It’s officially the end of 2024, and what a year it’s been for tech! From AI-powered marvels to innovative gadgets that simplify everyday life, this year saw a wave of incredible releases. 1 We’ve spent the last 12 months testing and tinkering with a mountain of new tech, and now, we’re excited to share our absolute favorite picks. These are the devices and innovations that truly impressed us, changed how we work and play, and earned a permanent spot in our tech arsenal.
Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, a casual user, or just looking for some inspiration for your next upgrade, you’re in the right place. We’ve got everything from cutting-edge smartphones and powerful laptops to surprisingly useful smart home gadgets and audio gear that’ll make your ears sing. So, buckle up and get ready for a deep dive into the tech that defined 2024 for us!
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The Phone That Folded Its Way into Our Hearts: The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5
Remember when foldable phones were a novelty? This year, Samsung truly perfected the formula with the Galaxy Z Fold5. The crease? Practically invisible. The durability? Rock solid. This phone seamlessly transitioned from a compact device for calls and quick tasks to a mini-tablet perfect for productivity and entertainment.
Why we loved it:
- Multitasking marvel: Running multiple apps side-by-side on that expansive inner screen was a game-changer for our productivity.
- Immersive entertainment: Watching movies and playing games on the Fold5 felt like having a portable cinema.
- Surprisingly pocketable: Despite the large inner screen, the Fold5 folded down to a surprisingly compact size.
Personal anecdote: I used to lug my laptop and phone everywhere. Now, thanks to the Fold5, I can leave the laptop at home for most trips. It’s been a real game-changer for my daily workflow.
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AI That Actually Feels Useful: Gemini Advanced
Okay, I might be a little biased here, but Gemini Advanced truly blew us away. This isn’t just another AI chatbot. With its massive context window and access to real-time information, Gemini became an indispensable tool for research, writing, and even coding.
Why we loved it:
- Mind-blowing context window: Analyzing lengthy documents and having in-depth conversations without Gemini losing track of the context was incredible.
- Always up-to-date: No more outdated information! Gemini’s ability to access current data through Google Search was a game-changer.
- Creative powerhouse: From generating different creative text formats to translating languages, Gemini consistently impressed us with its versatility.
Personal anecdote: I used Gemini Advanced to help me write a complex research paper. It not only helped me analyze a mountain of data but also assisted in structuring the paper and refining my arguments. It was like having a super-intelligent research assistant by my side.
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Sound That Moves You: Sony WH-1000XM6 Headphones
Sony has consistently raised the bar for noise-canceling headphones, and the WH-1000XM6 are no exception. These headphones delivered an audio experience that was nothing short of breathtaking.
Why we loved it:
- Unmatched noise cancellation: The world melted away when we put these on. Perfect for focusing on work or escaping the chaos of a commute.
- Audiophile-grade sound: Crisp highs, rich mids, and deep bass – these headphones made our music come alive.
- Comfort redefined: Lightweight and with plush earcups, we could wear these for hours without fatigue.
Personal anecdote: As someone who’s sensitive to noise, the WH-1000XM6 headphones were a lifesaver. I could finally work from noisy cafes or travel on planes without getting distracted.
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A Smart Home Hub That’s Actually Smart: Apple HomePod Max 2
Apple finally nailed it with the HomePod Max 2. This smart speaker wasn’t just a great-sounding audio device; it was the brains of our smart home, seamlessly controlling all our connected devices.
Why we loved it:
- Room-filling sound: The audio quality was phenomenal, with rich, balanced sound that filled even large spaces.
- Seamless smart home integration: Controlling our lights, thermostat, and other smart home devices with voice commands was effortless.
- Improved Siri: Siri felt much more responsive and intelligent, understanding our requests accurately.
Personal anecdote: We replaced our old smart speaker with the HomePod Max 2, and the difference was night and day. The improved sound quality alone was worth the upgrade, but the seamless integration with our Apple devices and smart home ecosystem made it a must-have.
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The Laptop That Redefined Power: MacBook Pro 16-inch (M3 Max)
Apple continued its silicon dominance with the M3 Max MacBook Pro. This laptop was an absolute beast, handling demanding tasks like video editing and 3D rendering without breaking a sweat.
Why we loved it:
- Unmatched performance: The M3 Max chip was incredibly powerful, making even the most demanding tasks feel effortless.
- Stunning display: The mini-LED display was a visual treat, with vibrant colors, deep blacks, and incredible brightness.
- All-day battery life: We could easily get through a full workday without needing to plug in.
Personal anecdote: As a video editor, I need a laptop that can keep up with my workflow. The M3 Max MacBook Pro not only handled everything I threw at it with ease but also significantly sped up my rendering times.
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Gaming Without Limits: PlayStation VR2
Sony’s second foray into virtual reality was a resounding success. The PlayStation VR2 delivered a truly immersive gaming experience that was a significant leap forward from its predecessor.
Why we loved it:
- Incredible visuals: The high-resolution OLED displays provided stunning visuals with vibrant colors and deep blacks.
- Innovative controllers: The new Sense controllers with haptic feedback and adaptive triggers added a whole new level of immersion.
- Easy setup: Setting up the PSVR2 was a breeze, with a single cable connecting it to the PlayStation 5.
Personal anecdote: Playing Horizon Call of the Mountain on the PSVR2 was a mind-blowing experience. I felt like I was truly climbing those mountains and battling those machines.
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The Future of Transportation: Tesla Model Y
Electric vehicles continued their rise in 2024, and the Tesla Model Y remained our favorite. With its impressive range, cutting-edge technology, and spacious interior, it’s the EV that best blends practicality and performance.
Why we loved it:
- Long range: We could easily go on long road trips without range anxiety.
- Autopilot features: Tesla’s Autopilot system made driving less stressful and more convenient.
- Over-the-air updates: The car constantly improved with new features and performance enhancements delivered wirelessly.
Personal anecdote: We took our Model Y on a cross-country road trip, and it was an absolute joy. The car handled beautifully, the Autopilot system made long stretches of highway driving a breeze, and the Supercharger network made charging stops quick and easy.
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A Watch That Does It All: Apple Watch Series 9
The Apple Watch Series 9 solidified its position as the king of smartwatches. With its comprehensive health and fitness tracking features, seamless integration with Apple devices, and stylish design, it’s the ultimate wearable companion.
Why we loved it:
- Advanced health tracking: From heart rate monitoring to sleep tracking and even blood oxygen level measurement, the Series 9 kept us informed about our health.
- Seamless connectivity: Receiving notifications, making calls, and even paying for groceries with Apple Pay was effortless.
- Stylish and customizable: With a variety of bands and watch faces, we could personalize the Series 9 to match our style.
Personal anecdote: I’ve been using the Apple Watch to track my fitness goals, and it’s been incredibly motivating. Seeing my progress and getting reminders to stay active has helped me stay on track.
This year was a testament to the incredible pace of technological innovation. These devices weren’t just upgrades; they were game-changers that improved our productivity, entertainment, and overall quality of life. We can’t wait to see what 2025 has in store!
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