text) then they lost their way completely. The Lumia is their return to the competitive market powered by windows 7 and the result of their tie up with Microsoft. No UK release as yet but, as with many of the new phones, the establishment of a functioning 4G network will lead to a flood of new launches.
Digital Cameras
Lytro
Revolutionary style and operating system. Point and shoot with no need to focus.
Fujifilm X-Pro 1
Digital compact camera with interchangeable lenses. The ultimate compact camera but with a hefty price tag of around £700.00. Due in Spring. Probably the most talked about camera due for launch this year.
Casio Tryx
Ultra thin camera with flip out screen. High speed digital zoom. Available April.
Television
LG Smart TV with Google TV
Fully internet enabled integrated smart TV with QWERTY remote control. No news on pricing but launching in the UK summer 2012. Internet TV is set to replace 3D as the must have feature for TVs this year.
OLED TV
OLED televisions are brighter, more efficient, thinner and feature better refresh rates and contrast than either LCD or Plasma. Ultra thin and with virtually invisible bezels. No UK release until October. Initial pricing looks to be in the £3K range, as ever this will drop as popularity and supply increases.
Apple TV
Possibly the biggest news this year regarding television hardware is Apples proposed entry into the market. Allegedly the last project Steve Jobs was working on and due for release around October. Prices are expected to be at least double that of current ‘standard’ TV sets but the Apple product will interface with all existing Apple products and include the Siri voice control found currently on the iPhone S. Initial versions will be 32 and 37 inch sizes. As with all things Apple this product will only really be revealed when Apple decide but given the success of the iPod, iPhone and iPad it would be expected to make a big impact on the marketplace prior to Christmas 2012.
Also:
LG Blast Chiller Fridge
Cools the beers (and other beverages) down in five minutes.
Smart Watches
Like having a phone attached to your wrist. Seriously geeky!