14 (plus one) most anticipated gadgets of 2014

posted by Victor H. / Aug 28, 2014, 5:07 AM

14 (plus one) most anticipated gadgets of 2014

The glass of 2014 smartphones is already half full (or half empty, if you’re a pessimist), but good news is that the second half of the year is expected to bring us even more fascinating new devices, as all manufacturers prepare for the busiest time - the Holiday season.

And while some companies like Samsung and HTC are announcing their flagships in the beginning of the year, it seems that the trend is to have a second device ready for the second half of the year to stay competitive. That’s why the Samsung Galaxy S5 and HTC One (M8) are far from the only exciting device that we’ll see this year.

We have summed up the 14 most anticipated gadgets of the year, and this time around it’s not all about smartphones and tablets - the new category of wearables and smartwatches in particular is set to make a splash. Take a look at all the devices we expect to see this year and let us know which one are you most excited about in the comments below.

14.OnePlus One

Ah, the OnePlus One! This elusive handset is going through countless delays and is nothing short of a marketing disaster. However, we’re still looking forward to it arriving to more people - after all, it’s not everyday that you get flagship spec-touting device for half the price of other similar phones from major companies.

The OnePlus One

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13.Microsoft Surface Mini

The Microsoft Surface Mini appeared ready for primetime in the beginning of April, but then Microsoft simply did not announce it. Now, reports claim that the Surface Mini is back in production and slated for summer release. The tablet is expected to come with a 7.5” display and arrive with a stylus for easier note-taking.

12. Motorola Moto X+1

Last year’s Moto X came amidst sky-high expectations, but it’s brave bet on software and design did not pay off much in actual sales, and recently Motorola had to close down its US manufacturing plant. Lesson was hopefully learned, and Motorola is expected to have a second run with the Moto X+1 this year, a device expected to come with a larger screen of around 5 inches in size, a powerful chip, and even more Moto Maker choices, including leather.

Motorola Moto X+1 appears in a new render

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11. Nokia Lumia 1020 successor (codename ‘McLaren’)

The Nokia 808 PureView, and later on, the Lumia 1020, set a new standard for smartphone photography, but the two phones lacked in terms of maturity of their platforms. Now, Windows Phone is at its most mature stage, and with Microsoft fully in charge of Nokia, we expect a huge unveiling of the Lumia 1020 successor this fall.

10. Nexus 8

A premium HTC-build tablet in the Nexus series is one of the most persistent rumors in the past few months. The supposed Nexus 8, a tablet with an 8 to 9-inch screen, high resolution, a powerful chip, and a great bang for the buck, is expected to arrive with Android L later this fall.

9. Motorola Moto 360

The Moto 360 stunned us with its gorgeous circular body and design when Motorola unveiled it earlier in 2014, but the actual device is expected to launch only towards the end of the summer. It’s one of the most alluring Android Wear gadgets, and as such it is expected to take the heat from devices like the rumored iWatch.

Moto 360 Smartwatch

8. Sony Xperia Z3 (to be announced on September 3rd)

Sony has been one of the most proliferate companies when it comes to top-end devices - it has released three new Xperia Z series flagship phones within the past year, and we have no reason to doubt it will continue doing so with an Xperia Z3 coming in time for the 2014 Holiday season. The list of possible upgrades include the new Snapdragon 805 system chip, an even better polished 20-megapixel camera, as well as a higher-res, Quad HD display. Hey, and anything less than Android L would be a disappointment for such a flagship.

Leaked photos of the Sony Xperia Z3 and Sony Xperia Z3 Compact

7. Apple iPad mini 3

Apple’s third-generation iPad mini (with Retina display) is slated for release this year, and we are almost certain that it will get Apple’s new A8 chip, as well as a fingerprint scanner. Is this enough of an upgrade to impress users, though? We’ll be looking forward for surprises in this upcoming device.

6. Nexus X (aka Nexus 6)

The supposed Nexus X is one of the most mysterious devices that we’re looking forward to in 2014. After rumors that Google might altogether scrap its Nexus program, we've heard it from the company itself that it has never announced any such thing. We would take this as a hint that the Nexus X will, after all, arrive, and we expect to see it announced in late fall, and arrive just in time for the Holiday season to demonstrate the best of the upcoming Android L release. Just like last year, though, it's very possible for Google to simply quietly launch the new Nexus without a huge event or much fanfare at all.

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5. Next-gen Apple iPad Air (event traditionally held in October)

Last year, Apple rejuvenated the iPad series with a radically sleeker device that it called the iPad Air. This year, we expect Apple to further polish it, adding a fingerprint reader, as well as a new, very powerful Apple A8 chip, and possibly, an improved camera.

