Time has published its article entitled "The 25 Best Inventions of 2014," with the magazine featuring several inventions that are "making the world better, smarter and-in some cases-a little more fun."
The article by Time shows developments in technology over a wide range of applications, ranging from transportation to communications to party accessories.
One of the inventions on the list is the Hendo hoverboard, which calls to mind images from the cult classic movie Back to the Future. The hoverboard promises to lift riders off the ground by one inch, and is currently running a Kickstarter campaign that has already almost doubled its $250,000 goal with less than a month before the campaign ends.
The Mangalyaan, the Mars orbiter of India, also made it on the list. India made history by becoming the fourth country to be able to send a spacecraft into the orbit of Mars, and the first country ever to successfully do so in its first attempt. In addition, the Mangalyaan earned the achievement with a production cost for the spacecraft at $74 million, which is less than the budget used by the space movie Gravity.
3D printers were also featured, as "a machine that can build any object." These devices can "print" objects using digital blueprints, and is now being used by individuals and corporations alike. The devices have near-limitless applications, with 3D printers possibly being able to build the first human settlements outside of the Earth. The European Space Agency revealed that the technology could be the key to putting up an inflatable base for humans on the Moon.
Of course, there is the Apple Watch. While there are other wearable devices that are already currently on the market, the Apple Watch has drawn the most attention, both positive and negative. The device, which will be released next year and will cost at least $349, connects with iPhones to provide the wearer with "new, intimate ways to connect and communicate directly from your wrist," said Apple CEO Tim Cook.
Also featured in the list is the Coolest Cooler, which claimed the title as the most-funded Kickstarter project ever as it raised a total of over $13 million. The cooler has several built-in features that will be useful for any party, such as a blender, a USB charger, a waterproof Bluetooth speaker, a bottle opener and a cutting board.
Other inventions mentioned in Time's "The 25 Best Inventions of 2014" include a high-beta fusion reactor, the Blackphone privacy-focused smartphone, the BMW i3 electric vehicle, the Microsoft Surface Pro 3 and superbananas.
