Apple
iPhone
Introducing the first iPhone in a now-legendary keynote presentation, Steve Jobs promised a combination of three devices: a "widescreen iPod with touch controls"; a "revolutionary mobile phone"; and a "breakthrough Internet communicator". It delivered.
Touchscreen Smart Phone
07
Fitbit
2003
A wearable, wireless-enabled device with an internal motion detector to track steps and count daily calorie burn, the Fitbit gave birth to a whole category of fitness tracker and set the course for the smartwatch boom to come.
06
Google Chromebook
Low-Cost Cloud Computing Laptop
A $300 laptop capable of running multiple apps directly through a web browser rather than on a hard drive. While not capable of running resource-intensive operations, Chromebooks significantly helped people to better understand—and feel comfortable with—storing their data exclusively in the Cloud.
18
05
16
Nespresso Concept
Portioned Coffee ‘Pod’ Machine
With the goal of “enabling anyone to create the perfect cup of espresso coffee", Nespresso introduced their Concept with a large variety of pod flavors. Now, they’re ubiquitous.
15
10
11
19
20
14
09
12
13
08
04
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20|20 Looking Back at the Last 20 Years
20|20 Looking Back at the Last 20 Years
20|20 Looking Back at the Last 20 Years
20
BREAKTHROUGH PRODUCTS
of THE LASt 20 years
OCULUS
RIFT
2016
Built on the back of a successful $2.5 million Kickstarter campaign, the Oculus brand was later purchased by Facebook where its flagship VR headset became a true consumer-friendly standard. While we haven’t yet seen the full impact that AR/VR headsets will have on our day-to-day lives, the Rift led the way so far.
Ericsson
2000
As the first mobile phone with built-in Bluetooth, the T36 was the first product of its kind to connect to other devices wirelessly, including the headset it came with. Today, just about every smartphone accessory, from headphones to heart rate monitors, uses Bluetooth to transfer data.
xboX
360
Online Entertainment Console
Microsoft’s home video game console was the first mainstream online service, Xbox Live, to allow multiplayer games and the chance to purchase digital media including games, music, and movies. Today, multiplayer gaming is a must-have and streaming media is the new normal.
GOPRO
Action Camera
An “action sports camera for amateurs,” GoPro founder Nick Woodman introduced the first GoPro HERO as a 35mm camera with a wrist-mount strap for first-person footage. Today, videos filmed from the distinctive first-person GoPro view continue to dominate YouTube and beyond.
AMazon
kindle
eReader
Utilizing the E Ink display, Amazon’s eReader enabled users to browse, sample, and purchase from millions of books wirelessly for offline reading through its own Kindle Store. It’s still the leading reader.
AMAZON
ECHO
Smart Home Speaker
As the hardware embodiment of Amazon’s Alexa assistant service, the Echo introduced the concept of a voice-controlled interface for the home. Today, third-party developers use the Alexa platform to create tens of thousands of “skills” for their products, furthering the adoption of voice-based interfaces.
17
DJI
Phantom
2013
Founded by a model plane enthusiast whose goal was to make a flying toy that wouldn’t crash half the time, DJI’s first consumer quadcopter ‘drone’ became a mass-market hit that was ready to fly with serious hardware out of the box for less than $700. Now, they’re used, and used widely, as flying camcorders.
Garmin
Forerunner
GPS Running Watch
Having previously specialized in GPS technology for industrial applications, including aviation, marine, and military, the Forerunner wrist-mounted display brought location-based data (like detailed terrain maps) to mainstream runners and bikers.
BOSE
Noise Cancellation Headphones
While the first noise-canceling headset was invented in 1979 by Dr. Amar Bose, who found inspiration in an airplane pilot’s headset, the technology didn’t make its way to the consumers until 2000. Today, noise-canceling features have become a new standard in headphone purchases as the tech becomes more accessible.
Sonos
2004
Sonos introduced the ZP100 and the concept of streaming music from a centralized source to wireless speakers with simple setup, clean design, and decent sound—leaving oversized subwoofers and infinite tangles of wires in its wake.
NEST
2011
This machine-learning-based temperature control device—once known as a thermostat—conserved energy while it regulated temperatures. As a reinterpretation of a commonly-used household object, the Nest Learning Thermostat ushered in the age of connected “internet of things”.
SamSung
2008
The Samsung PAVV Bordeaux 750 was the first to bridge the gap between traditional TV and web content like weather, stock prices, and YouTube, but its main claim to fame was in hosting streaming content.
APPLE
Ipod
2001
While not the first MP3 player—that would be the MPMan F10—the iPod simplified the user experience with a closed integration to iTunes and a minimalist, pocket-friendly package capable of holding “1,000 songs in your pocket.” The iPod gave way to cross-platform compatibility and was an essential precursor to the iPhone.
