These user-focused software innovations range from user-friendly payment apps to pressure-activated mobile interfaces. A notable example -- Apple's 3D Touch feature -- gives users access to various functions with the help of a responsive motion sensor. When tapped at varying pressure points, one's phone can make calls that won't interfere with open apps or web pages.
Other standouts include 360 degree news feeds like the one launched by Facebook and Oculus Rift. This VR software lets social media users experience immersive feeds and is followed by other examples like biometric identification platforms. VerifyMe's platform uses retina scans and voice samples to identify web users without a password. The service is not only ideal for businesses but can also be applied by health and government organizations.
These user-focused software innovations also include mobile VR kits by Microsoft and Google. Microsoft's mobile VR kit follows in the footsteps of Google Cardboard, a popular model that is compatible with Android devices and a multitude of platforms. A standout includes including WildEyes, a VR software that allows Google Cardboard users to experience the beauty of America's national parks from the comfort of their home.
38 User-Focused Software Innovations
38
Accessible VR Viewers
A Variety of Knoxlabs Cardboard Viewers for Varying Budgets and Preferences
37
Buttonless Smartphone Renderings
This iPhone 7 Concept Does Away with the Home Button and More
36
Biometric Identification Platforms
VerifyMe's System Measures Faces, Voices, Retinas and More
35
Wardrobe Mapping Apps
The Stylebook App is an Efficient Way to Plan Your Outfits
34
Intuitive Health Platforms
Tactio Health Tracks Weight, Sugar Levels and Physical Activity
33
Smartphone VR Accessories
The Homido Virtual Reality Headset Uses Existing Technology for Easy VR
32
Smartphone-Focused VR Headsets
The Microsoft VR Kit Could Be a Google Cardboard Competitor
31
Gamified Email-Sorting Apps
The Geronimo App Notifies You When You Receive Emails From Real People
30
360-Degree News Feeds
Facebook and Oculus Rift are Teaming up to Create 360-Degree Videos
29
Pressure-Activated Phone Interfaces
Apple's 3D Touch Tech Lets Users Access Features With a Tap
28
Connected Driving Apps
The Drive Efficient App Lets Drivers Keep Their Eyes On the Road
27
Remote Control Virtual Glasses
The IncrediSonic Smartphone VR Headset Offers Immersive Renderings
26
Autopilot Car Programs
The Tesla Autopilot Software Monitors Vehicles For Safety Reasons
25
Multi-App Controlling Wearables
The DO Button Can Complete Pre-Set Chores Like Turning Off Lights
24
Data-Rewarding Apps
The 'Data Perks' App Gives Consumers Data In Exchange for Doing Surveys
23
VR Action Movie Experiences
This Insurgent Film Short Gives Fans an Immersive Experience at SXSW
22
Cloud-Only Computers
The Solu Cloud Computer Works Entirely Through the Network
21
Open-Source OS Communities
HP's 'OpenSwitch' is a Full-Featured Community-Based System
20
Live Streamed Keynotes
Jeremy Gutsche's SXSW Book Launch is One of the First Keynotes on Meerkat
19
Smartphone Button Peripherals
The Air Button Allows You to Add Additional Functions to Your Device
18
3D Video Converters
This MIT Video Software Turned 2D Footage of Soccer Into 3D Footage of Soccer
17
User-Friendly Flight Apps
Concept for a New Turkish Airlines App Would Be Intuitive to Navigate
16
Fingerprint-Accessed Mobile Interfaces
Android 6.0 Marshmallow Uses Fingertip Authentication
15
Luxury Hotel VR Tours
The Shangri-La Hotels Now Offer Immersive VR Tours to Attract Travelers
14
Voice-Controlled Remotes
Comcast's Voice Remote Takes Commands to Find and Suggest Shows
13
Personalized App Interfaces
The Relaunch of Garmin Connect Tailors Its Interface to Individuals
12
Livestreamed Motorcycle Rides
A Harley-Davidson Ride Broadcasted on Periscope Unveils New Machines
11
Multiplatform Design Software
Autodesk Graphic Allows for Quick, Simple and Effective Vectoring
10
Predictive Email Apps
