The 2010s was a huge decade for innovation. There are a lot of gadgets to make our lives easier (maybe too easy) but there are also life-saving inventions that were introduced. From Silly Bandz to robotic prosthetic hands, the 2010s was a decade of making life easier.
It's kind of crazy to think that Instagram wasn't around ten years ago... Especially since it's such a staple to social media! Some people even run their businesses fully on Instagram and can made a living off of it. Founder Kevin Systrom developed the platform and dropped it to the public in 2010. Within the first year, the company reported that they had 500,000 new accounts each week.
Drone Delivery
Having a drone come and deliver a package to your home seems a bit Big Brother-ish, right? A lot of people wern't quite comfortable with this invention, but it was slowly incorporated into Amazon's business model. As of right now, these drones can only deliver within two hours of Amazon's distribution facilities, so only a small amount of customers have actually recieved a delivery drone at their door.
3-D Printing
The technology of 3-D printing has been floating around since the 80s, but only became a tangible device in the 2010s. A lot of 3-D printing is used for prototypes or models of certain products, but it has been used to create prosthetic limbs and even human organs.
Fidget Spinners
How triggering is this picture? Fidget spinners were an insane fad that lasted a little bit too long. They wealsed their way into tons of comedy sketches and editorials on how dumb kids are these days, but at least they pushed a bunch of money into the economy. Fidget spinners can still be found in stores, but it's way less likely to see a mob of kids whipping these things around on the street nowadays.
Flappy Bird
The rise and fall of Flappy Bird was a doozy. This was a popular app that became extremely competitive among teenagers and young adults. It was almost as crazy as Angry Birds, and probably would have reached that level of fame before the developer took it off the market because people were getting too "addicted" to it, as the creator has said. Only ancient artifacts, such as an iPhone 5, would have something like this on it...
MoviePass
This was a deal that seemed too good to be true -- because it really should have been. MoviePass offered its customers to see one movie a day for the price of $9.99 per month. This was a totally unsustainable business model and it crashed and burned pretty quickly. It officially shut down in September of 2019. It did inspire Regal and AMC to create their own membership deals, though. They're not as good a MoviePass, but it's something!
Pokemon Go!
Summer 2016: where everything seemed to be okay for once. Granted, kids were trespassing into people's yards and even onto train tracks to catch that Pokemon, but still, they were at least outside! Pokemon Go! used Augmented Reality technology for the player to project a Pokemon onto whatever their camera was pointing at. There were even "tournament" points at certain public parks and restaurants where users could meet up to battle their Pokemon.
Venmo
What was life before Venmo? Probably a lot of horrible math and owed money, honestly. Venmo makes it super easy to send money to your friends and request your friends for money. Some people even use it to send rent to their landlords or send the wonderful gift money to friends and family across the country.
Air Fryers
The very first Airfryer was released by Philips in 2010 and has pretty much skyrocketed into popularity since. Other brands have taken on the air fryer idea for their customers, and people have greedily bought them. Air fryers take the fattyness of regular frying but keep the deliciousness! Plus, it's super easy and convenient. Who doesn't love that?
Hoverboard
We've all seen a good hoverboard fail, whether it was on Youtube or in person. These boards were an attempt at a "futuristic" mode of transportation, but it kind of just became a meme... Especially since one brand's hoverboard caught on fire a lot. You can't really take someone seriously if they roll up on one of these bad boys.
Vine
Vine was the voice of a generation. This was an app that helped people become their most creative. People who wanted to use it for comedic purposes were forced to create a cohesive joke within six seconds. A lot of other viral Vines were random, hilarious situations that happened organically. We miss Vine. It lives on through tons of Youtube compliations now.
Curved Televisions
Early in the decade, someone thought that having a TV with a curved screen and 3-D abilities would be a hit among households. If anything, a curved TV looked cool on the wall but literally offered nothing more than what normal flat-screen TVs offer. Plus, having to wear 3-D glasses in your livingroom wasn't very appealing to most customers. Naturally, this invention was a flop.
Uber & Rideshare Apps
Before the day and age of Uber, grabbing a taxi was the go-to mode of city transportation. Then, in 2010, Uber was released to the public and totally changed the game. There has been a lot of pushback with the app, especially with taxi drivers, but it's still extremely popular and probably one of the best inventions of the decade.
