Now that the Consumer Electronics Show is behind us and all the prominent companies in the industry have shown off their upcoming products for the year, It’s time to prognosticate on what devices, software and other solutions will be launching with much fanfare in 2012. As with previous years, Apple’s line of products, including the iPhone and iPad, are definitely going to catch the attention of people around the globe. But it looks like they will be joined by a host of other products from Microsoft, Google and even Amazon. In other words, 2012 is shaping up to be a huge year for major new introductions and some of the most anticipated products yet to hit store shelves. But which of those product launches will make their mark in 2012? More importantly, can certain products that gained a lot of advance interest and market buzz deliver on the hopes consumers and enterprise users have for them? We’ll see. But this eWEEK slide show will examine which new products are likely to stir interest in the tech market in 2012:
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Apple iPhone 5
It wouldn’t be a new year if Apple’s iPhone doesn’t make a big impact on the marketplace. Apple is expected to launch the iPhone 5 this year and this model should prove to be a major step up over its predecessor, the iPhone 4S. Look for it to make a big splash this year.
LG Spectrum
Although the LG Spectrum won’t get the attention the iPhone 5 will receive, the device is the flagship model from the handset maker, and could very well be one of the top iPhone competitors this year. The device comes with a 4.5-inch screen, Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) and a host of other features consumers just might like.
Apple Television
The long-rumored Apple television is expected to launch sometime later this year. The device could come with up to a 55-inch screen, feature iCloud and even include apps from Apple’s App Store. The Apple TV could be the biggest consumer launch this year.
Ultrabooks Galore
At the Consumer Electronics Show this year, just about every major PC vendor showed off ultrabooks. Those PCs, which come with a lightweight, thin design and feature outstanding battery lives, could be taking over the notebook market this year. Be ready to hear quite a bit about ultrabooks in the coming months.
Windows 8
Windows 8 should prove to be the biggest software launch of 2012. The operating system will come with a unique new interface, an applications marketplace, support for tablets and far better security than anything seen to this point. The biggest question is will consumers and enterprise users dawdle before upgrading to this major new version of Windows?
Apple iPad 3
If the iPhone 5 steals the show this summer or fall, it’s highly likely that the iPad 3 from Apple will take center stage in late winter, early spring. So far, few details have emerged about the iPad 3, and even then, there’s no telling if they’re right. But according to the latest reports, the device could come with an HD display, 4G connectivity and a host of other features that should entice consumers.
New HDTV Technologies
At the Consumer Electronics Show, several exciting HDTV technologies were on display. LG showed off a super-thin OLED screen and a TV that comes with 4K resolution. More Smart TVs than ever will work with set-top boxes, making them far more useful than in the past. Even before Apple launches its television later this year, it appears many companies are focusing heavily upon making HDTVs a key component in their strategies.
The Google Tablet
So far, Google hasn’t confirmed that it will be launching its own tablet this year, but the latest rumors suggest it will. If and when it does, expect the device to come with some serious hype as customers determine if (a) it can take on the iPad and (b) it’s worth their money. It should be very interesting to see what they decide.
Amazon’s New Kindle Fire
Amazon’s Kindle Fire surprised many industry observers with its popularity last year. Now, the company is expected to show off some new Kindle Fire units later this year, including tablet models with larger screen sizes. Given the Kindle Fire’s popularity so far, it shouldn’t surprise anyone if those new launches perform quite well at retail.
Nintendo Wii U
For consumers, one of the biggest launches this year will be Nintendo’s Wii U console. That device, which will replace the Wii, will come with a 6.2-inch LCD touch screen controller and HD graphics—a major omission in the original Wii. The Wii U will either be the device that carries Nintendo into the future or sees the company become a software maker only. In other words, there’s a lot riding on the console, and it will make a huge mark—good or bad—this year.
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See All Slideshows
Now that the Consumer Electronics Show is behind us and all the prominent companies in the industry have shown off their upcoming products for the year, It’s time to prognosticate on what devices, software and other solutions will be launching with much fanfare in 2012. As with previous years, Apple’s line of products, including the iPhone and iPad, are definitely going to catch the attention of people around the globe. But it looks like they will be joined by a host of other products from Microsoft, Google and even Amazon. In other words, 2012 is shaping up to be a huge year for major new introductions and some of the most anticipated products yet to hit store shelves. But which of those product launches will make their mark in 2012? More importantly, can certain products that gained a lot of advance interest and market buzz deliver on the hopes consumers and enterprise users have for them? We’ll see. But this eWEEK slide show will examine which new products are likely to stir interest in the tech market in 2012: