Best of 2024

A Look Back at 2024’s Most Innovative and Interesting Tech Moments

As far as tech goes, 2024 was a strong year for some innovative, interesting, and unforgettable moments.

Apple’s Vision Pro and the Future of Spatial Computing

We kicked off the year with the Apple Vision Pro — Apple’s long-awaited entry into the world of “spatial computing.” It was impressive, with The Verge’s editor-in-chief, Nilay Patel, describing the device as “magic, until it’s not.” But it still remains to be seen if Apple’s first MR device can kick off this new age of computing.

Meta’s Project Orion and the Future of AR

Meta also showed us what it developed after investing billions into its metaverse division. Deputy editor Alex Heath got a demo of Project Orion — a pair of AR glasses that won’t make you look like a super dork (okay, maybe a little). More importantly, though, we got a sense of where AR is heading, which arguably puts Meta in pole position in this space.

Wearable AI Assistants and the Future of AI Interactions

This was also the year of wearable AI assistants. At CES 2024, we were introduced to the cute Rabbit R1 that stole our hearts. And we got to see Humane’s highly anticipated AI Pin. Even though the devices were big disappointments when they finally released, they do represent a turning point in the future of AI interactions.

Smartphone Upgrades and the Latest in AI and Camera Quality

We can never go a year without the biggest smartphone upgrades. Samsung, Google, and Apple focused on their AI and camera qualities. We got to put Apple’s big new feature for the iPhone this year, the dedicated camera button, to the test. We spent countless hours and days testing it out — and all of the iPhone’s new camera features — while we wait for the full rollout of Apple Intelligence.

Other Notable Tech Moments

We’ve covered almost everything, but there are a few things we missed. So we sat down with Verge staff to hear about the technology that stood out to them the most this year. Take a watch and see if your favorite tech made it in, or just get reminded of all that came out this year.

Conclusion

As we look back on the past year, it’s clear that 2024 was a year of significant innovation and progress in the tech world. From the Apple Vision Pro to Project Orion, wearable AI assistants, and smartphone upgrades, there were many exciting and noteworthy moments. As we move forward into the new year, it will be interesting to see how these developments continue to shape the future of technology.

FAQs

Q: What was the most exciting tech moment of 2024?

A: While there were many exciting moments, Apple’s Vision Pro was certainly one of the most anticipated and impressive.

Q: What is the future of AR?

A: According to Meta’s Project Orion, AR is heading towards more immersive and interactive experiences. We can expect to see more advancements in this area in the coming years.

Q: What was wrong with the wearable AI assistants released in 2024?

A: While they represented a turning point in the future of AI interactions, the devices were ultimately disappointments due to their lack of functionality and user-friendliness.

Q: What’s next for AI and camera quality in smartphones?

A: With the recent releases of Apple’s iPhone and Samsung’s Galaxy S series, we can expect to see continued advancements in AI and camera quality. It will be interesting to see how these developments impact the future of smartphone technology.