With the release of the
Apple Watch underway, the floodgates have opened for what we might expect in this summer's tech, and we'll tell you this: It's only getting weirder. With long awaited
gadgets, innovative hybrid inventions, software updates, price cuts and tech conferences at every turn, there's plenty to expect in this summer's tech industry. Let's see if you can keep up.
Apple iPad Pro (12")
Apple will host its annual tech conference - WWDC - in which a newly anticipated item will possibly be revealed. In addition to some likely MacBook and iMac updates, the rumor on the hills of
Silicon Valley is that Apple intends to release a new, larger iPad, which spans 12.9 inches, uses a Force Touch technology like
Apple Watch and possibly will sport the much desired USB port all previous iPads have lacked, as well as a multitasking split screen feature.
Apple TV
While Apple works out the kinks of relaunching its newly acquired Beats Music, it will however likely sport a long awaited update to its Apple TV model. The last time Apple TV got a facelift was nearly 5 years ago, simply getting software updates, but now with all the streaming technology and smart TVs on the market, Apple is expected to launch a BlueTooth-savvy remote that allows voice activated Siri commands and features a touch pad to replace the outdated iPod wheel. In addition, the box is expected to have a fast-processing A8 chip, making streaming quicker with Apple TV than anyplace else.
Android M
Late May brought the announcement of Android M, the new Android operating system, at the Google I/O 2015 conference. Android M is a step backwards in the right direction. What the fuck does that even mean? It means Android might've gotten ahead of itself for a minute, and Android M was invented to store stability and fix some of its inconsistencies. Where most Android users were expecting flashy fun and light shows, Google saw fit to restore order for a practical improvement that will serve Android in the long haul, set to launch after the end of summer.
The conference also saw the invention of Android's version of
Apple Pay and Google Jump, a reinterpretation of filmmaking from a 16-camera, virtual reality perspective in conjunction with GoPro.
iOS 9 & AppleBot
Though there isn't likely to be any iPhone speculation going on this summer with Apple, the tech nazi is most likely going to give us the skinny on some ensuing software remedies, mainly a glance into what to expect from iOS 9 updates - after the impressive
iOS 8 overhaul - in the fall. Included in said sermon, Apple may be releasing its own search engine to replace the default Safari and run competition against Google's Chrome, which is also getting a tummy tuck and liposuction of its own doing. The Spotlight feature that has been updated last year by Apple is basically the starting point for their full-on search engine, so don't be surprised if you're doing things differently this time next year.
Oculus Rift
After becoming a rumored electronic gadget spectacle in the past, the futuristic marriage of virtual reality and gaming is coming into the realm of consumerism: Oculus Rift. A new kind of wearable technology, this head piece is adding a new avenue of interactive gaming to the streets of 3-D experience. Sony and Samsung are rumored to come out with their own version, but Oculus Rift is slated for a summer preorder. Starting around $350, the future of stepping into your video games is here. Good luck finding a stopping point.
Project Ara
From a financial and convenience aspect, Project Ara is something people have been craving for their cell phones for some time. As many of us struggle to
fix broken iPhones or fall victim to high costs of shattered screens, Project Ara is a "modular" phone that allows you to replace its parts as you go. Instead of trading up for new phones on the reg, owners of this clever concept upgrade cameras, improve performance and replace broken pieces along the way in a cost efficient manner. If nothing else, maybe this will get companies like Apple to go easy on their parts payment plan.
CarPlay
The fancy schmancy car-driving convenience of CarPlay is spreading its wings into some of the less affluent car brands, finally. The hands-off, voice-activated Siri control console that allows for Bluetooth messaging and call answering, as well as map navigating and music streaming, will reach into more common middle class brands like Ford, Audi, Kia and Jeep - not just
new cars - to reach a wider market. Apple has done this before with its Apple 5C, trying to cover all its markets, and CarPlay is just the hands-free mobile upgrade it's been after in the auto industry.
Also in auto news, Nissan and Cadillac are expected to incorporate "smart review mirrors," which feature LCD monitors that allows drivers to alternate their viewing options for safer visuals behind the wheel.
4K TV Price Cuts
They say 2015 is the year to buy a TV, as prices on even the most high end sets are coming to fruition. With so many people sticking to their computers to watch their premium cable shows, and with all the advancements in viewing experience, 4K TVs are getting a price cut as we await the next resolution to replace the one that replaced 1080p viewing. While Samsung has toted its $150k Ultra HD TV, the average cost of 4K TV sets is falling below $1000. Asian girls not included. All this from the guy who doesn't even have a TV in his home.
Windows 10
On the first day of June, Microsoft announced that July 29 would be the summer release date for their anxiously awaited
Windows 10 software. The new operating system is the first since 2012's Windows 8 - where the fuck is Windows 9! - and will combine traditional Windows layout - Start button! - with new modern upgrades for one of the strongest non-Apple operating systems on the globe.
The Dash
If you weren't sure what year we were living in, take a look at the newly released wireless headphones, The Dash. With a built-in microphone and fitness tracking to go with the convenience of a wireless listening experience, The Dash gives you updates and feedback according to your heart rate and workout routine so you can have a smart, bionic kind of workout. The future is freaky!