I think ultimately every product, service, innovation, technology is in some way to preserve, optimize and maximize time. I think we can trace back anything that is in need and demand to the desire for more time.
The light bulb helped us extend our daily active time and work past when the sun goes down. Refrigeration allowed us to keep food longer, meaning required time getting more food. The printing press, telephones and the internet speeds up the flow of information. Cars, trains and planes cut the travel time between distances. Even things like entertainment, movies, performances and music is an escape, maybe a suspension of time. Most of the things we buy like bread, groceries, laundry machines, furniture we are exchanging their time making those things to save us our own time.
Time is the invisible currency, what we are all trying to save and amass, trying to fit more time within a limited time. In a way, the fountain of youth.