Time magazine released its Top 10 lists for 2014, including Gadgets, Video Games, and Toys. Apple claimed a full 30 percent of the Top 10 Gadgets, and one of those gadgets—Apple Watch—isn't even shipping yet.
From Time's list:
#9: iPad Air 2
Apple is continuing its run of putting cutting edge technology into the smallest space possible, like stuffing fresh toppings into a tiny burrito. The iPad Air 2 is the thinnest iPad ever and it’s also the most powerful, containing an A8X chip, an 8 megapixel camera and at least 16GB in a 6.1mm-thin frame. The Air 2 runs 40% faster and starts at $499.
#5:iPhone 6 Plus
Bigger is better, or so the critics cried, calling for Apple to make a supersized phone. That was before Apple quieted them with the release of the iPhone 6 Plus in September, the company’s largest iPhone ever. With an alluring 5.5-inch display that makes it feel something like a portable iPad, the phone is is a challenge to Samsung’s larger models. Along with a powerful 8-megapixel camera and longer battery life, the phone is more a statement than an answer.
At the top of the list—or rather the bottom, because the magazine listed them in reverse numerical order—is Apple Watch, a device that was announced in 2014 but won't actually ship until "early 2015." Whenever that is.
But Time loved it, saying:
#1: Apple Watch
The Apple Watch wants to do to your wrist what the iPhone did to your pocket: stick a computer there. For at least $349, watchwearers will access apps, weather, photos, texts, emails, payments and, through Apple’s HomeKit software, control thermostats, door locks, televisions and lights. The watch’s sleek interface is mounted on a customizable strap, and it actually doesn’t make you look like a geek. First revealed this year but not on store shelves for a few more months, it’s a daring foray into the wearable market: Apple could be the first company to make wearable computers ubiquitous.
For a lot of companies, announce before Christmas and ship it sometime next year would equal vaporware. Apple seems to be getting credit for having a real product, but it's still fascinating to see this unshipped device take top honors from a mainstream publication.
Other Top 10 Gadgets:
#10: The Doorbot
#8: Jawbone UP3
#7: Mophie Space Pack (for iPhone, of course)
#6: HERO4 GoPro
#4: Oculus Rift Development Kit 2
#3: DJI Phantom Vision+
#2: SmartThings Starter Kit
They're all compelling devices. Check out the full article for details on the other items, as well as the video games and toys.