Table of contents for Winter 2021 in Innovation & Tech Today

“If you want to know what the companies of tomorrow are working on, you’ll get a good idea from our guide.” Dear readers, I’d like to start out by saying our whole staff is excited about this issue. Our Annual Top 50 Most Innovative Product Awards are our biggest event of the year. They take a lot of work, but the project allows us to really dive into the hottest items of the year and kind of take the temperature of the tech world. If you want to know what the companies of tomorrow are working on, you’ll get a good idea from our guide. As always, sustainability is a big feature. Whether it’s in the use of renewable energy or recycled goods, many of these products have gone the…

NASA “Touched” the Sun — Just how remarkable is that? On November 21, 2022, the Parker Solar Probe “touched” the sun. The probe passed through the sun’s corona briefly in what was by far the closest encounter our world has ever had with the giant glowing orb that illuminates our planet. The device is a marvel of both engineering and scientific fortitude. This month, we’ve collected some of the device’s most eye-popping numbers just to give you an idea. Enjoy. Launch: Aug. 12, 2018 07:31 UTC Site: Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida Vehicle: Delta IV-Heavy with Upper Stage Parker entered the Sun’s corona at 5.3 million miles from the surface. Earth’s average distance to the sun 93 million miles 5 Number of times Parker has passed Venus Parker Solar…

The internet has it all. Good and bad. Parents today have it harder than ever before when it comes to protecting their children from the crazy world around them. It’s not an easy task. Technology and the farthest reaches of the world are now right at our fingertips — and that is awesome. But it’s not all math games and unicorns and that can come at a cost. Young people today have a level of access to the world that was almost unimaginable when we were young. The ability to communicate freely with individuals anywhere on earth creates its own problems — and some parents want to monitor their child’s behavior on the internet. The good news is there have never been more parental monitoring tools available than today. We’re…

In a very basic nutshell, quality home audio comes down to three things: a receiver, speakers, and technology all working together to create an immersive sound experience. Audiophiles take a deep breath, we know you can easily add 10 things to that list, but this is the 101 class. The Receiver — Denon AVR-X2700H 7.2 Channel 8K AV Receiver With 3D Audio and Voice- $1,099. With 95W per channel (8 ohms, 20Hz-20kHz, THD: 0.08%, 2 ch. driven), this Denon AV receiver provides a truly immersive 3D audio experience. The AVR-X2700H also supports the latest video technologies such as 8K and a whole bunch of other stuff that’s made to keep the sound crisp and clear while you Netflix and chill. Speakers — We went big and are happy we did.…

Presented By https://www.cobragolf.com/king-3dp-supersport-putter Cobra King SuperSport-35 Putter — COBRA Golf announced their first foray into the putter world in 2020, when they partnered with HP to become the first OEM to launch a commercial, 3-D printed metal putter with the limited-edition KING SuperSport-35. In 2021, COBRA announced its official entry into the putter market with the KING 3-D Printed Series (which includes the Agera (OS Mallet) Putter — its first complete line of 3-D Printed multimaterial putters. The putters feature a 3-D printed nylon lattice cartridge created using HP’s advanced Multi-Jet fusion printing technology. The 3-D printed lattice structure optimizes the weight distribution within the putter chassis to deliver a high MOI design for enhanced stability and roll performance. $349 PakJak — Pak-Jak is the first big design change in…

https://www.dxracer.com/collections/gaming-chairs/air/air-d7200-n DX Racer Air Series — DXRacer Air Series was built from the ground up on a signature ultra-breathable mesh, replacing the traditional foam and leather upholstery to keep cool through long gaming sessions. A durable suspension spring system, built-in adjustable lumbar support, and an exclusive memory foam headrest come together to lead the next generation of gaming chairs. $499 (D7200) & $469 (D7100) https://www.akg.com/lyra.html AKG Lyra — Whether you’re podcasting, making YouTube videos, live streaming, or recording your next hit, easily do it all and sound like a pro with the AKG Lyra Ultra HD, multimode USB microphone. For more than 70 years, the world’s greatest recordings and performances have been captured through AKG microphones; now it’s your turn. Simply plug Lyra into your PC, Mac, phone, or tablet…

