Top 10 Technology Posts of 2024
While artificial intelligence had mainstream media abuzz this year, our savvy readers were drawn to technology’s soulful side with a full embrace of objects that traded time logged onto the web for enhanced real-world experiences. Consumers have been embracing analog aesthetics, playful colors, and devices that make life a little more enjoyable. From the Marc Newson x Swarovski Optik AX Visio bird watching binoculars to the chic detailing of the Marantz TT-15S1 Turntable, there’s something for everyone. Continue reading for a look at our most popular technology posts from 2024.
10. Nunc. Pairs German Engineering With AI to Brew Coffee Perfectly
Your coffee routine is a highly personal ritual. For some, it’s a way to bless the day before it begins, and for others, a nightcap bringing it to a close. Nunc. – a coffee startup spearheaded by a two-time barista champion, rocket scientist, engineer, designer, and loT expert – launched the Portafilter Machine and Grinder. This AI-enhanced brewing system is engineered to remove the guesswork from the art and science of making the ideal coffee-based beverage.
9. JMGO Mini Triple Laser Projectors Have a Handle on Binging Wherever
Portable and playful, the JMGO N1S and the N1S Ultra flagship model feature the brand’s signature pan-and-tilt gimbal design, allowing for easy setup and optimal viewing angles. The ingenious design operates as an intelligent stand taking the hassle out of propping the device up to an ideal height. The projector packaging also doubles as a cute, convenient carrying case for moments when you wish to take your shows on the road.
8. FiiO Gives Portable CD + Cassette Players a Modern Spin
The Chinese audio gear company FiiO brought the technology of yesteryear into the modern era with the announcement of the new FiiO DM13 portable CD player alongside a refresh of the FiiO CP13 portable cassette player. Both boast instantly classic designs and modern features, and allow you to unabashedly embrace your previously-retired CD and cassette collections to enjoy once again.
7. Marc Newson x Swarovski Optik AX Visio Binoculars Can Identify Over 9,000 Birds
Bird watching and all of its slow-paced pleasures have cemented themselves into popular culture. The formerly niche, now in vogue hobby has also inspired crossover collaborations for products like the covetable Swarovski Optik AX Visio Binoculars designed by Marc Newson. This AI-enhanced optical instrument offers improved ergonomics and a slew of technology integrated with an easy-to-operate interface that users can acclimate to quickly.
6. This CD Playing Turntable Pairs Analog Aesthetics With Digital Fidelity
Vinyl’s resurgence isn’t merely a matter of iconic analog aesthetics, it’s a generational trend towards reconnecting with music in a way that streaming cannot. But with albums sold at increasingly prohibitive prices it can be difficult to share in that experience. To make such a joy accessible, Korean designer Jaehyung Chu created the Viva turntable for compact discs. The Future-retro, high-fidelity device fashions a whole new way to appreciate CDs like never before.
5. Serene Industries Carves Metal Into The Icebreaker Keyboard
Filmmaker, designer, and Serene Industries founder Denis Agarkov pulled himself out of a professional rut with a design charrette, which resulted in the creation of his own keyboard – The Icebreaker. This 65% mechanical keyboard was inspired by Manhattan’s triangular Flatiron building and manufactured from a solid block of 6061 aluminum for a brilliant edge. It is also outfitted with full-height MX switches producing the clicks and clacks that give keyboards of this kind their characteristic clatter.
4. IKEA Enters the Smart Home Monitoring Game With a Trio of Safety Sensors
Speakers, light bulbs, air purifiers, and even roller shades. Charging devices and connected audio devices, too! Up until recently, the world’s largest furniture retailer was still missing a few essential pieces of the smart home pie. IKEA’s introduction of VALLHORN, PARASOLL, and BADRING arrived as a welcome addition to the brand’s electrified lineup, bringing affordable and easy-to-install home monitoring solutions to an excited consumer base.
3. Marantz TT-15S1 Turntable Reminds Us of Beauty in the Details
Today’s established vinyl enthusiasts have likely spent years meticulously building their record collections, with many now seeking to level-up their listening accoutrement from ‘good enough’ to that special ‘last-a-lifetime’ investment. The Marantz TT-15S1 turntable makes a strong case as one such component worthy to build a system around and proudly display.
2. The Lon:HUB’s Colorful Cure for Desk Clutter Hides Beneath the Surface
Sometimes, it’s the most functional and pragmatic objects – the things that keep our cords collected and our surfaces tidy – that allow our spaces to best articulate the traditional design objects we wish to display. The Lon:HUB allows just that with an innovative combination of cable management, wireless and cable-connected power supply, and a line-up of accessible ports to give your desk the glow-up it deserves.
And the most popular technology post of 2024 is…
1. SEGA x Anicorn Watch Turns Back Time to the 16-Bit Era
Gamer or not, you’ve probably heard of the iconic home system SEGA Genesis, which became a phenomenon in the early 1990s. While leaning into fond memories from game play, designer watchmaker Anicorn tapped into that energy for the release of his SEGA x Anicorn Mega Drive/Genesis Watch. Each of the three editions recreates the console’s signature aesthetic adapted into clockwork that is every bit of a fanboy flex as it is a fine timepiece.
Check out the rest of Design Milk’s end of the year coverage here!
