Buzz
Technological advancements are constantly unfolding, with companies relentlessly innovating to stay ahead in the ever-evolving market. Every year introduces something new that reshapes industries, and when a truly game-changing creation appears, it leaves a lasting mark on the world of technology.
Between 2010 and 2019, a slew of remarkable devices, improved technologies, and fresh inventions captured the public's imagination. Some of these innovations went on to influence popular culture, becoming icons of the era. Here's a list of the ten most revolutionary gadgets of the decade, ranked from first to last.
10. 2010: Instant Pot
Even if you don't own an Instant Pot, there's a good chance that someone you know constantly raves about how indispensable it is. Released in 2010, the Instant Pot may appear to be just another pressure cooker, but it’s far more than that, boasting a wide range of functions. Created by Robert Wang, a computer scientist who invested $350,000 of his savings to bring this dream to life, the Instant Pot quickly became a sensation. Thanks to glowing reviews from food bloggers and the ease of purchasing through Amazon, it swiftly climbed the ranks to become one of the hottest products of the year.
Instant Pots function similarly to slow cookers, but they offer much more versatility. They can steam rice, cook meats, bake a cheesecake, boil dozens of eggs, make oatmeal, and perform countless other tasks that you’d never expect from a pressure cooker. There are numerous cookbooks and recipes dedicated to these devices, and with most requiring nothing more than adding ingredients and walking away, Instant Pots are quickly surpassing traditional slow cookers and pressure cookers. They frequently go on sale, and now that Wang has teamed up with Corelle, the Instant Pot is here to stay for the long run.
9. 2011: Nest Learning Thermostat
Launched as one of the most advanced thermostats at the time, the Nest Learning Thermostat quickly became a bestseller. While many of its features are now standard in other models, in 2011, a thermostat with machine learning capabilities was revolutionary. The device connects to the internet via Wi-Fi and uses an algorithm to learn user preferences regarding temperature. It also tracks when people are home and adjusts the settings accordingly, optimizing energy use and reducing costs by preventing unnecessary cooling when no one is present.
By the end of the decade, six versions of the Nest Learning Thermostat had been released, each improving on the original 2011 model. Its success led to its acquisition by Google in January 2014 for $3.2 billion in cash. Since then, Nest has operated separately from Google’s other divisions, and the product line has expanded to include other smart home devices such as cameras, alarm systems, smoke detectors, and more.
2012: Tesla Model S
In 2012, Tesla unveiled the Model S, which, though not the first electric vehicle, fundamentally changed the perception of electric cars worldwide. While electric vehicles have existed since the 19th century, they were overshadowed by the rise of internal combustion engines. Elon Musk aimed to alter this narrative, and his electric vehicle line, first launched in 2009, set him on the path to becoming a car manufacturer. The release of the Model S in 2012 introduced a practical alternative to gas-guzzling cars, establishing a strong foundation for the future of electric vehicles.
With the 2012 Model S proving successful, Musk continued refining the manufacturing process and released additional car models. The initial price of the 2012 Model S was a steep $75,000, making it out of reach for many, but its success paved the way for the more affordable Model 3. As the technology evolves, costs are expected to decrease, and more people will be driving Teslas and other electric vehicles, all thanks to the success of the 2012 Tesla Model S.
7. 2013: Sony Playstation 4
The eighth-generation console era began with the Wii U in 2012, but unlike its predecessor, the console didn’t see much success. The true competition for console dominance kicked off in 2013 with the PlayStation 4 (PS4), which hit stores in November. While the Xbox One (XB1) followed closely behind, the PS4 quickly took a commanding lead in the ongoing console war between Nintendo, Microsoft, and Sony. Designed with gamers and high-quality graphics in mind, the PS4 focused on gameplay, while the XB1 was intended to be an all-in-one multimedia device, which didn't appeal as much to the gaming audience.
The PS4 was highly praised, with clear differences between it and Microsoft's offerings. The console performed incredibly well in sales, surpassing expectations, and by September 2019, Sony had sold more than 102 million PS4 units worldwide. It continues to dominate the market, even as Sony and its competitors work on next-generation consoles. In terms of total sales, the PS4 ranks as the second-best-selling home console (non-handheld), only behind the PS2 and ahead of the Nintendo DS and Game Boy, securing its place as one of the most successful consoles in history.
6. 2014: Amazon Echo
Prior to 2014, speaking out loud while being alone in a room was often seen as a sign of distress. But everything shifted with the launch of the Amazon Echo, a smart speaker that functioned similarly to the computer on the Starship Enterprise. This wasn’t just a Bluetooth device that played music; it was a voice-activated gadget that could respond to spoken commands, making it fully hands-free. If you felt like listening to The Beatles, you simply had to say, 'Alexa, play The Beatles,' and in a matter of seconds, you’d be immersed in their tunes.
