2025 is shaping up to be a year of interesting technological advancements. While some innovations truly elevate our daily lives, others leave us scratching our heads, wondering if progress has gone too far. Let's dive into the highlights – and lowlights – of what tech has to offer this year.
The Reign of the Ergonomic Office Chair
For those of us spending countless hours working from home, the importance of a comfortable and supportive office chair cannot be overstated. Thankfully, 2025 brings us a plethora of options designed with ergonomics in mind. WIRED has put in the hours, testing over 55 different models to bring you the definitive list of the 14 best office chairs of 2025.
These chairs aren't just about aesthetics; they're about providing proper lumbar support, adjustable height, and breathable materials to keep you comfortable and productive throughout the workday. "Investing in a good office chair is an investment in your health and productivity," says a WIRED reviewer. So ditch that old, uncomfortable chair and upgrade your WFH setup!
When Tech Goes Too Far: The Smart Toaster
On the other end of the spectrum, we have the curious case of the "smart" toaster. Product designers, in their quest to innovate, have decided that the humble toaster needs a technological makeover. The result? A device laden with touchscreens, algorithms, and internet connectivity.
But does all this technology actually improve the toasting experience? According to early reviews, the answer is a resounding no. Instead of perfectly browned toast, users are often left with stale, unevenly toasted slices. It seems that sometimes, the simplest solutions are the best. As one critic put it, "Sometimes, a lever and a dial are all you need."
Finding the Balance
The contrasting examples of the ergonomic office chair and the smart toaster highlight a crucial point: technology should enhance our lives, not complicate them. While advancements in comfort and productivity are welcome, shoehorning technology into everyday objects simply for the sake of innovation can lead to underwhelming – and sometimes frustrating – results.
As we move further into 2025, let's hope that product designers focus on creating technology that truly solves problems and improves our well-being, rather than simply adding bells and whistles to already perfectly functional devices.
"Technology should be a tool, not a burden."
Ultimately, the best technology is the kind that seamlessly integrates into our lives, making things easier and more enjoyable. Whether it's a supportive office chair or a simple, reliable toaster, the goal should always be to enhance the human experience.