Best Mobile Tech Of 2015: Our Top 10 List
The last 12 months haven't produced radical change in the mobile tech space, but the needle has definitely moved forward. Here's a look at InformationWeek's Top 10 list of the best mobile tech of 2015.
![](https://eu-images.contentstack.com/v3/assets/blt69509c9116440be8/blt34d4a1b6d1d99def/64cb4765acb8b2c018a17b88/iStock_000075211965_Small.jpg?width=700&auto=webp&quality=80&disable=upscale)
This has been a year of refinement in the mobile space, whether it's a smartphone, tablet, wearable, or even the software than runs underneath. Rather than deliver huge leaps in progress, 2015 has instead revealed incremental updates to existing products and technologies that together help push the industry onward and upward.
Much of the chatter during the first half of the year concentrated on two key products: The Apple Watch and Microsoft's Windows 10 operating system. While most view Windows 10 as a traditional desktop OS, its true purpose is to give Microsoft users a unified experience across all their devices, while making Redmond more competitive in the smartphone and tablet markets.
Apple's entrance into the wearables segment had a material impact on the industry. It put fitness trackers on notice and, seemingly, convinced Android Wear device makers to step up their game.
Windows 10's arrival capped off a number of exciting changes at Microsoft. The company has been on a journey to redefine itself since Satya Nadella was appointed CEO in February 2014, and Windows 10 is the culmination of those efforts. In addition to unleashing the company's best-ever operating system, Microsoft delivered excellent new hardware in the form of the Surface Pro 4 tablet and Surface Book convertible.
Amazon made a new name for itself this year thanks to the Amazon Echo and its artificial intelligence, named Alexa. The Echo, an in-house, voice-controlled assistant, brings a unique dimension to the smart home -- not to mention a bit of fun.
Samsung brought its most refined series of handsets to market throughout the year, but also created a virtual reality product that's affordable for everyone. Together, the Galaxy S6 and Gear VR can create rich, and immersive worlds.
The pace of innovation in the mobile operating space has slowed in recent years, but Google still managed to impress with Android 6.0 Marshmallow. The key? Google Now On Tap offers contextual information about the things you want to do and the places you want to go.
[Read InformationWeek's review of the iPhone 6s Plus.]
Motorola's handsets may no longer be the apple of smartphone buyers' eyes, but the Moto 360 smartwatch is one of the classiest available running Google's Android Wear platform.
The tagline for iPhone 6s and 6s Plus, which arrived in September, is fitting: The only thing that's changed is everything. The phones are identical twins to the 2014-era iPhones, and yet managed to introduce compelling new features and an incredible increase in performance.
The Internet of Things and the smarthome gobbled up a lot of attention. As much fun as it may be to turn on your lights from your smartphone, protecting your home is incredibly simple with the Ring doorbell standing guard over your front stoop.
These are the things we like best in 2015. Did we miss any piece of technology that should be on the list? Is there one gadget that you would take off? Feel free to discuss or add your own favorite tech gadgets in the comments below.
**Elite 100 2016: DEADLINE EXTENDED TO JAN. 18, 2016** There's still time to be a part of the prestigious InformationWeek Elite 100! Submit your company's application by Jan. 18, 2016. You'll find instructions and a submission form here: InformationWeek's Elite 100 2016.
Apple announced the Apple Watch in late 2014, but the product didn't land in stores until April. Since the Watch's debut, Apple has jumped to second place in the wearables market, according to IDC, with shipments of 3.9 million and a marketshare of 18.6% during the third quarter.
The Apple Watch is second only to FitBit, which sells much less expensive fitness trackers. Apple's wearable has trounced the Android Wear platform completely, even if Apple's smartwatch evokes a love-hate response from owners. Rumors of the second-generation watch are already beginning to swirl.
Microsoft released Windows 10 over the summer months with the ambitious goal of reaching 1 billion installs by April 2018. It had reached 110 million by early October. Windows 10 is meant to solve the ills of Windows 7 and Windows 8.1. It garnered mostly positive reviews upon its debut, and is notable thanks to its universal app architecture.