Biggest iPad Air 2 leak yet shows remarkably thin design

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4. Samsung Galaxy Alpha (already unveiled, but coming to Western markets in the beginning of September)

The Galaxy Alpha is often said to be Samsung’s antidote for Apple’s iPhone, the industry’s poster child in terms of looks and style. While earlier Galaxy smartphones have always packed cutting-edge silicon, their plasticky build put them at a disadvantageous position when it comes to style. The Galaxy Alpha aims to change that image. It won’t be just about looks, of course - with anticipated launch in the fall, the Galaxy Alpha could benefit from the latest silicon like the Snapdragon 805, and go on an equal footing with Apple’s iPhone almighty.

Samsung Galaxy Alpha hands-on images

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3. Apple iWatch (to be unveiled on September 9th)

The Apple iWatch is clearly the one device that everyone hopes to transform the industry and to finally open the market to the world of wearables. Attempts at smartwatches have so far not been particularly successful, but Apple is expected to bring a combination of style and function with a premium device with over ten sensors on board.

iWatch Concept

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2. Samsung Galaxy Note 4 (to be announced on September 3rd)

We don’t yet know much about the Samsung Galaxy Note 4, except that it’s likely to come in September at IFA, a tradition Samsung has adhered to in the past three years. The Note series traditionally packs the latest cutting-edge hardware, so we would not be surprised if it’s among the first phones from a major brand to arrive with a Quad HD display and the new Snapdragon 805 system chip.

Read our Galaxy Note 4 round-up

1. Apple iPhone 6 (to be announced on September 9th)

In 2014, we expect a major change in the iPhone - it will become larger, and allegedly arrive in two brand new size flavors: a 4.7” and a 5.5” one. Moreover, the display should feature a slight curve and at least one of the models is expected to come with sapphire glass. It’s not all about the display, though - we expect a redesign, and a very powerful Apple A8 chip under the hood, as well as the usual amount of Apple surprises.

Read our iPhone 6 round-up

A collection of dummy iPhone 6 images

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Taiwanese-celebrity-Jimmy-Lin-published-pictures-of-the-alleged-iPhone-6-compared-to-the-iPhone-5.jpg

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Bonus: Xiaomi Mi4

Xiaomi (pronounced as SHIAO-ME) is often said to be the Apple of China, and it made it in the headlines last year after attracting a top Google manager, Hugo Barra, to help the company with its global presence. Fast forward to 2014, and the company is already selling as many smartphones as companies the rank of LG and Sony - it sold 26.1 million in the first half of 2014, and plans to sell 60 million smartphones throughout the year. Its new flagship, the Mi4, has already been unveiled and it's selling in batches in China, but it's yet to come to more markets.

Xiaomi Mi 4: hands-on and official press photos

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57 Comments

1. ArtSim98

Posts: 3535; Member since: Dec 21, 2012

iPhone in the first place? Sorry. We already saw iOS 8. Nothing to be hyped up about.

posted on Jul 08, 2014, 3:37 AM 37

3. spiderpig2894

Posts: 597; Member since: Jan 10, 2012

IKR? It should be the Moto 360 IMO. Apple products should be placed below the tenth spot because we know that its upgrades will be just like a small pinch of salt.

posted on Jul 08, 2014, 3:51 AM 15

8. jaytai0106

Posts: 1888; Member since: Mar 30, 2011

I think iPhone 6 would be the first place because most general consumers will be interested to get it. However, my personal 1st will have to be the Moto 360. I am looking into getting one. I will be glad that I don't have to turn my Z2's screen on to just check the time or stupid junk mail anymore.

posted on Jul 08, 2014, 6:27 AM 5

36. needa

Posts: 205; Member since: Jun 30, 2014

that does not necessarily mean it is the most anticipated. the fact that thousands upon thousands of people will be waiting outside for it does though. so i figure it should take the highest spot. but the ipads? who cares about a tablet?

posted on Aug 07, 2014, 7:54 AM 1

9. garlic456

Posts: 251; Member since: Dec 24, 2012

Moto 360 Smartwatch is the coolest smartwatch ever, but it's a smartwatch that only has google now, which isn't avalible on every country. And when you look for the functionality, Galaxy Gear 2 is better than it.

posted on Jul 08, 2014, 10:22 AM 5

10. jaytai0106

Posts: 1888; Member since: Mar 30, 2011

I have to say the Gear 2 is a very nice device. However, you are locking down to only use Samsung phones if you go with a Gear device. I would like to keep my option open and free :D Nevertheless, Gear 2 is still an amazing device.

posted on Jul 08, 2014, 10:52 AM 2

19. bfuller2006

Posts: 85; Member since: Oct 31, 2011

I don't know...I had a gear 2 for a month I took it back of the lack of functionality.

posted on Jul 20, 2014, 4:25 PM 1

37. needa

Posts: 205; Member since: Jun 30, 2014

that all depends on what you want your watch to do.