Postmates
Postmates really brought out the laziness in people. The app dropped in 2011 and changed how everyone looked at delivery services. Postmates didn't just deliver food, but groceries and other household goods that you might need. Basically, with Postmates, you never need to leave the house.
Snapchat
Snapchat took off simply due to the fact that you can send and recieve photos and have them disappear after a few seconds. Snapchat in 2019 has changed significantly since it's debut, but it still holds the same merit. Snapchat is a multi-million dollar platform now!
Twitch TV
If you told someone in 2009 that people will be making a living off of playing video games, they wouldn't believe you. Now, Twitch has become an insane platform that exceeds most social media. Users will stream video games and interact with their viewers all while getting money from them.
Oculus VR
Although it's still a bit buggy, VR has become pretty popular. It's still a super expensive gaming system but it's pretty worth it if you know what you want to do with it. Yes, it looks a bit silly, but that's the price to be immersed in the world of virtual reality!
23andMe
Taking an at-home DNA test became a trend in the late 2010s all thanks to 23andMe. Even though a lot of people think that it's the governments way of getting your DNA into a database, it's still fun to see where your ancestry looks like. Now you can really say that you're "20% Italian" and actually mean it!
Samsung's Galaxy Fold
Why would anyone need a folding phone? Samsung probably couldn't even tell you... They just wanted to be the first on the market with this device. Unfortunately, it was pretty trashy and easily breakable. Many folks who bought the phone noticed that the inside screen broke very easily. So much for that!
Mattel's Creatable World Doll
Mattel, the owner of Barbies, finally made a doll that's inclusive for everyone. These dolls come with a kit of a bunch of different hair styles and clothes where you can create whoever you want! The doll could be a boyish, girly, or both! There's no telling what you can and can't do with these dolls, and everyone's into inclusivity.
Self-Driving Cars
Self-driving cars were introduced in the early decade with a lot of pushback from potential consumers. After tedious testing, some self-driving cars were released to the public. The Tesla models are probably the most popular on the market as self-driving cars, and they're pretty successful. Even Uber and Lyft are releasing driver-less rideshares!
Google Assistant
The Google Assistant can be found on all Google devices but is most commonly used on a Google Home service. Just by using voice commands, you can order groceries, make a list, or even post to Twitter. Everyone's always wanted a personal assistant, right?
Kinect
The Kinect was iconic in it's own right. It was the very first full-body gaming system that didn't need a controller. It was basically like the Wii, but totally device-free. It's not so popular anymore, but it was fun at the time!
SpaceX Reusable Rocket
SpaceX introduced a new method of space travel and exploration with its reusable rocket. It launched on December, 2015 and successfully delivered a payload. Each launch takes about $65 million, so it's still a bit costly, but it's on the way for true success!
Nest Thermostat
It's a bit weird to think that a thermostat was a hot topic of the 2010s, but it was! The Nest Thermostat learns your habits and the temperatures that you like all the while keeping it eco-friendly. Plus, people love the fact that you can adjust it using your phone.
iPad
Apple dropped the first iPad in 2010. It's first launch wasn't sure receptive and most people assumed that it was only really good for keeping your toddler busy. Soon, it became a booming product that changed a lot of industries, especially the food service. Now, iPads are used for on-the-go work and presentations and even kicked brands like Samsung, Microsoft, and Amazon into gear about creating tablets.
LED Lightbulbs
LED lightbulbs hit the consumer market in the early 2010s. They were pitched as eco-friendly and energy saving, but a lot of people didn't like the blueish glow. So, color-changing Smart Bulbs were also introduced in this decade that totally changed the lightbulb game.
Ring Doorbell Camera
It's uncommon to see a block without at least a few Ring Doorbells. These are recording your front step 24/7 and help deter package thieves and break-ins! When they do happen, the police will usually have the footage of the crime to help the case. Fun fact: founder Jamie Siminoff was rejected on Shark Tank for this product. Five years later, Amazon bought it for $1 billion.
Tesla Powerwall
The Tesla Powerwall is a huge step in eco-friendly power and energy saving technology. It was developed in 2015 to harness the extra power created by gas and electric devices in your home and stores it for later. No waste!