The SlideMail Messaging Tool Learns Your Behaviors to Email For You
9
Live Stream Music Videos
Nicole Arbour's Fun Revolution is the First Ever Periscope Music Video
8
Virtual Field Trip Platforms
WildEyes Captures 360 Degree Videos of National Park Destinations
7
Raw Photo-Editing Apps
The Snapseed Photo Editing App Lets You Process RAW Images
6
Rewarding Mobile Wallets
Yoyo Wallet Collects Coupons During Mobile Payment Sessions
5
Brand-Specific Operating Systems
The 'Z3' Phone by Samsung Uses a Tizen-Powered Operating Platform
4
Encrypted Communication Apps
Signal For Android Keeps Prying Eyes Away From Your Business
3
User-Friendly Music Editors
This App is Designed to Help Anyone Edit Tracks on the Go
2
Multi-Window Video Platforms
The Android 6.0 Muffin Concept Offers Multiple Viewing Capabilities
1
Multimedia Streaming Devices
This System Helps Users Stream Subscription TV on Multiple Devices
Related Ideas
Accessible VR Viewers
A Variety of Knoxlabs Cardboard Viewers for Varying Budgets and Preferences
Smart Ski Helmets
Forcite Alpine is the First Ever Smart Helmet for Snow Sports
Roadworthy Virtual Reality
This Plastic VR Headset Protects Phones for Adventurous Viewing
3D Printer Photocopiers
The Eora 3D Scanner Allows Items to Be Scanned for Copying in Minutes
Fast Electric Sport Vehicles
The All-New Tesla Model X Boasts Speed, Safety and Modern Features
Self-Healing Phone Cases (Update)
These iPhone Screen Protectors Repair Themselves in One Second
Smart Screen Protectors
The HYPER GLASS by LVWRKPL Screen Protector for iPhone 6/6S Adds Functions
Military-Grade Computer Cases
The Dux Case For Microsoft Surface Pro 4 Provides Optimal Protection
High-Tech Immersive News
This Virtual Reality Film Documents the Experience of Children in War
Kickstand Smartphone Wallets
The Just Mobile Quattro Folio Provides Functionality and Protection
Palm-Sized PCs
The MagicStick Computer Packs Impressive Features in a Tiny Design Frame
Auto Upgrade Apps
This Connected Device Can Help Consumers Upgrade an Old Vehicle
Heart-Monitoring Sport Watches
The Garmin Forerunner 235 Features a Heart Rate Sensor
VR Runway Experiences
Tommy Hilfiger's Virtual Reality Retail Store Provides a Runway Experience
Wireless Payment Rings
The Second Generation NFC Ring Will Feature a Plethora of New Features
Virtual Reality Handsets
The Oculus Touch Controller Turns Virtual Worlds Tactile
Soda Brand Factory Visits
This Coca-Cola Brazil Campaign Was a Response to Negative Rumors
All-Inclusive Gaming Systems
The Alienware Steam Machine is a Customizable Gaming Platform
Phone-Charging Cosmetic Cases
This Device Combines a Beauty Compact with a Power Charger
Affordable Heads-Up Displays
The Hudway Glass Offers a Flexible Heads-Up Display For a Low Price
Payment-Making Apparel
Adam Selman is Using Clothes and Accessories to Allow For Wearable Payment
Screen-Splitting Devices
Skreens Allows You to Play Games While Watching TV on the Same Screen
Password-Protecting Keychains
The Passfort Will Keep Your Sensitive Data Safe From Hackers
Rebooted Mid-Range Smartphones
The HTC One A9 Gives You Freedom of Functionality
App-Controlled Door Locks
The Smart Door Lock by Bekey Does Away with Keys for Easy Modern Access
Virtual Reality Video Cameras
The Lytro Immerge Captures 360-Degree Images At One Time
WiFi-Enabled Watches
The Garmin Forerunner 630 Provides Feedback on Your Performance
VR Beauty Subscriptions
These Birchbox VR Headsets Will Be Included in Birchbox Man Orders
Home Automation Hubs
The Securifi Almond Broadcasts Your WiFi Signal and Controls Your Smart Home
Wireless Computer Accesories
Apple's Updated Wireless Accessories Offer Improved Functionality
Cruise Control Motorbikes
The Harley-Davidson S-Series Softails Make No Compromise
Credit-Replacing Cars
This Connected Car Lets Drivers Pay for Gas Through Their Car's Dashboard
Voice Recognition Smartwatch Apps
The Pebble Time Smartwatch App Supports Voice Recognition
Animated Photo Apps
The Giffiti App Lets You Customize Your Images With Funny GIFs
Smartwatch Wristband Chargers
