The American magazine TIME has been annually publishing “The Best Inventions of the Year” since 2001 to introduce innovative products and ideas that have changed our daily lives. In 2022, the magazine doubled the number of inventions on the list to 200, which implies that we’re seeing an increased number of innovations in a rapidly-changing world. Learn about some of the products that drew the attention of the world.
Stronger Now with Its Innovative Camera and Pen
Samsung Electronics’ Galaxy S22 Ultra
Launched earlier this year, Galaxy S22 Ultra drew a lot of attention not only for the amazing camera performance but also for the fact that it incorporated the functionalities of its S Pen- a part of its predecessor, the Note series. The new product is recognized as the best-to-date in the Galaxy S series in terms of user experience, camera quality, and performance. The Galaxy S22 Ultra was introduced as - “delivering an outstanding screen experience thanks to its full HD+ Samsung OLED with the S Pen, boasting a response rate improvement of 70% compared to the previous version to deliver an experience indistinguishable from using an actual pen.” The product was also seen to have raised the bar for Android smartphones, as its 3x optical zoom and 10MP telephoto lens offers clear video and image quality in addition to exceptional night photography.
The World’s First Metaverse City
Metaverse Seoul
Seoul, Korea, proudly made a list for 2022 with the world’s first metaverse city, “Metaverse Seoul.” The metaverse is being implemented in many areas today, but Metaverse Seoul is the only metaverse project in the public sector to date. Metaverse Seoul offers an app that not only provides a pilot service for residents but also allows users to visit the 3D virtual space of the Seoul City Hall and Office of the Mayor, where you can make proposals to the municipal government. The Seoul Metropolitan Government plans to improve the Metaverse Seoul so that the communication barrier for its residents and visitors can be lowered while developing the platform as a leader in smart cities.
Climate Forecast AI Platform
ClimateAi
Farmers in the past used to rely on historical climate trends and their experiences to forecast the weather. However, today’s global warming and
environmental pollution are making it increasingly difficult to predict the climate. Under these circumstances, ClimateAi from the United States developed a new method of making long-term climate forecasts. The company collects data on average temperatures, weather, water availability, and potential insect damage in a certain geographical area and uses its independently developed AI system to make projections on the climate for the next 20 years. Their solution is expected to reach a broader audience, as it not only contributes to mitigating the climate crisis but also maximizes agricultural production and reduces greenhouse gases.
Cord-free Charging At Your Convenience
Ossia’s Cota Power Table
Most of us living in today’s modern world own multiple IT devices, but charging them can become such a hassle that we often experience “power
panic” when looking for a power socket for charging. Ossia’s Cota Power Table is equipped with wireless charging technology that allows simultaneous charging of devices regardless of their number or the existence of a power outlet. This table was designed with hotels, airports, and cafes in mind. Employing the Qi method (wireless charging standard) that is used in Samsung’s smartphones or Apple’s iPhones, the Cota Power Table can support over 200 Qi-compatible devices. This technology will enhance user convenience and contribute to environmental protection by removing the need for wires and power sockets.
Watching Videos Anytime, Anywhere
Samsung Electronics’ The Freestyle
After it was unveiled at this year’s CES, the world’s largest consumer electronics trade show held in early 2022 in Las Vegas, The Freestyle drew a lot of attention. It weighs only 830g and is small enough for you to hold in one hand, boasting exceptional portability. As it can be rotated 180 degrees, it can project onto a slanted wall, kitchen table, and ceiling. TIME also praised its amazing image quality, brought about by its smart calibration functionality that analyzes the color of the wall and lighting conditions in the surrounding environment. Its 360-degree sound system allows the user to enjoy a multi-dimensional sound experience anywhere, and one of the biggest plus points is that the size of the screen can be adjusted, ranging between 30 and 100 inches.
No More Showing Off on Social Media! 100% Authenticity Only
BeReal
As difficult as it is to find someone who is not on social media, a growing number of people are getting tired of it these days. There is a French social media app that resonated with many of these people who are sick of social media: BeReal. The concept of this app is that users share authentic photos from their daily life. Users get a push notification at a random time of day for “Time to BeReal.” Within two minutes of receiving the notification, they must take a photo of what is around them and upload the photo on the app. The biggest difference that sets BeReal apart from other social media apps is that photos on BeReal are unpolished. TIME said that BeReal took off as a counter-movement to social media, as snippets of mundane daily life give a sense of familiarity to those who are tired of the constant boasting prevalent on social media.
2022 saw an increased number of inventions included in TIME’s list, offering a wide range of innovative products in a variety of areas. What captured your attention? Inventions ultimately are the outcomes of human endeavors to make life better. We cannot wait to see what kind of products and technologies will be invented next year which might dramatically improve and change our lives.