Silly Bandz
In 2008, you could catch most middle schoolers with one of these on their wrists. They were literally just little rubber bands that came in the shape of different animals. Nothing more, nothing less.
Kickstarters
Crowd-funding and kickstarters took off during the last decade. Kickstarter.com was the first company to bring entrepreneurs outside of their comfort zone and to ask for money from potential customers. It's really convenient for people who want to take their money out of big business and invest in smaller companies.
Square Reader
Not a lot of people will admit to carrying a lot of cash anymore. Most of the time, people use their debit or credit cards. This was a problem for smaller, independent folks who wanted to sell their products but didn't have the means for a legit card reader. Then, the Square Reader came onto the market and helped bring more cash into the pockets of small businesses. Plus, it's way more convenient for the customer, too!
eLegs Exoskeleton
These aren't just a pair of regular crutches. This device is used to help paraplegics walk, even after doctors told them they would never be able to walk again. eLegs Exoskeleton uses AI to read the users posture and movements to help them walk as best as they can. It's another step in helping handicapped folks lead more independent lives!
Netflix Originals
Netflix has actually been around since the 1990s. They ended up becoming a streaming service as the times changed and eventually began creating their own original series' and movies. Netflix was able to get House of Cards as their first original series and adapt it to the way that they liked. Now, they have hits like Stranger Things, You, Bojack Horseman, and even Fuller House.
iMessage
That's right, iMessage wasn't always a thing! Seeing the green rectangles were the norm back in the day... Now, it just means that you're talking to a non-iPhone user! When Apple first made the change, it was pretty jarring to see blue instead of green.
Siri
Apple first launched Siri in 2010 as an "assistant" of sorts. Siri can do virtually anything for you... She can send a text, search something up on the web, call a friend, or even tell you a joke. Of course, Siri has been subjected to a lot of abuse from teenagers, but she usually has witty comebacks.
Smart Home Assistants
Amazon released Alexa and Google released Google Home... Most people were pretty interested in having this sort of at-home assistance. They're pretty convenient, honestly! Even if they are recording everything you say or do, it's still pretty convenient.
Apple Maps
Even though Apple Maps isn't perfect, it's hard to imagine a world without it. GPS navigators were a thing until smartphones hijacked the industry. Now, Apple Maps will come on your iPhone. Before it was launched in 2012, users had to go into the App Store and download Google Maps. Though the two maps are in competition, they're definitely the most popular.
Apple Watch
Apple Watches were introduced with a heavy mix of enthusiasm and speculation. Some folks thought that it was a bit much to have something like this on your wrist, but others saw the benefits for health and physical reasons. Now, it's pretty much the norm to see an Apple Watch on someone's wrist! Especially if they're more fitness-focused. Plus, you can access your social media and messages on the watch which is pretty convenient!
FitBit
Although it's similar to the Apple Watch, the Fitbit is way more fitness and health based and offers a deeper insight into your body. Plus, it's a bit more cost effective since you don't have to pay for all of the extra features.
Curiosity
NASA scientists sent Curiostiy to Mars in 2011. This was the first time we ever had something on Mars to try and investigate it! In 2014, it even found traces of water.
Augmented Reality
The idea of superimposing objects onto real-time pictures is something straight out of a 70s sci-fi movie. Now, it's a reality! Retailers like Amazon and Wayfair even have technology where you can "see" the piece of furniture in your room. Kinda crazy!
Nintendo Wii U
The Wii U was no Nintendo Switch, but it had a similar idea. Users didn't quite like it, though, due to the bulky design and the fact that you had to carry both the handheld controller and the base station... Wii U only sold 14 million units in comparison to the 100 million units of the Wii.
Google Glass
The Google Glass was... an idea. However, it was not executed well at all. Users looked like a Terminator-esque villain with these glasses on, and it wasn't subtle. The glasses used AR technology for use, and there was even a camera installed. Of course, this made the product a privacy issue since it could record anyone at any time without them knowing. Needless to say, the $1,500 glasses didn't take off and flopped.
Modular Phones
This was a nice attempt at one-upping the iPhone industry, but no one really seemed to care. Phone companies tried developing a modular phone so that the user can customize it to their liking. Turns out, that's not what the consumer wants whatsoever and the phones flopped.
