2014 gave us no shortage of thrilling new tech, from the enhanced iPhone 6 Plus to the GoPro Hero 4, an extreme-action video camera that lets wearers capture moments in hi-def, to

Microsoft’s latest dual tablet/laptop creation, the Surface Pro 3.

Let’s take a look at what was hot in 2014 and what to look forward to in 2015.

Apple iOS

In 2014, Apple iOS 8 brought users an improved camera app, interactive notifications, and the QuickType keyboard.

Features users hope to see with Apple iOS 9 in 2015 (release date as yet unknown):

• Split-screen multi-tasking

• An improved Siri

• Calculator on iPad (a modest ask)

Samsung Galaxy Note Series

The popular Galaxy Note 4 “phablet” featured an S Pen and brought users a 5.7inch high-resolution screen and a 16-megapixel camera, among other cool features.

Samsung’s Galaxy Note series has been extremely popular with users, and all signs are that Samsung will continue this trend by adding more exciting features to the Galaxy Note 5 (expected release: September 2015).

Google Glass

Currently available only as a prototype for registered “Glass Explorers,” the rest of us are hoping these nifty glasses will soon be available with a less hefty price tag (cost for a pair today: $1,500).

What can you do with Google Glass?

Check your email and other notifications, send text messages, make phone calls, take pictures and videos, and track your performance, from the gym to the golf course.

Google Glass 2 has a projected release of late 2015.

Google Nexus 9

In 2014 Google released the Nexus 9 in an effort to attract faithful Apple followers.

The company teamed up with HTC on the Nexus 9, which features a (nearly) 9-inch screen, front-facing speakers, and detachable keyboard (sold separately) and runs on Android’s “Lollipop” operating system.

What’s new for 2015: A smaller tablet could be in the works with the Microsoft Surface mini.

Google’s “Cardboard”

Google jumped on the virtual reality bandwagon in 2014 releasing Cardboard, a low-tech virtual reality contraption you can make at home with the leftover box from your Amazon delivery and some household supplies.

In 2015, VR enthusiasts can look forward to the Oculus Rift, a more high tech (and expensive) virtual reality headset that features a stereoscopic 3-D view and 360-degree head tracking.

Batman: Arkham Knight

The newest addition to the action-adventure video game series is set in Gotham City one year after the death of the Joker in Batman: Arkham City.

Batman faces off with villains Scarecrow, Penguin, Two-Face, Riddler, and Harley Quinn, who have some tricks up their sleeves for the caped crusader.

Expected release: sometime in 2015.

Apple Watch

The much anticipated wearable tech device got a lot of buzz in 2014 and is expected to release in 2015.

Apple Watch will be sold as a companion device to iPhone 6, and rumor has it the companion app will be part of the iOS 8.2 software release.

What can users do with Apple Watch?

Send text messages, run apps, communicate with friends, and of course, track the time.

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• http://www.techradar.com/us/news/software/operating-systems/ios-9-what-we-want-to-see-1253732

• http://www.htc.com/us/tablets/nexus-9/

• http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-switch/wp/2014/02/27/everything-you-need-to-know-about-google-glass/

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Batman:_Arkham_Knight#Synopsis

• http://www.engadget.com/2014/06/25/google-vr-cardboard/

• https://www.apple.com/watch/

• http://gizmodo.com/leaked-companion-app-spills-details-on-the-apple-watch-1679309046

Slide 5: Google Glass, by Kārlis Dambrāns (CC BY 2.0)

Slide 7: Google Cardboard, by othree (CC BY 2.0)

Summary

From games to “phablets” to operating systems and smartphones, 2014 gave us no shortage of exciting new tech releases. A look at some of the best releases in 2014 and what’s coming in 2015.