innovations – Tutor Dasher

At the start of 2024, if you had asked me about our top gadgets list, I would have anticipated a lineup filled with quirky AI-driven devices like the rabbit R1 or the Humane Ai Pin. The phrase "Now with AI" had been dominating the consumer electronics scene throughout the 2020s. These devices promised seamless integration of neural network power into our daily lives without the need for phones or smart fridges. However, upon their release, it became evident that the software was slow and buggy, and the hardware was clunky. Perhaps the standalone AI device will have its time, and we will look back and laugh at these modest beginnings. In reality, the standout breakthrough of 2024 came from Apple in the form of its long-awaited Vision Pro headset. Despite facing its own challenges, a brief experience with the device revealed something truly different, significant, and frankly, amazing. The list also features Sony's innovative pro-grade camera, the most user-friendly drone we've encountered, and a no-frills phone—no-frills in a positive sense, of course. (Editor’s Note: This excerpt is part of Popular Science's 37th annual Best of What's New awards. Don't forget to explore the full list of the 50 greatest innovations of 2024.) Innovation of the Year Vision Pro from Apple: A new dimension for augmented reality Learn More For years, rumors of Apple's VR headset circulated the gadget blogs and tech websites, akin to consumer tech's elusive sasquatch—rumored sightings, but uncertain existence. Then, in February, the Vision Pro emerged from the metaphorical forest, boasting a striking design and a hefty $3,500 price tag. Equipped with a new R-series chip and a dedicated OS for spatial computing, the headset faces a unique set of challenges. From a hardware standpoint, the headset features a 23-million-pixel screen delivering over 4K quality to each eye. Functioning as a true AR device, external cameras provide a real-time view of the outside world on the display. Virtual displays, AR game boards, and digital elements seamlessly blend into the user's real-world view. Removing the headset can be a jarring experience, as the absence of floating UI in the real world becomes noticeable. The device eliminates the need for controllers or buttons, offering users a direct connection to the augmented space. While AR headsets have existed before, the Vision Pro stands out for its immense potential. It aligns with Apple's broader hardware strategy, where new iPhone cameras are optimized for shooting spatial videos tailored for AR consumption. Common apps can provide AR experiences specifically designed for headsets. Anticipated advancements in future iterations may eliminate the unsettling reflection of the user's eyes on the exterior screen. We eagerly await Apple's next move, as a consumer-friendly pricing for such an experience could revolutionize the industry. A9 III from Sony: The first consumer mirrorless camera to eradicate wiggly images Learn More Capture a photo or video of a fast-moving subject with a typical digital camera (including your smartphone), and you might notice the unpleasant wobble effect. Digital camera sensors scan horizontal rows sequentially rather than capturing every pixel simultaneously, resulting in distorted images of fast-moving objects. Sony's A9 III utilizes a global shutter, triggering every pixel simultaneously. This allows the camera to capture images at shutter speeds up to 1/80,000th of a second without distorting the subjects in the frame. Achieved through a newly designed stacked sensor, the chip integrates the light-capturing and computing hardware, enabling faster operation compared to conventional camera systems. While there are some trade-offs like slightly noisier images in low light conditions, it's a small price to pay for the fastest consumer camera available. DJI Neo: A sub-$200 drone that isn't a toy