In a world where there is always a new release, update, or upgraded phone announcement coming out, it is harder than ever to keep up with the devices that live in our hands. The charging capabilities alone have changed dramatically over the last 5 years and the average individual likely doesn’t know what the technical specifications flaunted by manufacturers mean or how to best utilize them. Stepping into a post-pandemic world, people are leaving their homes, planning trips, working remotely, or doing anything to feel like they are living again, and in our down time we are consuming more content through our screens than ever. In fact, a study by ZDNet suggests that Millennials in America spend an average of 5.7 hours on the internet, which is close to half…

Presented By In the nearly 80 years since New Mexico landed on the world technology radar as the place where the White Sands Missile Range was located and the atom bomb was developed and tested, it has experienced its share of ups and downs. Now, something truly atomic in its impact on innovation is happening in the Land of Enchantment: One of the fastestgrowing and greatest collaborations between tech, aerospace, energy, R&D and business in the U.S. From the New Mexico Partnership to Albuquerque’s Sandia Science & Technology Park, from the ubiquitous efforts of Xcel Energy to Lea County’s modern-day boomtown natural fuel resources, the state is seeing development that is driving numerous manufacturing, R&D and tech sectors. Leading-edge companies from around the world are setting up headquarters or major…

PRODUCED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH One of the least known bipartisan initiatives under the Trump Administration is proving to be one of the best government-private sectorpublic school partnerships to educate, empower, and create tomorrow’s sophisticated STEM workforce. Formally known as the Defense Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Education Consortium (DSEC), the partnership is broadening STEM literacy and developing a diverse and agile workforce with technical excellence. By addressing and prioritizing critical STEM challenges, the Department of Defense is investing in evidencebased approaches to inspire and develop the nation’s science and technology workforce. The consortium is aligned with the Federal STEM Education Strategic Plan. According to the official website, “DSEC seeks to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers. This multi-year effort includes elements focused on STEM enrichment programs for students…

The Hottest NFTs of Today - and Tomorrow It’s hard to believe that only about a year ago did NFT become a part of our vocabulary. In that brief window, the market went from a very small group of NFTs to today when new offerings are coming by the minute. So how do you wade through a sea of AI-generated punks and monkeys to find something with actual growth potential? In this piece, we will be explaining what is hot right now and offering a few tips for NFTs we believe might be worth the investment. Is Mainstream Adoption of Cryptocurrencies Imminent? Over the past decade, we have watched cryptocurrencies transform from something being traded in the back alleys of the internet to a massive global currency being used for…

A WINTER OF GEAR https://innotechtoday.com/fall-2021 In the quarter since our last issue was released, life hasn’t changed a lot. Waves of COVID-19 came and went, before coming and going again. The holidays went by (mostly) as usual. The one thing, however, which remains consistent, is the onslaught of new gear announcements that ride the wave to CES 2022. Thanks again to COVID-19, we weren’t able to attend CES in person, but we still saw it all. In the coming pages, so will you. Think of CES as a giant playground for nerds like us. Robots can be seen standing at booths or in some cases roaming about the convention center. Virtual reality headsets can be seen everywhere along with every gadget, doo dad, and thingamajig you can dream up. For…

Sustainability is at the forefront of peoples’ minds more than ever before. With the 2021 COP26 Summit in Glasgow, Scotland still fresh in our collective psyche, travelers are looking for ways to enjoy a much-deserved vacation that doesn’t put unnecessary stress on the environment. These leaders in sustainability are helping shape the future of travel. www.airbnb.com/ Airbnb The emergence of the sharing economy around 2015 ushered in a new era of more sustainable travel — even it wasn’t their intention. Airbnb reduces the concentration of tourism in big cities by offering listings outside of metro areas in popular tourist spots. “At least two-thirds of all guest arrivals on Airbnb take place outside of traditional tourist areas, and 72 to 93% of Airbnb listings are located outside of areas that are…

