Tech Crunch's Best Products of 2024

Google's AI Dominance: From TPUs to Gemini 1.5 Pro

Google's annual I/O conference showcased a powerful lineup of AI advancements, solidifying its position as a leader in the field.

Tensor Processing Units: Google unveiled the sixth generation of its TPU AI chips, dubbed Trillium, designed for enhanced performance.

Wear OS 5: The new version of Google's smartwatch operating system focuses on improved battery life, workout tracking, and developer tools for app creation.

Pixel 8a: Google released a budget-friendly smartphone packed with features, starting at $499.

Gemini 1.5 Pro: Google's most powerful generative AI model entered public preview, offering increased capabilities and audio processing.

The Latest from Apple: iPhone 16, AirPods 4, and Apple Intelligence

Apple's events, including WWDC and its annual September launch, brought a slew of new devices and features.

iPhone 16: Apple's newest flagship phone features a 48-megapixel camera with a 2x telephoto lens, Spatial Photos and Videos, and Apple Intelligence integration.

AirPods 4: Apple introduced the fourth generation of its popular earbuds, featuring USB-C charging, noise cancellation, and the H2 chip for improved sound quality.

Apple Intelligence: Apple announced its ambitious AI initiative, promising personalized experiences and safety features. Developers will soon be able to integrate it into their apps.

Apple Watch Series 10: The new Apple Watch offers a larger screen, thinner design, sleep apnea detection, and a depth sensor for snorkeling.

Microsoft's AI-Powered Hardware: Copilot+ PCs and Surface Devices

Microsoft's Build conference focused on its vision of AI-first computing, introducing new devices and services.

Copilot+ PCs: Microsoft's AI-powered Windows PCs feature dedicated NPUs for enhanced AI experiences and come with 16GB RAM and SSD storage.

Surface Pro and Surface Laptop: Microsoft's latest Surface devices prioritize performance and battery life, with redesigned laptops and a focus on aesthetics.

CES 2024: From AI-Powered Gadgets to Electric Vehicles

CES, the annual consumer electronics show, showcased a wide array of tech innovations, from bizarre concepts to practical advancements.

Hyundai's eVTOL Air Taxi: Hyundai's Supernal unveiled the S-A2 eVTOL aircraft, aimed at providing air taxi services by 2028.

Honda's 0 Series Electric Vehicles: Honda presented its new 0 Series EVs, focusing on lightweight design and high performance.

Samsung's Home Robot Ballie: Samsung introduced a new version of its home robot, Ballie, featuring advanced navigation and a 1080p projector.

LG's Transparent OLED TV: LG showcased a transparent OLED TV with wireless video and audio transmission technology.

Beyond the Big Names: Other Tech Highlights

Other tech conferences, like Mobile World Congress (MWC), yielded exciting innovations.

Ultraleap's Haptic Touch: Ultraleap announced its plans to bring haptic touch technology to cars and VR headsets.

Nothing Phone (2a): Nothing launched its budget-friendly smartphone, the Phone (2a), powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Pro chip.

Xiaomi's CyberDog 2: Xiaomi showcased its advanced robotic dog, CyberDog 2, capable of backflips and skateboard tricks.

Lenovo's Transparent Laptop Concept: Lenovo presented a concept transparent laptop, demonstrating its innovative design capabilities.

The Future of Tech: AI, Mobility, and Connected Devices

The announcements from major tech companies and industry events like CES, Google I/O, and Microsoft Build reveal a clear trend: AI is rapidly transforming the tech landscape, shaping the future of devices, software, and our interactions with technology.

AI Integration: AI is increasingly integrated into smartphones, wearables, smart homes, and automotive systems, enhancing capabilities and user experiences.

Mobility Advancements: Electric vehicles, air taxis, and autonomous driving are gaining momentum, promising a future of connected and efficient transportation.