The year 2016 was a landmark in the world of consumer technology. With innovations ranging from personal gadgets to smart home devices, the market was flooded with new and exciting products. If you were looking to upgrade your tech gear back then, 2016 provided an array of choices, each more cutting-edge than the last. Let’s take a look back at the must-have tech from that exciting year and what made each one stand out.
Smartphones: The Battle of Giants
In 2016, smartphones continued to dominate the tech landscape. It was a year when giants like Apple, Samsung, and Google were pushing the limits of innovation in mobile technology.
Apple iPhone 7 and 7 Plus
Apple launched the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus in September 2016, and they quickly became some of the most coveted devices on the market. These models introduced water resistance, a better camera system, and most controversially, the removal of the headphone jack. The new dual-camera system on the iPhone 7 Plus was particularly impressive, offering a new standard for mobile photography with its portrait mode and enhanced zoom capabilities.
Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge
Samsung’s flagship phones in 2016, the Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge, brought back a fan-favorite feature: expandable storage via microSD card. These phones were also lauded for their sleek design, water resistance, and excellent camera performance, particularly in low light. The curved edge of the S7 Edge offered additional functionality, making it a unique contender in the smartphone market.
Google Pixel
Google made waves in 2016 with the launch of its first self-branded smartphone, the Google Pixel. It boasted pure Android software, fast updates, and one of the best cameras on the market. Google’s focus on artificial intelligence was evident, as the Pixel came with Google Assistant, setting the stage for future smart integrations.
Wearables: Health and Connectivity on Your Wrist
Wearable technology was also a major trend in 2016, with companies focusing on fitness tracking, health monitoring, and overall connectivity.
Apple Watch Series 2
Apple’s second-generation smartwatch made its debut in 2016, and it was a significant upgrade from its predecessor. The Series 2 introduced built-in GPS, making it more appealing to runners and fitness enthusiasts. It also improved water resistance, allowing users to track swimming workouts. With a faster processor and better battery life, the Apple Watch Series 2 solidified its position as the leading smartwatch on the market.
Fitbit Charge 2
For fitness buffs, the Fitbit Charge 2 was one of the top choices in 2016. It offered heart rate tracking, sleep monitoring, and multi-sport modes. Its sleek design and comprehensive tracking features made it a favorite among people looking to improve their health and fitness.
Virtual Reality: Stepping into New Worlds
2016 was a pivotal year for virtual reality (VR), with several high-profile releases that brought this technology closer to mainstream adoption.
Oculus Rift
The Oculus Rift, one of the most anticipated VR headsets, finally hit the market in 2016. Offering an immersive virtual experience, the Rift allowed users to play games, watch movies, and explore virtual worlds like never before. Its precision tracking and high-quality display made it a top choice for VR enthusiasts.
HTC Vive
Another major player in the VR market in 2016 was the HTC Vive. Known for its room-scale VR experience, the Vive allowed users to physically move around and interact with the virtual environment. Its advanced motion controllers and external sensors offered a level of immersion that was unmatched at the time.
PlayStation VR
Sony entered the VR space with the PlayStation VR, an affordable option for gamers. Compatible with the PlayStation 4, it offered an accessible way for console gamers to dive into virtual reality. With a range of VR games available, it quickly became a popular choice among PlayStation fans.
Laptops and Tablets: Power and Portability
For those looking for productivity on the go, 2016 brought a new wave of laptops and tablets that blended performance with sleek design.
MacBook Pro (with Touch Bar)
Apple’s 2016 MacBook Pro featured the new and innovative Touch Bar, a slim OLED display above the keyboard that replaced the traditional function keys. This customizable touch strip offered quick access to various tools and shortcuts, depending on the app being used. With a thinner, lighter design and powerful performance, the MacBook Pro was a top choice for professionals and creatives.
Microsoft Surface Pro 4
The Surface Pro 4 was another standout in 2016, continuing Microsoft’s trend of blending a tablet and laptop into one device. With its detachable keyboard, powerful Intel processors, and a sharp display, it was ideal for both work and play. The Surface Pen made it perfect for artists and designers, while its lightweight design made it easy to carry.
iPad Pro
For those seeking a tablet that could double as a laptop, the iPad Pro was a strong contender. Its powerful A9X chip, paired with the Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard, made it a versatile tool for creatives and professionals alike. The large, vibrant display and seamless iOS experience made it one of the most popular tablets of the year.
Smart Home Devices: The Rise of Home Automation
The smart home market was booming in 2016, with devices designed to make life more convenient and interconnected.
Amazon Echo (2nd Gen)
Amazon’s Echo smart speaker was one of the hottest tech products in 2016. Powered by Alexa, Amazon’s voice assistant, the Echo allowed users to control smart home devices, play music, set reminders, and even order products from Amazon with simple voice commands. Its popularity paved the way for the rise of smart speakers in the following years.
Nest Thermostat
The Nest Thermostat was another must-have smart home device in 2016. It learned your schedule and adjusted the temperature of your home accordingly, helping save energy and reduce heating and cooling bills. Its sleek design and compatibility with other smart home systems made it a top choice for those looking to automate their homes tech press.
Drones: Taking to the Skies
Drones were another tech trend that soared in 2016, with advancements in camera technology and flight control making them more accessible to consumers.
DJI Phantom 4
The DJI Phantom 4 was one of the most popular consumer drones in 2016. With its advanced obstacle avoidance system, 4K camera, and intelligent flight modes, it became a favorite among amateur and professional photographers alike. The Phantom 4 offered a smooth and stable flying experience, making it easier to capture stunning aerial footage.
Conclusion
2016 was a banner year for tech, offering innovations that ranged from smartphones and smartwatches to virtual reality headsets and drones. The diversity of options available meant that consumers could find exactly what they were looking for, whether it was for entertainment, productivity, or personal fitness. Looking back, many of these devices laid the groundwork for the technology we use today, making 2016 a truly transformative year in the world of consumer electronics.
