The tech landscape is changing at an ever-increasing pace. While some technologies are gaining widespread adoption, others remain on the outskirts, while still others are only just starting to come of age. Some are radically improving existing products and services while others have the potential to transform entire industries. With so many innovations, it’s difficult to keep track of them all. To help you, we’ve rounded up our top 10 innovative gadgets that are reshaping the tech landscape. Foldable smartphones have been one of the biggest trends in mobile technology this year.
But the Samsung Galaxy Fold has stolen the show with its revolutionary 7.3-inch Infinity Flex Display that lets it fold down to tablet size, making it easy to slip into a pocket or purse. This device will be followed in 2022 by Apple’s MacBook Pro, whose latest processor chips make it one of the most powerful laptops on the market. Virtual reality headsets are reshaping the tech landscape by taking people to new places and helping them learn about everything from how to cook a pizza to the inner workings of their own bodies. Until recently, most VR hardware was limited to the gaming industry, but new devices like the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive have brought the immersive experience to consumers.
Similar to virtual reality, augmented reality uses a headset to superimpose computer-generated imagery on real-world environments. While the tech might not seem particularly groundbreaking, it’s already transforming industries like education and healthcare. And it’s only getting better: AR apps are becoming increasingly sophisticated and available on a wide range of devices. The first self-driving cars won’t hit the streets until at least 2020, but a host of technologies are bringing the technology closer to mass use. The driver-assistance features built into current cars are a good example. These include adaptive cruise control, automatic parking and lane-keeping assistance.
The smart lock is a great example of how technology can make a real impact on our lives. The new locks can be opened with a simple tap or for the really lazy, with voice assistants such as Siri and Alexa. Plus, they can automatically unlock if you’re near someone with whom you trust. They’re also useful for businesses, which are using RFID tags to track inventory and assets and reduce theft. RFID tags are also being implanted into animals to help find lost pets, and used by farmers and food companies to track their products.
