10 Launches In 2024 That Knocked It Out Of The Park For Consumer Tech

In a digital world, where technology evolves at a breakneck speed, it is a task to stay abreast of the latest advances. More importantly, the ability to distinguish technological advancements that truly make a difference in our daily routine from those that are just another step towards achieving great potential is what drives purchase decisions.

Take televisions for example, the entire OLED versus QLED and now versus mini LED is so confusing that for most, it is a choice of sticking to what is easiest to understand and waiting and watching for the others. Similarly with mobile phones; currently it is all about optimising and offering the best performance in both hardware and software that have been around for half a decade at least (hint Apple needs to up the ante soon). Foldable phones have finally come of age where it has become a purchase worth the resources and mobile camera processors are finally doing justice to those heavy megapixel cameras.

This is the premise for Outlook Luxes’ best consumer tech launches for 2024—does the advancement make sense and will you truly utilise the device rather than just let it feel like a gimmick?

1. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

When earlier this year, Samsung unveiled the new Galaxy S24 Ultra it upped the ante on its own predecessor, Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra that had all the hardware boost. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra took it a step further with improved processing power and a far more efficient and seamless AI integration. This includes features such as intelligent text and call translations, Circle To Search, and ProVisual Engine.

If you’ve attended music concerts in India lately, you will find the 10X zoom of the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and a sharp view of the artist on the stage, beats any other smartphone out there hollow. Galaxy S24 Ultra also boasts an optimal thermal control system with a 1.9 times larger vapour chamber, improving device surface temperature while also maximising sustained performance power.

It is equipped with Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Mobile Platform for Galaxy. Optimised especially for Galaxy users, this chipset delivers remarkable NPU improvement for incredibly efficient AI processing. This performance improvement sets the benchmark so high for the flagship smartphone segment that it will be a feat for other makers to advance at the same speed. Oh, the phone performance for an average user is also top-of-the-line.

2. Steam Deck OLED Limited Edition White

For gamers, the handheld gaming device segment has been a very divisive space with Ninetendo, Sony Playstation and Valve vying for attention. Of these LINUX-based Steam Deck by the tech company Valve had everyone scratching their heads during the original launch, about two years ago. Cut to 2024, the Steam Deck has gained legitimacy and addressed all brickbats with its OLED version of the device. Now with the classy matte white limited-edition Steam Deck, gamers are salivating at the chance of playing on it. The battery life is also better, it has a bigger RAM and can use an external microSD card for additional storage over its 512GB and 1TB memory.

However, the reason why it is on this list is because of the SteamOS, which avid gamers tout to be better than Windows for a handheld gaming device. The highlights of the operating system are its stability, optimised and user-friendly performance and the ability to play a range of games including the popular God of War, Grand Theft Auto games. What clinches the deal is the fact that in a pinch, Steam Deck OLED Limited Edition White can also substitute for a tablet/laptop.

3. Ray-Ban Meta Glasses 2024

This is yet another tech product that has seen a dramatic improvement in its second iteration. Eyewear giant, Essilor Luxottica partnered with Meta to create smart glasses in 2023. The former offered excellence and aesthetics in eyewear manufacturing under the iconic brand Ray-Ban, and the latter offered the technology to make these pair of glasses seamlessly incorporate artificial intelligence and live streaming.

Some of the inclusions of the next-gen Ray-Ban Meta Glasses are a high-quality, 12MP camera used for hands-free photos and videos with a unique POV. The glasses also have open-ear speakers and soon be able to use voice to search and discover on Spotify and Amazon Music. This month AI-based additions have also been added—Live AI which adds real-time video processing capability to Meta AI and live translation which lets the AI translate speech in real-time within the supported languages. Ray-Ban has used a new lens, Transitions GEN STM that goes from fully clear indoors to dark outdoors, quickly adapting to different light conditions. Ray-Ban Meta Glasses come in eight colours: Ruby, Grey, Graphite Green, Amethyst, Emerald, Amber, Brown and Sapphire.

4. Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold

A massive upgrade from the first-gen Google foldable phone, this one combines the best of Google hardware and software with a sleek and sophisticated design, an advanced camera system, multiple screens to get more done, and a powerful Tensor G4 processor to fuel the Pixel features. In short, it has everything the previous model did not.

The hallmark of a good foldable phone is its seam (or the lack of it) and performance efficiency, both of which Samsung has been acing over the years. But for Google to achieve it in two generations of upgrades is recognition-worthy. The design is a visible upgrade from other foldable launches in 2024. Pixel 9 Pro Fold has a fluid-friction hinge that opens fully flat, the screen is brighter with a Super Actua Flex display and has a scratch-resistant Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2. The device also has an IPX8 rating for water resistance of up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes of submersion.

