Apple expected to launch iWatch, iPhone 6, larger iPad and HDTV in 2014

A leaked year-end memo from Apple CEO Tim Cook to the company's staff promises 'big plan' for 2014. Without specifying the products Cook said 'we think customers are going to love' the new products.

However, the Apple rumor mill offers a few clues on the company's likely offerings. These include the iWatch wearable computer, a 13-inch iPad Pro, an TV set and a redesigned iPhone, Business Insider reports.  

The memo was considered to be a message by the company’s management to congratulate its employees for 2013 success. These include reaching 50billion App Store app downloads, the launch of the new iPhone 5S and 5C and the introduction of American manufacturing for the Mac Pro - which will be made at a plant in Austin, Texas, instead of in China. 

Apple Has Big Plans For 2014

Now that the holiday’s are over and 2014 is almost here, Apple is eager to jump into the new year. Between statements made by Apple’s CEO Tim Cook as well as rumors suggesting that a larger iPad is on the way, 2014 is already looking as though it will be a huge year for the Cupertino-based tech giant.

We have a lot to look forward to in 2014, including some big plans that we think customers are going to love. I am extremely proud to stand alongside you as we put innovation to work serving humankind’s deepest values and highest aspirations. I consider myself the luckiest person in the world for the opportunity to work at this amazing company with all of you. - Tim Cook, Apple CEO

It is still many months away but the rumors surrounding a 12.9-inch iPad are piling up with the majority of them suggesting that an October 2014 launch date seems to make the most sense for Apple.

Apple’s large-size tablet will be manufactured by Quanta Computer, and was originally expected to adopt either 12.9- or 13.3-inch panels, with recent rumors indicating that 12.9-inch has a better chance to be picked. - Digitimes Report

On top of the massive iPad rumors, some sources are now saying that we could see the iPhone 6 as early as May 2014. This release date would differ from the majority of Apple’s previous releases but sources are justifying it by saying that the company sees the iPhone 6 as more of an incremental update than a completely new system.

Since the iPhone 6 is expected to be nearly the same as the 5S, a large iPad seems to be a bit more interesting for consumers as well as for analysts. The 12.9-inch iPad is reportedly set to be an alternative for laptops which means that it may be setup in a way that is similar to Microsoft’s new Surface Pro tablets.

With iPad keyboards already a popular accessory for the tablet, Apple may use the larger iPad to capitalize on consumer interest in swapping out their computers for tablets.

On top of the iPad and iPhone, reports have surfaced that Apple recently purchased a patent for a heart rate monitor. While heart rate monitors are nothing new, the patent detailed a piece of technology which could actually identify people based upon slight differences in their EKG readings. This sort of technology may not end up making it into any of Apple’s products but if it does, it will surely make a big splash in the tech industry.

Apple buys map maker BroadMap, note-taking app Catch

WASHINGTON: Apple has acquired two companies working in the areas of mapping and note-taking as part of the company's 'strategic acquisitions' as pointed by CEO Tim Cook.

The tech giant has purchased BroadMap, which specializes in managing and analyzing mapping data, an area where Apple has struggled with in the past.

The other company is called Catch, an Evernote competitor that was acquired by Apple in the last few months, CNET reports.

According to the report, during the company's fourth-quarter earnings conference call, Cook had said that the company had made 15 'strategic acquisitions' this year and BroadMap and Catch appear to be part of that list.