Presented By https://www.eightsleep.com Liquid temperature control is not a new industry. The idea of using liquid and machines to heat or cool things is an industry that’s been thriving for several decades. Sleeping is also not a new idea. From what we can gather, beings have been sleeping since night number one. As a matter of fact, sleeping is one of three pillars of health, together with fitness and nutrition. The science of sleep helps us understand how a good night’s sleep can help everything from your athletic recovery to your mental state. The global sleep market is expected to grow from $430 billion in 2019 to $585 billion by 2024. The idea of mixing liquid temperature control and sleeping is also an evolving technology that, to date, has been…

The video game industry continues to thrive during the pandemic, as more people have time to explore immersive worlds. 2022 is packed with big games, and fans won’t have to wait until the Christmas season to download the biggest titles. There are plenty of big games spread throughout the calendar, including Dying Light 2 Staying Human, Horizon Forbidden West, and Elden Ring in the first two months of 2022. Here are some of the most anticipated games of this year: Tiny Tina’s Wonderland (2K, Gearbox Software, March 25) With a new Borderlands movie hitting theaters this year, gamers get a brand-new offering in the bestselling franchise’s universe with this role-playing adventure featuring one of the most popular characters. 2K listened to fan feedback from its popular Tiny Tina’s Assault on…

https://store.google.com/product/pixel_6?hl=en-US Google Pixel 6 — After a hiatus in 2020, Google is back with the newest version of its flagship smartphone: the Google Pixel 6. The new edition is powered by Tensor, Google’s first proprietary processor, and features a 6.4-inch display with 1080 x 2400 pixel resolution. It has a 50MP wide lens, 12 MP ultra-wide lens camera, and boasts an impressive all-day battery life with 15 hours of talk time and 11.5 days of standby time. With professional editing apps and fingerprint security, the Pixel 6 offers a customized, unique-to-you experience paired with top-quality specs.128GB 8GB RAM $565, 256GB 8GB RAM $900 https://www.qvc.com/Total-Desk-Portable-Organizing-Desk-with-Adjustable-Stand.product.E237272.html Limitless Total Desk — Featuring a faux leather desktop, this workstation adapts easily to any environment with four adjustable heights, a 90-degree tilt, and a storage…

Presented By Became the 3rd state to reach space in May of 2021. There have been over 300 vertical launches originating from Spaceport America since 2006. New Mexico was ranked 1st in non-industry investment in research and development, according to ITIF’s 2017 State New Economy Index. New Mexico was rated in the top 10 for innovation capacity, according to ITIF’s 2017 State New Economy Index. New Mexico is home to three national labs, including two Department of Energy National Labs (Sandia and Los Alamos) and the Airforce Research Lab. There are over 100 space companies located in New Mexico. Spaceport America provides surface to unlimited airspace, above the White House is the only other location with unlimited restricted airspace in the U.S. New Mexico has one of the highest percentages…

Few minds have the level of creativity and checkbook to back it up quite like Tesla founder Elon Musk. From Neuralink to normalizing the electric car, Musk has introduced the world to many creative new concepts. Moving forward, we thought he could use a hand with some neat ideas, so we put together a few fun ones for Musk to get to work on immediately. AutoTwitter Twitter is such a hassle, but Musk is quite a master. By linking Twitter to Neuralink, you’ll be able to automatically set it to do such things as pummel the value of a stock, fight with internet trolls, and even help your boost the next Dogelike cryptocurrency. AI You Imagine a complete replica of yourself able to deal with life’s duller moments. AI You…

AutoMobility LA The Los Angeles Auto Show was as exciting as ever this year. Catering to the tastes of America’s top car-buying market (JD Power, 2021), AutoMobility LA’s lineup of world and North American premiered with a mix of powertrains, product segments, and price points. AutoMobility LA 2021 is a global stage for product reveals and press announcements by all-new Southern California-based brands Fisker Inc. and Mullen Automotive. The event was also packed full of legacy automakers such as Hyundai Motor, Kia, Porsche, and Subaru, in addition to VinFast (the world’s first-ever Vietnamese automaker making its North American debut). This year, companies debuting their brands and showcasing their latest innovations at AutoMobility LA and LA Auto Show included BILITI Electric, EdisonFuture, ElectraMeccanica, and SONDORS. In addition to test drives and…

