The years 2010 through 2015 were productive in terms of new inventions. Many of the breakthroughs are still around today, creating dramatic changes in the world. Consider the ten following inventions.
Amazon Kindle Fire
Amazon entered the tablet market with its Kindle Fire in 2013. The device serves up optimized content from Amazon’s vast library, including over 27 million songs, movies, TV shows, books, and popular apps. The device boasts fast internet browsing over Wi-Fi.
Apple Pay
Apple Pay came out and was an excellent way for millions of people to make payments. This service operates both a digital wallet and mobile payment system that empowers people to pay using iOS apps, the web, or in person. Apple Pay opened up vast new markets for millions of Apple customers to make payments.
3D TV
3D TV kicked off in 2010 to a massive amount of fanfare. It looked like a tech that couldn’t miss because it brought lifelike images and video into the home. However, tons of infighting about which tech to use and a lack of commitment from significant manufacturers saw 3D TVs languish. By 2016, Samsung pulled out of 3D TV, and now no one makes 3D TVs.
Solar Panels
Solar panels hit the scene in 2011, changing how people consume electricity. The U.S. announced a significant commitment to solar power generation in 2010 that saw production capacity rise sharply. With the increased production came a reduction in price, making solar affordable for many. Solar panels continue to expand in market share, as well as improve in cost.
iPhone 5
The iPhone 5 arrived on the market in 2012 and was the last iPhone developed by Steve Jobs. Tim Cook worked with Jobs to release the sixth-generation iPhone, heralding the end of an era.
The phone received lots of attention for its sleek design, 4-inch Retina display, and its fast O/S, hardware, and wireless.
Kickstarter
2010 saw the full release of Kickstarter. The website brought a new concept of merchandising and fundraising to help creative projects hit their stride. The platform proved popular with many content creators who needed funding to distribute their work to the world. Kickstarter has proven essential for many consumer products as well as creative works.
Google’s Driverless Car
In 2010, Google jumped into the driverless car market with its car. The project has gone through several phases. Now, the project is under the umbrella of Waymo, which is creating a driverless taxi service.
The English-Speaking Robot
In South Korea, teaching English is in-demand, and 30,000 foreigners are working in the country to teach the language. The English-Teaching Robot does the same job as a teacher but at a lower overall cost. Although it may take many years to get rid of all the English teachers worldwide, many must have trouble sleeping at night knowing that robots are doing their jobs.
The Jetpack
In 2010, the world saw the release of the first commercially viable jetpack. What was once only available for stars in sci-fi movies was now for sale to anyone with enough cash. The Martin Jetpack has had trouble with regulations and is currently classified as an ultralight aircraft. As of last year, the company shuttered its doors.
Formlabs 3D Printer
Although 3D printing technology first entered the scene many years earlier, Formlabs was the first to introduce a mass-market printer for an affordable price. Now, 3D printers are widely available in many price ranges. Formlabs was able to fund the project due to its success raising $3 million using Kickstarter.
Conclusion
2010 to 2015 was a very productive time for inventions, many of which continue to dominate their markets.