2024 Digital News Recap: Tech That Took Us by Storm  

As 2024 draws to a close, it’s the perfect moment to reflect on the technological innovations that have reshaped our world. This year has been nothing short of revolutionary, from breakthroughs in quantum computing to ambitious projects in augmented reality. Here are the standout stories that defined technology in 2024.  

NVIDIA and Google’s quantum computing leap  

NVIDIA grabbed headlines by teaming up with Google Quantum AI to accelerate the development of next-generation quantum computing devices. Leveraging NVIDIA’s CUDA-Q platform and the Eos supercomputer, the partnership has made significant strides in digital simulations of quantum hardware. This advancement addresses critical challenges in quantum device design, bringing us closer to unlocking quantum computing’s full potential.  

Microsoft’s Native Copilot App revolution  

Microsoft replaced its Progressive Web App (PWA) experience with a native Copilot app for Windows Insiders. Seamlessly integrating large language models (LLMs) with Microsoft 365 apps, this new offering enhances productivity and user experience. From drafting emails to analysing data, the Copilot app marks a transformative shift in how users interact with Microsoft’s ecosystem.  

Amazon’s Project Kuiper: Bridging the digital divide  

Amazon’s ambitious Project Kuiper began deploying satellites to deliver high-speed internet worldwide. Focusing on underserved regions, this initiative aims to bridge the digital divide while competing directly with SpaceX’s Starlink. With its potential to transform global connectivity, Project Kuiper is a monumental step forward in democratising access to the internet.  

Flying cars are almost here: XPeng AeroHT’s vision  

Chinese EV manufacturer XPeng AeroHT made headlines in 2024 by announcing plans to mass-produce electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) flying cars by 2025. Combining road and air travel, these futuristic vehicles promise to revolutionise urban mobility and reduce traffic congestion, bringing the dream of flying cars closer to reality.   

Tesla Optimus: Robots on the rise  

Tesla’s humanoid robot, Optimus, took a significant step forward this year. A video released by Elon Musk showcased Optimus navigating uneven terrain using advanced neural networks to control its limbs. The robot’s ability to walk on highly variable ground without relying on video input highlights its growing adaptability. Tesla plans to begin mass production by 2026, pushing robotics innovation to new heights.  

Meta Orion: Augmented reality redefined  

Meta made waves with its Orion project, focusing on next-generation augmented reality (AR) glasses. These glasses are designed to integrate digital content naturally into everyday surroundings and promise a more intuitive and interactive AR experience, setting the stage for widespread AR adoption.  

SpaceX’s groundbreaking Starship reattachment  

SpaceX achieved a historic milestone in its Starship programme by completing a mid-orbit spacecraft reattachment using advanced “chopsticks” mechanisms. This innovation enhances the reusability of spacecraft, reducing costs and paving the way for more sustainable space exploration.  

CrowdStrike outage shakes global systems 

Cybersecurity giant CrowdStrike, known for its Falcon endpoint detection platform, caused worldwide disruption due to a faulty software update in July. The incident triggered system crashes across critical sectors, including airlines, banking, and healthcare, halting operations and impacting millions. The outage exposed vulnerabilities in IT dependencies, leading to a 10% decline in CrowdStrike’s stock price. 

Paris Olympics cybersecurity triumph  

The Paris Olympics faced over a dozen sophisticated cyber attacks targeting critical infrastructure like ticketing systems, live broadcasts, and data centres. Cybersecurity teams used advanced AI-powered threat detection and Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) systems to mitigate threats like DDoS, phishing, and ransomware. Collaborative international efforts ensured timely intelligence sharing, safeguarding the event from digital chaos and demonstrating the strength of coordinated defences.  

Microsoft and Amazon’s sustainable AI initiative  

Microsoft and Amazon joined forces to prioritise the development of smaller, task-specific AI models aimed at reducing energy consumption and carbon footprints. This initiative builds on the companies’ commitment to environmental responsibility, with a focus on creating AI solutions that are both efficient and effective. By shifting from massive, general-purpose AI systems to optimised, lightweight models, the companies aim to significantly lower the environmental impact of AI development while maintaining cutting-edge performance.  

The EU AI Act: Setting global standards  

In a landmark move, the European Union passed its AI Act in April, setting stringent compliance requirements for ethical AI development. This groundbreaking legislation ensures AI systems’ transparency, accountability, and fairness, addressing concerns about bias, privacy, and misuse. Often compared to the EU’s Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA) for its robust regulatory framework, the AI Act goes further by focusing specifically on the ethical implications of AI. It has set a precedent for global tech governance, compelling companies to adopt transparent and responsible AI practices to remain compliant in European markets.  

Google Gemini 2.0: Ushering in the agentic era  

Google unveiled Gemini 2.0, its latest AI model designed to simplify everyday tasks and empower users. From navigating the web and completing forms to assisting developers on GitHub and enhancing gaming with real-time suggestions, Gemini 2.0 represents a leap forward in AI-driven convenience.  

Distilled  

The technological advancements of 2024 have reshaped industries and enriched lives across the globe. As we look ahead, innovations in quantum computing, augmented reality, and sustainable AI promise to drive progress even further. This year’s breakthroughs remind us that the future of technology is brighter than ever, with endless possibilities on the horizon.