Over the past 25 years, we’ve chronicled the best in gadgets and technology, both in the Philippines and around the world. A lot has changed since our first issue rolled off the presses at the turn of the century. We’ve covered icons like the Nokia 3310, the first iPod, the rise of USB, and the shift to cloud computing. These weren’t just devices; they were milestones that shaped how we live, work, and connect.
While it’s fun to look back, there’s even more to look forward to. As we enter a new era in tech, here are some innovations you’ll be seeing sooner than you think.
The Age of AI
Welcome to the age of AI! Artificial Intelligence is no longer just a buzzword. It’s becoming the backbone of modern technology. From computing and consumer devices to medicine and research, AI is reshaping how we interact with the world.
Tech giants are investing heavily in AI development, racing to build faster, smarter, and more efficient models. Google, for instance, has integrated its Gemini AI into search results, offering users AI-generated summaries. In the U.S., some users can also opt into a full Gemini-powered search experience. This shift marks a major change in how we access and process information.
Meanwhile, Meta is embedding AI into its platforms in more subtle but equally powerful ways. Meta AI is now part of Messenger, offering users smart suggestions and responses. The company also launched Meta smart glasses, which allow users to interact with the digital world.
Google has taken a more gradual approach. It started with a dedicated Gemini app for smartphones and is now merging Gemini with Google Assistant. Just this year, Google and Samsung announced a new line of AI-powered wearables, signaling a new race in smart device innovation.
While early AI gadgets like the Rabbit R1 and Humane AI Pin didn’t quite take off, they laid the groundwork for what’s coming next: AI that’s less about novelty and more about utility.
From Virtual to Extended: XR Takes Over
Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) have come a long way. Once sci-fi dreams, they’re now part of everyday life thanks to brands like HTC, Valve, Microsoft, and Meta. These technologies have evolved from niche gaming gear to tools used in education, design, and even therapy.
In recent years, the line between VR and AR has blurred, giving rise to Extended Reality (XR)—a term that covers VR, AR, Mixed Reality, and emerging immersive tech. XR is poised to redefine how we interact with digital content.
Meta’s smart glasses are a great example. They don’t display visuals like traditional AR, but they let users interact with the digital world through voice commands—asking Meta AI to take photos, translate text, and more. Google’s upcoming XR glasses, demoed last summer, feature a small display on top of regular eyeglasses. It can show text, images, and even respond to Gemini-powered queries.
XR isn’t limited to wearables. Holographic displays are also gaining traction. While we’re not quite at Star Wars-level holograms, heads-up displays in cars are a clever workaround. These use dashboard reflections to project information directly into the driver’s line of sight, improving safety and convenience.
Holograms also appear in entertainment. Concerts have used holographic tech combining lasers and projectors to bring digital performers to life. It has even been used to bring back a dead artist for a final performance, blending nostalgia and innovation through technology that continues to evolve.
Biotech: The Next Leap in Medicine
Tech isn’t just about phones and wearables. It’s also transforming medicine in profound ways. One of the most exciting developments is biotechnology, which combines biology and engineering to create new medical solutions.
Biotech is driving breakthroughs in personalized medicine, antibody development, and gene therapy. It’s helping researchers tackle future pandemics and explore cures for diseases once thought untreatable. Gene editing, for example, could one day eliminate inherited conditions or prevent certain illnesses altogether.
Personalized medicine is another game-changer. Instead of one-size-fits-all treatments, doctors can now tailor medications to an individual’s genetic makeup, which is especially helpful for those with allergies or resistance to common drugs.
Human augmentation is also gaining attention. Elon Musk’s Neuralink project aims to connect the human brain with computers, potentially offering new hope for people with disabilities. While still in early stages, this kind of research could redefine how we interact with technology, and how technology interacts with us.
Biotech isn’t just about treatment. It’s about prevention, personalization, and even enhancement. It’s a field where science fiction is quickly becoming science fact.
Looking Ahead
The world of tech has evolved rapidly over the last 25 years, and it’s not slowing down. Some innovations have faded into obscurity, while others have made unexpected comebacks. What’s certain is that human creativity will continue to push boundaries.
Whether it’s AI, XR, or biotech, the future of tech is full of promise. And as always, we’ll be here to explore it with you.
Words by Gabriel John Pe
Also published in GADGETS MAGAZINE Volume 26 No. 1 Issue.