Welcome to ZDNET’s Innovation Index, which identifies the most innovative developments in tech from the past week and ranks the top four, based on votes from our panel of editors and experts. Our mission is to help you identify the trends that will have the biggest impact on the future.
In huge news for brain-computer interfaces (BCIs), implant company Synchron comes in at #1 this week for successfully connecting its BCI to the Apple Vision Pro — allowing those with paralysis or otherwise limited movement to use the headset with their thoughts. At a moment in tech where most popular devices are accessible only by voice, limb, or thumb, the accomplishment makes using certain products a reality for many more users. Apart from strides in accessibility, ZDNET contributor Artie Beaty points out that these elevated capabilities could also boost VR and AR headset sales, which have likely stalled due to their exorbitant price. Ultimately, Synchron’s move to integrate its technology with a consumer device — albeit not the most mainstream — expands its life-changing capabilities beyond a purely clinical context. Extra congratulations to Synchron for topping the Index without something AI-related.
In second place is OpenAI, which finally unveiled Voice Mode — but only to a select group of ChatGPT Plus users. The smarter voice assistant is capable enough to be interrupted without going off track, and can reportedly consider a user’s emotions in its response. ZDNET’s Sabrina Ortiz was impressed when the company teased the feature in May. If the alpha lives up to expectations, the tech could make engaging with your surroundings and live-translating conversations between multiple people significantly more seamless.
Coming in at #3 is Apple, which shared Apple Intelligence in iOS 18.1 developer beta after reported delays. Even though it’s a limited release (in more ways than one), ZDNET experts are excited to explore what’s available, including Siri’s new interface, Writing Tools, certain Mail upgrades, and smart replies in Messages.
Closing out the week’s top four is AI video platform Synthesia’s Personal AI Avatars, which became generally available on Wednesday. With your consent and a two-minute source clip, the enterprise AI company can create your digital clone — which can speak in 30 languages — in just under five minutes. Considering it’s geared towards everyone from CEOs to content creators, expect to see uncanny-valley-esque twins delivering personalized messages and training videos if the technology takes off.
Artificial Intelligence