By the end of the decade, the Amazon Echo, alongside its competitors from Google and others, became a household staple. Many homes now feature multiple devices, and these gadgets have evolved to integrate with phones, cars, wall clocks, microwaves, and practically anything you never thought you’d want automated. Though there have been some concerns regarding privacy, Amazon continues to see strong sales of Echo devices. In December 2019, they introduced Samuel L. Jackson’s voice as an option, setting the stage for more celebrity voices to join the platform.
5. 2015: JUUL
While its reputation took a major hit in 2019 due to health concerns linked to vaping and the controversy surrounding its appeal to teens, the JUUL was a groundbreaking product when it first launched in 2015. Before its arrival, e-cigarettes were bulky, complex, and difficult to use. The JUUL was sleek, portable, user-friendly, and offered mint and fruit-flavored pods, posing a serious challenge to traditional cigarettes. Regardless of public opinion on the vaping industry, the JUUL marked a notable innovation.
The JUUL was valued at nearly $24 billion in 2019, and despite the ongoing challenges, it is expected to continue thriving in the market. JUUL’s mission is 'to provide the world’s one billion adult smokers with a true alternative to combustible cigarettes,' and there's no doubt that the product fulfilled that goal when it launched in 2015. The company is committed to addressing concerns about youth smoking related to its products, ensuring its place in the industry for the foreseeable future.
4. 2016: Apple Airpods
Apple has long been a symbol of innovation. While the company spent years reshaping the cellphone and tablet industries, it also shifted its focus to accessories. In 2016, Apple revealed that the iPhone 7 would no longer feature the headphone jack, a longstanding staple in mobile phones. Alongside this announcement, Apple introduced its Airpods, making it clear that this was the only type of headphone they wanted their customers to have.
The Apple Airpods are entirely wireless, and while some initially mocked the idea of separating the left and right earpieces for fear of losing them, they quickly became a favorite among consumers. Their sound quality surpasses many competing models. Since their release, newer versions have added noise cancellation, an improved in-ear fit, and wireless charging. Once again, Apple transformed the marketplace with a product that had been around for decades in different forms.
3. 2019: Oculus Quest
Virtual Reality gaming has been gradually making its way into the marketplace since the 1980s, but it hasn't been without its struggles. Early technology couldn't support many immersive experiences until products like the HTC Vive and Oculus Rift emerged. However, these headsets were bulky and required a powerful PC to operate. The need for high-end hardware meant players had to invest thousands of dollars to experience anything worthwhile, limiting the market to a niche audience. Then, the Oculus Quest was released, and everything changed.
The Oculus Quest wasn’t the second or even third headset by Oculus, but it was the first to not require a computer, have cables, or need any external connections, allowing it to run almost all VR software available. The ability to take VR anywhere without the need for additional equipment or plugging it into a computer transformed virtual reality forever. This groundbreaking portable technology will continue to evolve, so expect lighter, smaller, and more advanced VR gear in the future.
2. 2018: Mars Translation Earbuds
Apple disrupted the market in 2016 with the release of the Airpods, but this was just the start of the wireless earbuds trend, and the technology has only advanced since then. Mars Translation Earbuds are exactly what the name suggests: earbuds that instantly translate spoken language. Previous attempts to create such a product were less than perfect, but these new earbuds function almost flawlessly, translating what someone says directly into your ear.
The Mars Translation Earbuds can be separated, allowing you to hand one earbud to the person you're speaking with. For instance, if you meet someone who speaks only Russian and you only speak English, you can hand them one earbud, and they’ll hear your words in their native language, while you hear theirs in English. Though the technology still needs some refinement, it's a game-changer for business travelers, diplomats, and even military personnel working in foreign countries.
1. 2017: Nintendo Switch
Nintendo has been a pioneering company throughout its history. Originally producing playing cards in the 19th century, the company went on to revive the video game industry in the 1980s. Since then, Nintendo has introduced many technological innovations and gameplay styles, with some products falling flat, like the Power Glove, and others shaping the industry, like the Wii. After the failure of its successor, the company rebounded with the Nintendo Switch, which captured the attention of fans with cutting-edge technology and a product they quickly embraced.
The Nintendo Switch is a revolutionary console, unlike anything Nintendo has released before. It’s not just a traditional home console like its predecessors; it’s a portable gaming device. Players can easily lift it out of its docking station and continue playing on the go. The Switch also allows users to swap controllers, and even insert the console into other devices worldwide to pick up where they left off. Along with multimedia playback, it’s not just limited to family-friendly titles. The Switch boasts a library that includes most major AAA games from PS4 and XB1.
