The year 2024 has come to a close, and it's time to reflect on the significant developments that shaped the tech industry. From innovative smart locks to the rise of Apple Arcade, wearables, and social networks, this year was marked by both consolidation and innovation. In this review, we'll take a closer look at the trends that defined 2024.

One of the standout categories of 2024 was smart locks. After a year of regrouping, companies like Lockly, Philips, and ADT partnered with Google Nest and Yale to create innovative smart door locks that utilized facial recognition and palm print technology. This focus on software, particularly generative AI, marked a significant shift in the smart home industry.

In the gaming world, Apple Arcade had a mixed year. While it didn't see many notable exclusives, the service was fleshed out with big games that were already available on other platforms. However, this meant that subscribers could enjoy popular titles like Balatro and Vampire Survivors. Our roundup of the best Apple Arcade games for iPhone and iPad highlights the service's growth and potential.

Wearables were another area that saw significant innovation in 2024. Smart rings, in particular, experienced a renaissance, with Samsung's Galaxy Ring announcement propelling the category into the mainstream. This shift in focus from smartwatches to smart rings marks an exciting development in the wearables space.

For gamers on the go, the Steam Deck continued to improve, with Valve adding great features via software updates. Our recommendations for great games on the Steam Deck highlight the device's capabilities and versatility.

Finally, social networks underwent significant changes in 2024. Threads, a text-first social network launched by Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, reached over 300 million users and continues to add a million more daily. While it's unlikely to replace Twitter, Threads has carved out its own niche in the social media landscape.

As we look back on 2024, it's clear that the tech industry experienced a year of both innovation and consolidation. From smart locks to wearables and social networks, companies adapted to changing realities and pushed the boundaries of what's possible. As we head into 2025, it will be exciting to see how these trends continue to evolve and shape the tech landscape.