16 most-anticipated tech products of 2012

Each year around this time I do a roundup of the most-anticipated products of the coming year. This year I came up with 16 things we can't wait to see.

Since many companies like to keep future new releases under tight wraps so they don't short-circuit sales of their current products, we can't predict what all the new hot gadgets will be. But as usual, we expect to see a fair amount of intriguing stuff at this year's CES in Las Vegas, and we know that plenty of sequels to today's popular products are on the way--whether the company wants you to know it or not.

Here's our list. As always feel free to voice your opinion. And if you don't like our selections, suggest new ones. As I said, right now, we're at 16 picks (they're listed in random order), but I've left a few slots open for reader contributions. Make a good case and I'll add the product to the slideshow.

Nintendo Wii U

Once again Nintendo is trying to revolutionize the gaming industry with a system that has a new controller with an embedded touch screen that allows you to continue a gaming session on the portable controller even when your TV is off.

On a more mundane level, this Wii supports 1080p visuals and is backward-compatible with all Wii gaming accessories and games. That latter trait may be its biggest selling point.

No word on pricing or exactly when the Wii U will hit the market, but Nintendo says it will be in stores in 2012. CNET's game experts got some early hands-on time with the Wii U. Here's what they thought.

Google Ice Cream Sandwich products

The first Ice Cream Sandwich (Android 4.0) smartphones have just started trickling out onto the market. Loads more are coming in 2012. Yummy.