2024 results: AI, quantum technologies and breakthroughs in energy and space

2024 was a time when technology began to solve problems that seemed like science fiction just yesterday. Artificial intelligence has learned not only to understand but also to create, quantum computing is no longer an experiment, and the diamond battery promises to change the way we think about energy. This year is a testament to how science and technology are not just driving progress, but changing the very reality around us. And yes, the headline and this paragraph were written by ChatGPT, but the rest is a collective creation.

Generative AI for everything

In 2024, generative algorithms have risen to a new stage of development. We’re seeing the emergence of application solutions that create text, images, video, and music that are virtually indistinguishable from the work of professionals. For example, Suno AI has launched a service that can generate full songs by text query, including tracks in Russian. The music and vocals are of such high quality that sometimes it seems as if they are the result of the work of live people. Google DeepMind introduced Veo 2, an advanced video generation model. This tool is capable of creating impressive videos with high detail that amaze the imagination.

Generative algorithms go beyond the creative industries. In 2024, LEAP 71 unveiled the Noyron computational model with the PicoGK geometric core. These technologies helped develop and 3D print a liquid rocket engine in just two weeks, which was successfully tested on the first try. AI is also accelerating the creation of new materials and chemical compounds. Variational AI’s Enki platform, for example, uses generative algorithms to design molecular compounds, speeding up the search for cures. And code generation is now so advanced that full-fledged apps can be created in literally minutes – all from a single text query.

And code generation is now so advanced that full-fledged apps can be created in literally minutes – all from a single text query.

The rise of generative AI algorithms marks the era of the AI-nomics – an economy where labor productivity is driven by the capabilities of artificial intelligence. This new reality opens up access to the creation of vast quantities of high-quality, low-cost products, especially in the digital environment, but it also brings challenges, from reassessing copyright law to changing approaches to creativity.

A new reality is opening up access to the creation of vast quantities of high-quality, low-cost products, especially in the digital environment.

Russian companies are not lagging behind. “Yandex has introduced a new version of its YandexART neural network, which generates short videos with high detail and fluidity. This tool is designed for creative industries, offering high quality solutions. “Sber announced Kandinsky 4.0 Video, an update to its neural network that generates videos up to 12 seconds long in FullHD. This technology makes video generation accessible to a wide audience while maintaining a high level of quality.

The Neuralink chip is the biotech breakthrough of the year

2024 was a watershed year for neural interfaces. Neuralink, Ilon Musk’s company, has taken a step that brings us closer to a world where technology and humans literally connect. In August, Neuralink presented results on implanting chips into paralyzed patients. What it means. People were able to control a computer and interact with the world around them… with just their thoughts! But this is just the beginning. The FDA – the US regulator – has recognized another Neuralink chip as a breakthrough device. This chip is designed to restore vision, and this status accelerates clinical trials and brings us closer to new solutions in medicine.

How it works. Tiny electrodes are implanted in the brain and read neural signals. In 2024, the company unveiled a new chip: compact, powerful and ready for real-world tasks. In addition to controlling the devices, Neuralink is developing technologies to restore sensitivity to limbs so that bionic prostheses become even more natural. Safety is also a focus. The company has introduced a wireless charging system for its implants. This takes the hassle out of operation. And the research on feedback from the device to the brain? It’s a step towards bi-directional interfaces that could completely change the way we think about technology.

And it’s a step towards bi-directional interfaces that could completely change the way we think about technology.

The Willow quantum chip is a breakthrough in computing

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A team of Google researchers has created a new version of its quantum processor. The chip has been named Willow. It includes 105 qubits and has already become a milestone in the development of quantum computing. Why? It has proven it is possible to compute with fewer errors – the key to creating accurate and useful quantum computers.

The chip is a key to creating accurate and useful quantum computers.

Willow’s main feature is improved accuracy. Each new logic qubit halves the error rate. This confirms that the error correction techniques work and are ready to scale. But what’s most impressive is the speed of computation. Willow solved the problem in five minutes. A supercomputer would take 10 to the 25th power of years to do it. That’s a number that’s hard to imagine! This result proves once again that quantum technology is superior to modern systems.

