{"id":38244,"date":"2023-12-28T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-12-28T07:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/01a94663-9a16-4e70-a85d-38119a900c2d"},"modified":"2023-12-28T08:46:19","modified_gmt":"2023-12-28T07:46:19","slug":"17-absurdly-brilliant-and-bizarre-gadgets-that-defined-2023","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcsciencefocus\/rss_feed\/17-absurdly-brilliant-and-bizarre-gadgets-that-defined-2023\/","title":{"rendered":"17 absurdly brilliant (and bizarre) gadgets that defined 2023"},"content":{"rendered":"

2023 has been a great year for innovation. And while there have been thousands of amazing new gadgets, these were our favourites. <\/p>

By Alex Hughes\n <\/p>

Published: Thursday, 28 December 2023 at 07:00 AM<\/p>

\n\n

2023 has been a fantastic year for innovation. The world has jumped forward in virtual and augmented reality technology, assistive devices, and things as simple as daily tools for the kitchen.<\/p>

However, while the world of future technology<\/a> has brought us plenty of cool gadgets<\/a> this year, there are certain products that have really caught our attention.<\/p>

Below we’ve picked out the gadgets and innovations that stood out to the BBC Science Focus team in 2023.<\/p>

Cowboy Cruiser – the ultimate e-bike experience<\/h2>
Credit: Cowboy<\/figcaption><\/figure>

For anyone who lives in hilly areas, the rise of e-bikes has been welcome. Gone is the embarrassment of puffing up a climb at a snail\u2019s pace, while getting overtaken by walkers. A few companies stood out this year, but our favourite is Cowboy, whose Cruiser is as much computer as mode of transport. <\/p>

It has a built-in phone charger, automatic lights and an app to measure your battery life, speed, location and more. Swapping the chain for a belt and hiding the electrical parts inside the frame ensures a sleek, minimalist design \u2013 and makes it nigh impossible to break. <\/p>

There are no gears \u2013 instead, the bike automatically provides enough power for any given situation. It\u2019s no surprise, then, that this is not a budget e-bike, but it could be worth the outlay all the same.<\/p>

B<\/strong><\/a>uy the Cowboy Cruiser for \u00a32,399<\/strong><\/a><\/p>

Dall-E 3 – The next-gen AI image generator<\/h2>
\"A
Credit: Bloomberg<\/figcaption><\/figure>

ChatGPT was the biggest tech news story of 2023, but its lesser-known sibling, DALL\u00b7E, also broke new ground. Launched in early 2021, the original DALL\u00b7E was one of the first and most influential artificial intelligence<\/a> (AI) image generators. <\/p>

With the third iteration unveiled in 2023, OpenAI \u2013 the company behind ChatGPT<\/a> \u2013 continued to make the technology more powerful and accurate. For DALL\u00b7E 3, detail and understanding of prompts have improved, along with copyright controls (artists can opt out of having their work used for training the AI). <\/p>

Earlier versions were confused by complicated subjects and requests demanding high levels of logic, but DALL\u00b7E\u2019s \u2018brain\u2019 has also been tweaked to better understand the context of images. We\u2019ll be talking about this kind of technology for years to come. Whether that\u2019s a good or bad thing remains to be seen.<\/p>

Try Dall-E out for free<\/a><\/strong><\/p>

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 – The perfect folding smartphone<\/h2>
\"Samsung
Credit: Samsung<\/figcaption><\/figure>

Not too long ago, all smartphones followed the same design formula. Now, besides the familiar simple black slab, smartphones can fold over on themselves, and wrap up and down like roller blinds. <\/p>

However, most of these admittedly impressive designs ignore one key factor: practicality. Not the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip series, however, which hits a happy middle ground \u2013 innovative, but not too complicated; highspec, but not too expensive; fun, but practical. <\/p>

With each new model, Samsung makes the folding aspect more useful, so it\u2019s less of a gimmick. The core principle behind the Z Flip5 is to encourage you to look at your smartphone less. When folded, a small display shows important info at a glance, reducing the need to open it at all (but you still get the joy of slamming your phone shut after annoying calls).<\/p>

