A look at the most promising tech of 2017

Technology is an ever-evolving industry, and 2016 brought us new devices and breakthroughs we may not have seen coming. Apple killing the headphone jack is one of those things we may not have foreseen. In 2017, we can only expect faster and more enhanced products. Let's take a look at the most anticipated technology we can't wait to see next year:

1. Nintendo Switch

The Switch by Nintendo is unlike anything we've seen thus far. The tablet is a hybrid machine with two detachable controllers on each side. These controllers can be used individually or attached to the screen. The device also has a docking station for gaming on your TV. The switch feels like multiple products in one: a handheld, a follow-up console to the Wii U, and a convertible tablet. It is expected to arrive in March 2017.

2. iPhone 7S/8

The iPhone 7S or 8 is expected to be entirely different. For Apple's 10th anniversary, rumors suggest the company may ditch the Home button altogether and add a curved OLED display. As with every new iPhone, we can expect it to arrive in September.

3. Microsoft Project Scorpio

Microsoft is creating a new gaming console it says will be the “most powerful console ever.” Deemed Project Scorpio, the gaming system will have 6 teraflops of graphical processing power, true 4K gaming, and will be compatible with current Xbox One games and accessories. It is expected to debut in the fourth quarter of 2017.

4. Tesla Model 3

The Tesla Model 3 is an all-electric sedan with the ability to drive up to 215 miles on a single charge. Starting at $35,000, the EV is one of the most affordable all-electric vehicles in the U.S. Tesla plans for production of the Model 3 to begin in mid-2017, with the first deliveries slated for the end of the year.

5. The next iPad

We may see up to three new iPad models by March 2017. Rumors suggest Apple will update the 7.9-inch iPad Mini and 12.9-inch iPad Pro, and may also release a new 10.9-inch iPad. Aside from performance enhancements, the iPad may also rid of the traditional Home button.

6. Surface Pro 5

While the Surface Pro 5 did not show up at Microsoft's October event this year as anticipated, we expect to see its debut in 2017. It will likely be equipped with a new seventh-generation “Kaby Lake” processor from Intel. It's also suspected that Microsoft may add a USB Type-C port to the Pro 5, similar to Apple's new MacBook Pro.

7. Samsung Galaxy S8

With the cease of the exploding Galaxy Note 7, we can expect Samsung to come back with an entirely new Galaxy phone. Reports suggest the Galaxy S8 will include an almost bezel-less design and removal of the Home button. Instead, the device will rely on a fingerprint reader and optical sensor equipped beneath the display. Additional reports claim Samsung is following in Apple's footsteps and removing the headphone jack. We can expect the Galaxy S8 to debut in late February or early March.

8. Doppler Labs Here One

The Doppler Labs Here One are wireless headphones, but unlike Apple's AirPods and Samsung's Gear IconX, they have a noise cancellation feature. Preorders will begin shipping in February 2017.

9. Amazon Echo with touchscreen

Amazon plans to introduce a new high-end voice-activated speaker similar to the Echo, but with a 7-inch touchscreen display. This will make it more convenient to see weather reports, recipes, calendar appointments, and news. The new Echo is rumored to arrive in the first quarter of 2017.

10. Windows 10 Creators Update

In early 2017, Microsoft will unveil a free update to Windows 10 that focuses on new creativity and gaming experiences. The Windows 10 Creators Update has a new version of Paint for creating and sharing 3D objects. Additionally, there is a built-in feature called Beam that lets you broadcast your gaming experiences to the world.

11. BeatsX headphones

BeatsX are the company's first headphones designed with assistance from Apple's engineers. The Bluetooth sport earbuds include Apple's new W1 chip, which is more energy-efficient and drastically boosts battery life. The BeatsX headphones will debut in February 2017.

12. Pixel 3 laptop

Google is rumored to be working on a 12.9-inch laptop-tablet hybrid that would run on Andromeda, a new operating system that combines features from both Android and the Chrome OS. The device is expected to carry the Pixel name and to arrive in the third quarter of 2017.

13. The next Galaxy Note

Samsung isn't throwing the towel in on its Note line just yet. Although it will not be called the Galaxy Note 8, as Samsung released a tablet with that name, we expect the company to unveil a large smartphone equipped with a stylus in 2017.

14. Surface Phone

While Microsoft has proven itself with the rather impressive Surface line of computers, what about a phone? Will 2017 be the year we finally see the long-rumored Surface Phone? With Microsoft's announcement that it plans to support ARM-based processors like the Snapdragon 820 in Windows 10 beginning in 2017, it's entirely possible we'll see a Surface Phone.

15. Microsoft Cortana smart speakers

Expect Microsoft to take on the Amazon Echo with its own version of the smart speaker. The company is teaming up with Harmon Kardon to integrate its Cortana voice assistant into a new device. The speaker will launch in 2017.

16. Android Wear 2.0

Google planned to release an update to its wearable line this past Fall, but the company ended up delaying it until 2017. The new software will streamline the Android Wear experience, including making it simpler to use, building better support for third-party apps, and improving compatibility with iPhones.

Which products are you most excited to see launch in 2017?

Source: CNet