Hartmut Neven, Google’s head of quantum computing, is confident that developments like Willow will help open new horizons in science. In a future where one logical qubit is made up of hundreds of physical qubits, quantum computers will be part of our lives.

Hartmut Neven, head of Google’s quantum computing division, believes that developments like Willow will help break new ground in science.

Chiplets as a step beyond Moore’s Law

These are small, specialized chips connected in chains that solve complex engineering problems, speeding up and optimizing computers. Traditionally, microchips have been designed in a monolithic fashion, following Moore’s Law, formulated by the American engineer and co-founder of Intel. This law suggests that technological advances make it possible to reduce the size of transistors and increase their number on the chip. As a result, computing power increases, new capabilities emerge, and devices become more energy efficient.

In 2022, however, NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang said that Moore’s Law is no longer relevant. Further increasing the number of transistors on a chip faces serious physical limitations. The way out of this situation was the emergence of a new concept of chips. It implies division of the processor into several parts – chiplets. These parts are created separately and then combined into a single processor. Today Intel, AMD, NVIDIA, Qualcomm, Broadcom and other companies are actively engaged in the development of chiplets. For example, on June 26, 2024, Intel presented a prototype of an optical chiplet that is combined with a processor and supports a bandwidth of up to 4 Tbps. This technology promises to be a breakthrough in high-speed connectivity.

A diamond battery – a revolution in energy storage

2024 will be remembered for an important achievement: the creation of the world’s first diamond battery. It is powered by radioactive carbon-14 and promises to completely change the approach to powering devices. Especially where batteries cannot be replaced. The main feature of the battery is the use of carbon-14. This is a radioactive isotope that releases energy through beta decay. To turn this energy into electricity, a synthetic diamond shell is used. It not only converts the radiation, but also protects against the radiation escaping. Diamonds are strong and stable materials, so they are ideal here.

What makes this battery unique? It has a lifespan of 5,700 years! That means it runs without recharging, providing continuous power. Another plus is the utilization of carbon-14 from nuclear fuel, which helps reduce nuclear waste. There are tons of applications for diamond batteries. They are suitable for medical implants, such as pacemakers, where long-term power is important. Space is another area. These batteries can power satellites and probes on long missions. They can also be used in Internet of Things devices – underwater, in remote regions or in harsh environments.

Bonus: diamond storage for “eternal” storage

 From the very beginning, mankind has been trying to find a way to pass on knowledge to posterity, but so far we haven’t strayed far from the ancient Egyptians. Most modern archives will not survive even a couple of centuries without regular rewriting, unlike the records carved in stone. It seems that in the future we will “engrave” our knowledge in stone, only more expensive.

A group of Chinese researchers has proposed using diamond drives for long-term data storage. The information would be literally engraved on the diamond crystals and read by a laser – similar to how optical disks work. The advantages are obvious: the incredible durability of diamonds and virtually infinite storage time. The recording density can reach 1.85 TB per cubic centimeter – if the recording technology is improved. And no problems with repeated reads for thousands of years.

The main difficulty, however, is not the cost of diamonds, but the incredibly expensive hardware to read and write the data. The only suitable tools are ultrafast lasers with pulses lasting about 200 femtoseconds. So the technology is not aimed at mass applications, but at tasks where the priority is longevity and reliability of data storage, not price.

So the technology is not aimed at mass applications, but at tasks where the priority is longevity and reliability of data storage, not price.

SpaceX Starship – the breakthrough of the year in space technology!

On October 13, 2024, SpaceX conducted the fifth test flight of its ultra-heavy Starship launch vehicle, which was a real sensation. For the first time in the history of the program, the first stage was able to return not to the ocean, but directly to the launch table. This complex maneuver was performed with the help of Mechazilla robotic arms, and everything was successful on the first try! The launch took place from the spaceport in Boca Chica, Texas. Two and a half minutes after liftoff at an altitude of 70 kilometers, the stages separated. The first stage returned to the launch pad, using three engines for precise braking, and was captured by the manipulators.