5. Ooni Koda 2 Max Pizza Oven

Homemade pizzas have become a must-have for any gourmand, enter Ooni pizza ovens. Ooni Koda 2 Max is the latest inclusion from Ooni—it is a 24-inch pizza oven with a gas system allowing consumers to cook multiple pizzas at once. The oven has zonal cooking that allows you to cook at different temperatures in the same space and a digital thermometer hub with smartphone connectivity. The Koda 2 Max has a 24-inch cordierite cooking surface that is capable of reaching 500°C. For India, the biggest benefit is that the Ooni Koda 2 Max oven can operate on natural gas as well as propane (different models).

6. Oura Ring 4

While the debate is rife between smartwatches and smart rings, there has been significant progress with the latter with multiple players including Samsung and Ultrahuman throwing their hat in the ring. But if you’re a horology aficionado and find smartwatches distracting you from your passion, smart rings are a good option to get lifestyle tracking benefits without compromising the wrist space. Oura is one of the OGs in the smart rings space and the Oura Ring 4, which as the name suggests is the fourth-generation smart ring. Made of all-titanium, and with improved comfort, wearability, and accuracy this smart ring has become the one to beat.

Smart Sensing, as the enhancements are called, is powered by an algorithm that works alongside the research-grade sensors to respond to each member’s unique finger physiology. Oura Ring 4 also has multiple colourways and sizes allowing you to select a ring that suits your style and personality. The data tracking and analysis app is available for both Android and iOS devices. The tools of meal logging and heart rate monitoring is an added benefit.

7. Bose SoundLink Max

Bose speaker systems have built a reputation for their best-in-class audio output. This is best put to use in Bose’s SoundLink series; they have become the benchmark for sound quality in Bluetooth-enabled speakers. Bose’s newest release, Bose SoundLink Max, continues to deliver incredible performance. The system leverages a Bose Articulated Array with three transducers across the front of the speaker to deliver a spacious stereo experience and two custom-designed passive radiators provide bass performance that defies the speaker size.

It is however the aesthetics of this speaker that truly stands out and is a reason to make it to this list. SoundLink Max has an integrated, removable rope handle so it’s easy to pick up and take with you. An optional rope carrying strap is also available if you want to throw the speaker over your shoulder for hands-free transport, as well as four optional colour handle accessories. An IP67 rating protects against water, dust, rust, and shocks, so you don’t have to worry about where you take it or use it — by the pool, on the boat, at the beach or park.

8. DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro

The world was GoPros’ oyster when it came to action cameras but all that changed in 2024. This year the action camera segment was rocked by two new and powerful entrants, Insta360 xx and Osmo Action 5 Pro. While there is no denying that GoPro will continue to lead the way for content creators looking for a reliable and fully integrated action camera universe, the advancements made by DJI for their action camera have been incredible.

DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro action camera has quite a few industry-firsts such as a 13.5-stop dynamic range, four-hour battery life and built-in subject centring and tracking. It can also shoot high-dynamic, low-light video at 4K/60fps. SuperNight mode with AI noise reduction algorithms can shoot clean footage in certain low-light environments. Additionally, the camera has a high-speed data transfer up to 80MB/s via Wi-Fi 6.0 or USB 3.0 and supports Wi-Fi Livestreaming for various resolutions.

9. Supernote A5 X2 Manta e-notebook.

For a minimalist and focussed digital lifestyle, many are shunning laptop and tablets and opting for e-notebooks. Many compare it as a cross between the Kindle and a tablet. The Supernote A5 X2 Manta is the most recent launch in the space. It is one of those rare smart devices that believes in repairs with replaceable batteries and motherboards, therefore positively impacting its sustainability quotient.

The e-notebook features FeelWrite 2 Self-recovery Soft Film and Ceramic NeverReplace Nib with a 10.7-inch flexible E Ink screen for natural writing. The device itself can be used to take copious notes, organisational plans, sketches and workflow integration. The device has a 32GB memory which can expanded with a 2TB microSD card.

10. EcoFlow Delta Pro 3 Ultra Portable Power Station

Power outages in India are infamous. This portable power station by EcoFlow is a worthy investment for a home. EcoFlow Delta Pro 3 is a powerful portable power station that can power 99% of high-energy appliances such as dryers, cooling and heating systems, refrigerators and induction ovens. It can also provide portable power for camping, tailgating, DIY and work projects, off-grid living and more. It can run some of the most demanding appliances such as large, three-ton central air conditioners without the drawbacks of conventional portable generators such as noxious fumes, loud noise, complicated maintenance and operation, and limited fuel storage.

EcoFLow Delta Pro 3 comes equipped with EcoFlow Oasis, harnessing AI, cloud computing and IoT connectivity to better adapt to the needs of individual families. It can charge devices from 0-80% in 50 minutes with regular AC power. It is always ready to go with its seven versatile charging options, including AC, solar (2600W input), EV, automotive cigarette outlets, dual PV charging, EcoFlow Smart Generator 4000 Dual Fuel (and other gas generators), EcoFlow’s Alternator Charger and Smart Home Panel 2. These charging modes can be combined in 18 combinations for up to 7000W of charging power for even faster charging.