Trendy gadgets and technological advancement in the world

Sometimes new and emerging technologies hold the potential to transform our future in amazing ways… yet at the same time, they can feel a little unsettling.One example is necrobotics. As the name hints, it involves turning once-living creatures into robotic tools. While it sounds like something straight out of a horror movie, researchers at Rice University are actually experimenting with it.

In their work, scientists managed to turn a dead spider into a robotic-style gripper, capable of picking up small objects. They achieved this by pumping air into the spider’s body. This works because spiders normally extend their legs using hydraulic pressure—forcing haemolymph (their equivalent of blood) into their limbs.At this stage, the concept is still very new and experimental, but it suggests a future where deceased animals could be repurposed for science. It feels oddly reminiscent of Frankenstein!

Not all breakthroughs need to be high-tech to make a difference. Some of the most powerful innovations are surprisingly simple.A group of Finnish engineers, for instance, created a way to transform sand into a massive energy storage battery.

They filled a steel container—measuring 4 by 7 meters—with 100 tons of sand, then heated it using renewable energy from wind and solar.The stored heat can then be supplied to nearby homes and buildings through a local energy provider. What makes this method impressive is that the stored energy remains usable for long periods of time.

The principle behind this is resistive heating—when electricity flows through a material, the resistance produces friction, which generates heat. Since sand and similar materials are not superconductors, they warm up effectively and can hold that heat for energy use.

While today’s technology makes it easy to see and hear people across the world, the sense of touch is still missing from our digital connections. A breakthrough from engineers at the City University of Hong Kong may change that.They’ve developed a wireless soft e-skin, which could one day make virtual hugs possible.

This artificial skin is covered with flexible actuators that detect movement and turn it into electrical signals. Those signals can then be transmitted via Bluetooth to another e-skin system, where they’re converted back into mechanical vibrations—mimicking the original touch.Researchers at the City University of Hong Kong (CityU) have created what they describe as a wireless, skin-mounted olfactory feedback system—basically VR gear that lets you experience scents.

The aromas are produced when the device heats and melts scented wax, releasing different levels of fragrance. Two types of prototypes exist: one that clips just above the upper lip for direct access to the nostrils, and another designed like a face mask that can blend hundreds of unique scent combinations.According to the university, this invention could be used in a wide range of fields—from virtual classrooms to immersive 4D cinema. In the near future, you might not just watch a movie in VR, but actually smell it too—taking immersion to a whole new level.

Who could imagine that satellites might one day be launched using something similar to a giant slingshot? While it’s more advanced than that, the underlying idea isn’t too far off.The system, called SpinLaunch, uses kinetic energy rather than relying solely on chemical propellants like conventional rockets. It accelerates payloads up to speeds of about 8,000 km/h and forces of 10,000 G before hurling them skyward through a massive launch chamber.

Although small onboard rockets are still needed to push the payload into orbit, SpinLaunch claims the approach could reduce fuel consumption and infrastructure requirements by nearly 70%. The company has already partnered with NASA and begun testing its technology.

One of the more frequent experimental procedures today involves placing a pig’s heart into a human body. This has been achieved successfully twice so far. In one case, the patient survived for only a few months, while the second individual is still under medical monitoring.

Before the transplant can happen, the organ must undergo genetic modification. Specific pig genes are removed, while human genes are inserted — particularly those linked to immune tolerance and the prevention of abnormal heart tissue growth.

At present, these operations are high-risk and outcomes are unpredictable. Still, in the coming years, xenotransplantation could become far more common, offering animal-derived hearts or tissues to patients in need.

As artificial intelligence advances, it is beginning to rival human abilities across many fields — including art. Researchers at OpenAI have built software that generates original images from simple text instructions.

For example, entering a phrase like “a dog in a cowboy hat singing in the rain” produces multiple unique illustrations of exactly that. Users can even choose the artistic style. The system isn’t flawless, however, and struggles with vague or poorly worded requests.

This program, called DALL·E, is now in its second version, with further improvements in development. In the future, it could fuel art exhibitions, help companies quickly obtain custom illustrations, or even transform how memes are made online.Another tool, known as Midjourney, specializes in producing striking, gothic-style images from just a prompt. The possibilities show how futuristic our present already feels.

What once seemed like science fiction is becoming reality: technology that interprets brain activity has advanced rapidly in recent years. A particularly promising application comes from scientists at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL), where brain signals have been successfully used to control robotic arms.