Developers can more easily create apps that run on Windows 10 PCs, tablets, convertibles, and even smartphones. Its chief features include a brand new app and content store, as well as the Edge browser for secure surfing.
Alexa, how awesome is the Amazon Echo? Amazon has brought artificial intelligence to the home through the Amazon Echo. The device is a connected speaker that's able to access the Web by interacting with Alexa, Amazon's artificial intelligence technology.
The Echo can tell you the weather report, read the latest headlines, alert you to traffic trouble, play Prime and Pandora music selections, and even tell jokes. Let's not forget that the Echo makes it easy to buy things from Amazon. Because Alexa is a learning AI, the Echo has gained a considerable number of skills since its release. Think of Alexa as Siri or Cortana for your home -- always there, listening, and ready to offer the latest information.
Microsoft's hardware team dialed up the wow factor this year with the Surface Book, a laptop that features a detachable keyboard. The slick hardware can be used as either a laptop or a tablet.
Unlike the Surface Pro 4, the Surface Book comes with a keyboard. It serves as a steady base for the convertible. With the keyboard attached, battery life rates an impressive 12 hours. The large screen, wide range of processor and memory configurations, and Windows 10 platform make it an appealing choice for mobile professionals.
The S6 is the finest handset Samsung has ever produced. The South Korean firm replaced the flimsy plastics of previous Galaxy S phones with premium glass panels and metal framing elements. The quad HD screen, screaming fast Exynos processor, class-leading camera, and rapid charging make it a compelling alternative to Apple's iPhone.
Motorola believes in choice, and nowhere is that more evident than with the second-generation Moto 360 smartwatch. The Android wearable comes in three core finishes: silver, black, and gold. Each finish can be accompanied by a range of straps, including stainless steel, leather, and plastic. Motorola solved the battery issues that plagued the original, and the latest Android Wear platform means the Moto 360 is more capable than ever.
Android is the world's most dominant mobile operating system. Google could rest on its laurels a bit and coast through the next few system updates, but that's not what it did with Android 6.0 Marshmallow. Google Now On Tap adds a new dimension to making plans with friends and family by telling you exactly when that restaurant opens, how to buy those concert tickets, and where to catch the bus. Moreover, features such as Doze and App Standby improve battery life, while the new permissions model lets users take control of their privacy. Let's not forget system-wide support for fingerprint authentication.
The iPhone 6s and 6s Plus didn't change much on the outside, but delivered a significant feature and spec update compared to the 2014 models. The most impressive new feature, called 3D Touch, lets users call up secondary actions and menu items with a firm press of the screen. The iPhone 6s includes Apple's fastest processor yet, an updated camera, better battery life, and the quickest fingerprint sensor in the market. The handset is a juggernaut that pushed through sales of more than 10 million over the first weekend.
Samsung partnered with Oculus to develop the Gear VR, a portable virtual reality headset. What's unique about the Gear VR is that it relies on Samsung Galaxy smartphones -- rather than a tethered PC -- to provide the engine behind its immersive experience. It boasts a high field of view thanks to special lenses, and uses the smartphone's sensor to track the user's head movements. At $99, it's an affordable accessory for fans of Samsung's Galaxy S6 and Note 5 smartphones.
Ring is perhaps the most consumer-friendly intelligent doorbell in the market. This product, which installs in minutes, alerts your smartphone every time someone rings the doorbell. You don't have to be home to speak with and even see the person standing by your front door.
The wide-angle camera provides a huge field of view. The doorbell also tracks motion and will record all the goings-on in your front yard. The accompanying app is a breeze to use and lets you customize the doorbell's alerts and other behaviors. What's more, Ring is affordable at under $200. Ring is the simplest and most useful home security product available.
Ring is perhaps the most consumer-friendly intelligent doorbell in the market. This product, which installs in minutes, alerts your smartphone every time someone rings the doorbell. You don't have to be home to speak with and even see the person standing by your front door.
The wide-angle camera provides a huge field of view. The doorbell also tracks motion and will record all the goings-on in your front yard. The accompanying app is a breeze to use and lets you customize the doorbell's alerts and other behaviors. What's more, Ring is affordable at under $200. Ring is the simplest and most useful home security product available.
-
About the Author(s)
You May Also Like