It’s not quite as powerful as the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra<\/a>, but who cares when its this fun.<\/p>

Buy the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 for \u00a31139<\/a><\/strong><\/p>

FluentPet – The pet language tutor<\/h2>
\"The
Credit: FluentPet<\/figcaption><\/figure>

Every pet owner has looked at their cat or dog and thought: \u201cI wish I knew what you\u2019re thinking.\u201d Well, now you can\u2026 kind of. FluentPet makes a collection of buttons, each one playing a different word when pressed by your pet. This, theoretically, enables them to learn to \u2018talk\u2019 with you.<\/p>

Though the animals can\u2019t understand the words in the way that humans do, they\u2019ll see the actions that follow after they\u2019ve pressed a particular button. Your pet can thus, so the idea goes, learn to associate that button with, say, \u2018a walk\u2019 or \u2018food\u2019. Depending on how deep into the world of dog and cat conversations you want to dive, a variety of kits are available<\/p>

Buy a FluentPet kit for \u00a325<\/a><\/strong><\/p>

Unistellar eVscope 2 – A uniquely intelligent telescope<\/h2>
\"The
Credit: Unistellar<\/figcaption><\/figure>

When it comes to innovations in telescope technology, Unistellar is light-years ahead. Its eVscope 2 has a built-in camera powered by an app to guide the lens towards planets, constellations and other identifiable points. <\/p>

When a celestial object is selected in the app, the telescope automatically aligns and adjusts to give the perfect picture (with AI algorithms reducing background noise and improving clarity of images) as well as providing details of what you\u2019re looking at. Perfect for newbie stargazers eager to explore the cosmos<\/p>

Buy the Unistellar eVscope 2 for \u00a33,199<\/a><\/strong><\/p>

Allbirds M0.0NSHOT – A net-zero carbon shoe<\/h2>
\"5
Credit: Allbirds<\/figcaption><\/figure>

The Allbirds M0.0NSHOT has a light tread \u2013 both literally and in terms of its environmental footprint. Claimed to be the world\u2019s first net-zero carbon shoe, it comprises a superfine merino wool upper from a net-zero carbon farm in New Zealand, which is paired with a sugarcane-derived foam midsole and bioplastic eyelets. <\/p>

Launching such a groundbreaking product on a large scale is a long-term goal; for now, you can only glimpse M0.0NSHOT at a pop-up in Selfridges London, but it should be available to buy in late 2024.<\/p>

Find out more about the Allbirds M0.0NSHOT<\/a><\/strong><\/p>

Nike Running Division Aerogami – a self-ventilating jacket<\/h2>
\"A
Credit: Nike<\/figcaption><\/figure>

Say goodbye to sweaty runs and awkward fiddling with zips on the go, and hello to Nike Aerogami technology. <\/p>

Tiny, winged, moisture-reactive vents open as you sweat, improving airflow and keeping you cool and comfortable. Then, once you\u2019ve been suitably aircooled, the vents automatically close again. <\/p>

The all-black Nike Running Division Aerogami jacket has the added benefit of making you look like a character from The Matrix<\/em>, or a friend of Batman who\u2019s borrowed his sports cape for a run.<\/p>

It\u2019s one of many examples pointing to the future of smart materials in the world of sport and fashion, offering extra utility from your clothes in ways that were previously unimaginable.<\/p>

Buy the Nike Aerogami jacket for \u00a3249.95<\/a><\/strong><\/p>

Teenage Engineering TP-7 – A recorder with model looks<\/h2>
\"The
Credit: Teenage Engineering<\/figcaption><\/figure>

The TP-7 isn\u2019t the smartest of gadgets, nor the cheapest \u2013 but my, doesn\u2019t it look good! Teenage Engineering is all about simplicity, making products that look great and work just as well. <\/p>

There are no bells and whistles on this retrofuturistic-looking device; it just records. With the brushed steel case fitting perfectly in your palm, press the rocker to rewind or fast forward. The spinning disc in the middle is a joyful nod to the tape recorders of yesterday, as are the clickable record, start and stop buttons. <\/p>

