We want the end of 2014 to fill you with wonder and amazement, like the climax to any year should, so we’ve taken a look at TIME Magazine’s annual round-up of the year’s best inventions in an attempt to reassure the technology loving world that innovation and creativity has been present throughout 2014.
The annually curated list of the year’s best inventions attempts to cover every facet of possibility. The list encompasses everything from a levitating skateboard all the way to an invention known as Witricity, which is essentially a plug-in coil that generates a magnetic field with the intention of wirelessly powering objects up to 2.4 meters away. What’s surprising, and extremely positive for the consumer technology industry is that TIME has also recognized three inventions that will have a big part to play going forward.
Apple Watch
The TIME Magazine list describes Apple’s latest product as a watch that “redefines smart“, which is a fairly succinct way of summing up the product. Although it won’t be available until “early 2015“, the Apple Watch has had tongues wagging ever since it was officially introduced during Apple’s September 9th event.
The custom designed and engineered interface will utilize physical and digital buttons in an attempt to provide the user with an unrivalled watch experience. When you consider that owners will be able to send messages and emails, get turn-by-turn directions, listen to music, track fitness targets and make seamless mobile payments via Apple Pay, all from a beautiful and fashionable watch, it’s hard to imagine the Apple Watch not being remembered as one of the most important announcements of the year.
Surface Pro 3
Microsoft’s latest tablet, which retails at $799 for the base model, is the software company’s latest “hybrid,” bringing with it the power of a regular laptop built into a durable and extremely portable 12-inch tablet. Power and business users will immediately be able to benefit from the fact that the Surface Pro 3 can seamlessly run desktop applications such as Word, PowerPoint and Excel, meaning there’s no knowledge gap or learning curve.
Microsoft may have been overshadowed by Apple’s iPad once again in the mainstream tablet wars, but the Surface Pro 3 is definitely one of 2014’s biggest achievements.
Ringly
Ringly, as we have previously mentioned, is an invention that offers something a little different. Yes; it’s a wearable. Yes; it’s powerful and intelligent. But it isn’t a smartwatch or a sensor ladened wristband. Ringly is a standout invention of 2014 that was born from one individual’s frustration at missing important calls and notifications due to a smartphone being hidden away in a purse during working hours.
The innovation and creative doesn’t end there. Here’s the full curated list as published in this year’s breakdown:
- Hendo Hoverboard
- Mangalyaan
- High-beta fusion reactor
- Witricity
- 3D printers
- Apple Watch
- Blackphone
- Coolest Cooler
- Lumo Lift
- BMW i3
- Microsoft Surface Pro 3
- Ringly
- Pillpack
- Superbananas
- Copenhagen Wheel
- MotionSavvy uni
- Hemopurifier
- The selfie stick
- Quirky + GE aros
- Blue Room
- Osmo
- 94fifty smart sensor
- Wikipearls
- Electric objects
- IAmelemental
(Source: TIME)
You can follow us on Twitter, add us to your circle on Google+ or like our Facebook page to keep yourself updated on all the latest from Microsoft, Google, Apple and the web.