Thanks to advancements in machine learning, robotic arms, and brain-computer interfaces, researchers have developed a way for people with tetraplegia (those unable to move either their upper or lower body) to better interact with their surroundings.

During experiments, the robotic arm carried out basic actions such as maneuvering around obstacles. An EEG cap captured brain activity, which the algorithm then interpreted to recognize when the arm performed a movement the brain considered undesirable — for instance, moving too close to an object or moving at an excessive speed.

Over time, the system learns to adapt to each individual’s brain signals and preferences. This technology could eventually pave the way for brain-controlled wheelchairs or robotic assistance devices to support tetraplegic patients.

3D printing has shown potential across industries, from constructing low-cost houses to producing durable protective gear. One of the most fascinating medical applications, however, is the creation of 3D-printed bones.Ossiform, a company specializing in medical 3D printing, produces custom bone implants made from tricalcium phosphate — a substance that closely mimics the characteristics of natural bone.

The process is straightforward: hospitals carry out an MRI scan and send it to Ossiform, which then designs a 3D model of the required implant. After the surgeon approves the design, the implant is printed and used during surgery.

What makes these implants remarkable is that tricalcium phosphate allows the body to naturally remodel them into living, vascularized bone. This ensures full restoration of the original bone’s function. To maximize integration, the implants are built with a porous structure containing wide channels and cavities, encouraging cells to attach, grow, and regenerate bone tissue.

It’s wild to think about, but 2025 has already reached its halfway point. That slightly daunting milestone makes it the perfect time to look back at the gadgets we’ve spent the last six months testing and ask a straightforward question: what are the standout products of the year so far?

Our team of specialists across audio, smartphones, computing, cameras, TVs, fitness, and smart home tech have weighed in — and the verdict is clear. Has AI stifled hardware creativity? Judging by this list, the answer is a resounding “no.” Sure, there are some familiar favorites (yes, we’re looking at you, Nintendo Switch 2), but there are also daring new designs from brands like Honor, Motorola, and Sigma.Of course, cutting-edge ideas often carry premium price tags. That’s why we’ve also highlighted some of the best budget-friendly releases we’ve seen — from chargers to smart glasses to wearables. If you’re after a snapshot of how tech in 2025 is shaping up so far, this roundup is for you.

The Sigma BF throws out many traditional camera design conventions, and by all logic it ought to be a flop – yet it’s become the most talked-about camera of the year. Machined from a single piece of metal, this sleek, premium-feeling full-frame model embraces a stripped-back aesthetic with physical controls, showcasing some of the boldest design choices around. It’s even been dubbed the kind of camera Apple might have created.

After several weeks of hands-on use, my time with the BF felt like a mixed ride: the ultra-smooth, unadorned body makes it genuinely tricky to hold, the pared-down control system redefines ‘minimal’, and it skips features like a viewfinder, an articulating display, modern connectivity, a memory card slot (which feels unsettling), and in-body stabilisation.

If you need a new phone charger, the Anker Nano Charger 45W is an outstanding choice. It delivers more than enough power to enable fast charging on top iPhones and Samsung devices and even comes with a 6-foot USB-C cable.

What really sets this charger apart is its incredibly compact and lightweight design – impressive given its high maximum power output. Thanks to GaN technology, Anker has made sure this charger can quickly power up your gadgets while remaining small enough to fit easily in tight spots at home or when traveling.

When it comes to portability, you can simply fold the prongs and slip it into your pocket or bag – very handy. At a retail price of only $34.99 / £24.99 (roughly AU$50), this charger offers remarkable value. Additionally, the Anker MagGo Wireless Charging Station 3-in-1 Foldable Pad deserves a shoutout – this cleverly designed palm-sized wireless charger has been our travel companion ever since its release.

Read our detailed review of the Anker Nano Charger 45W with USB-C Cable
US$19.99 on Amazon

15. OnePlus Watch 3
The standout Android smartwatch of 2025 (so far)

The OnePlus Watch 3 may be a modest upgrade from the OnePlus Watch 2, but it offers the best Wear OS experience currently available.

This watch is geared toward users who want a stylish smart watch that also supports casual fitness, and it largely delivers. Battery life is a highlight – during our testing, it lasted an impressive four and a half days, even with multiple GPS-based workouts.

We also found it excels at tracking running and provides accurate sleep monitoring. That said, it’s not ideal for Apple enthusiasts or anyone who prefers lighter watches, and swim tracking had some issues. If you want a high-end Wear OS device, this is a strong contender – and a smaller version will be released on July 8.