Google Nexus Q
Ask any tech writer from 2012 about this thing and they won't even know where to start. The Nexus Q was a device that streamed from YouTube, Play Music, and Play Video. It famously had weird connection issues and barelt worked, and even required an app to change any of the settings. Google eventually pulled the product off the shelves to relaunch it after hearing consumer complaints, but that never happened.
Yik Yak
The idea of anonymity on the internet is quite popular among many social medias. Yik Yak was a completely anonymous platform that let users within a 5-mile radius post whatever was on their mind. This was mostly used by college students trying to figure out what's happening on campus and where the best party was. That, and it was used to complain about other college students.
VR Movies
This sounds headache inducing, and it is! Many directors wanted to be the first to diversify their films, so they hopped on the VR trend. It's a cool idea, especially because you can control what you're looking at, but sitting like that for two hours sounds a bit exhausting. Some movie theaters even tried to introduce technology, but it never really took off.
Coolest Cooler
This was known as the most popular Kickstarter campaign ever. The founders raised over $13 million on the website in 2014. The cooler had everything you would need for a perfect beach day. Unfortunately, it's no longer for sale as the company totally tanked. They didn't deliver the 60,000 coolers they had recieved orders for, and they partnered with Amazon to put it on the website before sending it to the people who initially invested. Rough.
Juul
Most anti-smoking campaigns have their eyes set on vaping, especially Juuls. They were realesed in 2017 to "help" people quit smoking cigarettes. Now, a bunch of teenagers are addicted to the vapes as they have nicotine in them. Win some, lose some.
The Mirror
The Mirror looks like it's part of a dystopian future. Right now, it's mainly used for fitness and working out. It's interactive and can help you adjust your stances and positions in order to have a better workout. Honestly, that seems extremely creepy and horrifying... Who knows what it's doing without you knowing?
AirPods
Quite possibly the biggest flex of the decade, AirPods are wireless bluetooth headphones that eliminate the need for annoying wires. Even though they're pretty useful, many people liked to make fun of them due to the staggering pricepoint. Plus, they became pretty memeable during the decade, too.
Vlogging
Thanks to Youtube, an entire different genre of video has been created: Vlogging. People wiill film themselves in their day-to-day lives doing whatever they "usually do" (apparently). Vlogging has become extremely popular in the last decade and features tons of different people with different lives. Even Kylie Jenner has put out some vlogs, as if having a reality TV show wasn't enough!
Tinder
Online dating has been a thing for years, but something this quick and accessible was brand-new. Tinder makes it easy to find people in your area. Users will add their favorite photos of themselves and a witty bio to attract the attention of someone. Tinder paved the way for apps like Bumble and Hinge.
BrainRobotics Prosthetic Hand
This was another huge innovation in helping amputees live an easier life. The BrainRobotics hand is probably the most user friendly on the market. It even learns how the user reacts and uses the hand to make it extrememy lifelike and natural. Who knows where prosthetics will be in 10 years?
Remote Skateboards
The remote skateboard pretty much takes the idea of skateboarding and throws it out and the window. All the user has to do is stand on it and press a button on their remote. The remote controls the speed that they go at and helps them stop. Obviously, you can technically do tricks on it, but it won't do it for you. As if skateboarders needed someone else to make fun of.
Scotch Flex & Seal Shipping Roll
More eco-friendly inventions! The Scotch Flex & Seal Shipping Roll elminates the need for tape, packing peanuts, styrofoam, and even boxes! This could even cut down on weight which cuts down on shipping costs. Especially with home deliveries being so important, this could really change the game.
If you lose your keys and wallet constantly, Tile Smart Alerts is the product for you. You can attach it to your keys or wallet, and when you lose it, use the other tile to set off a sound to help you find it. With a subscription, there's even an app to help you figure out where exactly they are!
Tile Smart Alerts
Pop Socket
Pop Sockets have gotten extremely popular among all age groups. It's pretty much a super-easy way to hold your phone or prop it up. If you find that you get hand cramps from holding your phone too long, this might be a perfect product for you!
Martin Jetpack
So this isn't exactly what everyone had in mind, but it's still pretty cool! The Martin Jetpack took our Jetsons dreams and made it a reality (kind of). It can only fly around for 30 minutes before it runs out of fuel and its a bit clunky, but we're on the right path for some cool jetpacks in the future, right?