Coolest technologies that ruled the roost in 2019

Foldable displays: For years, we saw fan generated ‘concept’ devices, but it got real in 2019 with a bevy of smartphones with foldable displays. We tested Samsung’s Galaxy Fold for a couple of weeks at DT Next. It swings from a 4.6-inch smartphone that can slip into your pocket to a tablet-style Dynamic AMOLED 7.4-inch Flex display, thanks to its unique folding display. The UX has been crafted to handle both its avatars as a smartphone and a tablet. We’re geared up for Moto’s upcoming RAZR (expected to launch in January in India), a clever spin on one of its most iconic devices.

Always on displays: Smartwatches have been learning new tricks at a rapid pace. But they didn’t possess the one skill that we needed the most thanks to battery life concerns — to tell the time without shaking your wrist (to trigger the display). The Apple Watch 5 became the first Apple wearable to sport an always-on display with an advance LTPO (low-temperature polysilicon and oxide display) display. The screen dims when your wrist is down and returns to full brightness with a raise or a tap. The Fitbit Versa 2’s manages two days of battery life with the always-on display activated.

Console-free gaming: Apple and Google made serious push for console-free gaming with their much publicised subscription-based gaming solutions. We checked out quite a few games from Apple’s Arcade library of over 100 games that you can take from your iPhone to your iPad to your large screen TV via an Apple TV connection. Google Stadia debuted in November with 22 intense games including the popular Assassin’s Creed Odyssey.

Live transcribe: Google’s Pixel 4 twins didn’t keep their date with India. But, we got to check this unique feature during our time with this device in Singapore. There’s a good chance we could see the phone’s live transcribe feature (it transforms voice recordings into text in real time) that we enjoyed using, make it on another Google device soon. It’s remarkably accurate, managing to pick up complicated words effortlessly during our tests.

AR glasses: Bose Frames was one of the most innovative devices we reviewed and covered for this column, offering us a peek into the possibilities with Audio AR. These Frames allow you to stay connected with the external environment even as you’re immersed in your music playlist. The audio speakers are embedded in the arms of the sunglasses, while all the controls from power on, to flipping tracks are controlled by a single multi-function key that’s barely noticeable. And then there’s Focals by North. Think of it as a (holographic) display for your face that doesn’t block your line of sight. From navigation to text summaries you can view everything without reaching for your phone.