Meet the drop-resistant Moto Z2 Force
The Moto Z2 Force is really thin, with a fast processor and great battery life. It can survive drops without shattering.
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Most anticipated tech of 2016: August to December edition
Moto Z / Moto Z Force Droid Edition
Forget Moto X -- Motorola has moved on to Moto Z, a totally new phone that includes a wide range of snap-on modular accessories, including a projector, a powerful JBL speaker and several battery packs. The Z comes in "standard" and "Force" versions, the latter of which adds a bigger battery, more durable screen and better camera. Look for the so-called Droid Editions of each phone on Verizon starting July 28, and unlocked versions that will work on other carriers later.
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Photo by: CNET
Galaxy Note 7
Samsung's next flagship phone is coming in hot: The company sent invitations for an August 2 "7 Unpacked 2016" event with an S Pen as a graphic. That effectively confirms that Samsung is skipping the Note 6 moniker -- jumping straight from last year's Galaxy Note 5 (pictured here) to Note 7 -- bringing its naming convention into line with the Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge from earlier this year. Expect a big Android phablet with a full range of bells and whistles -- and a high price tag to match.
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Photo by: Juan Garzón/CNET
Visit manufacturer site for details.
Lenovo Phab2 Pro
The world's first Google Tango phone is coming in fast. In addition to a depth-sensing camera that enables an AR experience, the Phab2 Pro sports a 6.4-inch Quad HD display -- and a $499 (roughly AU$670, £340) unlocked price in the United States. Look for it in September.
Read full reviewiPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus
Of course, the most anticipated phone of the year will be the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus. (The rumored "iPhone Pro," shown here in a photo leak from nowhereelse.fr, feels less likely at this point.) The current rumors suggest only a very subtle design change, with a vastly improved camera (and dual rear cameras on the Plus), plus possible waterproofing and extended battery life. Expect the phone to be announced the first or second week of September.
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Photo by: nowhereelse.fr
Apple Watch 2 (rumored)
The original Apple Watch is more than a year old, and it's increasingly available at a discount. A second-gen Watch in the back half of the year feels likely. Expect a redesign or new features that take full advantage of the recently unveiled WatchOS 3.
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Photo by: Eric Huismann
Pebble 2
Titans like Apple, Samsung, Fitbit and Google aren't your only choices for smartwatches. Upstart Pebble continues to offer cool alternatives like the new Pebble. It keeps the black and white display, but adds a durable Gorilla Glass face, heart rate monitoring and a microphone -- all for just $129 in the US. Look for it in October, or hold out for the fancier, somewhat pricier Pebble Time 2 that's coming in January.
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Photo by: John Kim/CNET
Android Nougat
Nougat, the latest version of Android, features the ability to reply to notifications in line, a new Google Assistant, multiwindow support and a Doze mode that promises better battery life. Expect it later this year.
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iOS 10
The tenth iteration of Apple's iPhone and iPad operating system brings overhauled notifications and lockscreens, new 3D Touch shortcuts and many updates to Messages -- to name just a few of the changes. Look for it in September.
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MacOS Sierra
In addition to a retro name (MacOS replaces OS X), the free "Sierra" upgrade to the venerable Mac operating system finally brings Siri to the Mac. Meanwhile, iCloud Drive lets you share your desktop and documents across multiple devices. The free upgrade for Mac owners hits later in 2016 -- probably soon after iOS 10.
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Photo by: Tyler Lizenby/CNET
Visit manufacturer site for details.
Windows 10 Anniversary Edition
Mac users aren't having all the fun: Windows 10 is getting an update for its first birthday. Improvements in the so-called "Anniversary Update" include security upgrades, Cortana improvements, better stylus performance on touchscreens and improved Xbox integration. The update hits as a free upgrade for Windows 10 users on August 2.
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Photo by: Microsoft
Asus Zenbook 3
At just 11.9mm thick, the Zenbook 3 is being billed as the thinnest laptop in the world -- yes, even thinner than the HP Spectre and Apple MacBook. It also sports a 12.5-inch full HD screen and a USB Type-C port.
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Photo by: Aloysius Low/CNET
Xbox One S
The next Xbox is coming in August, and it's got a nice roster of improvements. It's 40 percent smaller, plays 4K Blu-Rays, offers HDR video support and will eventually start at $299 in the US. The one hitting on August 2, though, is a $399 2TB model.
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Photo by: Josh Miller/CNET
PS4 Neo
An upgraded PS4 is coming, possibly by the end of 2016. The newer console won't make the existing PS4 obsolete, but is expected to offer 4K video support. And it may deliver better performance to Sony's upcoming PlayStation VR helmet, too.
Nintendo NES Classic Edition
The consolation prize for no NX in 2016? Nintendo will be delivering a retro version of the 1980s NES with 30 games built-in. Play classics like Super Mario Bros., Donkey Kong, Zelda and Excitebike on your HDTV for just $60 when it arrives on November 11.
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Photo by: Christine Cain/CNET
Nintendo NX
The Wii U's successor has been confirmed as the code-named Nintendo NX. And while it will not be landing until March 2017, we should learn more about it before the end of the year.
Photo by: US Patent Office
Oculus Touch
HTC Vive's big advantage over the Oculus Rift is its handheld motion controllers, which are included in the box. But Rift will be evening the score later this year when its Oculus Touch controllers arrive. (Exact release details are still unknown.)
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Photo by: James Martin/CNET
Sony PlayStation VR
The Playstation VR add-on arrives on October 13, and there will be over 50 games for the platform by year's end.
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Photo by: James Martin/CNET
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