In 2024, technology is being revolutionised by ten key breakthroughs including AI advancements, super-efficient solar cells, Apple’s Vision Pro, innovative weight-loss drugs, enhanced geothermal systems, chiplet technology, a gene-editing treatment, powerful exascale computers, and versatile heat pumps, alongside a shifting social media landscape. An upcoming vote for the 11th breakthrough invites global input.
In 2024, the technological landscape is being shaped by ten remarkable breakthroughs. Dominating the discussion is artificial intelligence (AI), which has captivated millions as tools like ChatGPT redefine interaction with tech, compelling major players like Google and Microsoft to double down on AI investment. Meanwhile, solar technology is evolving with super-efficient cells that promise greater energy conversion, addressing global carbon emission goals.
Apple joins the fray with its Vision Pro mixed-reality headset, heralded for its unprecedented display clarity. On the health front, revolutionary weight-loss drugs like Mounjaro and Wegovy are emerging as critical allies in combating obesity, presenting added benefits to heart health. Enhanced geothermal systems are making clean energy more accessible, thanks to innovative drilling techniques that tap untapped heat sources from the Earth.
Precision is the name of the game with chiplets, which are tiny chips designed to overcome the limitations of shrinking transistors. In genetics, a groundbreaking CRISPR treatment for sickle-cell disease has gained regulatory nods, paving the way for novel therapies. The domain of supercomputing is also evolving, with exascale computers capable of performing quintillions of calculations, enabling more complex climate and scientific simulations. Heat pumps are showing potential in emission reduction by replacing traditional heating methods.
Finally, in the social media sphere, the controversial transformation of Twitter into X under Elon Musk’s direction leads to the rise of alternatives such as Bluesky, changing the digital dialogue dynamic. The stage is set for 2024 as innovations prompt the public to vote for an 11th potential breakthrough. Will it be a game changer? Only time will tell.
The article dives into the most impactful technologies that are set to redefine the world in 2024. Each year, MIT Technology Review curates a list detailing technologies across various sectors, from AI influencing daily interactions to the resurgence of geothermal energy, and the innovative potential of health solutions targeting obesity. This year’s list also reflects shifts in social media usage and environmentally conscious technologies, signalling a broader change in our technological and social landscapes.
As we stand on the brink of a new technological era, the ten breakthroughs outlined for 2024 embody significant potential to reshape our lives. From the transformative capabilities of AI to advancements in clean energy and health, these innovations offer solutions to pressing global challenges. The competition for the 11th breakthrough further invites public engagement, hinting at even more exciting developments on the horizon.
Original Source: www.technologyreview.com
