Inventions Of 2019
If you think great inventions started with the wheel and ended with sliced bread, we have some bad news for you. Unless you’ve been living under a rock that’s also under a larger, heavier rock, you’ll know that people are quite good at creating solutions to make our lives easier, more comfortable, and more exciting. With such fascinating technological advancements, we’re entering a second stage of enlightenment, and before robots break free from their motherboard constraints and make us answer to them, we’ve probably still got time to celebrate the best inventions of 2019. So here they are.
Xbox Adaptive Controller
We always love innovations that improve lives and the Xbox Adaptive Controller is undoubtedly the best one we’ve seen this year regardless of where your console allegiances lie. Designed for those with limited mobility, it makes gaming more inclusive and enjoyable, which is entirely the point of coming together in a digital world.
Smart Buckle
Anyone still rocking a traditional watch but craving the features of a smartwatch should check out the Smart Buckle, which lets you keep everything about your current timepiece while attaching the Smart Buckle onto the strap. You can use it as a fitness tracker and sleep tracker. It also step counts through the connected app.
Vollebak Solar Charged Jacket
Runners looking for a running jacket to guarantee safety when out at night, the Vollebak Solar Charged Jacket is what you’ve always needed. It uses a phosphorescent membrane that absorbs light throughout the day so that when you head out for a jog after dark, you can ensure you’ll be seen and protected from traffic. But perhaps not from alien abductions.
Philips Somneo
Waking up is hard to do, but the Philips Somneo is one of those alarm clocks trying to make the experience as comfortable and enjoyable as it can be. It mimics sunrise so you wake up more naturally, less groggy, and full of energy so you’re ready to take on the day and likely the night, too.
PWR 27
You’ve used a portable power bank before, but it’s nothing compared to the mighty PWR 27, which is the only solution you’ll need for on-the-go charging whether traveling or lost in the wilderness. It boasts 27,000mAh, is dust and waterproof, and is both anti-drop and anti-crush. You can charge 5 devices simultaneously, and there’s also an AC adapter. If the battery dies, it can recharge through solar power, too.
ICON Vulcan 3D Printer
3D printer enthusiasts also looking for a place to live may find the Vulcan 3D Printer by Texas-based ICON exactly what they need. It creates an entirely functional home in just 2 days, providing the frame and foundation before people get to work on it. ICON want to use it to help the homeless, but you might get your own dream home if you can afford it.
Snore Circle
Snoring can cause friction in a relationship, but instead of accepting it as an inevitability, the Snore Circle uses audio and bone conduction to not merely reduce snoring, but eliminate it altogether. Sending signals to the brain, it gives both of you a good night’s sleep, meaning those earplugs can go safely into the drawer.
LynQ
Finding friends and family when traveling or at music festivals can be stressful and worrying, but the LynQ helps track down wayward companions without cellular data, pre-downloaded maps, or Bluetooth. The range is superb, and the LCD screen is easy to read for both kids and adults alike.
iMicro
For kids who loved their microscope for kids, the iMicro will blow their mind. It allows you to set up a lab wherever you are and adds 800x magnification to your smartphone. It’s easy to use, and clips straight onto your phone camera for endless enjoyment and education.
Allbirds Sweetfoam
Attempting to remove the literal carbon footprint we’ve created over the years, the Allbirds Sweetfoam uses a range of materials including sugarcane as an alternative to classic sneaker manufacturing to help get the planet back on track.
Dolfi
Experienced campers, travelers, and digital nomads understand how hard it is to get laundry done on-the-go but the Dolfi embraces the magic of the future by using ultrasonic waves to battle stains and remove dirt without you lifting a finger. Just add it to a bucket of water and detergent and let this little guy do its thing.
Bimoz
With assistive operation and compact and lightweight battery pack, the Bimoz is the next step for a superior cycling experience, and you don’t even need the bike itself to reap the benefits. Those too attached to their current bike to say goodbye, Bimoz lets you adapt it. So grab your cycling gloves, bike bump, and smart helmet and take a ride.
Hoversurf
The Hoversurf is the latest in a long line of cool gadgets we just cannot wait to recommend to you. This quadcopter may not be a flying car, but right now it’s as close as we will get, so enjoy taking to the skies at 60mph, making your commute the most awesome around.
Naga 3D Headphones
Noise canceling headphones are essential to get you through your commute and workday with zero distractions, and the Naga 3D headphones take this to a whole other level. They offer 20-hour battery life (plus ultra-fast solar charging) and high-quality spatial experience for the biggest audiophiles around.
LUMZAG
A great backpack is something everyone needs regardless of what you do, but for everyday use, the LUMZAG is a fantastic innovation. There’s a built-in wireless charging, and a rear-view camera so you don’t get snuck up on. We’d not recommend taking it as a hunting backpack, but for navigating the concrete jungle, it’s perfect.
Special Mentions:
As much as we’d have loved to include these, we just don’t have the time. So instead, we’ll leave you with their names and what they can do, and if you’re interested, feel free to explore them some more.
Gopress – clean portable water filter for your next week-long-plus hike
Hover 2 – a self-flying, 4K mini drone
PANZERBOARD – an all-terrain electric skateboard, great for adrenaline junkies
A Celebration of Innovation
2019 hasn’t been great for several reasons but with such superb innovations already released, and many more still to come, at least you can take a break from all the doom and gloom. Instead, you can explore how humanity has done what it does best: flex its superior brain power (suck it, Animal Kingdom) and do what it can to help its fellow man.
Sources:
- 15 Inventions That Will Make Your 2019 A Lot More Interesting – Interesting Engineering