I have been keeping track of my favorite tech on this site going back to 2011. I thought it would be cool to show my top tech for each year since I started keeping track.
Note: I received some items for free in exchange for my review and I get paid commissions for purchases made through any links to Amazon products on this site. That being said, my reviews are solely based on my opinion. I have never been asked to to provide only a positive review and I would not participate in any program with that condition.
Note: I received some items for free in exchange for my review and I get paid commissions for purchases made through any links to Amazon products on this site. That being said, my reviews are solely based on my opinion. I have never been asked to to provide only a positive review and I would not participate in any program with that condition.
2011 Product of the Year
iPhone 4S
What initially wrote: iPhone 4S - While this was initially a disappointment because the rumor mill made it sound like we would all be using the "iPhone 5" to teleport ourselves to other dimensions and solving questions like "the meaning of life" (although Siri does try to provide us some answers to that question), the iPhone 4S is my favorite tech of the year. With its camera, Siri, speed, etc.. it is a huge update from the iPhone 3GS.
In hindsight, I think this is still one of the best iPhones that Apple ever made in this size. It introduced Siri before it had any competition. The two layers of glass that were squeezed between the two steel antenna band was just gorgeous. One of the only iPhones that I kept in my collection, though I haven't used it in quite a while.
2012 Product of the Year
Canon 5D Mark III
What I initially wrote: This was my favorite new device in 2012. While there were cameras that came to market with many more megapixels. This camera has better low light performance, faster frames per second, and is just a better all around camera, in my opinion and for my needs. Popular Photography also named it their camera of the year.
Yes, this was my workhorse until I change to Sony a couple years ago. I actually still keep it around as a second camera since it is so darn good. Since I mainly use Sony with a Metabones adapter, I can switch on and off Canon lenses without issue. Just an amazing all around camera and if I didn't want to switch to 4k video, I might still be using it as my main camera.
2013 Product of the Year
Directv Genie
What I wrote: I am a huge NFL fan, so I have been with Directv for several years mainly because of the NFL Sunday Ticket package. The Genie (HR44-500) has changed the way we watch TV. In the past, we would have to record some programs in the bedroom to get around the fact that we could only record two programs at once on our old DVR. Now we can record 5 shows in the living room at the same time. I also kept one of the old HR21 DVRs in the bedroom rather than changing it out for a Genie client. The main reason was because I have a Slingbox hooked up to it, but the side benefit is getting two more tuners. Since Directv lets you watch any recording on either DVR in either room, I don't have to go to the bedroom to watch programs if I want to watch them in the living room (and visa versa). There are other features like Pandora and YouTube that add even more options. It is rare to see tech that changes the way you interact and use a service, so the new Genie would be my tech of the year.
I stopped using Directv a while back because it was just too expensive when combined with my internet. I am using Comcast for both now, but I am even thinking about dropping the cable package all together since I stream so often these days. I still think this was a revelation at the time, but streaming continues to change the face of all media.
2014 Product of the Year
iPhone 6 Plus
What I wrote: Product of the year - Any time I get a new phone, it will most likely end up on this list. The iPhone 6 plus is the phone I have wanted since I bought my first smartphone several years ago (Kyocera 7135). It is finally large enough to be used for more than just email and music. The main upsides are the fact that it now has a 1920x1080, 5.5 inch screen, TouchID/ApplePay (which is amazing and probably deserves its own entry on this list), faster processor, better camera with optical stabilization, slo-mo video, specific landscape mode with certain apps, fantastic battery life, etc... See some of my impressions here and here.
Yes, this was one great phone. I actually held onto my 4s until I got this phone, so I was simply waiting on this form factor. If it wasn't for Airplay, I might have moved to Android. However, this phone also brought us TouchID which is amazing even now. I never did update to FaceID and with the talk of under display TouchID being rumored, maybe I won't ever have to?
2015 Product of the Year
iPhone 6s Plus
"With the 4k video capabilities, 3D Touch, 12MP photos, and faster everything, it is a worthwhile update to the iconic iPhone."
