The year 2024 saw a series of impressive technological inventions, redefining the boundaries of innovation and paving the way for a fascinating future. From three-fold foldable smartphones to advances in artificial intelligence and space exploration, here’s an overview of the innovations that marked this year.
Foldable smartphones are revolutionizing mobile technology
Huawei left its mark with the Mate XT Ultimate Designthe world’s first tri-fold foldable smartphone. This Z-shape phone can expand from a 6.4-inch OLED display to a 10.2-inch tablet, providing unparalleled versatility. In partially unfolded mode, it also offers a 7.9-inch intermediate screen, ideal for hybrid use. Although its price is high, approximately 2 577 £ ($3,370), it represents a major breakthrough in the field of mobile devices.
LG’s Transparent TV: A Glimpse into the Future
LG unveiled its Signature OLED Ta revolutionary transparent television. With a 77-inch screen that looks like glass when turned off, this device can display images while remaining translucent or become opaque using advanced technology. This wireless TV, which uses audio and visual transmission via a 60GHz antenna, could well redefine the way we design living spaces.
Apple Vision Pro: a giant step towards mixed reality
The Apple Vision Pro, launched in January, is one of the most advanced mixed reality headsets on the market. Offering impressive resolution of 3660 x 3200 pixels per eye (equivalent to two 4K screens), it allows users to superimpose virtual information on the real world or to fully immerse themselves in a virtual universe. This headset also stands out for its unique control system, based on tracking body and eye movements, eliminating the need for manual controllers. Despite its high price (£3,499), it represents a significant step forward in the world of immersive technologies.
BeamO: health within reach
The BeamOa wearable medical device developed by Withings, promises to revolutionize home healthcare. Using an array of advanced sensors, this remote control-sized device can measure temperature, blood flow, heart rate and more. With a launch planned for 2025 at a price of 249,95 $BeamO could democratize access to regular medical check-ups.
AirXeed: reusable and durable weather balloons
Winner of the James Dyson Award for sustainability, theAirXeed is an eco-friendly innovation designed to reduce plastic waste generated by traditional weather balloons. Inspired by maple seeds, this device can be sent to a recovery area after use, allowing scientists to reuse it while reducing its environmental impact.
AlphaFold 3: artificial intelligence at the service of science
Developed by Google DeepMind, AlphaFold 3 is a major advance in the field of molecular biology. Unlike its predecessor, which predicted the structure of proteins, AlphaFold 3 can model their interactions with unprecedented precision. This innovation, made available as open source, could accelerate discoveries in the field of medicine and biotechnology.
MO/GO: robotic pants for hiking enthusiasts
Inspired by the animated film Wallace et Gromitrobotic pants MO/GO are designed to make hiking easier. Equipped with integrated electric motors, they provide leg support when going up slopes and absorb impacts when going downhill. Although they are still expensive ($5,000) and expected in 2026, these pants could transform the accessibility of outdoor activities for people with reduced mobility.
Tesla Robotaxi: the revolution in autonomous driving
Elon Musk unveiled this year the Tesla Robotaxian autonomous vehicle without a steering wheel or pedals, designed to carry two passengers. Running entirely on electricity, it recharges via an induction station integrated into the floor. Expected to cost less than $30,000, this concept could revolutionize mobility and the car ownership model, with autonomous vehicles generating income for their owners.
SpaceX Super Heavy: a step towards Mars
Finally, SpaceX accomplished a feat with the successful launch and landing of its rocket Super Heavycapable of carrying massive loads into space. With his 33 Raptor engines and colossal thrust, this reusable rocket paves the way for interplanetary missions, including the colonization of Mars.
From technological advances to eco-friendly inventions, 2024 has been a year full of discoveries. These innovations demonstrate the infinite potential of human ingenuity and provide a glimpse of a fascinating future.
Illustration : Wikipedia
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