Do You Remember The World Before Zoom Meetings?
Technology advances at a fast rate these days, and the 2020s have been a booming time for tech and tech lovers. There are new Tesla models and iPhone generations that keep us moving and connected. Here are 20 tech products that define this decade.
1. Apple iPhone 12
The iPhone 12 was released in 2020 and marked the company's first foray into 5G technology. This model was faster and featured a sleek design. The iPhone 12 made 5G mainstream and met the market's need for high-speed connectivity.
2. Tesla Model Y
This is one of the most popular EVs of the decade. It was relatively affordable and helped usher EVs into the mainstream market. It featured an expanded range and autopilot capabilities, and defined the push toward cleaner transportation.
3. Peloton Bike+
During the pandemic, the Peloton Bike+ became a symbol of staying home to exercise. Owners enjoyed live-streamed classes, leaderboards, and connected subscriptions. It was a fitness marriage of technology and community, and fitness junkies couldn't get enough of it.
4. Zoom Video Conferencing
Zoom transformed the way we work. It became a household name in 2020, reflecting the new model of remote work and virtual family gatherings. It didn't take long for Zoom to become the "new normal" for meetings and staying connected to friends and family.
5. Oculus Quest 2
Meta brought the Oculus Quest 2 to the market in 2020, making consumer virtual reality more accessible. It offered affordability, wireless functionality, and an immersive experience that gamers loved. The Quest 2 illustrates this decade's move toward bringing digital living into physical realities.
6. Apple Watch Series 6
Released in 2020, the Apple Watch Series 6 tracked your health with greater depth and clarity. It provides blood oxygen monitoring and ECG features. The wearable tech market boomed earlier this decade thanks to the focus on wellness and data-driven living.
7. AirPods Pro
Apple's AirPods Pro 2 improved earlier iterations ' cancelling and spatial audio capabilities, and have set the standard for wireless audio. Thanks to this tech, people now expect always-on audio experiences for work calls or to listen to music or podcasts.
8. PlayStation 5 (PS5)
Sony released the PlayStation 5 in 2020, and gaming was changed forever. Its quick SSDs, ray tracing, and immersive haptics make it a cultural touchstone. Its demand proved how hungry the gaming market was for more immersive entertainment with the best graphics.
Roberto Vincenzo Minasi on Unsplash
9. Xbox Series X
Microsoft made a big leap in gaming performance with the Xbox Series X. It encompassed the broader trends in media consumption and cloud integration. Its subscription models proved to be impressive, and gamers were eager to sign up.
10. ChatGPT
Launched in 2022, ChatGPT was a true game-changer. It revolutionized AI and how internet users interact with it. The way it has brought generative AI into our homes and lives has transformed content creation, job hunting, and conversations while sparking heated debate over its ethics.
11. Apple M1 Chip
Introduced in 2020, Apple's M1 silicon shifted Macs from Intel chips, which caused a seismic shift in the tech industry. This tech offers greater efficiency and power and displays the ARM-based architecture, and has become the new benchmark for home computing.
12. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold Series
The Galaxy Z Fold made foldable smartphones cool. It pushed the boundaries of mobile design, combining luxury and innovation. This smartphone showed that the 2020s were a time of successful tech experimentation and how to adapt to changing consumer needs.
13. Nintendo Switch OLED
The Nintendo Switch OLED elevated the hit hybrid console with better portability and a more advanced screen. It was versatile and was the ultimate blend of home and mobile entertainment. Gamers of all ages were in awe of this system, and its popularity continues to grow.
14. Google Pixel 6
Powered by its custom and innovative Tensor chip, the Google Pixel 6 highlights the decade's trend toward engineering processors specifically for AI. It focused on machine learning, personalized features, and camera enhancements. This smartphone was a sign that AI is key to tech and will be even more so going forward.
15. Netflix Streaming
Netflix didn't launch in the 2020s, but the streamer defined the decade by leading the pack during the streaming wars. This decade saw the streamer expand globally and even take risks with interactive shows. Its dominance pushed competitors like Amazon and Disney to innovate and expand in an effort to keep up.
16. Spotify Wrapped
This decade saw Spotify wrapped become a phenomenon. It turned user listening data into end-of-the-year content that people were excited to share. It reflects the importance of personalization and how it intersects with social media. Somehow, Spotify turned data into an expression of ourselves.
17. DJI Mini Drones
Lightweight and full of features, DJI's mini drones democratized aerial photography. They helped creators and journalists capture footage best described as cinematic and reshaped content in exciting ways.
18. Ring Doorbell
The Ring Doorbell made our home safer and more convenient. It brought the proliferation of IoT into our everyday lives. The popularity of video doorbells was centered around our growing concern for safety and privacy, and proved to be a defining tech product upon release.
19. Amazon Echo
The Echo transformed our homes, becoming the central hub of our lives and turning our residences into smart homes. The 2020s trend of voice-first computing made talking to AI normal and helped homes digitally integrate.
20. TikTok
TikTok exploded in the 2020s, becoming the go-to social media network for a few generations. It created the culture of short-form videos and was a launchpad for art, commerce, and influencers.