Presented By While many Americans scramble to find athome COVID-19 tests, some companies are handing them out as a work perk. It’s an idea gaining ground across the country, particularly since government-mandated vaccinations are still being challenged by states around the nation. As staff return to the office or continue to work in high-exposure service sectors, employers have to decide how to keep employees safe. Many businesses have already started offering free at-home tests. Google began offering free tests in 2020 to its 90,000 staff members. The tech giant paid more than $50 each in December of 2020, reported Fortune. While the price of testing is coming down, demand is going up and supply is limited. Laura Pieslewicz, director of Paradigm Site Services, a Paradigm company that has cornered the…

Jon Taffer is best known for his reality television series, Bar Rescue, which follows the successful entrepreneur as he revitalizes failing bars and nightclubs across the United States with a brusque, nononsense, and confrontational attitude intended to goad the owners and staff into making drastic changes. The eighth season focuses on Las Vegas, Taffer’s residence and a city whose hospitality industry was decimated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The bars featured on the show are already in dire financial and operational change to situations by the time Taffer intervenes. Data shows that more than half of the bars featured have remained open. Due to the ongoing labor shortage in the U.S., Taffer has been actively exploring ways to use innovative kitchen technology so that 60% fewer employees are needed in the…

He promptly drank and regurgitated the goldfish, and it started swimming. That was the world’s introduction to Steve-O. Through years of outlandish (and occasionally gross) stunts, he has a name and face that are instantly recognizable. No matter who you are or where you live, odds are that you’ve witnessed him doing something that carefully teetered the middle ground between insanity and hilarity. While the wild Steve-O is still there, in recent years we’ve begun to see the creative side in a different way. He, Stephen Gilchrist Glover, has become more than an entertainer. Now, he’s taking the stage as an entrepreneur with a renewed spirit and insight on himself both as Steve-O the entertainer, and Glover, the man. Following a years-long, very public battle with substance abuse and a…

Presented By New Mexico has long been a center for innovation and research and development. As the world finds the “new normal,” the state is positioned to become one of the most important hubs for new and innovative technologies in the U.S. Companies such as MTX are pushing the state forward with their recently announced plans to establish a southwest regional office in Albuquerque, New Mexico. MTX is a global technology consulting firm that aims to partner with public sector agencies and organizations to modernize technology to advance the happiness, health, and economics of the communities they serve worldwide and is committed to creating 250 high-tech jobs over the next five years. New Mexico is home to several wellestablished technology companies, including Facebook, Intel, Raytheon, and Jabil, who is also…

Presented By It’s a time of change and opportunity when it comes to the ways we power New Mexico. The roots of Xcel Energy go back to 1904 when the Roswell City Council authorized the establishment of the Roswell Electric Light Company to serve the community’s 2,000 residents. The initial operations comprised a small high-speed engine with a 24-kilowatt Edison spool-type direct-current generator, and two small low-pressure boilers carrying 85 pounds of steam pressure. Today, we have more than 100,000 times the renewable kilowatts alone serving New Mexico customers. And we’ve invested heavily in continuing to deliver reliable, clean power — from presenting our plans to convert and retire our two coal plants to investing more than $3 billion over the past decade in 1,500 miles of transmission and the…

PRODUCED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH Forerunners think and operate differently. They provide the visions, ingenuity and risk-taking required to try new things, experiment, seek solutions no one has yet imagined, and bring them forward. Such is how ideas become innovation, and from that, the products, services, and technologies that keep us advancing. Gretchen Philyaw is one of those forerunners. Because of it, the CEO of Magenta Technologies and founder of USA Loves Manufacturing is turning around a ship many thought had sailed. She is driving the increasingly successful effort to re-establish the United States as a technology and manufacturing hub of the world. She often comes across as an energized hybrid of Rosie the Riveter and an advanced technology wunderkind. “I feel most alive when I am out there trying new…