While 2011 saw the launch of some interesting products, for instance iPhone 4S, the next year is expected to see more exciting gadgets enter the global market.
Here we present 16 products set to hit the stores in 2012, according to CNET.
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16 cool products expected in 2012
iPad Mini
In a bid to compete with 7-inch tablets in the market, Apple is likely to come up with a 7.85-inch iPad mini prior to the fourth quarter of 2012, said reports.
The company will acquire 7.85-inch panels from LG Display and AU Optronics. According to Digitimes, makers in the supply chain are likely to begin production of the 7.85-inch models at the end of the second quarter of 2012.
Richard Shim, an analyst at DisplaySearch, said: "Apple is also expressing interest in making a mini-iPad based on a 7.85-inch screen. That would come later in 2012, possibly in the second half sometime," according to CNET.
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16 cool products expected in 2012
Ultrabook
An Ultrabook is a computer in a category of higher-end thin and lightweight ultraportable laptops, defined by a specification from Intel.
The name Ultrabook is an Intel trademark. By this marketing initiative and an associated $300M fund, Intel hopes to reinvigorate the PC market.
Prices of these lighweight machines have already gone down and expect them to provide same performance for less money in 2012.
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16 cool products expected in 2012
MacBook Air
It is now expected that updated models of the MacBook Air will arrive in the first quarter of 2012. The big surprise? A 15-inch model is being added to the line-up next to updated 11.6 and 13.3-inch machines.
Of course, Apple won't confirm a larger MacBook Air exists until the day they officially announce it. DigiTimes has only heard that a 15-inch model is in production for testing purposes, and is meant as a direct competitor to forthcoming Ultrabooks.
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16 cool products expected in 2012
Apple AirPlay
AirPlay lets you stream music throughout your entire house - wirelessly. AirPlay wireless technology will be fully integrated into speaker docks, AV receivers, and stereo systems from companies such as Bowers and Wilkins and Denon.
So you can enjoy your entire iTunes library - every song and every playlist - in any room and anytime.
Prices of AirPlay-compatible products are expected to fall in 2012.
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16 cool products expected in 2012
Kindle Fire 2
The Kindle Fire's been a big hit and it isn't even that great. Just imagine what the Kindle Fire 2 will be like. And, Amazon may well release a 10-inch tablet that undercuts the iPad's price significantly, says CNET.
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16 cool products expected in 2012
iPhone 5
New reports suggest the iPhone 5 release date will now be sometime in March 2012. The Daily Mail newspaper says Sony and Hitachi are currently making 4-inch screens - half an inch bigger than that of the iPhone 4 and 4S - and have already shipped early prototypes to Apple headquarters in Cupertino, California.
Other sources predict the iPhone 5 will be available in summer or later.
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16 cool products expected in 2012
Apple iTV
Apple TV gives you access to everything you want to see and hear - blockbuster movies, TV shows, your music and photos, even news and sports - right on your widescreen TV.
And now that your content is stored in iCloud, you can easily access your previously purchased TV shows. Even your photos update automatically.
CNET says rumour has it that Apple will enter the TV market in 2012 with a set that will be a game-changer and once again turn another market on its head.
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16 cool products expected in 2012
iPad3
Apple iPad3 will feature a new, thinner and sleeker design, down nearly 20 per cent in size compared to the iPad 2. It will also support full touchscreen HD display with a screen resolution of 2048 x 1536.
Apart from that, the iPad 3 will have a lighter battery life, reducing the weight of the tablet.
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16 cool products expected in 2012
PlayStation Vita
PlayStation Vita is a handheld game console by Sony Computer Entertainment. It is the successor to the PlayStation Portable as part of the PlayStation brand of gaming devices.
It is expected to be released in Europe, Australia, and North America on February 22, 2012.
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16 cool products expected in 2012
4G phones
In telecommunications, 4G is the fourth generation of mobile-phone wireless standards. It is a successor to the 3G and 2G families of standards.
In 2009, the ITU-R organization specified the IMT-Advanced (International Mobile Telecommunications Advanced) requirements for 4G standards, setting peak speed requirements for 4G service at 100 Mbit/s for high mobility communication (such as from trains and cars) and 1 Gbit/s for low mobility communication (such as pedestrians and stationary users).
Expect more 4G phones and service coverage in 2012.
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16 cool products expected in 2012
Nook Tablet 2
Nook is a brand of electronic-book reader developed by American book retailer Barnes and Noble, based on the Android platform.
Announced on May 25, 2011, the Simple Touch Reader (also informally referred as Nook 2nd Edition) was released on June 10, 2011.
The next model is expected in November.
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16 cool products expected in 2012
Nikon D800
The rumours say that the D800 will shoot up to 1080p at 30, 25 and 24fps, and that it'll come with some kind of audio input.
The other big change is the sensor, which will supposedly be a ridiculous 36MP. Say goodbye to hard disk space and low-light sensitivity.
The maximum ISO remains at 6400, with a "hi" mode of 25,600. This is no improvement on the D700, likely thanks to all those extra pesky pixels.
The camera is expected sometime early 2012.
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16 cool products expected in 2012
Canon 5D Mark III
Like Nikon D800, Canon 5D was expected in 2011, but the launch got delayed, probably due to the earthquake in Japan and tsunami in Thailand.
It is set to hit the stores sometimes in 2012.
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16 cool products expected in 2012
Windows 8
Unity is the theme with Windows 8, as Microsoft is bringing the Metro UI found on smartphones and Xbox 360 to the PC and tablets.
Word is a beta may be out as soon as February with the final product ready to ship on PCs in late fall, says CNET.
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16 cool products expected in 2012
Nintendo Wii U
Nintendo Wii U is an upcoming video game console by Nintendo, and is the direct successor to the Wii.
The system was unveiled during Nintendo's press conference at the Electronic Entertainment Expo 2011 on June 7, 2011, and is expected to be released in the second half of 2012.
The console has been described as belonging to a new eighth generation.
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16 cool products expected in 2012
Google Ice Cream Sandwich
Google Ice Cream Sandwich, Android 4.0, is the biggest update the smartphone platform has received in more than a year.
It adds dozens of features, changes and improves the interface, and makes much better use of the latest smartphone hardware.
Expect many more Android 4.0 smartphones to ship out in 2012.
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