You Can Now Charge Your Apple Watch with an iPhone Using CharSpace
Hybrid Electric Cars
The All-New XC90 From Volvo Offers a Healthy 300-Mile Range
Virtual Reality Chairs
The VRgo Leaves Your Hands Free For Virtual Reality Activities and Gaming
Loyalty Payment Apps
The Chase Pay App Lets You Take Advantage of Loyalty Programs
4K Media Streamers
The Roku 4 is Purported to Have Ultra High Definition Support Built In
Smartphone VR Accessories
The Homido Virtual Reality Headset Uses Existing Technology for Easy VR
Sensitive Virtual Reality Suits
Haptic Technology Creates Touchable Experiences in This VR Suit
Smartphone-Focused VR Headsets
The Microsoft VR Kit Could Be a Google Cardboard Competitor
Budget Chinese Smartphones
The OnePlus X is Available In a Limited Edition Ceramic Build
Ultra-Zoom Smartphone Lenses
The Olloclip Macro Pro Lens Can Close-Up at 21x for Superior Detail
Healthy Driver Wearables
Jawbone UP and Automatic Prevent Road Rage by Assessing Mood and Diet
Conflict-Free Smartphones
The Fairphone 2 is a Responsible and Easily Repaired Handset
Luxe Electric Autos
Porsche Creates an Entirely Electric Car For Speed and the Environment
Guided VR Photoshoots
This Magazine Incorporated VR Footage into Its Latest Cover Shoot
Ergonomic Dissected Keyboards
This Split Computer Keyboard Model is Much Better for the Wrists
Refreshed Sleek Laptops
The New Chromebook 14 Features a Longer Battery Life
Eco Security Equipment
The Zitrades Solar Powered Outdoor Light Keeps Dim Lit Areas Bright
Social VR Teleportation
Facebook & Oculus Technology Will Provide a Teleportation Station by 2025
Pizza-Heating Delivery Cars
Domino's New DXP Cars Have 1 Seat to Make Room for its Warming Oven
Crash-Detecting Dash Cams
Garmin's New Dash Cam Can Help Drivers Avoid a Crash
Thunderous Taiwanese Sedans
The Thunder Power Sedan is Taiwan's Take on the Tesla
Workout-Rating Watches
The Garmin Vivosmart HR Activity Tracker Senses More Intense Activity
Wooden Pinhole Cameras
These Cameras Offer a Unique Alternative to Digital Photography
Child-Centric Tablets
The LeapPad Platinum is Designed For Young Children
Crisp 3D Projectors
The Sony 4K 3D SXRD Projector is Designed for Home Theaters and Gaming
Social Identity Services
Identity Verification Start-Up 'Veridu Measures a User's Social Footprint
Interactive Automotive Shops
This Store Helps Consumers Understand How to Care for an Electric Car
Data-Rewarding Apps
The 'Data Perks' App Gives Consumers Data In Exchange for Doing Surveys
Gas-Finding Apps
This Google Maps Update Lets Drivers Search for Pit Stop Info En Route
Qualifying Car Rental Apps
'Cruizing Club' Allows Users to Screen Renters Based on Driving History
Virtual Reality Hotel Experiences
This Futuristic In-Room Entertainment System Markets Luxury
Motion-Sensitive Security Cameras
The Ezviz Mini Records Footage When It Detects Motion
Untethered Virtual Reality Headsets
The Auravisor's Technology is Built Right Into Its Visor
Invisible Button Screen Protectors
The PureGear Screen Protector Adds Functionality and Protection
Streamlined Multimedia Devices
The Amazon Fire TV 4K Enhances Voice Control with Echo's Alexa
Electric Car Retail Displays
The Tesla Store is Redesigned to Emphasize the Brand's Electric Cars
Handheld Retina Scanners
The Carl Zeiss Meditec VISUSCOUT 100 Would Make Detecting Problems Easier
Smartphone Payment Apps
Google's Android Pay Boasts 'Tap to Pay' Capabilities
Anonymous Office Communication Apps
This System Enables Employees to Make Workplace Suggestions
Iconic Computer Cases
The Amiga 1200 ASA Plastic Case Never Turns Yellow
Smart Device Remote Controls
MYNT Can Change Music Tracks or Locate Lost Items with Ease
Wireless Payment Solutions
The Paypal Here Mobile Card Reader is Getting a Tap-to-Pay Update
Fingerprint-Accessed Mobile Interfaces
Android 6.0 Marshmallow Uses Fingertip Authentication
Air-Filtering Cars
The Tesla Model X Features Hospital-Grade Air Filtering
Healing Smartphone Skins
The Just Mobile AutoHeal Screen Protector is Designed to Repair Damage
