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Semi-autonomous cars
The idea of having a car that can drive itself isn’t new. In fact, German engineer Ernst Dickmanns first created an autonomous van in 1986. But prior to the last few years, these vehicles were more dream than reality. By 2013, several major automobile manufacturers—including General Motors, Ford, Mercedes-Benz, Tesla, and BMW—started developing their own versions of the self-driving car. -
Square Payment System
Enter Square—a small device you can plug into a smartphone or tablet to turn it into a credit card reader. Launched in 2010 by Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey, Square gives vendors of all sizes the ability to accept credit card payments—even without an actual cash register. This technology made it much more accessible to start your own business and actually earn money from it. -
The First Apple iPad is released
The iPad combines many of the popular capabilities of the iPhone, such as built-in high-definition camera, access to the iTunes Store, and audio-video capabilities, but with a nine-inch screen and without the phone. -
Ring Doorbell
The Ring doorbell works by allowing you to see who's at your door whenever there's motion detected, even if you're not home. You can see what's happening through the Ring app on your phone and speak through the doorbell. The app also has several other useful features to make your home more secure. -
Apple Watch
The Apple Watch was designed to be incorporated into the Apple environment with compatibility with iPhones and Mac Books. Almost a million units were ordered on the day of release. The Watch was received with great enthusiasm, but critics took issue with the somewhat limited battery life and high price. -
Michelin’s Airless “VISION” Tire
Debuted in 2017, a 3D-printed airless and organic wheel-cum-tire with several environment-friendly features. With no inflation or rims, the entire structure was designed to be sturdy enough to support the vehicle yet be flexible enough to absorb impact and pressure. The tire itself would be made of biodegradable material—rubber compounds derived from organic, recyclable materials— and have a reloadable 3D-printed tread band, so you could pick new tread patterns for snow or rain, all by yourself.