6 Tech Releases You Should Be Excited About in 2015

From operating systems to tablets, smartphones, virtual headsets, and smart watches, there’s no

shortage of exciting tech releases in 2015. Let’s take a look at some of the most anticipated

products in the coming year.

OPERATING SYSTEMS

Apple iOS 9

In typical Apple fashion, the tech giant hasn’t released details about its anticipated iOS 9

operating system, but tech enthusiasts are hoping it will be even better than iOS 8, which brought

users an improved camera app, QuickType keyboard, and interactive notifications that

eliminated the need to switch apps in order to reply to text messages. Features users want to see

in the next version: split-screen multi-tasking (the ability to run more than one app on a single

screen), better parental controls, and an improved Siri, among other things. Rumor has it that iOS

9 will be released in September 2015, though Apple hasn’t confirmed this.

TABLETS

iPad Air 3

The iPad Air 2 gave consumers the thinnest iPad to date, at 6.1 mm thick, along with a brilliant

Retina screen, fast processor, and Touch ID fingerprint sensor, all on the new iOS 8 operating

system. What will be different with iPad Air 3? Expect it to be even thinner than the Air 2 and

possibly have an upgraded processor. MacWorld suggests the iPad Air 3 (which could,

alternatively, be called the iPad 7 or the New iPad) could be released in October 2015.

SMARTPHONES

Samsung Galaxy S6

For years users have complained about the quality of the plastic casings on Samsung’s S-series

smartphones. The company will finally address this problem on its S6 model, which will either

incorporate metal features or will be an all-metal design. The Galaxy S6 will likely run

Lollipop—the newly-designed version of Android. When will the S6 be released? February or

March 2015 is a good guess, according to Business Insider.

WEARABLE TECH

Apple Watch

The much anticipated Apple Watch will make its debut in “early 2015” (as per Apple’s website)

as a companion device to iPhone 6. The latest rumors are that that the companion app will be

part of the iOS 8.2 software release. Apple Watch will allow users to send text messages,

measure all the ways they move—from hoofing up a few flights of stairs, to jogging with the

dog after work—and, of course, keep track of the time. The release of Apple Watch will

undoubtedly trigger a surge of “sell iPhone” Internet searches by gadget lovers looking to trade

in their older iPhones for an Apple Watch-compatible model.

Google Glass 2

Google Glass is the remarkable hands-free device that enables users to track and analyze their

performance in a variety of settings, from the gym to the golf course; to send SMS messages;

take and share pictures and videos; navigate the roads; and much more. Google Glass 2 has a

projected release of 2015, but it is still unknown exactly when in 2015 the second generation will

be widely released.

VIRTUAL REALITY HEADSETS

Oculus Rift

The Oculus Rift is a virtual reality headset that offers a fully-immersive experience for users.

Features include a stereoscopic 3-D view, with 360 degree head tracking that allows wearers to

look around as they would in real life. The Oculus Rift purportedly makes virtual worlds, games,

and even real live events feel real. The device is available to developers, now, and should be

available to consumers sometime in 2015.