Technological innovations that transform lives
By: Diana Bello Aristizábal
In a crucial year for artificial intelligence as it has been 2024, big corporations are increasingly striving to better satisfy the current demands of consumers who are looking for exceedingly practical and functional goods and services.
This is because life for the vast majority of the population is fast-paced and 24 hours a day are often insufficient to fulfill all responsibilities. As a result of this trend, today it’s more urgently required to have tools that make our days easier.
Below, we highlight some technological innovations that can change your life or improve the quality of it. Many have been on the market for a little while, and others will break out in the coming years.
The smart market
Artificial intelligence can not only benefit us in the workplace by making us more productive, but also at home. One company that seeks to make the most of AI is Apple, which launched Apple Intelligence on Oct. 28.
This is the first set of features for iPhone, iPad, and Mac users available through a free software update for iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS Sequoia 15.1 operating systems. According to Apple’s press release of Oct. 28, it’s a personal intelligence system that provides experiences and tools aimed at improving what users can accomplish with their devices.
Among many other things, it has writing capabilities that rewrite, proofread (with explanation of the edits) and summarize texts created from any app including Mail, Messages, Notes, Pages and/or third-party apps, and adjust the tone to professional, concise or friendly depending on the task at hand and the audience.
Also, in the Notes and Phone apps, users can now record, transcribe, and summarize audios. When a recording is initiated while on a call in the Phone app, participants are automatically notified, and once the call ends, Apple Intelligence generates a summary to help recall key points. A new set of features, including ChatGPT, will be available in December with iOS 18.2, iPadOS18.2 and macOS Sequoia 15.2.
Other brands joining the smart market are Samsung and LG with their smart and eco-friendly washing machines that combine artificial intelligence with advanced connectivity. Launched in September this year, Samsung’s Bespoke AI Laundry Combo is both a washer and a dryer, saving up to 40% of space at home.
According to the technology news portal Enter.co, its AI ??Wash & Dry system uses advanced sensors to identify the type of fabric and the level of dirt in each load. In this way, you can automatically adjust water, detergent and washing time.
Other features of this washing machine include the Heat Pump drying technology that reduces energy consumption by up to 70% and prevents delicate garments from shrinking, and the SmartThings app that gives users the ability to monitor and manage the washer’s energy consumption in real time and adjust wash settings remotely.
As for LG WashTower Mini, its main advantage is that it allows air to be recirculated instead of constantly heating, reducing energy consumption substantially. It has the AI Direct Drive (AI DD) technology that personalizes the drum movements to match the type of fabric is being washed, and the ThinQ app from which users can control the device remotely and download up to 20 washing and drying cycles.
In addition to smart washing machines and new updates, the big revelation of 2024 has been Tesla’s Optimus humanoid robot, two years after the first prototype was launched. On Oct. 10, its CEO, Elon Musk, introduced a model with significant improvements in its functioning driven by artificial intelligence systems that could be available for the external market by the end of 2025 with a price ranging between $20,000 and $30,000.
This house aid device will perform everyday tasks such as picking up a package from the porch, watering plants, walking the dog, babysitting, cooking, mowing the lawn, and carrying and offering drinks, among other tasks. “It can do whatever you say, anything you can think of it will do. It will be wonderful,” Musk said during Optimus’ launch.
Its most appealing side is that it will not be as robotic. Optimus will be fluid in his movements, will be able to recognize a changing environment, will have an advanced balance system to walk on uneven surfaces, and will interact with people using a very human-like accent, incorporating verbal pauses, and even using slang.
The robot, that according to Musk will boost global economy and could end poverty by improving labor productivity, will initially perform basic cleaning, security and assistance tasks at home, but in the future, it will be integrated into more complex fields such as medical care or education.
Other must-sees
– Apple Vision Pro: Launched in February 2024, it combines augmented reality with virtual reality by integrating the user’s digital content with their physical environment.
– LG 77-inch Transparent OLED TV: This TV will be available later this year and is revolutionary because it can disappear (camouflage) when not in use.
– Evie Rings for iOS: Launched in November 2023, it’s the most sophisticated health monitor for women. Monitors females’ period, ovulation, menstrual symptoms, daily steps, sleep and even their mood.