Tech from 2021 that changed our lives forever

All things considered, 2021 was a pretty miserable year in general. The COVID-19 pandemic carried on throughout the year, making things like smartphones, GPUs, and game consoles difficult to find, thanks to global shortages. Beyond that, the fact that the pandemic persists is undoubtedly wearing on many emotionally and mentally, making for a crummy year overall. Despite that, 2021 managed to deliver some great tech, from smartphones to tablets and even earbuds. Here’s the technology that made 2021 a year to remember against all odds.

With yearly iPhone releases being something you can set your watch by – even during a worldwide pandemic – some of the phones released throughout the years have inevitably missed the mark. That much cannot be said for the iPhone 13, which impressed us with camera features like Cinematic mode (which is available across all devices in the iPhone 13 lineup) and the Pro and Pro Max’s macro photo shooting mode.

While the iPhone experience is pretty well nailed down at this point and isn’t going to change much from one generation to another, there was still plenty to love about the iPhone 13. If the iPhone 12 lineup was considered a disappointment in terms of battery life, the iPhone 13 made up for it, with the Pro and Pro Max, in particular, sporting an impressive battery life that will get you through a day and beyond. Add to that a new Sierra Blue color scheme for the 13, and you can certainly say we’re smitten with Apple’s latest iPhone.

Google, like Apple, has had some “on years” and “off years” with its flagship phones. Some have impressed, while others haven’t quite hit the mark. The Pixel 6 definitely belongs to the former category, and it might just be the best Pixel smartphone Google has ever released.

An Android-lover’s phone through and through, the Pixel 6 brings a lot to the table. Google’s Material Design – which changes color elements in the UI to match the phone’s wallpaper – impressed us, and it goes without saying that the Pixel 6’s cameras were a high point. Battery life was also solid, but perhaps most important is that the Pixel 6 costs significantly less than other flagships out there.

If you’re sick of paying $1,000 or more for new phones, the Pixel 6 may very well be the handset you’re looking for. Just be sure to buy a case to go along with it, as it can be difficult to get a solid grip on the Pixel 6’s all-glass design.

Something of an improved follow-up to the Molecule 1 Mattress (which we reviewed in 2018), the Molecule Hybrid firms things up for people of all body sizes. It accomplishes that with a coil system called MoleculeEdge, which not only provides the mattress with additional support but also firms up the corners and edges so you can sit or lay on them without slipping off.

We also found that the Molecule Hybrid effectively kept sleepers cool, which is another big benefit when we’re working with thick hybrid mattresses that employ memory foam layers as this one does. The only downside? It’s a bit on the pricey side at $1,900, but as the adage goes: “you get what you pay for.”

Not only do the 3rd-gen AirPods have a new look, but the internals have been improved as well. These new AirPods come with spatial audio and improved battery life. They’re also sweat and water-resistant, which is always a welcome touch, and they offer a new custom driver made by Apple.

Of course, there are some things to consider before taking the plunge. Like the EarPods design that came before, the new AirPods design isn’t going to fit every ear. These also aren’t noise-canceling earbuds, despite the improvements that have been made to audio quality. Still, for those who don’t want to go all-in and drop a ton of money on the more expensive AirPods Pro, the third-gen AirPods are worth considering.

If you’re looking for an alternative to Apple’s AirPods, the Beats Fit Pro could be a good choice. Either way, Apple will be getting your money, but the Beats Fit Pro offer some big upgrades over the 3rd-gen AirPods. For starters, you get active noise-cancellation with these headphones, which is something the 3rd-gen AirPods don’t provide.

Active Noise Cancellation is probably the biggest draw of these earbuds (especially at their $199.99 price point), but we also found that the Beats Fit Pro feel great in-ear. If you have problems with the rigid design of the standard AirPods, these may just be worth the extra cost you’ll pay for them.