posted on Aug 07, 2014, 7:56 AM 1

44. sgodsell

Posts: 7431; Member since: Mar 16, 2013

The Android wear functionality is better then the Gear, Gear 2, Gear Neo. First of all developers have to create apps for Gear devices (excluding Gear Live). Then the apps have to go on Samsung's store. With Android wear developers can inject Android wear code into their existing Android phone or tablet apps. No app is sent to the watch. Of course you can still create standalone apps for Android wear devices as well. Now as far as the Samsung Gear devices themselves have more hardware functionality then the current Android wear devices. Like IR (universal remote, camera, speaker). I have a Gear Neo as well. If the Gear Live had IR and a speaker, then there would be no need for a Gear Neo.

posted on Aug 07, 2014, 11:13 AM 0

12. pulkit1

Posts: 354; Member since: Jul 03, 2014

really ? you wrote this when the biggest upgrade to iPhone is right around the corner.

posted on Jul 08, 2014, 2:03 PM 1

16. steedsofwar unregistered

Fully agree. The moto 360 is the only smartwatch that will make me suspend my cynicism of sWatches and trial one. Just for the fashion factor and geek cred. The iWatch if open to other platforms too.

posted on Jul 08, 2014, 9:21 PM 0

5. zuckerboy

Posts: 898; Member since: Dec 22, 2011

ppl waiting for its design and hardware not for ios. for me nexus 6 is first

posted on Jul 08, 2014, 4:10 AM 4

6. vincelongman

Posts: 5723; Member since: Feb 10, 2013

Not 2014 or as popular, but I can't wait for Project Ara

posted on Jul 08, 2014, 4:19 AM 5

13. AnTuTu

Posts: 1620; Member since: Oct 14, 2012

Note 4 should have been in the first place. Nothing will beat the upcoming beast :)

posted on Jul 08, 2014, 5:15 PM 9

23. remtothemax

Posts: 260; Member since: May 02, 2012

how exactly do you measure winning and losing in this case?

posted on Jul 20, 2014, 4:37 PM 2

54. troutsy

Posts: 383; Member since: Feb 17, 2012

Winning = the phone he buys Losing = the devices he doesn't buy Classic "the world revolves around me" attitude.

posted on Aug 28, 2014, 7:22 AM 0

55. Napalm_3nema

Posts: 2236; Member since: Jun 14, 2013

You don't get to choose. Men lie, women lie, numbers don't.

posted on Aug 28, 2014, 7:23 AM 0

15. InspectorGadget80 unregistered

What a irrelevant list. it should be like this GALAXY NOTE IV, MOTO 360, XPERIA Z3, HTC NEXUS 8, 8urface 3 mini, IPAD AIR 2, iphone 6 last.

posted on Jul 08, 2014, 8:39 PM 0

51. AlikMalix unregistered

That's obviously your list, nothing wrong with that. But I think they're regarding the world (you know that thing that revolves around you, kidding). But Galaxy Note 4 is in right place if you ask me, not because I want it there (I rather put iWatch in second place based on my preference and the hype it build up - only if it's true) but that's just me - not the world...

posted on Aug 19, 2014, 1:23 AM 0

58. mrblah

Posts: 577; Member since: Jan 22, 2013

Apple should of been in all the top spots :/

posted on Aug 29, 2014, 9:32 AM 0

2. Desmortibus

Posts: 66; Member since: Apr 04, 2014

In terms of predicted sales numbers, no doubt the Iphone 6 rightly deserves to be in the first place regardless of its actual merits...

posted on Jul 08, 2014, 3:50 AM 4

4. a_tumiwa

Posts: 393; Member since: Mar 16, 2012

worth to be mentioned: first Tizen Phone

posted on Jul 08, 2014, 4:00 AM 5

7. Anshulonweb

Posts: 468; Member since: Feb 07, 2014

tizen is nothing more than android rip off with nothing new to offer.....i don't think anyone is looking forward to buy tizen based phone unless it is super cheap like xiaomi which again is very unlikely and almost impossible from Samsung...

posted on Jul 08, 2014, 4:19 AM 6

14. TheGenius

Posts: 339; Member since: Mar 06, 2014

Go on.. tell me how is tizen an android ripoff?

posted on Jul 08, 2014, 5:23 PM 0

11. surethom

Posts: 1715; Member since: Mar 04, 2009

I'm sorry but number 2 is Nexus 6 & number 1 is the Motorola 360

posted on Jul 08, 2014, 1:58 PM 5

17. PhoneCritic

Posts: 1354; Member since: Oct 05, 2011

Motorola 360 is number one in my opinion. It is the only smart-watch that has changed my mind about the usefulness of smart-watches due to the fact that it has a killer design that looks like a normal watch. I hope Moto executes well and not price it out of everyone's price range ( do not repeat the Xoom Fiasco against the iPad ) and that they release it already to get a jump on what will eventually be a crowed market.