Technology, as we all know, changes at an alarming rate. If you don’t keep up with the latest technology trends and incorporate them into your own life then you could be missing out on some key. Like, advancements that will make your life easier, more convenient, and more fun. We’ve put together a list of the most important technology trends to look out for in previous years. So that you can take advantage of them and start to enjoy the future of technology today!
Quantum Computers
More of a pipe dream than a feasible piece of technology, quantum computers are super powerful. So much so that they could solve some of today’s hardest computational problems in minutes. The first use for these machines will be for research purposes, and it could take decades before we see consumer products that can harness their power. If you have time travel on your list of things to do, watch out for these devices in about 20 years! For more information on other tech trends, you need to know about, see our post here.
AI and Machine Learning
Artificial intelligence has been around for decades, but just recently we’ve started seeing incredible strides. Self-driving cars are already legal in several states. And advanced AI programs like Alexa and Siri have redefined what it means to interact with computers. Some futurists say that AI will surpass human capabilities within 50 years. But there’s a difference between artificial intelligence and machine learning. Artificial intelligence is a machine that can make its own decisions; machine learning is when an algorithm learns how you react in different situations (through your clicks or commands) and adjusts its program accordingly.
Self-Driving Cars
The development of self-driving cars is transforming how we think about transportation. As more and more vehicles add self-driving capabilities, car ownership is expected to go down, since consumers won’t need their cars if they can just summon a driverless vehicle on demand. This change in ownership could mean big things for mobility around the world, reducing traffic congestion and freeing up valuable real estate currently dedicated to parking lots. And it could also bring new opportunities: Deloitte predicts that by 2025, as many as 800 million people worldwide will make some money from driving in one way or another, whether that’s delivering people or packages or renting out vehicles when they aren’t using them.
Big Data, Analytics, and Predictive Models
Big data is a buzzword you’re likely to hear more and more frequently. But what does it mean? According to TechTarget, big data refers to datasets that are so large or complex that traditional data processing applications are inadequate. The term covers a wide range of technologies, including databases, software, analytics and visualization tools, information management systems, and platforms designed for storing and processing massive amounts of information generated by websites. Big Data is also referred to as Volume, Velocity, or Variability. Having access to volume (the amount of information), velocity (the speed at which new information is created), and variability (the complexity of different sources) can help businesses make better decisions faster.
Security & Encryption
With cybercrime at an all-time high, it’s a good idea to start implementing stronger security measures online. Encryption is one way you can do that. Here’s how it works: The first step is installing encryption software on your devices and computers. Then, when you send files or messages, they get encrypted on your device (but not in transit) and get decrypted only once they reach their destination. That means hackers won’t be able to access them even if they manage to intercept your files. There are several types of encryption programs, so check out our guide for more information on choosing which kind suits you best! [Source]
Internet of Things
The Internet of Things (IoT) is changing how we interact with technology. More specifically, it’s about making things like lights, doors, cars, and even coffee machines smart—able to communicate with each other over a network for your convenience. By collecting information about our surroundings and ourselves, we can make smarter decisions in our lives. Take healthcare as an example: With smart devices in homes, hospitals, and doctors’ offices, real-time data could be collected from patients during routine doctor visits. Doctors would know what medicine they have already taken. If they have missed doses of their medications or are on track with their daily routines.
5G Wireless Networks
All cell phone networks run on a technology called LTE, or Long Term Evolution. This is what helps us stream videos and download data quickly. Most of these technologies were created in 2006 and have been used since 2010. But, we are seeing an increased demand for faster internet with more applications. It’s clear that these networks are getting saturated and are not able to keep up with our demands. That’s why telecom companies around the world are currently working on 5G wireless networks that will bring even faster speeds at lower costs. However, implementing 5G wireless networks won’t be cheap and will require new infrastructure to be built. Fortunately for us, many countries already have plans in place for 5G rollouts beginning as early as 2019!
Smart City Innovations
One of several big trends in tech right now, smart cities are define by technologies that make them more sustainable, livable, and efficient. Smart city solutions include sensors that help monitor traffic patterns and reduce wait times at intersections; they can also include smart trash cans and parking meters that alert drivers when spots are available or when fines need to be paid. The city of Copenhagen has been name as Smart City thanks to its open data initiative. Which tracks everything from bike use to trash removal and disease outbreaks. Tokyo is also making smart strides—after a 9.0-magnitude earthquake hit Japan in 2011. It launched sensors across Tokyo’s 13 wards so officials could pinpoint where help was needed most during disaster situations.