The 5 greatest gadget innovations of 2024

At the start of 2024, I would have expected our best gadgets list to be full of quirky AI-driven devices like the rabbit R1 or the Humane Ai Pin. “Now with AI” has been a dominant phrase in consumer electronics during the 2020s. These devices promised seamless integration of neural networks into our lives without the need for phones or smart fridges. However, when these devices were released, the software was slow and buggy, and the hardware was clunky. Perhaps stand-alone AI devices will have their time in the future, and we will look back and laugh at these early attempts. In reality, Apple’s big breakthrough in 2024 came in the form of its long-awaited Vision Pro headset. After just a few minutes of using it, it was clear that it was something different, important, and quite amazing. The list also includes Sony’s innovative pro-grade camera, the most accessible drone we’ve ever used, and a phone that’s “no fun” in a good way, of course.

(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.)

Innovation of the Year

Vision Pro from Apple: A new dimension for augmented reality

For nearly a decade, Apple’s VR rumors circulated in the tech world, resembling consumer tech’s sasquatch – rumored but unseen. However, in February, the Vision Pro was unveiled with a unique design and a hefty $3,500 price tag. It features a new R-series chip and a dedicated OS for spatial computing.

The Vision Pro headset boasts a 23-million-pixel screen, delivering over 4K quality to each eye. It offers true AR capabilities, with external cameras providing a real-time view of the surrounding environment directly into the display. Virtual displays, AR game boards, and other digital elements seamlessly integrate with the real world view. Removing the headset reveals a real world devoid of floating UI, offering a truly immersive experience without controllers or buttons.

While AR headsets have been around, the Vision Pro stands out for its potential. It aligns with Apple’s hardware strategy, with new iPhone cameras designed for spatial video capture for AR consumption. Existing apps can offer AR experiences tailored for headsets. Future iterations may eliminate the external screen image of your eyes, but a consumer-friendly price could make this experience a game changer.

A9 III from Sony: The first consumer mirrorless camera to eradicate wiggly images

Traditional digital cameras may produce wobbly images when capturing fast-moving objects due to the sequential scanning of horizontal rows of pixels. Sony’s A9 III solves this issue with a global shutter, firing every pixel simultaneously. This allows it to capture images at shutter speeds up to 1/80,000th of a second without distortion. The stacked sensor design integrates the light-capturing and computing hardware, enabling faster operation. While it may result in slightly noisier images in low light, the A9 III remains the fastest consumer camera available.

DJI Neo: A sub-$200 drone that isn’t a toy

Most cheap drones are little more than toys. They offer lousy cameras, barebones (if any) flight sensors, laggy controls, and cheap parts. DJI’s Neo drone weighs just 135 grams (well under the limit that would require registration with the FAA before flight) and can take off from a pilot’s palm.

The Neo drone can be controlled through a smartphone app via Wi-Fi, perfect for beginner pilots. It is also compatible with DJI controllers for future upgrades. This drone has advanced features like automatic tracking, following subjects, and executing pre-programmed flight paths. Despite its smaller size, the Neo feels like a professional drone, not a toy. It is recommended to purchase extra batteries as each battery provides only 15 minutes of flight time. This is ideal for content creators looking to capture aerial 4K footage before securing brand deals.

The BOOX Palma is an e-ink phone with a 6.13-inch display that refreshes slowly like an e-reader. Running on full Android, this phone restricts excessive screen time and encourages users to focus on essential apps and information through simple widgets. With a high-resolution screen, the BOOX Palma offers a healthier way to consume information and reduce screen addiction, making it a great alternative to traditional smartphones.

Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite chip is designed for Windows computers, offering high performance and long battery life. Unlike other chip manufacturers, Qualcomm designates all cores as high performance, ensuring consistent performance even when unplugged. This chip is expected to power a new generation of Windows PCs with innovative form factors, providing a balance between performance and battery efficiency.

Overall, these innovative gadgets offer unique features and functionalities that cater to different user needs, from drone enthusiasts to individuals looking to reduce screen time and enhance productivity on their devices. Please rewrite this sentence. Can you please rephrase this sentence?