2024 In Tech News: 2024 has been a landmark year for technological innovation, from groundbreaking advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) to revolutionary devices redefining human interaction with technology. With Neuralink's brain chip implantation, the launch of Apple's Vision Pro, and the EU's pioneering AI legislation, this year was marked by a curious balance between cautious steps as well as giant leaps when it comes to dealing with everything AI.
Here's a recap of the most significant tech breakthroughs that shaped the year:
January 29: Neuralink Implants First Brain Chip in a Human
Elon Musk's Neuralink marked a milestone by implanting its first brain chip in a human, following FDA approval for human trials. The device, dubbed Telepathy, enables users to control devices like phones or computers using thought.
Musk highlighted its potential for individuals with paralysis, envisioning rapid communication capabilities akin to professional typists.
February 2: Apple Vision Pro Hits the Market
Apple launched its highly anticipated mixed-reality headset, Vision Pro, in the US, positioning it as a "spatial computer." Combining eye-tracking, motion gestures, and voice commands, the $3,499 device offers an immersive experience, extending its applications from education to healthcare.
Global rollouts followed later in the year. Despite mixed reviews, Apple continues innovating in this space, with plans for future upgrades (dropping plans to launch a budget-friendly version of the Vision Pro).
February 8: Google Rebrands Bard as Gemini
Google revamped its AI chatbot Bard, now called Gemini, reflecting its advanced underlying technology. Powered by Google's most sophisticated language model, Gemini comes in three versions — Nano, Pro, and Ultra — tailored for various applications.
The update enhances Bard’s capabilities, aligning with Google’s broader AI evolution.
March 13: EU Passes World's First AI Legislation
The European Union finalised the AI Act, setting a global precedent in AI regulation. The law categorises AI risks and aims to balance innovation with ethical safeguards.
The legislation, expected to take effect in 2025, cements the EU’s role as a leader in tech governance.
May 8: Google Introduces AlphaFold 3
Google DeepMind unveiled AlphaFold 3, an advanced tool for predicting molecular structures and interactions with unmatched accuracy.
Offering free access to researchers, the technology is being applied in drug discovery, promising transformative impacts on biology and medicine.
May 13: OpenAI Rolls Out GPT-4o
OpenAI launched GPT-4o, an enhanced AI model integrated into ChatGPT. Known for its faster responses and conversational tone, it now supports multimodal capabilities, memory for past interactions, and improved language translation.
The model’s seamless interaction sets a new standard for AI chatbots.
September 12: OpenAI Introduces a New Reasoning Model
OpenAI debuted its latest reasoning-focused AI, designed to tackle complex tasks in science, coding, and math.
This model, outperforming earlier versions in benchmarks like the International Mathematics Olympiad, showcases advancements in thoughtful problem-solving and rigorous evaluations.
October 3: Google Adds Video-Based Search
Google revolutionised online searches by introducing a video-based feature. Users can capture videos, ask related questions, and receive AI-generated answers.
Initially supporting English, the tool represents a shift in how users interact with digital content.
November 14: AI Poetry Rivals Human Creativity
A study revealed that readers struggle to distinguish AI-generated poems from human-authored ones, often preferring the former. This highlights the growing sophistication of generative AI and its ability to mimic human creativity in art and literature.
2024 underscored how technology continues to reshape industries, governance, and even artistic expression, solidifying its role as a central force in global progress.