Vinay Hiremath, co-founder of Loom, sold his startup to Atlassian for $975 million. Post-sale, he felt directionless and declined a $60 million CTO position at Atlassian. In his blog, “I am rich and I have no idea what to do with my life,” Hiremath discussed his search for purpose:
Robotics: Engaged with the industry but found his interest superficial.
Personal Relationships: He traveled with his girlfriend, but their relationship ended due to his insecurities.
Physical Challenges: Climbed a Himalayan peak to reconnect with his inner strength.
DOGE Project: Joined but realized it wasn’t fulfilling.
Now in Hawaii, Hiremath is studying physics, contemplating a future company focused on tangible products, valuing learning over end goals. His experiences underline the pursuit of personal fulfillment beyond financial success.
As we say goodbye to 2024, it’s a great moment to reflect on some of the most inventive and transformative tech products that shaped the year. From leaps in AI to breakthrough hardware, the technology sector kept us on our toes, making us both surprised and inspired. Here’s a recap of the standout products that made headlines in 2024:
1. Apple Vision Pro
Apple’s Vision Pro was among the most eagerly awaited launches of the year. Combining augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), this stylish and user-friendly headset introduced a whole new level of immersive experiences for both work and play, completely changing how we engage with digital environments.
Key Features:
Spatial computing allows for seamless app interaction in a 3D space
Stunning visuals paired with advanced spatial audio
Intuitive controls using your eyes, hands, and voice
2. Tesla Cybertruck
After years of anticipation, Tesla’s Cybertruck finally made its debut on the roads in 2024. Its futuristic design certainly sparked debate, but there’s no denying it’s a pioneering force in automotive engineering.
Key Features:
Impressive range of up to 500 miles on a single charge
Bulletproof exoskeleton enhancing durability
State-of-the-art autopilot features and solar charging options
3. Google Bard AI
Google’s AI chatbot, Bard, became a must-have for millions of users. Its knack for generating human-like text, handling complex questions, and aiding in creative endeavors really showcased the everyday potential of AI.
Key Features:
Multimodal capabilities, allowing input via text and images
Integration with Google Workspace to boost productivity
Real-time translation and support for language learning
4. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6
Samsung’s latest version of its foldable smartphone, the Galaxy Z Fold 6, kept on leading the charge in the foldable phone arena. With enhanced durability, a lighter design, and better multitasking features, it set a new standard for mobile devices.
Key Features:
Smooth foldable display with minimal creasing
Improved multitasking with split-screen capabilities
Advanced camera system with excellent low-light performance
5. Framework Laptop 16
The Framework Laptop 16 marked a significant step forward for modular technology. Designed with DIY enthusiasts in mind, this laptop allows users to easily upgrade and repair its components, winning over eco-conscious and tech-savvy crowds.
Key Features:
Fully modular design with customizable GPU and keyboard
High-performance specs suitable for gaming and productivity
Commitment to sustainability through replaceable parts
6. DJI Inspire 3
For drone lovers and filmmakers, the DJI Inspire 3 raised the bar for aerial cinematography. Its advanced flight capabilities and top-notch camera made it a top pick among professionals.
Key Features:
8K video recording with a full-frame sensor
Advanced obstacle avoidance for safer flights
Long battery life and impressive speed
7. Amazon Astro 2
Amazon’s Astro 2 home robot took smart home integration to the next level. With AI navigation and Alexa compatibility, it became a helpful assistant for both families and individuals.
Key Features:
Smart home monitoring and alerts for intruder detection
Personalized interactions using facial recognition
Seamless compatibility with Amazon’s ecosystem
8. Meta Quest 3
Meta’s Quest 3 VR headset managed to strike a balance between affordability and high performance. Its focus on mixed reality (MR) experiences made it a noteworthy player in the expanding VR landscape.
Key Features:
Mixed reality passthrough enhancing gaming and productivity
Lightweight design with long-lasting battery life
Access to a vast array of VR and MR applications
9. Bluesky Social Network
In 2024, Bluesky, the decentralized social networking platform, gained significant traction. Offering an alternative to traditional platforms, it put a strong emphasis on user control and data privacy, attracting a diverse user base.
Pixal’s AI-driven photo enhancement tool transformed image editing in 2024. Its ability to upscale, deblur, and colorize images effortlessly made it a go-to for both professional photographers and casual users.
Key Features:
AI-powered upscaling and deblurring capabilities
One-click color correction and improvements
User-friendly interface suitable for all skill levels
11. Innovative Electric Vehicles
2024 brought a wave of new electric vehicles (EVs) that redefined eco-friendly transport. Some highlights included:
Lucid Air Sapphire: A luxury EV known for its exceptional speed and range.
Rivian R2: A compact electric SUV perfect for city explorers.
Hyundai Ioniq 7: A spacious EV featuring the latest in autonomous driving tech.
Honorable Mentions:
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090: The ultimate graphics card for gamers and creators, providing unmatched performance.
Sony A7R V: A powerful camera ideal for photographers who demand high-resolution images.
Peloton Row: Transforming home fitness with smart rowing workouts.
Nvidia wowed CES 2025 with its RTX 50-series GPUs, powered by the groundbreaking ‘Blackwell’ architecture. AI advancements like ‘Cosmos’ promise smarter robots and autonomous vehicles, while Project DIGITS empowers developers. A big Toyota deal boosted its automotive ambitions, and its stock hit record highs, cementing Nvidia’s dominance in tech innovation.
At CES 2025, Samsung introduced its latest TV lineup featuring advanced AI capabilities. These televisions function as “intelligent companions,” integrating with smart home devices to provide real-time updates, safety alerts, and personalized content recommendations. Notable features include Click to Search, allowing instant information retrieval about on-screen content, and Live Translate for seamless translation of international films. The flagship Neo QLED 8K QN990F model exemplifies Samsung’s commitment to AI integration across its product range.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman believes artificial general intelligence (AGI) and superintelligence are within reach, potentially transforming industries and accelerating innovation. However, concerns remain about AI safety and control, especially as OpenAI shifts focus to commercialization. Altman acknowledges challenges but remains optimistic about the future, emphasizing the need for the cautious yet impactful development of AI systems.
The Maha Kumbh Mela happening in Prayagraj in 2025 is gearing up to merge age-old traditions with cutting-edge technology. To enrich the experience for pilgrims, there’ll be AI-driven apps, surveillance systems, and chatbots in place. Plus, virtual reality and drone displays will create a more engaging atmosphere. On the sustainability front, efforts like a ban on single-use plastics and AI-enhanced waste management highlight a strong dedication to being eco-friendly.
ISRO launched the SpaDeX mission from Sriharikota on Dec 30, 2024, marking India’s first attempt at docking two satellites in space. Using indigenous “Bharatiya Docking System” technology, this milestone paves the way for missions like Gaganyaan and India’s space station. The satellites will unite at a speed of 0.036 km/hr.
Aravind Srinivas, Indian-origin CEO of Perplexity AI, met PM Narendra Modi to discuss AI adoption in India. Srinivas praised Modi’s vision and dedication to technology, while the PM commended his work with Perplexity AI. Their meeting highlighted India’s focus on leveraging AI for the future.
Sridhar Vembu, the CEO of Zoho, has brought the discussion about the 70-hour work week back into the spotlight. He pointed out how East Asia has seen impressive economic growth driven by hard work, but he also raised concerns about demographic challenges, particularly low birth rates. According to him, it’s only necessary for about 2-5% of the workforce to put in those long hours for growth to happen. He stressed the importance of maintaining a good work-life balance and warned against prioritizing economic gains at the expense of demographic health, contrasting this with the situation in China.
