The year is nearly over, as far as the tech world is concerned. Just about every major product that’s been announced is available to buy in time for the holidays.
But 2017 is almost here, and we’re expecting a bunch of cool new products. Below you’ll find the most valuable gadgets likely to launch next year.
Keep in mind this isn’t a comprehensive list, and it doesn’t account for the surprises we’ll probably see in 2017. But these are the gadgets we think you should be the most excited about.
Samsung Galaxy S8
Rafi Letzter/Tech Insider
Samsung’s first opportunity to recover from the Galaxy Note 7 debacle will come with the launch of its new flagship phone, the Galaxy S8, in the spring of 2017.
While we don’t know too much about the device, Samsung has announced that it will include a new digital assistant powered by Viv, the artificial intelligence startup Samsung bought earlier this year. Oh, and Viv was founded by the same people who built Siri.
A foldable Samsung phone?
Korean Patent Office
Samsung has been working on bendable displays for years, but 2017 could be the first time we actually see it on the phone.
The company recently filed a patent for such a device, fueling speculation that it’s coming soon.
Galaxy Note 8?
AP
The future for Samsung’s Note phones is uncertain, following the unprecedented recall of the Galaxy Note 7 this 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.
iPhone 8
ConceptsiPhone/YouTube
The next iPhone is going to be a major refresh for the product, according to various reports and rumors.
The so-called iPhone 8 is said to have an all-glass design, an organic LED display for better images, no home button, new screen sizes, and more. We’ve also reported that Apple is working on adding built-in augmented reality features — think Pokemon Go, but for all kinds of apps — but that might not make it into the next phone.
2017 will mark the iPhone’s tenth birthday, so expect Apple to go all out to celebrate the occasion.
A new laptop from Google running a special version of Android
Business Insider
Google is planning a major overhaul of its Chrome and Android operating systems to work on many more devices.
The so-called Andromeda OS will also power a new kind of laptop built by Google, according to Android Police.
The computer is expected to launch in the fall of 2017 and show off Google’s vision for the future of Chromebooks. The laptop is said to work as both a tablet and traditional laptop and has a lot of power under the hood.
A smartwatch made by Google
Android Wear
Google delayed its big software update for Android Wear watches until 2017, and the company is expected to launch its own watch as well, according to Android Police.
The circular smartwatches will be Google’s opportunity to inject new interest into its wearable computers, a category that’s been dominated by the Apple Watch so far.
A new version of Microsoft’s Surface Pro
Microsoft
We didn’t get a new Surface Pro in 2016 — that’s the first calendar year with no refresh since the Surface Pro debuted. We’ll be overdue for an update in 2017, so it’s pretty reasonable to expect one from Microsoft.
New virtual reality headsets that work with Windows 10
AP
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, which starts at $599.
Nintendo Switch
Nintendo
March 2017 is going to be a big month for Nintendo fans.
That’s when the iconic video game company will release the Nintendo Switch, its new gaming console that works on televisions and doubles as a portable system. Nintendo announced the Switch in a three-minute video this fall, but we won’t learn final details like pricing and launch titles until January 12, 2017.
Xbox Project Scorpio
Florence Fu / Business Insider
Microsoft is going to supercharge the Xbox.
The company is currently working on Project Scorpio, a more powerful version of the Xbox One designed for 4K TVs and potentially virtual reality headsets like the Oculus Rift.
The console will be aimed at gamers who value performance over everything else. It’s expected to launch in the fall of 2017.
