For mobile device users, it is both the best of times, and the worst of them. The best, because most of the popular mobile operating systems are set to get a refresh with new versions promising to come in with a host of new features and functions. The worst, because with updates just around the corner, one cannot be too sure about which device to purchase. If you do decide to go for a device now, will it get updated to the new software or will you be left holding an expensive paperweight? Here’s our take on what the coming days will bring to your mobile phone and/or tablet in OS terms, warts and all.

iOS 6.0
It might be into its 6th iteration, but for many smartphone users, Apple’s iOS remains the mobile OS to beat in terms of ease of use and app support. And if iOS 6 is anything to go by, that state of affairs is unlikely to change. On the anvil are completely revamped maps and navigation (with full 3D imagery), Facebook integration, a Passbook feature for collating tickets, passes, coupons and the like, and a highly improved e-mail and browsing experience. And then there is Siri, the virtual voice-driven assistant, who will now be able to do much more, including opening apps and posting status messages on Facebook and Twitter. Finally, video calls using FaceTime will now work over cellular networks too.