Nintendo
Wii
Active Game Console and Remote
Nintendo’s motion-focused console introduced the Wii Remote controller which could detect movement in three dimensions for motion-based gaming. This ‘gamification’ of exercising helped establish video games as a medium for physical activity, even if it was Just Dance.
google
glass
2013
Initially sold only to qualified “Glass Explorers” in the US, the Google Glass head-mounted display provided a hands-free, ubiquitous computer experience. Deemed a failure, in part due to technology-as-fashion ambitions or just plain dorkiness, Glass helped define the best and the worst of what wearable technologies can be—with its most significant impact yet to come.
apple
ipad
2010
While some saw it as an overpriced eReader or a giant phone, few could have predicted its versatility or ability to integrate into our daily routine, like the way you pay for your morning coffee.
Not all new products make an impact—anyone own a Juicero
or go-kart suitcase? Nor did the first product of its kind always make the biggest splash. But we’re here to celebrate the ones that did. The following products are the breakthroughs—the most influential objects of the 21st century, changing the way
we live, work, play, and communicate.
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2007
Smart Glasses
2006
Smart Learning Thermostat
Wireless Speakers
2000
2003
2014
2007
2002
2000
2002
2011
By Acer and Samsung
1st Generation
1st Generation
Touchscreen Tablet
First Generation
Wii (RVL-001)
Apple iPod MP3 Player
1st Generation
Smart TV
Samsung PAVV Bordeaux 750
Nest T100577
Sonos ZP100
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Consumer Quadcopter ‘Drones’
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1st Generation
1st Generation
GoPro Hero 35 MM
Nespresso C190S Concept Espresso Machine
XBOX 360
Bluetooth Mobile Device
Ericsson T36 Mobile Phone
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Portable VR Console
Fitness Tracker
First Generation
Story By ceros originals | Design by Jeremiah McnAIR
Looking Back at the Last 20 Years
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Looking Back at the Last 20 Years
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Looking Back at the Last 20 Years
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Looking Back at the Last 20 Years
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Looking Back at the Last 20 Years
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Looking Back at the Last 20 Years
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Looking Back at the Last 20 Years
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Looking Back at the Last 20 Years
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Looking Back at the Last 20 Years
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Looking Back at the Last 20 Years
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Looking Back at the Last 20 Years
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Looking Back at the Last 20 Years
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Looking Back at the Last 20 Years
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Looking Back at the Last 20 Years
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Looking Back at the Last 20 Years
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Looking Back at the Last 20 Years
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Looking Back at the Last 20 Years
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Looking Back at the Last 20 Years
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Looking Back at the Last 20 Years
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Looking Back at the Last 20 Years
PRODUCTS
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Words by TOM DEVOTO | Design by Jeremiah mCNair
Touchscreen Smart Phone
Apple iPhone
2007
Introducing the first iPhone in a now-legendary keynote presentation, Steve Jobs promised a combination of three devices: a "widescreen iPod with touch controls"; a "revolutionary mobile phone"; and a "breakthrough Internet communicator". It delivered.
20|20
Looking Back at the Last 20 Years
Touchscreen Smart Phone
Apple iPhone
2007
Introducing the first IPhone in a now-legendary keynote presentation, Steve Jobs promised a combination of three devices: a "widescreen iPod with touch controls"; a "revolutionary mobile phone"; and a "breakthrough Internet communicator". It delivered.
20|20
Looking Back at the Last 20 Years
Touchscreen Smart Phone
Apple iPhone
2007
Introducing the first IPhone in a now-legendary keynote presentation, Steve Jobs promised a combination of three devices: a "widescreen iPod with touch controls"; a "revolutionary mobile phone"; and a "breakthrough Internet communicator". It delivered.
20|20
Looking Back at the Last 20 Years
Touchscreen Smart Phone
Apple iPhone
2007
Introducing the first IPhone in a now-legendary keynote presentation, Steve Jobs promised a combination of three devices: a "widescreen iPod with touch controls"; a "revolutionary mobile phone"; and a "breakthrough Internet communicator". It delivered.
20|20
Looking Back at the Last 20 Years
Touchscreen Smart Phone
Apple iPhone
2007
Introducing the first IPhone in a now-legendary keynote presentation, Steve Jobs promised a combination of three devices: a "widescreen iPod with touch controls"; a "revolutionary mobile phone"; and a "breakthrough Internet communicator". It delivered.
20|20
Looking Back at the Last 20 Years
Touchscreen Smart Phone
Apple iPhone
2007
Introducing the first IPhone in a now-legendary keynote presentation, Steve Jobs promised a combination of three devices: a "widescreen iPod with touch controls"; a "revolutionary mobile phone"; and a "breakthrough Internet communicator". It delivered.
20|20
Looking Back at the Last 20 Years
Touchscreen Smart Phone
Apple iPhone
2007
Introducing the first IPhone in a now-legendary keynote presentation, Steve Jobs promised a combination of three devices: a "widescreen iPod with touch controls"; a "revolutionary mobile phone"; and a "breakthrough Internet communicator". It delivered.
20|20
Looking Back at the Last 20 Years
Touchscreen Smart Phone
Apple iPhone
2007
Introducing the first IPhone in a now-legendary keynote presentation, Steve Jobs promised a combination of three devices: a "widescreen iPod with touch controls"; a "revolutionary mobile phone"; and a "breakthrough Internet communicator". It delivered.
