TED is an amazing resource for young and old minds a like. For those who haven’t heard, TED stands for “Technology, Entertainment, and Design”; and was first a conference founded in 1984. TED’s sole mission was to “spread ideas”, by bringing together experts in the field of technology, entertainment and design.
The annual conferences began in 1990, embracing the slogan, “Ideas Worth Spreading”; TED provides a unique service unlike any other, and makes their talks available to the world for free. You get to hear from some of the greatest minds on the planet, like Stephen Hawking’s for example or the late Steve Jobs, discussing how to live before you die.
We’ve have put together a list of 10 TED videos worth watching. You will find presentations by scientists, engineers and designers alike, all sharing valuable information on innovative ideas. The list is long, and so is some of the videos; and even though each is worth watching in full, we have plucked out a few you definitely need to sit down with.
Highlight #1
Jeff Han
Breakthrough Multi-Touch screen
Back in 2006, Jeff Han demonstrated “The Next Big Thing” – Multi-Touch Technology. This was one year before Apple’s iPhone made an appearance, and if you want to revisit an astonishing leap forward for the tech mobile industry, this is a must see.
Watch as Jeff Han, an N.Y.U researcher, demonstrates multi-touch technology on TED’s stage. Hear people murmur with astonishment and excitement, while Han explains pinch-zoom gestures and types on a screen keyboard.
Highlight #2
Keith Barry
Brain Magic
Okay, if you have a short attention span, and want to watch only one video, then Keith Barry’s Brain Magic is the one. This is incredible, awe inspiring and scary all at the same time. We don’t want to give too much away on this one, but just think of Barry as a brain hacker of sorts. Watch how one particular bit of brain magic looks incredibly dangerous.
Highlight #3
Pranay Mistry
The Thrilling Potential of SixthSense Technology
At TEDIndia, Pranay Mistry gives an impressive demo of several tools that helps connect the physical world with the world of data. Mistry is the inventor of SixthSense, a wearable device that allows users to interact between the real world and the world of data. For you software developers out there, this is well worth a watch.
Highlight #4
Stephen Hawking
Stephen Hawking: Questioning the Universe
Check out Professor Hawking’s asking questions we all want and need answers to. How did the universe begin? How did life begin? Are we alone?
Highlight #5
Tony Robbins
Why we do what we do
Tony Robbins is not only famous for his good looks; and you can’t help but hang off every word that comes from his mouth. Check out this video where Robbins discusses the “invisible forces” that makes us do what we do.
TED Talks: Final 5 worth Watching
#6 David Gallo’s underwater astonishments
#7 Elizabeth Gilbert on nurturing your creative genius
#8 Arthur Benjamin does mathemagic
#9 Johnny Lee shows Wii Remote hacks for educators
#10 Jill Bolte Taylor‘s stroke of insight
Let us know if you watched any of the Videos – tell us you’re favorite.
Sonia Ingriselli
Sonia is the Executive Editor here at Geek Insider. Sonia has a passion for gadgets, technology and game consoles; she is proud to call herself a Zombie loving Tech-monster and spends most of her day's just writing. Follow me on Twitter @SoniaIngriselli
