These are independent reviews of the products mentioned, but TIME receives a commission when purchases are made through affiliate links at no additional cost to the purchaser.
SPECIAL MENTION: Wearable tech may provide more autonomy for millions of people who are either blind or live with uncorrectable vision loss. Ara, a lightweight rechargeable device that uses sensors to detect objects much like a driverless car does, is worn on the chest and can detect obstacles not only at ground level (like a cane) but also at head and chest levels and communicates their location to the wearer through sequenced vibrations.
Buy Now: Strap Technologies Ara
More Must-Reads from TIME
- Where Trump 2.0 Will Differ From 1.0
- How Elon Musk Became a Kingmaker
- The Power—And Limits—of Peer Support
- The 100 Must-Read Books of 2024
- Column: If Optimism Feels Ridiculous Now, Try Hope
- The Future of Climate Action Is Trade Policy
- FX’s Say Nothing Is the Must-Watch Political Thriller of 2024
- Merle Bombardieri Is Helping People Make the Baby Decision
