In the 2010s the revolutionary technology of the last decade made people’s lives change groundbreakingly. Most basic things today appear unimaginable without these technological advances. From smartphones to self-drive cars and any innovations that are making a headway, in most cases they are in the tech realm for consumers. Given that we are on the verge of a new era, let us dive into the top tech inventions of the past 10 years which have been simply mind-blowing and at the same time transformative.
The iPad
Steve Jobs’ revelation of the first iPad in 2010, with the clear message that the era of tablet computers was in sight and their limitless abilities awaited us, marked the beginning of an entirely new way of life. Since the original iPad had a slick multi-touch interface and the access to Apple’s gigantic App Store to get this job done, the computing was made more intuitive, portable and even more visual. The tablet users skyrocketed by the next few years and app developers created numerous creative apps to use. Through the iPad we finally experienced the living evidence of the world where technology becomes really intimate and immersive.
Smart Assistants
“Hey Siri…” With these two words, we decided to accelerate the human race into the era of intelligent agents. Apple started another big service with the launch of Siri, then followed by Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant. Nowadays, personal AI assistants take care of everyday chores from answering questions to controlling smart home devices with the power of speech only. Their capacity for recognizing natural language in fact foreshadows the world of hands-free computing to come.
Drones
In the past decade, drones, initially military tech, have evolved into consumers’ go-to miniature personal flying vehicles. Ready to fly drones like DJI Phantom that are used by most professional aerial photographers to get amazing pictures and videos are a common site. Commercial drone use was on the up in the sense of deliveries, surveillance and photography applications. Drones are the exemplification that, in case of technological advances, the democratization of technologically superior technologies can be possible.
Smartphones
The progress globally with regard to mobile technology has thundered ever since the release of a first smartphone over a decade ago. It took only a few years for rapid hardware advancements to come up with mobile phones that matched (and often exceeded) the power and capabilities of computers. Better these smartphones today are 5G connectivity, HD displays, and AI-enhanced chips, making the devices feel as if they are opened magical portals; portals for work, entertainment and communication.
Self-Driving Cars
Not many technologies in the making can equal (while at the same time causing debate on ethics) the level of enthusiasm and ethical concerns that surround driverless cars. The major competitors such as Waymo and Tesla were welded unrelentingly into developing the operational and reliable autonomous software system. On the other hand, autonomous consumer vehicles are still in its early stages and transitioning to the market while manufacturers are working on the advanced driver assist systems with autonomous emergency braking and lane centering that will help pave the regulatory way and technology upstream.
Video Streaming
That all we could do to enjoy our favorite programs is not anymore, and it is almost impossible because of the streaming media industry which exploded this decade. Streaming leadership came from internet-native players such as Netflix and Hulu, and entertainment moved from movie theaters to the home. In 2019 competition rode hard on Netflix, when Apple, Disney, and other new services became available. Customers could easily find and watch Hollywood movies and topical, niche content to leave everyone satisfied.
Smart Speakers
“Alexa, play my tunes!” It was not Amazon who was the first among smart speakers in the 2010s but sooner or later they were able to prove the category’s worth. Integrated audio systems with voice assistants, Wi-Fi connectivity, as well as audio quality enhancement has turned the Echo, Google Home, and Apple HomePod into music centers, weather-dependent, news and call hubs in the world’s homes.
Augmented & Virtual Reality
Finally, science fiction dreams have turned into reality and futuristicists’ minds come true with the introduction of Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, and Microsoft HoloLens headsets. The consequences of AR and VR applications do not end here in the field of better gaming and entertainment environments. In architecture, engineering, healthcare, and security, for example, the 3D visualization ability of these devices is expected to dwarf that of the computers or mobile phones we already have.
DNA Manipulation & Gene Editing
The genomic medicine potential is to find the specific and personalized treatment that the mutations in our own genes code for. At-home DNA test kits which are supplied by companies such as 23andMe and AncestryDNA, became very much popular in recent times with their service of showing family tree and heir-to-disease. On the research front, the CRISPR-Cas9 technique for precision gene editing has opened up the door to the possible proofreading and careful editing of DNA mutations leading to disease eradication. Genomics, in fact, is the next breakthrough in the field of health technology.