The 11 Most Exciting New Tech Gadgets To Be Launched in 2017
New year, new gear - and there’s plenty to get your palms sweaty
2016 was a huge year for tech: HTC Vive, OnePlus 3, Sky Q. The list goes on. The thing is, 2016 is over. It’s done. No-one cares any more. Why? Because there are a whole new 365 days coming – and you can bet your hard-earned dollar that they’ll be jam-packed with enough shiny kit to send a rocket into space.
Keep in mind this isn’t a comprehensive list, and it doesn’t account for the surprises we’ll likely see in 2017. But these are the gadgets we think you should be the most excited about.
1. Apple iPhone 8
With a new Apple smartphone released every year, it stands to reason that we’ll see one in 2017. But why are we excited about it? Well, if rumours on the great gadget grapevine are to be believed, it could be a big one – not least, because it marks the 10th anniversary of the iPhone.
So, there’s every reason to anticipate the iPhone 8’s release – especially if you like all-glass, AMOLED-toting smartphones with wireless charging and no bezels. Because that’s exactly what the early evidence is pointing towards. Oh, and it might ditch the home button, too. Then again, some say it might be the iPhone 7s, which only serves to add a healthy dollop of intrigue to proceedings.
2. Galaxy Note 8
The future for Samsung’s Note phones are uncertain, following the unprecedented recall of the Galaxy Note 7 last year. There have been some scattered reports that Samsung may abandon the Note altogether in 2017. But if the Note does make its return, then expect to see it in the fall.
3. Tesla Model 3
An electric car for the everyman? It’s long been a dream for the eco-conscious, Elon Musk and, well, anyone who cares about responsible gadgets.
Tesla’s Model 3, though, is the closest thing we’ve ever seen to an electric car that could actually change the world – by being affordable. That’s not to say it’ll be a layabout, either: it will do 0-60 in less than six seconds, offer a 215-mile range and be equipped with supercharging capabilities. Sure, it’s a downgrade on the Model S – but it’s miles ahead of what you typically get from a lower-priced EV. Tesla has said the Model 3 will start production in mid-2017, with the first deliveries expected towards the end of the year.
4. Samsung’s Foldable Smartphones
Recently South Korean mobile giant has filed a patent for the foldable device. Imagine how comfortable it would be! Forget all that hassle you used to feel while keeping a long phone in your pocket.
5. Google Pixle Watch
We liked the Google Pixel. We liked Google Android Wear. Neither nailed it, but both showed promise – and brought Google to the table proper, suggesting Apple and Samsung might finally be in for some competition.
Now, rumours suggest we’ll soon see a combination of the two: an Android Wear watch taking its cues from the Pixel, made by Google. And we could see it in the first four months of 2017. Anything like firm specifications aren’t known, which arguably makes things even more exciting. We might rightly expect, though, both devices to be running Android Wear 2.0, and packing some strong hardware.
6. New virtual reality headsets that work with Windows 10
A new, free update coming to Windows 10 early next year will let just about anyone use a VR headset with their PC. The headsets will start at just $299 and come from a variety of companies like Dell, Asus, and Lenovo. That’s much cheaper than other headsets like the Oculus Rift.
7. Nintendo Switch
A hybrid Ninty console that’ll do double duty as both living room games machine and go-anywhere gaming tablet? Meet the Nintendo Switch – source of much excitement in the Stuff office.
Due in 2017, all games will play in either mode whilst its modular controller has options to suit almost every gaming preference. It’ll run on Nvidia hardware, too – though concrete specs are still a mystery. As for the screen, estimates suggest it’ll measure up at around 6.5in and there’s a good chance it’ll be touch-enabled. When will we see it? If all goes to plan, Nintendo says we’ll see the Switch in March 2017.
8. Microsoft Project Scorpio
Microsoft is building a new video game machine that it claims will be “the most powerful console ever.” Codenamed Project Scorpio. It will have a terrifying 6 teraflops of graphical processing power, true 4K gaming, and will be compatible with existing Xbox One games and accessories.
Microsoft has said that Project Scorpio will arrive in the fourth quarter of 2017.
9. Surface Pro 5
The Surface Pro 5 was a no-show at Microsoft’s October event this year, but we fully expect to see a new model in 2017. The Pro 5 will likely be equipped with a new seventh-generation “Kaby Lake” processor from Intel. There haven’t been many rumors surfacing, but some have speculated that Microsoft may add a USB Type-C port to the Pro 5, much like Apple’s new MacBook Pro.
10. New iMac
While the iMac has been updated with new, high-resolution displays in recent years, it’s been a long time since Apple has significantly updated the computer.
Bloomberg’s Gurman reported that Apple has considered adding the new USB-C port to the iMac lineup, which makes sense since the company’s other computers are adopting the new standard too. However, there haven’t been any solid reports on the timing of a new iMac.
11. Pixel 3 laptop
Google is believed to be working on a 12.9-inch laptop-tablet hybrid that would run Andromeda, a new operating system that would combine features from both Android and Chrome OS. The device is rumored to carry the Pixel name, quite possibly Pixel 3, and could arrive sometime in the third quarter of 2017.
