From pocket-sized AI assistants to humanoid robots, this year’s hardware innovations demonstrate the growing convergence of artificial intelligence, cryptocurrencies and consumer technologies.
Despite concerns that the AI boom could lead to more toxic waste by 2030, more and more products are being introduced. The hardware market has changed dramatically as companies large and small rush to bring artificial intelligence out of the cloud and into the hands of consumers.
Meanwhile, crypto hardware continues to serve its users, and manufacturers are learning lessons about pricing 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 balance between product capabilities and affordability.
In no particular order, we’ve rounded up seven devices that turned heads in 2024 and, in some cases, completely redefined their categories.
Rabbit R1
In a year dominated by AI hardware releases, the Rabbit R1 has emerged as a standout player, or even a leader. Available for $199, this pocket-sized AI assistant has earned praise for picking up where others have stumbled.
According to tech reviewer Lewis Hilsenteger of Unbox Therapy, the device’s “Large Action Model” technology allows it to control other apps at impressive speed, with most responses happening within 1.5 to 2 seconds.
“The hardware represents an opportunity to get people interested in a new input method that is no longer touch-based and no longer app-based,” Hilsenteger noted in his video review.
The R1’s success provides some contrast to more expensive rivals, suggesting that in the nascent AI hardware market, affordability and practicality may trump premium positioning.
Humane AI icon
If the Rabbit R1 represents the potential of artificial intelligence hardware, the Humane AI badge serves as a warning about the dangers of over-promising and under-delivering. Despite backing from tech industry luminaries and a sleek design, the $699 device (plus a $24 monthly subscription) faced harsh reviews upon launch.
“Should you buy this thing? It’s easy. No. Nope. Absolutely not,” David Pierce wrote in EdgeA devastating review. Critics pointed to poor performance, limited functionality, and the constant need for an Internet connection.
The adoption of the badge was a teaching moment for the industry, highlighting the gap between the promise of AI and its current practical limitations.
Figure 02 Humanoid robot
While consumer AI has made headlines, Figure AI has quietly advanced the state of the art in humanoid robotics with its Figure 02. The robot’s advanced AI system and advanced computer vision feature six AI-enabled RGB cameras, as well as other hardware advancements provision.
The company’s partnership with OpenAI brings advanced language and visual processing capabilities to the platform.
“These robots can eliminate the need for unsafe and unwanted jobs, ultimately allowing us to live happier, more purposeful lives,” said Fig AI founder Brett Adcock.
With a $2.6 billion valuation and backing from tech giants like Microsoft and Nvidia, Figure 02 signals that the era of practical humanoid robots may be closer than we think.
Solana the Seeker
After the unexpected success of its Saga smartphone, Solana Mobile has doubled down on its efforts with the release of Seeker. Unveiled this year and set to release in 2025, the $500 device has already received 140,000 pre-orders, indicating strong market appetite for encryption-enabled mobile devices.
Seeker promises significant improvements over its predecessor, including upgraded cameras (108-megapixel and 32-megapixel sensors), improved battery life and what Solana Mobile CEO Emmett Hollier calls a “significant step forward” in processing power.
“It will certainly be a magnet for rewards,” Hollier said. Decipherciting the giveaway call that helped Saga sell out at the end of 2023. “But it will also open up some unique doors of experience that I think will be new for Seeker vs Saga.”
BitBoy One Gaming Laptop
Merging the worlds of retro gaming and cryptocurrency, BitBoy One represents a new approach to hardware wallets. This $500 device combines gaming capabilities with Bitcoin storage and DePIN mining functionality and has a nostalgic Game Boy-inspired design.
While its processing power limits it to PlayStation-era games and earlier, the device’s versatility may appeal to cryptocurrency enthusiasts looking for more options than traditional hardware wallets offer.
We’ve also written about other portable crypto gaming devices that have made waves this year, and as 2025 approaches, this growing field is looking exciting. BitBoy One recently started shipping, and Decipher is currently testing it – stay tuned for more news in the new year.
Nakamoto chronograph
The limited edition Nakamoto Chronograph from luxury watchmaker Franck Muller brings high-end watchmaking to the crypto world. We did not write about these watches, but about one of Decipher writers had the opportunity to try it on at Token2049 in Singapore earlier this year.
Limited to just 100 pieces, this carbon fiber watch features Vanguard’s signature shape and an exquisite Swiss automatic movement. Inside the 45mm case, the chronograph showcases Müller’s signature craftsmanship, as well as the Swiss FM 0800 automatic movement, which provides a 42-hour power reserve. The watch is also water resistant to 30 meters.
Carbon fiber construction and scratch-resistant sapphire crystal protect the intricate mechanics, while the black alligator strap and double clasp give it the elegance required for a true collector’s piece.
“Satoshi Nakamoto ingeniously intertwined technical, economic and legal complexities in the development of Bitcoin,” the watchmaker said, comparing the Bitcoin creator to Mueller’s penchant for “timeless” symbols of elegance and innovation.
The tribute to Bitcoin’s anonymous creator goes beyond the name, with design elements that reference blockchain technology and crypto culture.
While its price tag, estimated at a whopping $54,600, places it firmly in the luxury category, the Chronograph represents a growing acceptance of crypto culture in more traditional areas.
AirMoney Degn
As decentralized physical infrastructure networks, or DePINs, have taken off this year, some projects have quickly capitalized on the trend: the AirMoney Degn device claims to be the first hardware wallet specifically designed for this emerging ecosystem.
The device combines traditional wallet security with active network participation features, including built-in node capabilities and physical controls for trading. The project is positioning its device as “specially designed” to work with cryptocurrencies, similar to how the Kindle is specifically designed for reading.
Its most striking feature is the physical interface: a tactile knob for adjusting the trading lever and OLED buttons that provide tactile feedback during transactions. The design philosophy prioritizes tangible interactions with digital assets, marking a departure from the purely screen-based interfaces found in most crypto hardware.
This focused approach has the potential to set a new standard for cryptographic hardware, moving beyond mere data storage to more active participation in the ecosystem.
Edited by Sebastian Sinclair and Andrew Hayward.
