3 Innovation Award winners changing how you live and work
CNN Underscored spent the year rigorously testing numerous consumer products, focusing on those that deliver genuine, practical improvements to everyday living and working — no empty marketing buzz, just real-world impact and value for money. Out of 23 selected Innovation Award winners across various categories, the video spotlights three exceptional ones that particularly impressed the team for transforming routine activities.
Here are the three featured award winners:
1. **reMarkable Paper Pro (including the reMarkable Paper Pro Move variant)**
This digital notepad redefines note-taking in a world dominated by screens and distractions. It mimics the feel of writing on real paper with minimal latency, an eye-friendly display, and features that support distraction-free focus. Ideal for students, professionals, and creatives who want the tactile satisfaction of pen-on-paper combined with digital organization, searchable notes, and templates — without the eye strain or battery drain of typical tablets.
2. **The Cumulus Machine by Cumulus Coffee**
A game-changer for coffee lovers, this device elevates how you brew and enjoy coffee at home. It emphasizes precision, consistency, and flavor extraction in ways that go beyond standard machines, potentially through innovative temperature control, pressure dynamics, or bean-to-cup processes that make barista-level results accessible. It's positioned as a practical upgrade for daily routines, turning ordinary coffee moments into something noticeably better.
3. **PLUTO POD Travel Pillow**
Designed specifically for better rest during travel, this pillow addresses common pain points like neck strain, discomfort on planes/trains, and poor sleep quality on the go. It likely incorporates ergonomic shaping, supportive materials, and portability features that make it more effective than traditional U-shaped pillows — helping travelers arrive more rested and ready, whether on long-haul flights or road trips.
The video emphasizes that these products "don’t just look cool — they genuinely make life better," backed by hands-on testing rather than hype. It includes affiliate purchase links for viewers interested in buying (CNN may earn commissions), and directs people to the full CNN Underscored Innovation Awards article for more on all 23 winners across categories like beauty, tech, home, and more.
This release aligns with CNN Underscored's mission to deliver trustworthy, unbiased product recommendations and reviews. The video serves as both a highlight reel and teaser for their broader awards coverage, encouraging viewers to explore the complete list and sign up for newsletters on deals and in-depth reviews.
If you're into practical tech, productivity tools, or smarter everyday items, these three standouts show how thoughtful innovation can quietly improve note-taking, morning rituals, and travel comfort without unnecessary complexity. Check out the full video for the visuals and demos, and head to CNN Underscored for the complete awards breakdown.