Apple launches iPhone 13 in UK
Ming Yung | Getty Images
Apple, Google, Amazon, Samsung and more are gearing up for a busy fall filled with lots of new gadget launches.
It’s like a clock. Big tech companies release the latest products, such as phones, watches or even robots and flying security drones, starting from August to November to prepare for the holiday shopping season.
Samsung is launching it next week, on August 10, when it will announce new foldable phones, giving it a chance to attract consumers before Apple holds its iPhone event in September. New products at Apple’s fall events have a direct impact on the company’s balance sheet. The holiday quarter is usually Apple’s biggest. It reported record revenue last year for the three months ended Dec. 25, for example.
Meanwhile, Google has promised to launch its next phone with a brand new chip and its first competitor to the Apple Watch this fall. And don’t forget Amazon: it usually announces new Echos, Fire TV products, and sometimes throws in a few surprises, like last year’s Astro Robot, at an event held sometime between September and November.
There’s a lot, so here’s a rundown of what to expect.
Samsung
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2
Samsung
Here’s what to expect: Samsung will debut the next generation of its foldable smartphones – teasers have confirmed it – including the Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Galaxy Z Flip 4.
Customers can now book one of these new smartphones even though they haven’t been announced yet. Some of the main complaints surrounding foldable phones are the price of the higher-end Galaxy Z Fold model and the obvious seam that interrupts the phone’s display. Any price cuts or improvements to make the fold less obvious will be noticeable. Samsung usually announces new headphones, tablets and smartwatches to compete with Apple’s iPad, AirPods and Apple Watch.
Here’s what it released last August: Last year, Samsung introduced the Galaxy Z Fold 3, which was priced at $1,799, and the Galaxy Z Flip 3 for $1,000. It also announced the Galaxy Buds 2 and Galaxy Watch 4 headphones.
An apple
Customers walk past a digital display of the new green Apple iPhone 13 pro at the Apple Store on 5th Avenue in Manhattan, New York, March 18, 2022.
Mike Segar | Reuters
Here’s what to expect:
Apple is reportedly planning four iPhone 14 models this year, according to Bloomberg, who said we can expect new features like an always-on display on the higher-end Pro models. The same report says that Apple may ditch the 5.4-inch iPhone mini and instead launch a more affordable large-screen iPhone with a 6.7-inch screen. This suggests that Apple will launch the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 with a larger screen, iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max.
Apple is also set to introduce three new variations of the Apple Watch, including a new base model SE, a standard Series 8 and a rugged edition aimed at extreme sports, according to Bloomberg. The AirPods Pro are due for an update, and Apple’s first mixed-reality headset is still rumored, but that could also come later.
Still, Apple’s mixed reality headset will mark the company’s first major product launch since it introduced the Apple Watch in 2015. The headset will combine elements of virtual and augmented reality, allowing users to overlay digital content on top of the real world, according to Bloomberg. Apple is working hard on VR content, bringing in Jon Favreau to develop video content for its headset, the New York Times reported in June.
What it released last September: Last year at its fall product event, Apple announced the new iPad and iPad mini, Apple Watch Series 7, iPhone 13, iPhone 13 mini and iPhone 13 Pro Max.
Google Pixel 7 and 7 Pro
Although Google doesn’t make much money from its hardware business, it will release its first smartwatch and the Google Pixel 7 as it continues to try to build momentum in the hardware market.
Here’s what to expect: Google has been announcing gadgets in October for years. Back in May at its I/O event, Google teased what was on deck. Its latest phone, the Pixel 7, will have a second-generation Tensor processor and a glass design with a new aluminum camera band. A larger Pixel 7 Pro model will ship with a triple-lens camera. But we don’t know much about what else is new in the phones, like pricing or what the cameras and new chip are capable of, so expect to hear all about that.
Google is also teasing its Pixel Watch, the company’s first smartwatch, which will launch this fall. In a May 11 tweet, Google said the watch “includes the best of Google, plus a Fitbit health and fitness experience.” So expect some software connection that provides new fitness and health features.
It’s possible we’ll see updates to at least one Google Nest product. A recent FCC filing from Google describes a product they’re working on as a “wireless device,” with connectivity ports similar to current Nest devices, according to 9to5Google. It hasn’t announced any new Nest thermostats or speakers since 2020, so those could be on deck.
What it released last year: Last August, Google announced new Nest cameras and doorbells. Then, in October, Google revealed all the details about its Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro smartphones. These were the first smartphones to run on Google’s Tensor chip instead of Qualcomm’s processor.
Amazon
Amazon Echo Show 15
Amazon
Here’s what to expect: Amazon historically holds its hardware event sometime in the fall, when it announces a slew of gadgets ranging from new Echos (like last year’s Echo Show 15, pictured above) to Alexa-enabled glasses and more.
The fourth-generation Echo speaker launched in October 2020, so there should be an update unless Amazon continues to experiment with new form factors. Likewise, Amazon typically announces updates to its Fire TV products in the fall.
For the past two years, Amazon’s Ring has been teasing the Ring Always Home Cam, a flying drone camera for home security. It is not yet released in the market, so it is possible to find out when it will hit the market.
Here’s what launched last year: Amazon had few surprises last year, so this year could be just as exciting. Amazon debuted its Astro home robot, which is still available by invitation only. It also announced its first smart thermostat, the first Amazon-branded TVs, the Echo Show 15, and the new Halo View fitness tracker.
This picture from Oculus shows what it would be like to play it in an apartment.
Oculus
Here’s what to expect: Meta, formerly Facebook, may have a new virtual reality headset on deck.
Bloomberg said in July that Meta was preparing to announce the virtual reality Meta Quest Pro later this year. It will reportedly cost more than $1,000 and have a better screen, improved cameras, and support for enhanced graphics.
Currently, Meta’s Quest 2 headphones are the most popular on the market. As other players enter the race to develop the so-called “metaverse,” Facebook’s parent company will need to continue to refine its hardware to stay ahead. And it might want to get something out before what Apple plans.
Here’s what it released last year: Last September, Facebook introduced its updated video calling portal devices. It has not released a new version of its Oculus device since September 2020.
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