Modern technology is constantly evolving at a swift pace. It has, so far, played a vital role in the success of the digital era. And with the ongoing world events, it isn’t only the technologies that are evolving, but also our lives around them. Today’s infrastructures heavily rely on technology, with nearly everyone utilizing it in one way or the other.
We’re a part of a digitally-advanced society, so it’s also essential for us to stay updated with the current technology trends and emerging tech. If you consider yourself technologically adept, take this technological age quiz. It’s a fun way to figure out your age in tech years based on your usage and knowledge. Try it and see how your technological and chronological age compares to each other.
From artificial intelligence to augmented reality to quantum computing, this article outlines a few major technology trends for the interested. Read on to learn more.
1. AI / Machine Learning
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve probably heard of AI or Artificial Intelligence when looking for smart gadgets. It’s currently the hottest technological trend, but it’s more than just a marketing buzzword and has the potential to change how we interact with computers and the world around them.
In fact, we’ve already seen its implementation in speech and visual recognition, computational smartphone photography, virtual assistants, social media services, navigation apps, and so much more. In recent years, medical scientists have also found a way to use ML or Machine Learning for developing effective cures for deadly diseases!
The corporate industry has also been using AI systems to analyze customer interactions, gain insights into their target markets, predict demand for their products and services, and detect changing sales patterns in almost real-time.
Using the power of artificial intelligence and machine learning, tech companies can provide personalized experiences to their users and drive revenues to never-seen-before numbers. Furthermore, it’s creating jobs for software developers, testers, maintainers, and data scientists all around the globe.
2. IoT (Internet of Things)
IoT is another technological trend that you need to keep in mind. In layman’s terms, IoT or the “Internet of Things” is a group of devices that can connect to the internet and communicate with each other. We’re already seeing such “smart” gadgets and appliances introduced in our homes.
For example, some lights turn on and off automatically as you enter and leave the house. Or, users can remotely control their air conditioners and thermostats on their way back home. And thanks to IoT-enabled cameras, doorbells, and locks, home security is much more effective than before. Even that smartwatch or fitness tracker you’re probably wearing right now can connect to the web.
The benefits of IoT aren’t just limited to the consumers but the companies using the technology. With more data to collect and analyze, they can improve the customer experience and speed up the development of their next generation of products and services.
Of course, there also are various concerns surrounding the concept, including the breach of privacy, potential security loopholes, and further dependency on technology. But if done correctly, IoT devices will only make things convenient for us humans.
3. 5G Network
The next booming technology trend that’s often associated with IoT is 5G. The fifth-generation standard for cellular networks sounded far-fetched even a few years ago. Fast forward to 2022, it’s rolling out in dozens of American, European, and Asian countries, making 4G and 3G relics of the past.
Where its predecessors have allowed us to browse the web, stream and download high-quality content, access real-time street navigation, make video calls, and do so much more on the go, 5G takes all of it to the next level.
With significantly increased data rates, lower latency, and greater load capacity, the commercial deployment of 5G unlocks the door to a host of new use cases. It includes the incorporation of immersive AR in mobile apps, instant access to cloud game-streaming services, autonomous vehicles, etc.
Moreover, 5G technology is aiding the development of smart cities, live broadcasting, delivery drones, indoor farm monitoring, and more. Factory chains, healthcare facilities, shipping docks, airports, educational institutions, and several other industries have also started using it to some extent.
With tech giants like Verizon, T-Mobile, Qualcomm, Broadcom, Nokia, Ericsson, Intel, AMD, and NVIDIA working on 5G applications, it’s projected to cover nearly 75% of the global population by 2027.
4. Extended Reality
XR or Extended Reality is an umbrella term that refers to a series of simulation technologies, which include Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR). While its primary use case was only gaming for a while, it’s now popping up across a vast range of industries.
Big tech companies like Meta, Amazon, Epic Games, Microsoft, Apple, and NVIDIA are already working on extended reality applications, mainly the “Metaverse,” as they say, to offer more personalized and immersive experiences to the end-users.
For instance, Amazon’s AR View tool allows customers to view furniture and other home decors in their own spaces. You can try digitally placing a new coffee table or a sofa in your living room to get an idea of how it might look in real life. And surprisingly enough, this feature is available for use on a wide range of smartphones; no need for special hardware.
VR and AR are showing great potential in entertainment, military, medical training, and educational fields. In 2022, we’ve already seen brands offering immersive experiences with virtual concerts, museums, and even digital theme parks. With further integration of extended reality, our lives will soon take place in the merged space between the real and digital world.
5. Blockchain
Even though most people immediately think of cryptocurrency when hearing the word “Blockchain,” it’s actually more than that. In simple terms, a blockchain is an ever-growing list of records to which you can only add data or a “block” and not make changes. It’s a chain of data linked together, therefore the second half of the word “chain.”
The fact that no one can manipulate the data blocks makes this technology so secure. It’s a decentralized system, meaning no entity can gain control of the network. Plus, there’s no need for a third-party transaction validator. For those wondering, Bitcoin uses blockchain as a public transaction ledger.
In recent years, the use of Blockchain has extended beyond cryptocurrencies and inspired other applications. It includes NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens), smart contracts, digitized supply chains, microfinancing, etc. That said, blockchain technology has some way to go before its successful implementation in all industries.
Conclusion
Above, we’ve discussed the top five current technology trends you need to keep in mind. While some of these technologies are still in their infancy, they’re developing at a relatively faster pace and constantly shaping the world around us.
Gone are the days of incremental upgrades. With the emerging technology trends, we’re entering a brand-new era of continual evolution, where several technologies merge to make massive changes. Things unimaginable even a few years have now become the norm. Similarly, things that seem unachievable today might become the reality tomorrow.