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*Note: I was all set to get a new laptop because I was having major issues with my 2011 MBP. However, Apple fixed my problems for free, so I am not as desperate.
Well, Apple updated the MBP this year with USB-C/thunderbolt 3 ports. I probably should have asked that they keep one SD card slot and one USB 3 slot, but the USB-C ports will make the 2016 MBP somewhat future proof since thunderbolt 3 is so ridiculously robust. While I said "every laptop" in my wishlist, I was mainly referring to the MBP, so I am happy.
2. Major overhaul to Airplay on iOS (with backward support) - I hear rumors that Apple is going to add Hi Res audio support in 2016. Alongside this feature, they need a new Airport Express and iOS multi-room support. Actually, iOS already supports multiroom, they just need to add it to the operating system so multiple speakers can be chosen in the Control Center.
Unfortunatley, this did not happen for some uinknown reason. Apple has pretty much disassembled their Airport Extreme/Express group, so I have less optimism about Airplay for audio than ever, but they could still expand it into new areas like an Echo like device that has Siri inside.
3. AppleTV 4 updates - Apple really needs to allow Siri control of the AppleTV from iOS or WatchOS. Also, they need to bring back the Podcast app. One of the main reason I own Apple products is because of the ecosystem. They need to fully exploit the ability to tie everything together.
Podcast app is back and AppleTV's Remote app has added Siri. It still isn't on WatchOS, but honestly that isn't a big deal.
4. Apple Watch/WatchOS needs more work - For example, a functional AirPlay button in "Glances" would be nice. Also, the Apple Remote app for your iTunes library doesn't have enough features and, once again, where is the Podcast app? It would also be nice to see a faster, thinner version, with better battery life and GPS.
They did make some great updates to the WatchOS. They provided a major overhaul that made the Apple Watch feel new. The overhaul made Glances disappear and it was replaced by a feature that docks and updates your most used apps. I would still like third party access to Airplay, but it is easy to open "Music", select Airplay device, then switch over to Overcast or Downcast and have audio come from the Airplay speaker. Since apps launch so much faster now, it is much less of an inconvenience.
There is still no Apple Podcast app, which I still haven't figured out why. However, they did introduce a couple new Apple Watches. They aren't thinner, but one of them did add GPS and water resistance for swimming.
5. iPad Air 3 that works with the Apple Pencil. I think the iPad Pro may* be too big to use as my main tablet, but a 9.7 inch iPad that works with the pencil would be great! Also, a keyboard cover would be fantastic. In other words, Pro options in a smaller iPad.
They introduced the IPad Pro 9.7 inch wIth Pencil support. So I was able to check this off my list. They still need a way to run Photoshop on the iPad to make up for the lack of a touch screen on MacOS. However, apps like Astropad at least help bridge that divide right now.
6. Canon Full Frame mirrorless camera that competes with Sony. Man, I love the A7 RII, but it would be a pain to have to use an adapter ( to get access to more lenses) and convert to a new system. However, the Sony is so drool-worthy, I have thought about it more than once. Canon really needs to get in gear and give people what they want before it is more painful to stay with them than to leave.
Canon introduced another DSLR. Unfortunately, they still haven't jumped onto the mirrorless bandwagon. I am still using my MarkIII, but wished it was smaller and lighter and recorded 4k. That being said, I often use my iPhone for 4k video and it does an ample job. If I ever start recoring more videos for YouTube, I may add a 4k video camera since prices are dropping. I am still hoiding out hope that Canon comes out with a Sony competitor at some point.
7. Apple Music Casting support - they have put Apple Music on Android and Sonos. They need to add (Chrome) Casting, which is similar to Sonos, but cheaper and will eventually support Hi Res and multiroom playback ( if it isn't supporting these features yet).
Apple has not added Casting. It is a bit ridiculous, but it still gives iOS a distinct advantage for wireless audio and Airplay.
8. Hybrid iOS/OS X device. I have written about this in the past and I would preorder this type of combo device if Apple just made it available. I won't be holding my breath, though. There may be a better chance of getting that hovercraft I mentioned earlier.
Nope, did not happen. :(. I still dream of a day where I can carry a device that runs both MacOS and iOS and has the form factor of an iPad Pro with keyboard. Maybe one day!
9. Apple mirrorless camera - can you imagine what would happen if you took Apple's software and combined it with DSLR removable lenses? If they teamed up with Canon, they would have access to affordable lenses and combined with their tech, it could be the most "magical" camera in the history of the world.
Did not happen. I still think it would be a great idea, but Apple can't even manage updating their desktop Macs, so I am not expecting much to happen here, either.
10. Affordable 4K projectors with HDR - the way prices are falling on 4K TVs, I am hoping this finds its way to the projector market. Let's be honest, you need a huge screen to take advantages of the extra resolution of 4K in most living rooms. Right now, we are still using a 100 inch tripod screen with our 1080p Epson, but I would have a screen mounted if a decent $1000 4K projector made its way to the market.
I reviewed the Epson "Faux K" machine last month. It fills in the gap, but it still isn't anywhere close to the $1000 mark I was hoping for. However, time always solves these issues, so maybe we will see this come true by the end of 2017?