Though it\u2019s light on features and high on price, the TP-7 is capable of making great-quality recordings even in busy environments, to capture music, interviews or even just passing thoughts. The device pairs with an app on your smartphone to upload audio automatically, ready to be listened to, or transcribed using AI. <\/p>

If it weren\u2019t for the seriously hefty price tag, this would be a near-essential purchase. As it is, the TP-7 is a high-functioning object of desire.<\/p>

Buy the Teenage Engineering TP-7 for \u00a31,299<\/strong><\/a><\/p>

Fairphone Fairbuds XL – Easy repair headphones <\/h2>
\"Fairphone
Credit: Fairphone<\/figcaption><\/figure>

Fairphone has long produced smartphones like the Fairphone 5<\/a> that are easy to repair, last longer and made with environmentally conscious materials. Now the brand has turned its attention to audio with its Fairbuds XL over-ear headphones, launched with three core aims: to sound great, be sustainable and last as long as possible. <\/p>

Having not actually tested them, we know only that the specs suggest great audio quality \u2013 though they\u2019re up against some fantastic-sounding headphones at similar prices. But by using recycled materials and offsetting carbon emissions, Fairphone aims to reduce eco-anxiety with these, too. <\/p>

Finally, pretty much every component in them can be repaired at home or replaced easily: you can switch out the battery, install new earcups, replace broken speakers. It\u2019s the closest thing you\u2019ll find to an immortal pair of headphones.<\/p>

Buy the Fairphone XL headphones for \u00a3219<\/strong><\/a><\/p>

Sonos Era 300 – A speaker that truly surrounds<\/h2>
\"The
Credit: Sonos<\/figcaption><\/figure>

Over the years, Sonos has consolidated its status as a market leader among the best speakers<\/a> largely thanks to consistency. Rarely taking risks, it focuses simply on great audio and appealing design. <\/p>

In 2023, however, it tried something different. The Era 300 features six optimally positioned drivers on its front, back and sides, creating audio that bounces all around to emulate surround sound, but at a lower price and from a more compact unit. <\/p>

Not only does it sound great, emulating a full array of speakers, but it retains the trademark sleek look. Also in Sonos style, it isn\u2019t exactly a budget option, but the Era 100 offers similar, though smaller-scale, results for \u00a3200 less.<\/p>

Buy the Sonos Era 300 speaker for \u00a3449<\/strong><\/a><\/p>

DJI Avata – A sense of flying like a bird<\/h2>
\"The
Credit: DJI<\/figcaption><\/figure>

Sadly, unless you\u2019re the kind of daredevil who dons a wingsuit to leap off a high cliff, your chances of actually flying are limited. Now DJI has created an experience that is, at least visually, pretty similar. <\/p>

The DJI Avata is a first-person-view drone, controller and headset combo (including flying tutorial software) that gives the pilot a drone\u2019s-eye view as it dives, flies and soars. The drone itself is packed with safety features to reduce the chances of crashing, helping you become a drone racer<\/a>.<\/p>

Paired with incredibly high-quality cameras and other features enabling highly technical video shoots, the launch of the DJI Avata represents a huge leap forward in both drone and video-making technology.<\/p>

Buy the DJI Avata drone for \u00a31,099<\/a><\/strong><\/p>

Google Project Starline – The future of video calls<\/h2>
\"Person
Credit: Google<\/figcaption><\/figure>

With more of us spending more time working from home, there\u2019s a need for better video calls<\/a> (if only to save us from the headaches we get from squinting to read the book titles on our colleagues\u2019 shelves). <\/p>

Google\u2019s Project Starline aims to not only deliver better video calls, but also inject some personality. Multiple cameras and sensors capture high-resolution images and depth information that, along with machine learning algorithms, is used to create 3D images of the participants. <\/p>

So even if the person you\u2019re chatting to is on the other side of the world, they\u2019ll appear to be sitting right across from you. Although Google isn\u2019t the only company tapping into the boom in video calls (various competitors are creating their own video call booths), the improved 2023 prototype from the search engine giant has demonstrated it\u2019s certainly ahead of the curve.<\/p>