20|20
Looking Back at the Last 20 Years
Touchscreen Smart Phone
Apple iPhone
2007
Introducing the first IPhone in a now-legendary keynote presentation, Steve Jobs promised a combination of three devices: a "widescreen iPod with touch controls"; a "revolutionary mobile phone"; and a "breakthrough Internet communicator". It delivered.
20|20
Looking Back at the Last 20 Years
Touchscreen Smart Phone
Apple iPhone
2007
Introducing the first IPhone in a now-legendary keynote presentation, Steve Jobs promised a combination of three devices: a "widescreen iPod with touch controls"; a "revolutionary mobile phone"; and a "breakthrough Internet communicator". It delivered.
20|20
Looking Back at the Last 20 Years
Touchscreen Smart Phone
Apple iPhone
2007
Introducing the first IPhone in a now-legendary keynote presentation, Steve Jobs promised a combination of three devices: a "widescreen iPod with touch controls"; a "revolutionary mobile phone"; and a "breakthrough Internet communicator". It delivered.
20|20
Looking Back at the Last 20 Years
Touchscreen Smart Phone
Apple iPhone
2007
Introducing the first IPhone in a now-legendary keynote presentation, Steve Jobs promised a combination of three devices: a "widescreen iPod with touch controls"; a "revolutionary mobile phone"; and a "breakthrough Internet communicator". It delivered.
20|20
Looking Back at the Last 20 Years
Touchscreen Smart Phone
Apple iPhone
2007
Introducing the first IPhone in a now-legendary keynote presentation, Steve Jobs promised a combination of three devices: a "widescreen iPod with touch controls"; a "revolutionary mobile phone"; and a "breakthrough Internet communicator". It delivered.
20|20
Looking Back at the Last 20 Years
Touchscreen Smart Phone
Apple iPhone
2007
Introducing the first IPhone in a now-legendary keynote presentation, Steve Jobs promised a combination of three devices: a "widescreen iPod with touch controls"; a "revolutionary mobile phone"; and a "breakthrough Internet communicator". It delivered.
20|20
Looking Back at the Last 20 Years
Touchscreen Smart Phone
Apple iPhone
2007
Introducing the first IPhone in a now-legendary keynote presentation, Steve Jobs promised a combination of three devices: a "widescreen iPod with touch controls"; a "revolutionary mobile phone"; and a "breakthrough Internet communicator". It delivered.
20|20
Looking Back at the Last 20 Years
Touchscreen Smart Phone
Apple iPhone
2007
Introducing the first IPhone in a now-legendary keynote presentation, Steve Jobs promised a combination of three devices: a "widescreen iPod with touch controls"; a "revolutionary mobile phone"; and a "breakthrough Internet communicator". It delivered.
20|20
Looking Back at the Last 20 Years
Touchscreen Smart Phone
Apple iPhone
2007
Introducing the first IPhone in a now-legendary keynote presentation, Steve Jobs promised a combination of three devices: a "widescreen iPod with touch controls"; a "revolutionary mobile phone"; and a "breakthrough Internet communicator". It delivered.
20|20
Looking Back at the Last 20 Years
Touchscreen Smart Phone
Apple iPhone
2007
Introducing the first IPhone in a now-legendary keynote presentation, Steve Jobs promised a combination of three devices: a "widescreen iPod with touch controls"; a "revolutionary mobile phone"; and a "breakthrough Internet communicator". It delivered.
20|20
Looking Back at the Last 20 Years
Touchscreen Smart Phone
Apple iPhone
2007
Introducing the first IPhone in a now-legendary keynote presentation, Steve Jobs promised a combination of three devices: a "widescreen iPod with touch controls"; a "revolutionary mobile phone"; and a "breakthrough Internet communicator". It delivered.
20|20
Looking Back at the Last 20 Years
Touchscreen Smart Phone
Apple iPhone
2007
Introducing the first IPhone in a now-legendary keynote presentation, Steve Jobs promised a combination of three devices: a "widescreen iPod with touch controls"; a "revolutionary mobile phone"; and a "breakthrough Internet communicator". It delivered.
20|20
Looking Back at the Last 20 Years
20 ALBUM COVERS THAT DESERVE TO BE SEEN
AT A RECORD STORE
20 BREAKTHROUGH PRODUCTS
Of The Last 20 Years
20 BOOKS WE JUDGED
BY THE COVER
20 BUILDINGS THAT MATTER
IN THE LAST 20 YEARS
20 Everyday Hassles That Died
in the 21st Century
in the 21st Century...so far
20 Most Visually Influential People
2ofor20
2ofor20
in the 21st Century...so far
20 Most Visually Influential People
20 ALBUM COVERS THAT DESERVE TO BE SEEN
AT A RECORD STORE
20 BREAKTHROUGH PRODUCTS
Of The Last 20 Years
20 BOOKS WE JUDGED
BY THE COVER
20 BUILDINGS THAT MATTER
IN THE LAST 20 YEARS
20 Everyday Hassles That Died
in the 21st Century
