WSJ Tech News Briefing: "The 19 Best Tech Gifts of 2024, According to Our Team"
Release Date: November 22, 2024

Introduction

In the November 22, 2024 episode of WSJ Tech News Briefing, host Belle Lin delves into two major topics: the innovative use of CRISPR technology in agriculture and the Wall Street Journal's personal tech team's curated list of the top 19 tech gifts for 2024. This summary captures the essence of the discussions, highlighting key insights, notable quotes, and the overarching themes presented by the experts.

1. Sweetening the Future: CRISPR-Enhanced Produce

Belle Lin opens the episode by discussing a groundbreaking application of CRISPR technology in agriculture. Joining her is WSJ reporter Nidhi Subramanian, who provides an in-depth look at how Chinese plant biologists are leveraging gene editing to enhance the sweetness of tomatoes and other fruits.

• CRISPR's Role in Agriculture
  Timestamp [00:34]
  Belle Lin introduces the topic:

  "CRISPR, the groundbreaking gene editing tool that earned its developers a Nobel Prize, is coming for your veggies."

• Engineering Sweeter Tomatoes
  Timestamp [01:47]
  Nidhi Subramanian explains the process:

  "Using CRISPR, researchers in China zoomed in on two related genes that they found control sweetness in a tomato as it ripens. And when they neatly snipped out a portion of those genes, they found that the tomatoes got sweeter."

• Addressing Agricultural Challenges
  Timestamp [02:39]
  Nidhi discusses the longstanding issue in tomato cultivation:

  "This is a puzzle that has confounded agricultural people for some time, that as we've cultivated tomatoes to be bigger, they actually got less sweet. They got blander."

• Expanding to Other Crops
  Timestamp [02:43]
  The potential of CRISPR extends beyond tomatoes:

  "They found that versions of these genes are present in a variety of crops that we all know. They found it in rice, in apples, in watermelon, in cassava, and they plan to try growing sweeter apples and pears next."

• Mechanism of CRISPR in Crop Enhancement
  Timestamp [03:13]
  Nidhi breaks down how CRISPR functions:

  "CRISPR made waves because it allows researchers to really precisely edit a section of a genome... They could add traits or bump up or dial down traits that were useful or not."

• Timeline for Market Availability
  Timestamp [04:12]
  Nidhi addresses when consumers might see these enhanced produce:

  "It may be a few years."

Insights & Conclusions:

• CRISPR technology is revolutionizing agriculture by enabling precise genetic modifications to enhance desirable traits such as sweetness.
• The success with tomatoes paves the way for similar advancements in a variety of other fruits and crops.
• Regulatory approvals are critical, and while promising, widespread availability in grocery stores may take a few years.

2. The Ultimate Tech Gift Guide for 2024

Post-break, Belle Lin transitions to the heart of the episode: the Wall Street Journal's comprehensive guide to the best tech gifts of the year, curated by the personal tech team. Joining her are Nicole Nguyen, Personal Tech Columnist, and Shara Tibkin, Personal Tech News Editor.

• Overall Theme of the Tech Gifts
  Timestamp [06:40]
  Nicole Nguyen shares the guiding philosophy:

  "This year we really focused on practical stuff that actually improves your life."

  Shara Tibkin adds perspective on usability:

  "It's great."

• Featured Gift: ESR Geo Wallet
  Timestamp [07:13]
  Shara discusses a practical gift idea:

  "This basically attaches to your phone with MagSafe, so you can use Find My if you lose it and also if you get disconnected from it, it sounds an alarm that can help you track it down."

• Innovative Alarm: Nintendo Alarmo
  Timestamp [07:38]
  Nicole highlights a unique timepiece:

  "It shows the Nintendo character of your choice on screen so it's super cute... it plays game music from say Zelda or Super Mario Bros."

• Wearable Tech: Smart Rings and Watches
  Timestamp [08:16]
  Nicole emphasizes the rise of smart rings:

  "This Aura... has taught me a ton about my sleep and, as a woman, my cycle... it’s very, very comfortable to wear."

  She also mentions cutting-edge smartwatches:

  "Apple Watch Series 10, which now has sleep apnea detection, and the Google Pixel Watch 3, which can give you AI generated running workouts."

• Fitness Innovation: Zwift's Smart Bike
  Timestamp [09:02]
  Nicole compares it to Peloton:

  "Zwift is a platform that mimics road cycling... It has a video game feel because you can collect power ups and things like that."

• Ideal Gift for Non-Techies: Moft Phone Lanyard
  Timestamp [10:04]
  Nicole recommends a simple yet effective gift:

  "It's so practical. If you ever go to an airport... it's great."

• Best Overall Tech Gift: 1Password Subscription
  Timestamp [11:11]
  Nicole advocates for cybersecurity:

  "I gift my family a subscription to 1Password every year. It’s the gift that keeps on giving."

  Shara concurs:

  "One Password, which is Nicole's favorite gift for people."

Key Takeaways:

• Practicality Over Novelty: The 2024 tech gift guide emphasizes functional gadgets that enhance daily life rather than just being novel.
• Security and Health: Cybersecurity tools like 1Password and health-focused wearables are top picks, reflecting growing consumer awareness in these areas.
• Integration of Technology in Everyday Items: From smart wallets to multifunctional pillows, technology seamlessly integrates into daily essentials.
• Appeal to All Audiences: The guide includes options for both tech enthusiasts and non-techies, ensuring there's something for everyone.

Conclusion

The episode effectively bridges cutting-edge scientific advancements with consumer-oriented technology, showcasing the breadth of innovation in both fields. From genetically engineered sweeter produce to thoughtfully selected tech gifts that cater to diverse needs, WSJ Tech News Briefing provides listeners with valuable insights into how technology continues to shape our lives in multifaceted ways.

For a complete list of the 19 Best Tech Gifts of 2024, visit WSJ.com or check the show notes for direct links.

Produced by: Julie Chang
Additional Support: James Rundle, Jessica Fenton, Michael Lavelle
Theme Music by: Jessica Fenton and Michael Lavelle
Supervising Producer: Catherine Millsop
Development Producer: Aisha Al Muslim
Deputy Editors: Scott Salloway and Chris Sinsley
Head of News Audio: Falana Patterson