HOT 100
100 The Boring Company Flamethrower
Literally one of the hottest products in this year’s Hot 100, Elon Musk’s Flamethrower looks like something Ripley might use to blast and burn rampaging Xenomorphs. It could just be a big, fancy blowtorch, but we think it looks cool as hell.
$500 (£356.49), boringcompany.com
99 Next-gen bionics
Imagine being able to see tiny details from 30 feet away, or having the ability to control robotic limbs with your thoughts. Anything’s possible with next-gen bionics. Ocumetics Tech has developed a bionic lens to supercharge our vision, while Open Bionics’ 3D-printed bionic arms for child amputees could be available through the NHS.
98 Fuseproject
What do Hive View, Samsung’s The Frame and Tile Slim have in common? They were all designed by Fuseproject, the agency co-founded by creative powerhouse Yves Béhar. Fuseproject had a scorching 2017, netting ample ‘best design’ wins, and will be infusing extra hotness into 2018’s tech, including the L’Oréal My UV Patch.
97 Xbox One X
Although it’s the most technically advanced console available, the Xbox One X has struggled for games. That will change in 2018 because a clutch of new titles are gearing up to put the console’s hardware through its paces – Sea of Thieves, Red Dead Redemption 2 and Crackdown 3, and more 4K support for existing games. Finally, Microsoft’s powerhouse will fulfil its potential.
£449.99, xbox.com/en-gb
96 Apple GymKit
Apple’s latest fitness tech, GymKit, enables cardio machines at your gym to wirelessly sync workout data with your Apple Watch – as long as the machine is GymKit enabled. The tech is still fairly new, with Technogym being an early partner in the UK, but as more machines become GymKit enabled, it’ll be super-easy to sync all of your workout data to your Apple devices, so you’ll have more information on your progress than ever.
95 Real-time language translation
Tech is increasingly empowering travellers by breaking down language barriers. Google’s Pixel Buds (£159) enables users to speak in foreign languages, as do Bragi’s Dash Pro wireless earbuds (£299). Or you just need your phone: Microsoft’s Translator app turns languages into your native tongue.
94 Nest Security System
When Nest released its Smart Thermostat, heating was suddenly the cool thing to talk about. Well, sort of. This year Nest could do the same for smart home security tech, bringing easy safety to the masses in a way other tech companies have come close to, but never quite succeeded.
$499 (£355.78), nest.com
93 Wonder
With this ‘airbnb of tech’ you can hire expensive gadgets or rent out your own. Lumoid tried this in 2014, but Wonder’s arrived at a time when tech is more accessible and diverse, resulting in a greater spread of gadgets for hire. It can be expensive – £243 for a loan of Microsoft Surface Studio – but it has huge potential.
92 Triumph Speed Triple RS
The Speed Triple is a legendary naked motorcycle. Once a Daytona merely de-faired, the Speed Triple is now one of Triumph’s most advanced bikes. The style hasn’t changed much over the years – if it ain’t broke… – but it now sports the most powerful incarnation of that unbeatable 1050 triple engine at 150bhp. As well as a gorgeous five-inch TFT dash; and in the case of the flagship RS model, cornerning ABS, keyless ignition and blingy Öhlins adjustable forks. £13,250,
91 Wireless charging everywhere
Our super-connected, always-on world is becoming more convenient by the year. And 2018 is set to see wireless charging set up shop in hotels, cafes, bars and restaurants. Soon we’ll be able to charge our phones while waiting at the bar to order a drink. Kinda makes those huge beer queues worth the hassle, right?
90 Disney’s streaming service
Probably arriving in 2019, Disney is planning to put all of its movies and TV in one place – that means, Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar and all other Disney movies, plus a bunch of original stuff, including a Star Wars TV show – for one price. It’s promised to be cheaper than Netflix initially, but sounds like it could be fantastic.
