Tech wrapped 2025: From browser wars to slimmer flagships, everything that defined the year

The year 2025 marked a pivotal moment for technology, showcasing the profound impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in both our professional and personal spheres. Alongside this technological marvel, the year was characterized by a series of notable events, including a surge in demand for slim smartphones and the launch of smart glasses in India, among other innovations. As we reflect on the highlights of the year, one of the standout features was the rise of AI image generation. Major tech players like OpenAI and Google unveiled advanced AI models for their chatbots, such as ChatGPT and Gemini, revolutionizing how we create and manipulate images. This trend, which included everything from retro-themed photos to vibrant Bollywood-inspired visuals, quickly gained popularity among younger audiences, becoming a sensation across social media platforms. Additionally, 2025 heralded the beginning of a new era for smartphones, with an emphasis on sleek and compact designs. Early in the year, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge and Tecno Pova Slim made their debut, setting the stage for Apple's introduction of the iPhone Air—the slimmest iPhone yet at just 5.5mm. Compact models like the OnePlus 13s and Vivo X200 FE also captured attention, delivering flagship features in a more portable format. AI capabilities expanded significantly as well, with agents now equipped to autonomously manage tasks and make decisions. Notable developments included AI assistants such as Claude 3.5 Sonnet and OpenAI Operator, which could handle travel bookings, online shopping, and form submissions. The emergence of specialized tools like Manus and Google’s Project Astra hinted at a future where AI agents become integral to daily life. Smart glasses also became a mainstream phenomenon in 2025, led by the innovative Meta Ray-Ban series. These AI-powered glasses featured multimodal capabilities, allowing users to interact through voice, images, and gestures. Google’s Project Astra previewed an AI assistant integrated into future smart glasses, further enhancing the user experience. Lastly, the introduction of AI-driven browsers sparked considerable discussion, with platforms like Perplexity Comet and OpenAI Atlas challenging traditional browsers such as Google Chrome. While Chrome introduced an AI Mode to its search interface, the emergence of these new AI browsers raised debates about the future of online searching, highlighting a shift towards more intelligent browsing experiences.