What were the most searched gadgets of the year on Yahoo UK and Ireland? The top tech search terms of 2015 include new models, old classics and products that will continue to be big sellers next year. Forming part of Yahoo’s Year In Review 2015, the tech top ten shows which gadgets create the most buzz in 2015.
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- 1. Apple iPhone 6 Released in September 2014, the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus feature a totally updated design compared to their predecessors – the iPhone 5s and 5c. Along with larger screens, more rounded edges and faster processors, the new phone also have upgraded cameras and support for mobile payments. The phones set new records, selling more than 10million in their first three days on sale. Although they have since been superseded by the newer 6s and 6s Plus models which were released in 2015, Apple still sells some versions of the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus at a reduced price. (Reuters/Mike Segar)
- 2. Samsung Galaxy This year saw the release of the latest flagship handset in Samsung’s Galaxy smartphone range with the introduction of the Samsung Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge. The latter sports an extended screen that wraps around the edges of the phone, not only extending the reach of the display but also adding a few extra functions. Launched in April 2015, the new top-of-the-range handsets feature wireless charging, an improved fingerprint scanner and support for mobile payments. Samsung also offers numerous other smartphones and tablets under the ‘Galaxy’ banner, with a Samsung Galaxy S7 rumoured to be announced in January 2016. (Reuters/Gustau Nacarino)
- 3. Apple Watch First announced by CEO Tim Cook in September 2014, Apple’s long-awaited smartwatch finally went on sale in April 2015 rapidly becoming the best-selling wearable gadget on the planet. While rivals brands such as Sony and Samsung have struggled to make waves with their smartwatches, Apple took a more design-led approach with a range that includes the gold-plated Apple Watch Edition, with a top price of £13,500. Thankfully, Apple Watch prices start at the slightly less eye-watering £299. A new range of colour options went on sale in September 2015 to coincide with the new flagship iPhone 6 and 6s Plus smartphones. An updated version of the techie timepiece’s Watch OS software was released at the same time. (Reuters/Benoit Tessier)
- 4. iPhone 5 The iPhone 5 has the shortest lifespan of any iPhone so far, as it was in production for just 12 months before it was officially discontinued in 2013 with the introduction of the newer iPhone 5s. The handset showcased a major design overhaul compared to is predecessor – the iPhone 4s – with a much thinner and lighter body, plus a taller screen able to accommodate an extra row of apps. The phone also introduced a more powerful processor, 4G support and the new, compact ‘Lightning’ connector. While Apple doesn’t sell the handset anymore, models can still be found at bargain prices online. (Reuters/Mario Anzuoni)
- 5. PlayStation 4 Released back in November 2013 at a similar time to its main rival, Microsoft’s Xbox One, the Sony Playstation 4 was a bigger seller at launch and has sold more than 30million consoles as of November 2015. As the successor to the popular PS3, the PlayStation 4 features a more more powerful processor than its predecessor. Like the rival Xbox One, it also supports Blu-ray and DVD discs, music streaming plus a range of TV and movie streaming services. The launch of the PS4 also saw the introduction of the brand new DualShock 4 controller. Like its rival, the PS4 continues to sell well and is likely to continue as a big seller in 2016. (Reuters/Yuya Shino)
- 6. Xbox One The successor to the popular Xbox 360, the Xbox One was released in 2013, going head-to-head with the Sony PlayStation 4 and the Nintendo Wii U. The newer console features a series of technical upgrades including a totally redesigned controller sporting triggers with haptic feedback. The unit also also features a built-in Blu-ray disc player and thanks to its web connectivity, can be used as a media player for services like Netflix. The console has sold millions worldwide and is set to big seller in the run-up to Christmas and beyond. (Reuters/Ina Fassbender)
- 7. Xbox 360 First introduced way back in 2005, then updated in 2010 and again in 2013, the Xbox 360 is Microsoft’s old flagship console. While the the Xbox One took over as Microsoft’s top dog when it was released in November 2013, the maker still continues to sell the older model making it one of the best-selling gaming consoles in history. While Microsoft now focuses its energy on the next-gen Xbox One, the brand has pledged to support the older, cheaper console until at least 2016. (Jesse Wild/Edge Magazine via Getty Images)
- 8. Apple TV Apple TV made its debut back in 2007, and has been updated several times over the past few years with the 4th-generation model finally arriving in 2015. The digital TV box sports a brand new TVOS operating system and a new touch-control remote. The latest version also includes Siri voice control, which has been ported over from the iPhone. Apple boss Tim Cook said that ‘the future of TV is apps’ so it’s no surprise that Apple TV has a wide selection on offer including Netflix and Now TV, plus a range of games. (Reuters/Beck Diefenbach)
- 9. GoPro The popular action cam maker has continued to blossom in 2015, with the term GoPro becoming almost synonymous with extreme sports videography. The hugely popular action cams have been used to capture everything from dogs on skateboards and quizzical sharks to incredible microgravity stunts on the ISS and incredible drone footage of isolated locations such as Chernobyl. In September 2015, GoPro unveiled a new entry-level version, the Hero+, and continues to lead the way with its flagship model. The brand is set to unveil a new flagship camera in 2016, and will also launch a quadrocoptor drone. (Reuters/Mike Segar)
- 10. iPad Air 2 Apple’s iPad Air 2 tablet was released back in October 2014 but still continues to be a big seller. Boasting a 9.7-inch screen, the slick tablet is slimmer and faster than its predecessor and also marks the addition of the Touch ID fingerprint scanner on the home button. The maker also added a gold version of the gadget for the first time. While still popular, the iPad Air 2 has been joined by a new flagship model – the super-sized iPad Pro – which sports a massive 12.9-inch screen and was released in November 2015. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)