Head-turning crypto and AI hardware in 2024

From pocket AI assistants to humanoid robots, this year’s hardware innovations show the growing convergence of artificial intelligence, crypto and consumer technologies.

Despite fears that AI may boom leading to more toxic waste Until 2030, more and more materials and products are introduced. The hardware landscape has changed dramatically, with companies large and small rushing to get AI out of the cloud and into the hands of consumers.

Meanwhile, as crypto hardware continues to satisfy its users, manufacturers learn a hard lesson in price and practicality.

This year’s standout products paint a picture of an industry in transition, where success depends not only on technological innovation, but also on the sweet spot between product capabilities and affordability.

In no particular order, we’ve rounded up seven devices that will turn heads in 2024 and, in some cases, completely redefine their categories.

Rabbit R1

In a year dominated by AI hardware implementations Rabbit R1 emerged as a prominent or even leading candidate. Priced at an affordable $199, this pocket AI assistant has been praised for delivering where others have stumbled.

The device’s “Large Action Model” technology allows it to handle other applications with impressive speed — most responses come within 1.5-2 seconds, according to a technical analyst Lewis Hilsenteger Unbox Therapy.

“Hardware is an opportunity to excite people with a new way of input that’s not just touch and app-based,” Hilsenteger noted in his video review.

The R1’s success contrasts with its more expensive rivals, suggesting that affordability and practicality may trump premium positioning in the new AI hardware market.

Human AI Pin

If Rabbit R1 shows AI hardware potential, then Human AI Pin serves as a reminder of the dangers of over-promising and under-delivering. Despite support from tech luminaries and a sleek design, the $699 device (plus a $24 monthly subscription) was met with harsh reviews upon launch.

“Should you buy this thing? It’s easy. No. No. No,” wrote David Pearce The Vergebitter criticism of. Critics pointed to slow performance, limited functionality, and a constant need for an Internet connection.

Pinder’s adoption has been a learning moment for the industry, highlighting the gap between AI’s promise and its current practical limitations.

Figure 02 Humanoid robot

While consumer AI grabs the headlines, Figure AI has been slowly advancing the state of humanoid robotics with its help. Figure 02. The robot’s advanced AI system and improved computer vision are powered by six AI-enabled RGB cameras, along with other advances in hardware.

The company’s partnership with OpenAI brings advanced language and visual processing capabilities to the platform.

“These robots can eliminate the need for dangerous and unpleasant jobs — ultimately allowing us to live happier, more purposeful lives,” said Brett Adcock, founder of Figure AI.

With a $2.6 billion price tag and backing from tech giants like Microsoft and Nvidia, Figure 02 suggests that the era of practical humanoid robots may be closer than we think.

Solana Searcher

After its unexpected success Saga smartphoneDouble down with Solana Mobile Searcher. The $500 device, which was unveiled this year and will be released in 2025, has already secured 140,000 pre-orders, indicating strong market appetite for crypto-national mobile devices.

The tracker promises significant improvements over its predecessor, including improved cameras (108-megapixel and 32-megapixel sensors), improved battery life, and what Solana Mobile general manager Emmett Hollier called a “significant step up” in processing power.

“Of course it will be a prize magnet” Hollier said DecipheringReferring to the airdrop appeal that helped Saga sell out in late 2023. “But it’s also, I think, going to be new to Seeker and Saga.”

BitBoy One Gaming Handheld

bringing together the worlds of retro gaming and crypto BitBoy One represents a new approach to hardware wallets. It combines gaming capabilities with a $500 device Bitcoin Storage and DePIN mining features, wrapped in a nostalgic, Game Boy-inspired design.

While its processing power limits it to games from the PlayStation era and earlier, the device’s multi-functionality will appeal to crypto enthusiasts who want to be more involved than traditional hardware wallets.

We wrote about others crypto gaming consoles has made waves this year, and the space heading into 2025 looks exciting. BitBoy One recently started shipping, and Deciphering currently testing it — stay tuned for more coverage in the new year.

Nakamoto Chronograph

Luxury watchmaker Franck Muller’s limited edition Nakamoto Chronograph brings high-end horology to the world of crypto. We have not written about this watch, but it is one of them Encryption The writers had a chance to test it earlier this year at Token2049 in Singapore.

Limited to just 100 pieces, the carbon fiber watch features the manufacturer’s signature Vanguard shape and sophisticated Swiss automatic movement. Inside the 45mm case, the Chronograph showcases Muller’s craftsmanship with the FM 0800 Swiss automatic movement, which provides 42 hours of power. The watch is water resistant up to 30 meters.

The carbon fiber construction and scratch-resistant sapphire crystal protect the intricate mechanics, while the black alligator leather strap and double folding clasp provide the elegance required for a true collector’s item.

“Satoshi Nakamoto brilliantly interwoven technical, economic and legal complexities to design Bitcoin,” the watchmaker said, comparing the Bitcoin creator to Muller’s passion for “timeless” symbols of elegance and innovation.

The watch pays homage to the anonymous creator of Bitcoin beyond its name, with design elements referencing blockchain technology and crypto culture.

And its price is very high $54,600— puts it firmly in the luxury category, the Chronograph represents the growing mainstream of crypto culture in traditional domains.

AirMoney Degn

As decentralized physical infrastructure networks or dependent Some projects that gained popularity this year are quick to buck the trend: AirMoney’s Degn device is claimed to be the first hardware wallet designed specifically for this emerging ecosystem.

The device combines the security of a traditional wallet with active networking features, including networking capabilities and physical controls for trading. The project positions its device as “purpose-built” for crypto-engagement, much like the Kindle was designed expressly for reading.

Its most striking feature is its physical interface: a tactile button to adjust trading leverage and OLED buttons to provide haptic feedback during transactions. The design philosophy prioritizes tangible interaction with digital assets, and marks a move away from the purely screen-based interfaces typical of most crypto hardware.

This focused approach could set a new standard for crypto hardware, moving beyond simple storage to active participation in the ecosystem.

Edited by Sebastian Sinclair and the Andrew Hayward