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This week: 50 innovations of 2024

This week: 50 innovations of 2024

plus robotaxi, year in search, Sora

Brett Bouchard
December 14, 2024

Wise Tech - Technology news for non-tech humans!

I haven’t tried a Virtual Reality headset yet, have you?

1. The 50 greatest innovations of 2024

What’s the tech
Each year, Popular Science highlights the most groundbreaking innovations, and 2024 did not disappoint. Apple’s Vision Pro headset topped the list as Innovation of the Year, offering a remarkable augmented reality (AR, which combines digital images with real-world views) experience. Other standout innovations included Sony’s A9 III camera with distortion-free global shutter technology, DJI’s affordable Neo drone with professional features, and the BOOX Palma e-ink phone designed to help reduce screen addiction. Qualcomm's Snapdragon X-series chips also made waves, promising energy-efficient performance for laptops. In the entertainment category, Zildjian’s hybrid drum kit combines acoustic and electronic sounds seamlessly.

Why it’s news now
These innovations represent the leading edge of technology that’s becoming available now. They’re being recognized not just for their novelty, but for their potential to change how we live, work, and play.

2. General Motors cancels robotaxi business

What’s the tech
General Motors’ robotaxi service, Cruise, aimed to offer self-driving cars (vehicles that can operate without human drivers) as a ride-hailing service. After safety concerns, including a high-profile incident in San Francisco, GM decided to cancel Cruise.

How it’s used
Cruise operated by deploying autonomous vehicles in cities like San Francisco to provide taxi services. Customers could hail these cars using a smartphone app, much like Uber or Lyft. However, issues with safety and reliability created challenges for the service.

Why it’s news now
The cancellation highlights the hurdles facing the autonomous vehicle industry. While self-driving technology has advanced, safety, regulations, and public trust remain significant challenges. GM’s decision signals a shift in focus to perfecting the technology before trying to deploy it on a large scale.

3. Google’s Year in Search 2024

What’s the tech
Google’s Year in Search highlights the most-searched topics worldwide, reflecting the events, trends, and issues that captured global attention. It uses search data to compile this annual list.

How it’s used
Google organizes trending searches into categories, such as news, entertainment, and sports. Users can explore what others are searching for and understand what dominated global conversations.

Why it’s news now
From major sporting events and celebrity news to climate concerns and ongoing discussions about the COVID-19 pandemic, this list gives insight into the collective priorities and interests of people worldwide. It’s also a reminder of the role the internet plays in shaping public discourse.

Bonus Topic: OpenAI releases Sora

What it does
Sora is OpenAI’s new video-generating tool that can create realistic videos from text descriptions. Imagine typing a few sentences and getting a video that brings your words to life.

How it’s used
Sora is ideal for industries like education, entertainment, and advertising. Teachers might use it to create engaging content for lessons, filmmakers to storyboard ideas, and brands to craft visual marketing campaigns.

Why it’s popular
Sora represents a leap forward in creativity and accessibility. Its ability to turn ideas into visuals is opening doors to innovation, though it’s also raising concerns about ethical use, such as the risk of creating deepfakes (realistic but fake videos).

Conversation starter
“What kind of videos would you create if you could just type in a description and let AI do the rest?”