Top 10 Inventions of 2017 That Will Inspire You
24
DECEMBER, 2017
Samuel Osho
The best of entrepreneurs and innovators embark on a personal journey to find viable solution s to their pains and challenges. When compared to an ordinary nagging consumer, innovators see opportunities for scalable businesses where others scream because of a pinch of discomfort. Technology is moving at a top speed and gradually leaving trails that can create a desirable future for its loyal disciples.
Every creative mind knows that the birth of anything valuable is painful – it involves deep thinking, resilience and commitment. I totally agree with American Industrialist, Henry Ford, when he shared his thoughts about the price of thinking: “Thinking is one of the hardest work there is, which is probably the reason why so few engage in it.”
Irresistible innovation that is often embraced by the world is a product of deep thinking. As usual, we enjoyed some bytes of progress from the castles of technology in 2017 because some creative thinkers went to work.
Here are my top ten inventions of 2017 and I think every creative person out there needs to see this list.
The Top 10 Inventions
1. Fidget Spinners
The popularity of fidget spinners surged in 2017 that it caused a disruption in the way people “handle psychological stress and nervousness.” In classrooms and offices, fidget spinners assisted individuals to indulge in a mild form of distraction. It’s surprising how the “toys” received wide approval from the teeming populace. The craze translated to a spike in sales and revenue for its manufacturers.
Although there is no scientific evidence to substantiate the claims, a school of thought opines that the spinners help in the treatment of patients suffering from disorders such as ADHD and autism. As of 2017, the inventor of the fidget spinner is unknown and the status of the patent claims is unclear. At this point, I really don’t care if the inventor is Catherin Hettinger or Scott McCoskery, all that matters is the fact that a spinner is raking in sales from a generation that struggles with low attention span.
Photo Credit: DJI
2. DJI Spark
In the past one decade, the ubiquity of drones is on the increase and on the lips of every digitally inclined mind. Its versatility and multi-purpose nature have made it the target of individuals from diverse sectors. You can use drones for rescue operations, surveillance, relief missions and of course, to capture a cinematic and aerial view of a place either in video or photo formats.
The China-based company, DJI have a strong presence in the drone market and its recent release of DJI Spark at a giveaway price of $499USD has changed the way millennials take selfies. I recently operated a drone from the DJI family and I can testify to the cinematic wonder that these flying goblets create. Spark is a smart drone with an average flying time of 16 minutes; sensitive to gestures, easy to operate and free from shakes. It has very impressive features that ensure safe flight and harmless landing.
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Photo Credit: Ember Technologies
3. Ember Mug
According to the Cosmopolitan, “Ember Mug is the Apple Watch of tumblers” and I totally agree with this assertion because of its well-thought-out design. Ember Mug gives coffee lovers a completely new experience where they get to have their beverage at the desired temperature. The mug keeps your coffee at the desired temperature for two hours on the go; it retains and regulates heat. Its aesthetic appeal and intelligence have made it the cynosure of all eyes.
The ceramic mug which has a charging saucer was launched on Nov. 9 and it’s available for sale in 4,600 U.S. Starbucks stores. The Ember Travel Mug won the 2017 IDSA IDEA industrial Design Awards. These are the inventions of Ember Technologies and the founder of the Los Angeles-based company, Clay Alexander, definitely had his thinking cap on to pull this off.
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Photo Credit: The Verge
4. Linktree
For lovers of Instagram, the launch of Linktree is a big relief and a shortcut to having a bio that can house more than one link. Linktree is a web application that can help you add multiple custom links to your Instagram bio. It uses your Instagram handle to create one umbrella link that leads to the “tree of links.”
If you are a writer or a brand ambassador that’s concerned about the conversion of leads and engagement metrics from your Instagram profile, you can create a free Linktree account. This is a lovely invention and a social media tool that makes life easy for digital marketers.
Photo Credit: Nintendo
5. Nintendo Switch
Gaming just got better with the new release of a hybrid video gaming console from Nintendo. The extra-ordinary gaming console, Nintendo Switch, hit the stores in March 2017 and it was welcomed with a roaring applause. With the new console, you can game on the go with its hand-held tablet format and revert to the normal playing style with its docking station when you get home.
The console’s flexibility accommodates both single and multiple players because it has two controllers. Within nine months of its release, Nintendo has sold over 10 million units of Nintendo Switches.
Photo Credit: Engadget
6. Molekule
This is an air filter that does not only trap harmful air pollutants but also destroys them. The physical product made with the aim of helping millions of people breathe better and easier uses a major component called the coated nano-filter. The inventor, Dr. Yogi Goswami started the company with his daughter, Jaya Rao, and son, Dilip Goswami.
The price of the air filter is nearly $800 USD, plus $99 USD per year for new filters. Till date, Molekule has raised over $15 million from investors who believe in the dream.
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“Thinking is one of the hardest work there is, which is probably the reason why so few engage in it.” – Henry Ford
Photo Credit: The Gadgeteer
7. Norton Core
This is more than just a WiFi router as it comes with security and parental control features to protect every device in the home, from PC to smart TVs. Norton Core is a high-performance router that utilizes advanced machine learning and Symantec’s global threat intelligence network to make your use of Internet a safe cruise.
If any device on the network gets a virus, the secure wireless router automatically shuts down the device in the similitude of a sick patient in need of a medical attention. If you have a myriad of smart devices connected to the Internet at home and in the office, then you need the intelligent Norton Core to be protected from hackers.
8. Tasty One Top
In 2017, the world got the smartest cooking assistant ever; a versatile appliance with an induction cooktop that looks like a hot plate but syncs with the Tasty smartphone app that contains a library of recipes of your most popular meals. The app in conjunction with the cooker guides the chef through the cooking process via a built-in sensor and a thermometer that tracks the cooking temperature.
This is a superb invention which is rare; it is going to change the way people learn how to cook their favorite meals. And above all, trying out new meals becomes easy even if you are an inexperienced chef.
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Photo Credit: CNN
9. Oculus Go
Virtual Reality is now within your reach with Facebook’s Oculus Go. With no PC wires or extra gadgets attached, Oculus Go is an all-in-one VR headset made fit for you. This is a stand-alone computer that will blow your mind with a variety of spatial VR experience. It is set for release in early 2018 at a cheap price of $199 USD. You can pre-order here from authorized retailers.
It is portable and an intelligent attempt to make VR experience reachable to every technology enthusiast; designed with adjustable straps, breathable fabrics, and great lenses. You can literally immerse yourself in 1,000 VR games, social apps, 360-degree experiences, and more.
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Photo Credit: The New Yorker
10. Ruggie Clock
This is a revolutionary clock for early risers; a simple but sophisticated reinvention of the traditional alarm clock. If you are tired of snoozing your alarms to steal more sleep on your bed, then you may need to trust the ingenuity packaged in the Ruggie clock. Ruggie clock was built to get you out of bed early because the sound of the clock won’t stop until you place your feet on the soft rug for three seconds.
It’s easy to set up; it has a touch activated LED display with powerful built-in speakers.
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These inventions are bundles of inspirations to every creative mind or anyone that is poised to make a difference in a noisy world. I was humbled by the creativity embedded in these new inventions; kudos to the dogged inventors, the resilient research teams and unconventional product designers that made these things happen.
I am curious! I want to know your top three inventions of the year from this list.
What are your top three inventions of 2017 from this list?
PS: All the inventions here were featured in TIME Magazine’s “25 Best Inventions of 2017” except Linktree and Ruggie Clock.
Photo Credit: Tolu Babarinde (Featured Photo)
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