Coolest tech of 2023: 10 innovations that have been loved this year

This year was full of advancements and brought us a new era of AI which enables anything from making documents with a single line of prompts to filling our images with computer-generated content. Apple also introduced its much-awaited reality headset which could bring a major change in what wearables we use in our daily lives and other brands polished their existing hardware with better capabilities. Here’s a list of the most innovative and coolest technology of 2023, as compiled by Time in its Best Inventions story.

ChatGPT-4

Chat GPT has changed the way we use the internet and do our daily work. It’s a groundbreaking Generative AI application that can answer almost any command you give it. As the system boomed in 2022, it actually used Open AI’s GPT-3 model. This year, OpenAI introduced the much more advanced GPT-4 model with features like browsing and advanced data analysis. You need a GPT Plus subscription to access it but Bing Chat provides it for free too.

Apple Vision Pro

Apple took a major step in XR tech with the Apple Vision Pro. The headset, first introduced at WWDC23, is set to pave the way for extended reality implementations for general and enterprise users. Under Tim Cook’s leadership, it’s the second brand-new segment of products by Apple after the Apple Watch. It’s very capable with the desktop-class Apple M2 chip and provides functionalities such as streaming 3D movies, performing desktop-level work and even attending FaceTime calls with a 3D avatar.

Galaxy Z Flip5

Foldable flip phones are not new to the market but Samsung provided the biggest improvement to the Galaxy Z Flip series since its debut in 2020 with the Galaxy Z Flip5. This device features a brand new cover screen which utilises the upper half of the device. While it is not the first flip phone to feature this, it still provides innovations such as IP68 in this form factor along with its innovative One UI implementation. Further, it’s one of the most widely available and affordable foldables in the world too.

Nokia G22

Repairability has been a major concern for modern smartphones. In fact, brands like Apple can charge you as much as Rs 50,000 for a simple back glass replacement. HMD Global saw this as an opportunity and launched the Nokia G22, featuring sustainable parts and “QuickFix” repairability. It features a 100 percent recycled plastic back, a 3-day battery life and up to three years of warranty. Further, users can repair it themselves by ordering parts and watching tutorials through iFixit. 

LG OLED 97-inch

LG OLED TVs have been the pioneer of TV tech which provides the best contrast in its range along with breathtaking colour and quality. From 8K models to high refresh rate gaming TVs, LG has a variant in almost every format. The 97-inch LG Signature OLED M is a thin TV with a gallery-like stand and requires only a single cable to power it up. All other devices and connections can made to a “Zero Connect Box” which is connected wirelessly to the TV itself. 

Apple Watch Ultra 2

Apple Watch Ultra was introduced last year and brought game-changing features to Apple’s smartwatch lineup. From a high-brightness display and two-day battery life to support for diving, it has all you would expect from a capable, rugged smartwatch. This year’s model was updated with an even brighter 3,000-nit display, a much-awaited chip upgrade and a new Double Tap feature which allows you to perform functions without even touching the screen.

Intel Thunderbolt 5

Intel introduced a new generation of one of the fastest PC ports just last month. The new Thunderbolt 5 standard provides up to three times more bandwidth than its predecessors. It allows for 80 Gbps of bi-directional transfer speeds and can go up to 120 Gbps. This is particularly useful for gamers and creators who can now connect multiple 8K monitors or do up to 540Hz gaming with high-quality gameplay.

Lenovo Yoga Book 9i

Lenovo Yoga Book 9i is the world’s first full-sized dual OLED screen laptop. The laptop maker showed off various functionalities and ways this breathtaking device can be used in. It seamlessly transforms from laptop, tablet or tent mode. A folio stand enables even more forms. There are 2.8K OLED displays on both sides with Dolby Vision HDR and Dolby Atmos spatial sound support.

Adobe Photoshop Generative Expand and Generative Fill

Adobe calls its new Generative Expand feature on the Photoshop software “revolutionary” and we can’t disagree. Powered by Adobe Firefly, it can expand any image with generative content with a few clicks. It can be done with or without a text prompt (which also supports 100+ languages). It is already available for commercial use.

OpenAI Dall-E 3

OpenAI’s innovations certainly made their mark this year. While AI-generated images are not very new, Dall-E 3 enables so much more with its powerful system which allows for exceptionally accurate image generation. Built natively on Chat GPT, Plus subscribers or Bing chat users can access this software already. Give it a go and it will certainly blow your mind!