5 impressive entertainment technology innovations of 2024

Each year, we are introduced to new companies by innovative individuals with grand visions. They come from all corners of the globe to present us with exciting innovations to discuss and geek out over. However, it’s not common for us to honor a company that has been in existence for 401 years. Yes, you read that right. This year’s category award recipient, Zildjian, was established in 1623. It boasts an extensive collection of historic cymbals, which played a significant role in the creation of its now award-winning electronic drumset. Additionally, we have two TV technologies from industry giants LG and Samsung on our list. Despite a lackluster year for big blockbusters, it was a successful year for televisions. Did you happen to catch Megalopolis? Yeah, neither did we.

(Editor’s Note: This is a section from Popular Science’s 37th annual Best of What’s New awards. Be sure to read the full list of the 50 greatest innovations of 2024.)

Grand Award Winner

ALCHEM-E by Zildjian: A truly hybrid electric acoustic drumset

Zildjian has been producing cymbals since the 1600s, but its entrance into the electronic drum market made a significant impact. The ALCHEM-E drum kits feature authentic 7-ply maple drum shells. When equipped with traditional drum heads, they perform just like a high-end kit would. However, switching to mesh heads transforms the kit into a full-fledged electronic kit controlled by a digital controller known as the E-VAULT. Digital triggers situated under the mesh drumheads offer incredibly fast response and sensitivity. The cymbals are especially impressive, as they are real Zildjian cymbals with numerous laser-cut holes that greatly reduce their acoustic output. Attaching the cymbal trigger turns it fully digital, allowing players to choose from a wide range of authentic cymbal sounds meticulously sampled from the company’s extensive collection. The cymbals even produce different sounds based on where they are struck, with the bell producing a distinct “ping” and the edge allowing players to crash away like Dave Grohl during the Nirvana era. This kit feels like a genuine drum set because it is a genuine drum set.

LG Signature OLED T: A transparent OLED TV

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LG has long been a leader in the OLED TV market, and this position has been maintained for years. Throughout this reign, the company has introduced numerous OLED innovations, including a roll-up TV and an OLED TV in a suitcase showcased at this year’s CES. However, the most impressive may be the company’s transparent TV, the Signature OLED T. While the Signature OLED T doesn’t change its form, it does transform. A contrast film layer behind the OLED panel creates a black background for a standard TV viewing experience. With the press of a button, this film transitions to full transparency by physically moving out of the way, leaving only the illuminated pixels suspended on a clear (mostly clear) panel. In person, it is a remarkable sight. You get a clear view of what’s behind the TV and a relatively bright on-screen image. Perhaps next year, they will combine this concept with the suitcase TV idea to create the most impressive and least practical TV ever.

Samsung S95D OLED TV: A glare-resistant surface that changes the game for OLED TVs

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OLED TVs offer exceptional color and contrast, but they struggle to achieve the necessary brightness levels for a good picture in brightly lit rooms. Even slight ambient light can wash out a typical OLED display. Samsung has developed a proprietary coating for the surface of its typically glossy TVs to create a matte finish. By adding an invisible textured layer to the screen, the surface scatters light instead of reflecting it directly back at the viewer in a single direction (known as specular reflections). Combined with the Quantum-Dot-powered QD-OLED display, this OLED TV delivers outstanding picture quality in rooms where other OLEDs may falter.

This TV we’ve tested is top-notch, mainly due to the added layer of texture that enhances the viewing experience.

Razer Snap Tap: Enhancing PC Gaming Speed

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If you’re not familiar with PC gaming, the significance of Snap Tap may not be immediately apparent. You may need to consult your Valorant-playing child to understand the impact of Snap Tap. In a standard keyboard setup, pressing opposing-direction keys simultaneously can halt your character’s movement on-screen. Snap Tap, on the other hand, prioritizes the last input, allowing for seamless movement even with multiple keys pressed. This feature is a game-changer for competitive gamers, from casual players to professional esports athletes. The best part is that Snap Tap can be integrated into various keyboard models from Razer’s lineup, making it accessible to a wide range of users.

MW75 Neuro by Master & Dynamic: Smart Headphones for Enhanced Productivity

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When browsing headphone specifications, electroencephalography (EEG) might not be the first thing that comes to mind. However, the MW75 Neuro headphones, a collaboration between Master & Dynamic and Neurable, incorporate EEG technology to monitor brain activity. The EEG sensors in the earcups track brain activity, which is analyzed by an AI-powered smartphone app. This data is used to determine optimal times for focused work and breaks based on brain activity levels. While not intended for medical purposes, these headphones offer a unique way to enhance productivity. Even without the EEG feature, they provide excellent sound quality and noise isolation to minimize distractions.

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