Hard Fork’s 50 Most Iconic Technologies of 2025
Hard Fork
2 DAYS AGO
Hard Fork’s 50 Most Iconic Technologies of 2025
Hard Fork’s 50 Most Iconic Technologies of 2025
Hard Fork
2 DAYS AGO
This year, Hard Fork returns with a fresh countdown: the 50 Most Iconic Technologies of 2025. Moving beyond gadgets and apps, the list dives into unexpected innovations—from ancient systems to futuristic AI—that have quietly shaped the world in profound ways. With sharp commentary and a touch of humor, the hosts explore what technology really means in an age where code, culture, and infrastructure collide.
The podcast highlights a diverse range of technologies that defined 2025, blending cultural phenomena with technical breakthroughs. The Tesla Cybertruck stands out for its controversial design, while humanoid robots attract billions in investment, signaling a shift toward automation. Innovations like Labubu collectibles and tip screens reflect changing social dynamics, and tools like Claude Code and Granola transform how we work. Foundational systems such as the Gregorian calendar and glass underscore lasting influence, while AI models like Sora and DeepSeek R1 demonstrate rapid global advancements. Concerns emerge around Mecha-Hitler AI and Grok’s alignment issues, spotlighting risks in AI development. Crypto trends like TrumpCoin rise amid shifting regulations, but the true centerpiece is data centers—massive, rural hubs powering AI and becoming the largest infrastructure project in the U.S., sparking debate over sustainability and equity.
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Air conditioning, invented in 1902 for a printing plant, has had profound societal impacts.
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Claude Code expected to make about a billion dollars in its first year
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EUV lithography is essential for manufacturing AI chips powering modern technology.
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Google's AI advancements with 'Nano Banana' model
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DeepSeek R1, an open-source Chinese AI model, caused a U.S. stock market downturn due to fears over AI spending.
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Glass is crucial for fiber-optic internet and inspired major tech designs
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ChatGPT has become a household name chatbot.
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Data centers are the largest infrastructure project in America.