Tactile 3D Masterpieces
This Kickstarter Aims to Replicate Great Works of Art for the Blind
Screenshot-Altering Tools
'Microsoft Snip' Lets You Edit Screen Shots Faster and More Efficiently
Luxury Hotel VR Tours
The Shangri-La Hotels Now Offer Immersive VR Tours to Attract Travelers
Automobile Social Media Apps
The Meople.Connector App Brings Social Media Into Ford Drivers' Cars
Personalized App Interfaces
The Relaunch of Garmin Connect Tailors Its Interface to Individuals
Livestreamed Basketball Games
NextVR is Streaming the First NBA Game Of the Season
Portable Streaming Adapters
This Device Allows Consumers to Watch Internet Videos on Their TV
Semi-Autonomous Vehicles
The Latest Tesla Software Gives Cars an Autopilot Self-Driving Ability
3D Soccer Videos
This 3D Soccer Footage Can Be Viewed On 3D TVs Or Virtual Reality Headsets
Detail-Oriented Photo Apps
This Travel App Helps Users Capture, Organize and Share Memories
Elite Touring Motorbikes
The Harley-Davidson Road Glide
Wireless Charging Cases
This Skybuds Case Charges Phones and Stores Wireless Earbuds
360-Degree Surfing Videos
This Samsung Galaxy Video is an Interactive Tahitian Surfing Experience
Space-Saving Photo Apps
IceCream Makes More Room for Photo Storing by Backing Up on the Cloud
Mobile Encryption Apps
This T-Systems App Protects Cell Phone Calls and Text Messages
Real World VR Headsets
These Glasses by Magic Leap Project Images Onto the Real World
Indoor Sledding Stunts
North Face's Dog Sledding VR Experience Launches a Real-Life Race
Rejuvenating Forest Retreats
This Wilderness Awareness School Event Encourages 'Forest Bathing'
Stunning Aerial City Views
This Google Maps 3D Rendering Gives Users a Birds-Eye View of Hong Kong
Competitive Flagship Smartphones
The Google Nexus 5X and 6P Will Take On the iPhone 6S and 6S Plus
Compact 360-Degree Cameras
The 'Ricoh Theta S' Camera Takes 360-Degree Pictures and Videos
Driver-Monitoring Car Dashboards
Safran and Valeo's Partnership Promotes Biometric Innovations
3D Animated Tattoos
The ‘Ink Mapping’ Project Transforms Existing Tattoos Into Animated Art
3D Photo Apps
Microsoft is Developing an App That Captures Images in Three Dimensions
Flat Rate Carpooling Apps
UberPOOL is Now Offering a Flat Rate Fee for Traveling Long Distances
Motorcycle Customization Apps
'Yamaha My Garage' Lets Users Build a Custom Motorcycle Virtually
Hi-Def Streaming Sticks
The Guleek A8 Features 4K Capabilities and a Low Price Point
Retro-Inspired Playing Cards
These Throwback Cards Let You Play Microsoft's Solitaire in Real Life
Virtual Reality Campus Tours
This University Engrosses Visitors with a Flying Virtual Reality Tour
Rewarding Mobile Wallets
Yoyo Wallet Collects Coupons During Mobile Payment Sessions
Smart Tablet Keyboards
The Apple Smart Keyboard Features Dynamic Fabric and Integrated iPad Usage
Streaming-Centric Tablets
The Samsung Galaxy View is Designed For Quality Video Streaming
Tap-Accessed Cloud Apps
The HID Global ActivID Tap Authentication is Useful in Retail & Healthcare
Brand-Specific Operating Systems
The 'Z3' Phone by Samsung Uses a Tizen-Powered Operating Platform
Compartmentalizing Operating Systems
The Qube 3.0 Protects Computers by Separating a User's Sites
Lunch Loyalty Apps
California Tortilla's Burrito Elito App Offers Points for Every Dollar Spent
Biometric Auto Ignitions
This Software Lets Drivers Start a Car With Their Fingerprint
Ultra-Creative Video Apps
The Instagram Boomerang App's Videos Can Be Played Forwards & Backwards
Shoestring Budget Smartphones
The Microsoft Lumia 550 Can Be Yours For Only $140
Wearable Wrist Tablets
The Rufus Cuff Tablet Sits Sturdily On Your Wrist
Financial Analytics Browsers
Trulioo Offers Large Scale Customer Data Exchanges in Real Time
Pressure-Sensitive Trackpads
The Apple Magic Trackpad 2 Features Force Touch for Seamless Control
Biometric Car Locks
Ford's New Patent Hopes to Let Drivers Open Cars with an Eye Scan
Secure Photo-Storing Apps
The Mustbin Photo App Safely Stores Photos On the Cloud