The first stage returned to the launch table, using three engines for precise braking, and was captured by the manipulators.

The second stage also accomplished its mission: it entered orbit and re-entered the atmosphere, surviving the high temperatures thanks to new heat shield tiles. Although the final re-entry ended in an explosion, the test itself showed that the system worked reliably. The key goal of the flight – to practice first stage re-entry – was achieved. SpaceX applied new technologies for early engine start and hot stage separation, an important step toward a fully reusable rocket. This success brings SpaceX closer to accomplishing its ambitious missions of delivering people and cargo to the Moon and Mars. Starship’s fifth flight has come to symbolize progress and reliability, ushering in a new era of reusable space systems.

P.S. Meanwhile, companies like Astrobotic and Interlune are already preparing to not just explore the moon, but turn its exploration into a profitable business. And near the end of the year, on December 26, NASA received a long-awaited signal from the Parker Solar Probe. This device on December 24 set a new record, flying only 6 million kilometers from the Sun at a speed of 692,000 km / h. At the same time, it withstood temperatures up to 980 degrees Celsius. NASA scientists hope that the data collected by the probe will help to better understand the processes occurring on our star.

Games of 2024

In 2024, the gaming world gave us a lot of bright impressions and unexpected discoveries. One of the main sensations was Game of the Year – Astro Bot. This cute and colorful PlayStation exclusive won everyone over with its versatility and creativity. The game won first place in several nominations at The Game Awards 2024 and continues to delight players with its addictive gameplay and interesting mechanics. Astro Bot became the symbol of the year, uniting children and adults behind the adventures of cute robots. Other notable games include Black Myth: Wukong, Batman: Arkham Shadow and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, each noteworthy for their unique approach to the genre.

Batman: Arkham Shadow and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle each deserve attention for their unique approach to the genre.

One of the trends of the year was the development of adventure games. Projects like Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, Star Wars Outlaws and even new Indiana Jones adventures showed that classic franchises are finding new formats and adapting to modern demands. Along with them, multiplayer hits like Takken 8, Helldiver 2 and Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 have continued to cement the genre’s popularity by offering both fast-paced action and compelling storytelling.

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2.

Despite the successes, however, it has not been without its failures. The most high-profile disappointment was Concord, which was withdrawn from sale two weeks after release. Its failure was a reminder that competition in the game industry is fierce, and repeating other people’s ideas without a fresh approach no longer works. At the same time, 2024 will be remembered not only for its failures, but also for new experiments, such as the indie card game Balatro and the RPG project Metaphor: ReFantazio, which suddenly found themselves in the spotlight. It proves that the future of the game industry is still open to bold ideas and experimentation.

Balatro and Metaphor: ReFantazio.

Innovation Gadgets of 2024

The year 2024 is remembered for bright technological innovations that turned our perception of familiar devices upside down. This year, manufacturers have experimented boldly, offering solutions that combine functionality, sustainability and ambitious technology.

The year of the 2024 gadgets

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HMD Fusion has come to symbolize a new approach to smartphones thanks to its modular design. The ability to swap modules and repair the device without excessive cost has put it at the forefront of green technology. The Framework Laptop 16, for its part, has brought modularity to the laptop market, offering users freedom of customization and longevity through easy upgrades.

HMD Fusion has become a symbol of a new approach to smartphones thanks to its ability to change modules and repair the device without cost.

Innovations in audio technology surprised, too. The Neurable MW75 Neuro headphones offered not just music, but smart functionality: built-in sensors track concentration, helping to improve focus. Samsung Music Frame hides a powerful speaker in a sleek photo frame, combining style and functionality.

Samsung Music Frame.

A standout among wearable devices was the RingConn Gen 2, which for the first time realized the ability to track sleep apnea. This compact gadget continues to evolve the idea of smart rings, making them more affordable and useful.

And, of course, we can’t forget the PS5 Pro, which introduced PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR), a game-changing technology for console performance. It eliminates the tradeoff between graphics and frame rate, setting new standards for gaming hardware.

