Arthur Goldstuck | CEO | World Wide Worx | Editor-in-chief | Gadget.co.za | mail me |
Time Magazine recently released its annual “Best Inventions” list. As usual, it presents a peculiar blend.
Some inventions are awe-inspiring, others make you think, “Wait, didn’t we already have that?” And then there’s the “What were they thinking?” category.
How many of these will matter to the average consumer? Spoiler alert: the answer is complicated.
Smart TVs
Take LG’s transparent OLED TV. It’s a television that transforms into a window when it’s not in use. It’s the epitome of futuristic chic. But who has a living room pristine enough to warrant a see-through TV? Most will see it as a solution to a problem that never existed. A TV that doubles as a window? But hey, it’s cool!
A solution to a real problem seems to be offered by Samsung’s Neo QLED 8K TV, also called the QN900D. It has a mere 12.9mm-thick screen. A built-in processor powers an “upscaling algorithm” to turn standard- or high-definition video into 8K resolution. Costing north of R100,000, you have to love your old movies. But hey, it’s cool!
Smart phones
The list lauds the latest instalments in the foldable phone saga. Huawei has upped the ante with its Mate XT tri-fold phone. Apparently, two folds weren’t complicated enough. And with complexity comes cost. You could probably buy a small island nation for the same price. But hey, it’s so cool!
Honor has also pushed the edge in the foldable phone arena. After last year’s V2, the thinnest foldable phone in the world, it introduced the Magic V3. The Magic V3 is just 9.2 millimetres thick when folded. It has a long-lasting silicon-carbon battery as thin as a credit card. If you already have the 9.9mm-thick V2, you might wonder if 0.7mm is worth an upgrade. But hey, it’s cool enough!
Earphones
Apple only just makes the list. Its latest AirPods now double as hearing aids. A medically approved software update on the iPhone allows for clinical-grade hearing tests. If the update picks up hearing loss, it turns the AirPods Pro 2 into hearing aids. Apple called it “a moral responsibility to do more in this space.” But hey, it’s cool!
Apple also offers a symbolic warning about winning an Invention of the Year accolade. Last year’s Apple Vision Pro headset combined virtual reality and augmented reality into mixed reality. Any South African looking at its $3,500 price tag could have told Apple – and Time – this wasn’t going to change how consumers experience the digital world. Time gushed that Apple might be the first to pull it off. It turns out that building in a dozen cameras, six microphones, five sensors, and a powerful new chip isn’t enough to make this a primary computing device. Apple has scaled down production of its billion-dollar failure. Hey, that’s not cool!
Consumer’s favourite
A consumer favourite that does stand out is DJI’s new Neo drone. It is the Chinese manufacturer’s lightest, most compact quadcopter yet. Weighing just 135 grams, it takes off from the palm of your hand. It can automatically capture stabilised 4K aerial footage. More significantly, it is available locally for only R3,999. Hey, now that’s cool!
While many inventions on the list might improve our lives or at least entertain us, others seem destined to become overpriced dust collectors. But that’s the beauty of innovation. To push boundaries, we occasionally stumble along the way. As long as we keep our cool with our credit cards.
Related FAQs: Top inventions of 2024
Q: What are the top inventions of 2024 shaping the future?
A: The top technology trends of 2024 include advancements in artificial intelligence, robotics, quantum computing, and sustainable technology. These innovations are expected to revolutionise various sectors by enhancing efficiency, reducing carbon emissions and improving accessibility to products and services.
Q: How has Artificial Intelligence influenced consumer electronics?
A: AI has influenced consumer electronics by enabling smarter devices that can learn and adapt to user preferences. AI-powered products are increasingly utilising natural language processing and Generative AI to provide a more personalised and immersive experience for users.
Q: What role does robotics play in the advancements of top inventions of 2024?
A: Robotics play a crucial role in the advancements of technology trend by streamlining operations across multiple industries. With enhanced capabilities, robotics are being used for automation, improving efficiency and facilitating tasks that were previously time-consuming or dangerous for humans.
Q: Can you explain how quantum computing is poised to transform technology?
A: Quantum computing is poised to transform technology by offering unparalleled processing power that can simulate complex scenarios and analyse vast amounts of data in real-time. This could lead to breakthroughs in fields such as cybersecurity, pharmaceuticals and financial modelling.
Q: What innovations in sustainable technology are expected to emerge?
A: Innovations in sustainable technology expected to emerge include energy-efficient solutions for electric vehicles, advanced renewable energy systems and new materials that reduce carbon emissions. These advancements will help mitigate environmental impact and promote sustainability across various sectors.
Q: How are tech trends addressing accessibility issues?
A: Current tech trends are addressing accessibility issues by leveraging advanced technologies to create products and services that are more inclusive. Innovations such as AI-driven assistive devices and immersive technology are making it easier for individuals with disabilities to access information and participate in everyday activities.
Q: What is the significance of cloud computing in the current technology landscape?
A: Cloud computing is significant in the current technology landscape as it provides scalable resources and services that facilitate collaboration and data management. With the rise of remote work and digital transformation, cloud computing enables businesses to harness data analytics and improve overall efficiency.
Q: How are Generative AI and advanced technologies shaping the future of innovation?
A: Generative AI and advanced technologies are shaping the future of innovation by enabling the creation of new products and services that were not possible before. These technologies allow for rapid prototyping and simulation, fostering creativity and reducing time to market for new ideas.
Q: What are some examples of top inventions of 2024 that are expected to gain traction?
A: Examples of frontier technologies expected to gain traction in 2024 include CRISPR gene editing, advanced robotics and immersive technology applications. These technologies have the potential to revolutionise industries such as healthcare, agriculture and entertainment.
