Apple Watch, Surface Pro 3 and Blackphone make Time's Top 25 new inventions of 2014

Even though it has yet to sell one unit, the Apple Watch has been named one of the top 25 inventions of 2014 by Time magazine. Time says that the watch "wholly reimagines the computer for the wrist, using a novel interface that combines a touchscreen and physical buttons." The magazine also notes how Apple considers its smartwatch to be a fashion statement in addition to being a technology icon. Some of the features of the wearable pointed out by the newsweekly include receiving and sending messages, getting directions, making mobile payments, and tracking fitness metrics. The Apple Watch is rumored to launch on Valentine's Day next year.

Also making the top 25 is the Microsoft Surface Pro 3. The business oriented tablet with a 12-inch screen, can be turned into a laptop using the optional Type Cover, and by employing the built-in "kickstand" on the back of the device. With Intel inside, 4 or 8GB of RAM on board, and as much as 512GB of native storage available, the specs crush those on the typical tablet. When Microsoft runs a comparative ad with the Surface Pro 3, it compares the device with a MacBook Air instead of the Apple iPad.

Also on the list is secure handset Blackphone. This phone runs a forked version of the Android OS, eliminating any feature that could make the phone vulnerable. Call are encrypted as are texts and the browser history. Blackphone isn't perfectly secure, however. As company CEO Toby Weir-Jones says, "It’s dangerous to assume anything is a magic invisibility cloak."

Inclusion on Time's list has nothing to do with sales. While the Surface Pro 3 got off to a slow start, things are reportedly picking up. But the Apple Watch won't go on sale until next year, and the Blackphone handset serves a niche market.


source: Time via MicrosoftNews, WMPoweruser