Tech Tip — Looking Back On Tech In 2024

As we put 2024 behind us, it’s a great time to reflect on the tech developments and innovations that shaped the previous year and could benefit us in the new one. From practical tools for productivity to game-changing advances in artificial intelligence, this year’s technology has offered exciting opportunities to work smarter, stay organized, and make life a little easier. Here, we’ll recap key topics covered in the year’s Tech Tips and highlight some of the most impactful changes in the AI space.

Organization and Productivity

Starting the year, we explored tools designed to help leaders get organized and stay on top of tasks. We compared Apple Reminders and Todoist and noted their unique strengths. Apple Reminders shines with seamless integration into the Apple ecosystem, while Todoist offers superior flexibility and filtering options for complex task management. Both are excellent for tracking what needs to be done, whether you’re managing daily errands or large projects. I am continuing to use both of these tools for my task management into the new year. I have found sticking with the systems that work saves more time than trying to figure out the next best thing, especially in this area. In the coming year, I do plan to explore options in Notion further for work task management, but I still feel like these tools built for this specific activity will remain the best way to go.

A New Journaling Option

Late in 2023, Apple introduced its new Journal App. Designed to simplify daily reflections, it combines intuitive prompts with integration of recent activities, locations, and photos. For those new to journaling or seeking a low-barrier way to start, this app has been a great addition to the Apple ecosystem. I still believe this is a good entry point for many people to begin a journaling habit.

Advances in Note-Taking

We revisited Notability and GoodNotes, two leading apps for capturing handwritten notes. Both apps have enhanced features, such as handwriting-to-text conversion and improved tools for organizing information. GoodNotes emerged slightly ahead for its superior highlighting tools, but Notability excelled in editing and working with text. These apps are invaluable for leaders who rely on digital tools for brainstorming and documentation. I continue to use GoodNotes as my digital notebook and planning tool.

Mental Health Support Through Apps

Technology also played a role in supporting mental well-being this year. Apps like Headspace and Calm provided guided meditations, sleep aids, and mindfulness exercises. These tools have become essential for leaders striving to maintain clarity and balance in demanding roles. Meditation is on my list of habits to rebuild and strengthen for 2025. I know exactly where I will be looking to reset myself.

Privacy and Security

In a year when digital security remained paramount, Apple’s standalone Passwords App offered a simple, secure solution for managing login credentials. For those not already using a password manager, this free tool was a game-changer, combining ease of use with robust protection.

Device and iOS Enhancements

Apple’s annual updates to iOS and iPadOS introduced incremental but meaningful improvements. From custom lock and home screens to enhanced Notes app functionality and new Safari tools, these updates made Apple devices more user-friendly and customizable. iPadOS 18, in particular, brought expanded note-collapsing features and real-time transcription for audio notes, making it easier than ever to stay productive. The biggest update though, was Apple Intelligence. We are just now beginning to see the fruits of those announcements, with iOS 18.2 released in December. I think it is too early to tell where Apple will land with this. There are still many promised features that are not yet available. AI is in its early stages, yet Apple has a lot of catching up to do. Their integration with ChatGPT is probably the best things they’ve added so far, but I expect in time, Apple will want to shift away from that reliance and build their own fully enabled AI engine.

AI in 2024: Transformative Trends

Speaking of Artificial Intelligence, AI continued to dominate headlines in 2024, bringing both excitement and questions about its role in work and life. There is still so much to learn about the real (productive) uses of this up-and-coming resource. Today, it still only seems to scratch the surface on basic requests for most users. But there is clearly a lot more these tools have to offer. Let’s take a brief look back on what came from 2024.

Major Updates in AI

• ChatGPT 4.0 raised the bar for generative AI, delivering improved accuracy and more nuanced understanding in responses. Its applications in writing, analysis, and decision-making became even more practical.

• Google Gemini introduced a new era of AI-driven search, integrating multimedia inputs for richer, more contextual results. Its ability to handle complex queries showcased the potential of next-gen AI tools.

New Tools on the Horizon

Google’s Notebook LM stood out as an exciting addition. This AI-powered notebook combines research capabilities with organizational tools, offering a glimpse into how AI can simplify knowledge management for leaders. This is one I am genuinely interested in learning more about. Expect to see a Tech Tip on this one in the coming year.

Enhanced Device Capabilities

AI also became more integrated into everyday devices. Features like photo identification, advanced voice assistants, and real-time transcription made mobile devices smarter and more responsive to user needs. Apple’s rebranding of AI as "Apple Intelligence" underscored their focus on privacy and user control, setting their approach apart from competitors.

That is a look back on the technology and AI trends from last year. I am fascinated to see what comes next and how the promise of AI for truly helping humans comes to life. I expect it will once again dominate the overall technology landscape. Meanwhile, I plan to keep many of the everyday apps and tools we rely on at the forefront as well. I still believe most people haven’t discovered how even built in apps like Apple Reminders or Apple Calendar can be all they need to keep them organized and positioned for success. Cheers to the new year being one that we can continue to support our productivity and success by using our devices and resources in meaningfully helpful ways.

What were your tech discoveries or learnings from last year?

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Photo by Ales Nesetril on Unsplash