Camera control, AI in phones and more: Tech innovations we saw in 2024

Meta Orion AR glasses

We are now in the last month of 2024, and in the consumer tech realm, all major product launches have already occurred. As we move into 2025, here are the some of the top tech innovations we witnessed this year in the technology space.

The year 2024 was predictably busy and full of shiny new gadgets that arrived with exciting innovations and cool features. These gadgets speak of our gradual transition into an era of more connected, smarter, and sustainable consumer technology with lots of artificial intelligence (AI) features.

This includes some unique tech products such as immersive VR displays, transparent TVs, triple-fold smartphones, and more. Moreover, these innovative products promise a better future, reshaping the way we interact with everyday technology We have now listed some of the key innovations in consumer technology that defined 2024.

Generative AI

Including Gen AI on top of the list might be giving 2023 vibes but it’s for a reason. Artificial intelligence (AI) has become more mainstream in 2024 as it is now used in most modern smartphones, laptops, and other gadgets. It adds creative and practical features that overall improve our experience. In 2024, we saw most operating systems adopt AI for creative tools like real-time translation, call assistance, smart note-taking, and others.

These features make communication easier and how we interact with different products. AI has also improved how we search for information and manage digital content by introducing innovative features such as circle to search, AI object eraser, and more. Smartphone and laptop manufacturers have also introduced dedicated hardware that supports generative AI and makes processing faster for these creative tasks.

Copilot in PCs

Microsoft’s Copilot is an innovative tool designed to assist users with performing customised tasks across various applications. Microsoft, in collaboration with chip giants like Snapdragon’s customized X SoC, for everyday software environments. Moreover, this tool enhances both productivity and creativity for users by streamlining workflows by simplifying and understanding custom tasks to provide relevant suggestions effectively.

Moreover, this not only boosts individual productivity but also ensures that all the customized tasks are performed quickly, without any third part intervention.

Mixed Reality headsets, glasses

If Apple vowed — or at least created a lot of buzz — with Vision Pro in 2023, then Meta’s Orion saw packing a lot of innovation in what look like regular glasses. Orion combined the look and feel of a regular pair of glasses with the immersive capabilities of augmented reality. Those who have tested Orion seem to be suitably impressed with what Meta has done.

Samsung and Google also entered the mixed reality fray by showcasing Android XR, a new computing platform. This does set the stage for users to see more innovations in the mixed reality headset in 2025.

Triple foldable phone

When it comes to phones, the triple foldable phone from Huawei has to be a part of the best innovations. While expensive and beyond the reach of many, the Huawei Mate XT came with the most innovative design we have seen in a long time.

Camera Control

It may have divided opinion and the jury still may be out whether how useful it is but Camera Control on iPhone was at least something new we saw in smartphones. Otherwise, there has been a sort of stagnation with similar looking, similar-specced devices crowding the market. Perhaps Camera Control is a feature that will grow on you. But credit to Apple for doing something different and who knows in 2025 Android phone makers may just adopt the feature and make it more mainstream.