There’s little doubt that 2023 was the year of AI. While ChatGPT was publicly released in late 2022 — and quickly went viral — most of us only realised this year that AI was not just a sci-fi concept. It’s something real, and our lives might change for the better (or worse).
But while we figure out how to make use of AI, and manage its negative impact, humans are still at the helm, even if we are increasingly using AI to do some of the work. And AI is no guarantee of success. Starfield, for example, used procedural AI to create its universe of over 1,000 planets. But it was panned by critics and players alike for being sterile and repetitive. Meanwhile, 2023’s Game of the Year went to Baldur’s Gate 3, which was painstakingly crafted by a team of developers over six years. There’s probably a middle ground between handcrafted and AI-generated content. But there will be some hits and misses along the way.
AI, too, is making inroads in our tech gadgets. Sometimes, it just feels like marketing: Features that used to be called “smart” are now dubbed AI features instead. Other times, it may seem quite magical, like some of the AI features in Google’s Pixel 8 phones. But the form and function of gadgets remain more or less the same. Smartphones are still mostly shaped like candy bars, and smartwatches are worn on the wrist. But 2024 may be the breakout year for foldable phones, which finally look ready for prime time. Oppo’s Find N3, for example, is impressively sleek, and lightweight for a foldable. Smartphone makers just need to further refine the software, perhaps with the aid of AI.
On the other hand, immersive tech (augmented reality/virtual reality) was a letdown. Despite the launch of the Apple Vision Pro headset, AR/VR doesn’t seem to be getting much traction — the metaverse was better when it was just fiction. The same could be said of Sony’s PlayStation VR2 headset. It has impressive hardware, but hasn’t really caught on with consumers.
Looking ahead, 2024 feels like a make-or-break year for Intel. The chipmaker is betting big on AI, and hoping that its Core Ultra processors will be competitive against AMD and Apple. You’ll likely find laptops with even better battery stamina, while running even more powerful apps and games. But personally, my favourite gadget for 2023 is the Sonos Era 300. One of the first speakers designed for spatial audio, the Era 300 delivers on this new format. It adds a new dimension to music, and makes for greater immersion.
In our latest reviews, we tested Sony’s new gaming headset, a capable Google Wear OS smartwatch from Xiaomi, and a handy electric screwdriver.
If you want a headset that offers good sound with a noise-reduction microphone, consider the Sony Inzone H5. It’s comfortable to wear, and is affordable at S$179. You’ll even get spatial audio that will help further immerse you in your game.
Xiaomi’s first Google Wear OS smartwatch is fast, and priced competitively against other such smartwatches from Google and Samsung. It is on the heavy side, though, with a fairly chunky metal design that’s available in only one size. Battery life is great, and it’s also quick to charge.
The cylindrical Hoto Electric Screwdriver sits comfortably in the hand, with a nice grip. Its 1,500mAh battery is good for more than 1,000 screws. It recharges via USB-C, and will work with PD ports, too. And you can pack everything in a storage case where all the bits are held securely at the edges.