Find out more about the Google Starline project<\/strong><\/a><\/p>

Apple Vision Pro – The VR headset of the future<\/h2>
\"The
Credit: Apple<\/figcaption><\/figure>

Since the invention of virtual reality, there have been plenty of pretty woeful attempts at creating user-friendly VR experiences. <\/p>

Many headsets have been poorly designed, expensive and either very heavy themselves or weighed down by a tangle of cables. But in 2023, VR finally started to look like a viable venture, thanks to the launch of the Meta Quest 3 (from the brand previously known as Facebook) and the announcement of a surprise entry from Apple<\/a>. <\/p>

The Vision Pro (above), is due for release in 2024 and will be pricey, but looks likely to push VR to new heights by improving visual quality, reducing motion sickness and generally making the experience more tolerable.<\/p>

Find out more about the Apple Vision Pro headset<\/a><\/strong><\/p>

Nothing Phone (2) – A light-up smartphone<\/h2>
\"The
Credit: Nothing<\/figcaption><\/figure>

By and large, smartphones are all much of a muchness. If they\u2019re not flipping and folding, they\u2019re sitting there looking pretty identical. So how do you get yours to stand out? <\/p>

By adding flashing lights to the back. Now on its second iteration, the Nothing Phone features the Glyph Interface \u2013 an array of lights that flash in varying patterns to indicate a text, a call, a Tinder notification or even just when your battery is low. <\/p>

The idea is to limit smartphone use for a less intrusive experience. Winning design awards throughout 2023, it\u2019s not just a gimmick \u2013 this is actually a good smartphone packing a fast user interface, a powerful processor and a great camera.<\/p>

Buy the Nothing Phone (2) for \u00a3549<\/a><\/strong><\/p>

Gogoro CrossOver – A scooter for all situations<\/h2>
\"The
Credit: GoGoro<\/figcaption><\/figure>

The Gogoro CrossOver looks like a scooter, drives like a scooter and feels like a scooter \u2013 yet Gogoro calls it an SUV. However you classify it, though, this is a nifty piece of kit. <\/p>

Essentially a big e-scooter with batteries that can be swapped on the move, the CrossOver is exceptionally customisable. An array of accessories and mounts can be fitted to 26 locking points, while four compartments offer a surprising amount of storage for its size. <\/p>

Designed for both city riding and more rugged rural tracks, the CrossOver has a powerful motor and an all-terrain build ready for any path, beaten or not. Initially launched in Taiwan in 2023, the CrossOver is now being rolled out further afield<\/p>

Find out more about the GoGoro CrossoOver<\/strong><\/a><\/p>

Music: Not Impossible – Music for the deaf community<\/h2>
\"Back
Credit: Not Impossible<\/figcaption><\/figure>

The \u2018Music: Not Impossible\u2019 project has been running since 2018, but 2023 saw it come to fruition, with the unveiling of this haptic device to bring music to deaf gig-goers. <\/p>

Sensors and elements built into a harness, wristbands and ankle bands vibrate to create a \u2018Surround Body Experience\u2019 of complex polyphonic musical expressions across the wearer\u2019s skin. In tests at poetry readings, live music performances and club nights, deaf and hearing participants reported an enhanced and intimate experience.<\/p>

Find out more about the Music: Not Impossible vests<\/strong><\/a><\/p>

Spout Atmospheric Water Generator – Water created from the air<\/h2>
\"Front
Credit: Spout<\/figcaption><\/figure>

Extracting water from the atmosphere isn\u2019t a new idea (the Inca did it), but it\u2019s never come slicker than Spout. <\/p>

Using a six-stage filtration process, it can generate 10 litres (approx 2 gallons) of clean water a day, while removing impurities such as mould spores and allergens. <\/p>

This clever piece of kit is especially useful in places where tap water isn\u2019t safe to drink, hugely reducing the cost (after the initial outlay) and environmental impact of buying water bottled in single-use plastic. The machine itself looks great, with a futuristic design that perfectly complements a modern kitchen.<\/p>

Find out more about the Spout Water device<\/strong><\/a><\/p>

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