Yes, iPhone again. It is hard to argue with this one though. As I mentioned, they boosted the camera and added 4k video. I know a lot of people still rocking this phone for the headphone port since it was removed a year later.
2016 Product of the Year
The Amazon Echo Dot
This year, my choice was easy. The price for performance is unparalleled with this device. My preference is to be able to plug the Echo into my own speakers and the Dot is the best choice for that preference. It can play music, easily receive a Bluetooth signal from a phone or send a Bluetooth signal to a Bluetooth receiving device, control lights, control your entertainment center, etc. It is awesome!
I still have these spread around the house and even the very first model that required you to already own an Echo device (*unless you found the backdoor like I did :)) still gets daily use. I feel like Apple really missed the boat on this since they had Siri around earlier, but Amazon filled that gap and is till reaping rewards from it.
2017 Product of the Year
Netgear Orbi Whole Home Mesh Wifi
It is kind of strange for me to make a WiFi Router my favorite tech, but I have been on sites where people complain about Airplay drop outs or bad signals on nearly a weekly basis. I have recommended that people update their WiFi routers for years and from my experience, the Orbi system has run like a champ since I upgraded in February (when my Google Router bit the dust). My review is here. In short, the thing I love is its wide range and fast speeds.
As we become more and more reliant on streaming, internet of things, etc.. The wifi we have in our homes will become more and more important. I still have Orbi in the house (though I changed the main router to a version that connects directly to cable) and it works like a charm with fast speeds and coverage everywhere. Still highly recommended.
2018 Product of the Year
Apple Watch Series 4
This wasn't an easy choice, as usual. However, this Watch can literally be a life saver with features that will call for help if you fall and the EKG features that are forthcoming. The 44mm is easier to read that the older models, you now have the ability to download audio files to listen to later with headphones, and it gets faster every year. It still isn't perfect..they should allow you to listen to podcasts on its speaker and it should have some always on clock face options. However, it is such a big step forward from prior generations that it belonged at the top of this year's list.
2018 was the most difficult year to pick a favorite. I added the Sony Camera and a wonderful Espresso machine to my gear list (see a link to every year's complete list in the "Wrap Up"). However, when you add tech that can literally save your life while still just looking like your everyday smart watch, it is just too much to overlook. I did mention the lack of an always on display which was rectified with the iPhone 5, but I am waiting for something a bit more out of the box before I upgrade. They have made the display much more responsive to the wrist turn in the Series 4, so it isn't nearly as noticeable as it was in the Original Apple Watch.
2019 Product of the Year
Samsung 34-Inch CJ791 Ultrawide Curved Gaming Monitor
After years of using a 27 inch iMac in my office, I decided to get a monitor that has more flexibility for my needs. This fits the bill with USB-C inputs, HDMI input, etc. It works with my Mac mini, Dell PC, and with everything plugged into my Onkyo receiver. I can plug my MBP right into the USB-C and get a great image with power. It is a substantial upgrade, for my needs, from the iMac.
Not much more to add to this post since it is so recent, however, check out my new office tour if you get a chance:
The Wrap Up
No dount that the last decade was filled with great tech (see the full list for each year by clicking on the year: 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011). In hindsight, there were a couple years where I could have picked something other than an Apple product, but they release these things late in the year, so my excitement level was peaked. Also, is there anything more personal than an iPhone or Apple Watch that are typically with you 24/7?
Make sure you review the rest of my lists because there was a lot of tech in all kinds of different categories that made an impact on my daily life.
Note: I receive items for free in exchange for my review and I get paid commissions for purchases made through any links to Amazon products on this site. My reviews are solely based on my opinion. I have never been asked to to provide only a positive review and I would not participate in any program with that condition.
Make sure you review the rest of my lists because there was a lot of tech in all kinds of different categories that made an impact on my daily life.
Note: I receive items for free in exchange for my review and I get paid commissions for purchases made through any links to Amazon products on this site. My reviews are solely based on my opinion. I have never been asked to to provide only a positive review and I would not participate in any program with that condition.
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