The electronic devices that we use today remind us how far technological advancement has leaped. During the 2010s, we witnessed the rise in daily-use technology. Some examples of the technologies developed in the last decade are artificial intelligence, social media, and cloud computing.
Based on these technologies, we benefitted from innovations such as iPads, truly wireless earphones (TWLs), fitness trackers, and even flying cars! Furthermore, we also saw the evolution of digital assistants such as Alexa and Siri that changed our course of interaction with technology.
As we bid adieu to the 2010s and welcome a new decade, let’s take a look at some of the most spectacular innovations that have significantly impacted our lives.
1. The Kindle Paperwhite
With the launch of the Kindle Paperwhite in 2012, Amazon certainly became the master of online publishing. The entry of Kindle Paperwhite into the market converted millions of paperback readers to e-readers.
The Paperwhite became increasingly famous because it read and felt almost like an actual book. Of course, competitors could not compete with such a lucrative choice or price.
Eventually, Amazon kept improvising on the Paperwhite by including new features such as audiobooks, in-built dictionary, and highlighting, to name a few.
2. The ReWalk Exoskeleton
2013 was blessed with a unique innovation by ReWalk Robotics – the ReWalk Exoskeleton. This device was launched to help people suffering from spinal cord injuries walk again. Most prior research on exoskeletons focused on industrial and military applications.
However, ReWalk redefined the discourse and made exoskeletons available to people with paraplegia all over the world.
The ReWalk exoskeleton operated with the help of a backpack battery. An easy-to-use wrist-mounted remote control could control the device and detect and accentuate the user’s movements. This innovation truly helped thousands of people lead fulfilling lives.
3. The Apple iPad
In 2010, Apple introduced the iPad – a faster and lighter device that was versatile, fun to use, and certainly more intuitive. It was much more than a tablet or a bigger phone. Of course, the iPad could not perform all functions that a computer or a laptop could.
Nevertheless, the iPad was a perfect daily companion for editing documents, browsing the internet, emailing, and presenting in meetings. As developers made the iPad better, we saw the dawn of many games, productivity apps, and the like.
Interestingly, the iPad was extensively used for in-cab entertainment as well. Over the decade, we saw multiple versions of iPads that featured better software and hardware.
4. Amazon’s Alexa
In 2014, we were introduced to Alexa by Amazon. This introduction brought the Internet of Things (IoT) to our respective homes. Alexa was a voice-activated virtual digital assistant that could perform almost any function on the internet for you.
Today, you can even ask Alexa to order a pizza or dim the lights of your room. Millions of households use voice-operated virtual assistants such as Alexa, Cortana, Google Assistant, and Siri.
5. Oculus Rift (Virtual Reality)
Another unique innovation in the 2010s was the Oculus Rift in 2016. Initially, Oculus Rift was entirely focused on gaming through virtual reality (VR). However, this led to a rise of devices in VR and AR (augmented reality).
Nevertheless, the Oculus Rift ensured that everyone could afford VR. AR and VR are not common yet. However, newer products in the same technology are being developed by companies such as Microsoft as well.
These VR devices were used for gaming and medical purposes, helping surgeons understand unique anatomy accurately and quickly.
6. The Airless VISION Tire by Michelin
As 2017 set in, we saw a highly environmentally friendly product – the VISION Tire by Michelin. This tire was a 3D-printed organic and airless tire-cum-wheel. It did not feature any rims or inflation.
The entire structure of the tire was sturdy enough to give ample support to the vehicle and flexible enough to withstand any amount of pressure and impact. The tire was made of a biodegradable material – a form of rubber obtained from recyclable and organic materials.
7. Foldable Displays
2019 saw the introduction of a smartphone with a foldable display – ThinkPad x 1 by Lenovo. This phone is comparatively lighter and smaller than any other phone by Lenovo. Additionally, Microsoft also developed devices that used foldable displays.
Some of these devices are Surface Duo and Neo. Both these devices feature two foldable screens on a hinge compared to the single flexible displays.
8. Chromebooks
In 2011, Acer and Samsung gave us the most convenient and affordable laptop – a Chromebook. For those of us who only need basic applications and a web browser on the laptop, Chromebooks were the perfect companions.
Chromebooks were highly cost-effective and gained popularity in schools. They could withstand more wear and tear as compared to tablets.
9. Uber
Although founded in 2009, this ride-hailing service – Uber, was launched in San Francisco in 2011. Consequently, this was followed by services such as Lyft – the biggest competitor of Uber in the US.
Uber used the 4G network services combined with the GPS feature in smartphones as a cab-hailing service industry. Undoubtedly, Uber gained popularity despite being a unicorn tech startup.
10. Microsoft HoloLens
In 2016, Microsoft surprised the entire world with its mixed reality innovation called the Microsoft HoloLens headset. This device is a pair of mixed reality smart glasses that enables you to see a hologram.
This innovation opened up a volley of possibilities in the field of computing. The HoloLens by Microsoft is used in sectors such as industrial design and assisted surgery. Of course, the applications of this device are endless.
Summing Up
Undoubtedly, the 2010s formed an incredible decade. The immeasurable innovations and unique inventions during the last decade formed the basis of the inventions that we are likely to see in the coming decade.
Although some of the innovations mentioned above faced difficult challenges, they still inspired, delighted, and unnerved us. Today, innovations such as the iPad, ReWalk exoskeleton, Kindle, Alexa, or Siri are technologies we cannot do away with.
Changes in technology such as those mentioned above have certainly influenced our lives in more than one way.
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