PSSR

PSSR

is a game-changing technology.

Smartphones of 2024

2024 brought many new devices in the smartphone world. Manufacturers continued to compete in design, technology and performance to grab the attention of users. A major trend of the year was the development of artificial intelligence, with AI algorithms becoming heavily utilized in smartphone apps and functionality.

The iPhone 16 Pro, Samsung Galaxy S24 and Xiaomi 14 Ultra stood out among the flagships. Apple redesigned the base model and beefed up the Pro version with AI and an updated camera. The Galaxy S24 got an upgraded processor, a lighter body and new AI features, though there were no revolutionary changes. The Xiaomi 14 Ultra has strengthened its position among camera phones thanks to its partnership with Leica. The smartphone is well suited for those who value photo quality and fast charging, although the operating system needs tweaking.

The Xiaomi 14 Ultra is a good fit for those who value photo quality and fast charging, though the operating system needs tweaking.

Other devices worth noting include the Huawei Mate XT Ultimate Design, with a triple-folding screen that can transform into a 10.2-inch tablet. The Vivo X100 Ultra offers a powerful telephoto lens, though the model is only available in China. The Honor Magic 6 Pro offers good performance and quality cameras, but is limited to its own app store. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 has improved its design and got rid of a number of flaws, but remains expensive. In the budget smartphone segment, the Realme Note 50 stands out, offering a large screen, USB-C and a fingerprint scanner for a reasonable price.

Movies of 2024

2024 was a fruitful year for cinema, giving audiences both long-awaited sequels and unexpected discoveries. There were disappointments, but the truly brilliant films left only good impressions. Let’s take a look back at the key movies of the year.

«Substance» struck the audience with its atmosphere. The chamber story with great acting by Demi Moore and Margaret Quolli keeps you in suspense till the very end. The movie combines sci-fi, psychological thriller and horror elements, making you think about difficult questions. No less powerful was «Heretic», where Hugh Grant brilliantly reincarnated as a philosopher losing his mind. This picture continues the tradition of unusual horror films of A24 studio, where fear is created not by monsters, but by people.

At the blockbuster level, «Dune: Part Two» stood out, exceeding fan expectations. The superb production, complex storylines and depth of the work make it a must-see for sci-fi fans. But the movie «Fall of Empires» offers an unusual look at the U.S. Civil War through the lens of war journalism, creating a tense and dramatic narrative.

Most notable among the long-awaited sequels were «Beetlejuice Beetlejuice», which after 36 years reintroduced audiences to Michael Keaton in an iconic role, and «Puzzle 2», an animated film that tells the story of Riley growing up through new emotions and situations. And for superheroics fans, the arrival of «Deadpool and Wolverine» was a treat, where jokes, action and long-awaited Marvel character interactions made the movie a memorable highlight of the year.

Deadpool and Wolverine».

Serials of 2024

2024 gave a lot of impressive series that managed to surprise, impress and leave a mark in the hearts of viewers. Among them, there are both expected hits and unexpected discoveries.

«Gentlemen» developed the universe of Guy Ritchie’s film of the same name, adding more charisma, humor and crime drama. The balance of gunfights and dialog makes the series a perfect choice for those who miss stylish crime stories. Meanwhile, «Ripley» gave viewers Andrew Scott in one of his best roles. The black-and-white aesthetic and the story of manipulation and fraud made this series a real find for connoisseurs of quality drama.

Ripley.

«Fallout» has become the video game adaptation that fans have been waiting years for. The grim post-apocalypse, attention to detail and unexpected plot made the series a leader among screen adaptations. No less vivid was «Three-Body Task», surprising with its large-scale science fiction. The story of contact with aliens and their long journey to Earth keeps the audience in suspense from beginning to end.

The historical epic «Shogun» captured attention with its depth and attention to period detail. And «It’s All Agatha»from Marvel added mysticism and humor to the superhero universe, giving Kathryn Hahn a chance to shine in the title role. 

Wishing you a Happy New Year! May 2025 bring you even more experiences, discoveries and opportunities. Thanks for being with us and see you in the new year!