TIME's Best Inventions of 2008

From a genetic testing service to an invisibility cloak to an ingenious public bike system to the world's first moving skyscraper — here are TIME's picks for the top innovations of 2008

  • Story
  • All Best and Worst Lists

Toys

By JEREMY CAPLAN, LEV GROSSMAN, ANITA HAMILTON AND JOSH QUITTNER Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2008
  • Print


Disney Ultimate WALL•E
The resilient recycling robot from the hit summer flick lives on as a 16-in.-tall (41 cm) remote-controlled toy. He can dance to music, give you those sad eyes when he's blue and use his infrared sensors to steer clear of obstacles. If only he'd take out the trash ...
Price:$190
More info: Disney Ultimate WALLE


WowWee Alive Lion Cub
Who says stuffed animals are nothing but fluff? This plush lion will meow and wink for attention, snarl when you rub him the wrong way, and snore contentedly when held gently in the arms of kids ages 3 and up. It's a great way to start teaching tots how to treat animals with care — and why yanking on their tails is a bad idea.
Price:$59
More info: wowweealivecubs.com





Mattel Stylin' Studio
Instead of raiding Mom's closet and makeup stash, tween girls can try out new eye shadow, hairdos, hats and more using this PC-compatible drawing board with a built-in camera. Warning: after perfecting their virtual makeover, they may beg for a real one.
Price:$60
More info: Mattel Stylin' Studio

View the full list for "TIME's Best Inventions of 2008"

Most Popular »

Full List »
  1. The Growing Backlash Against Overparenting
  2. Tuition Hikes: Protests in California and Elsewhere
  3. Female Sexual Dysfunction: Myth or Malady?
  4. The Fall of Greg Craig, Obama's Top Lawyer
  5. New Moon Review: Team Jacob Ascending
  6. Why Exercise Won't Make You Thin
  7. Fat Fees and Smoker Surcharges: Tough-Love Health Incentives
  8. The Story of Barack Obama's Mother
  9. Low Prices and Booze Put Brunch on the Rise
  10. For Churches, Beefed-Up Security Is a Mixed Blessing
  1. The Growing Backlash Against Overparenting
  2. For Churches, Beefed-Up Security Is a Mixed Blessing
  3. Fat Fees and Smoker Surcharges: Tough-Love Health Incentives
  4. Tuition Hikes: Protests in California and Elsewhere
  5. Why Exercise Won't Make You Thin
  6. Female Sexual Dysfunction: Myth or Malady?
  7. In Central America, Coups Still Trump Change
  8. The Fall of Greg Craig, Obama's Top Lawyer
  9. Low Prices and Booze Put Brunch on the Rise
  10. The Story of Barack Obama's Mother
  • Print

Lists by Topic

Topics

Most Popular