Technology continues to advance at a rapid rate and 2021 looks set to be no different regardless of the current situation.
New developments can help change businesses sensationally in a short period of time and we have found a few that could transform yours within the next 12 months or so.
To help you keep current with all the new developments in technology, here are the most important trends to keep an eye out for this year:
AI and Machine Learning
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has received a lot of attention over the past few years alone, but it appears to be gaining more pace than ever in 2021. It ranks number one on our list because of how greater impact it is having on both our work and home lives. This despite only being in the early stages. ComputingNews is just one of many expecting the AI market to grow into a $200 billion industry within the next four years.
Do you own a Google Home or Amazon Echo device? Use Google Assistant on your phone? Speech recognition has been one of the big changes in technology over the past couple of years.
Machine Learning is a subset of Artificial Intelligence but is greatly in demand from skilled professionals. This is already becoming important among data scientists, automation specialists, and content curators. It will be even bigger than that in only a couple of years from now.
Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality
Virtual Reality (VR) can put the user into a real-world environment solely from their headset whilst Augmented Reality (AR) enhances their environment.
This technology has mostly been used for gaming to date with making PlayStation 4 games even more exciting. They have only touched the surface so far with how powerful it can be for the PS5.
And it’s only a matter of time before they become further integrated into our everyday lives. Shops could put them on the outside of their stores for passers-by to see how they look in new clothes, products, etc. That would be great when you’re looking to buy gifts for friends and family for example.
5G
Where 3G and 4G have allowed us to browse the internet from our mobile devices and increase bandwidth for streaming YouTube and the likes, 5G is expected to enhance our lives much further.
5G will be able to enable services such as the aforementioned VR and AR, cloud-based gaming and much more.
What’s more, it has the potential to be used in factories, retail and even helps improve safety in traffic management. By the end of the year, many telecom companies, including Apple, Nokia, and T-mobile are expected to launch worldwide services by the end of the year.
Blockchain
Blockchain is currently mostly associated with cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, but few realise it can offer security in ways other technologies cannot.
The chain of data is secured by being unable to change. They are so secure that no one entity can take sole control of the set of data.
Internet of Things
The phrase Internet of Things (IoT) has been around for a few years now. Many products are now built with WiFi connectivity and can be connected to each other. Hence where the name comes from.
Used in devices, home appliances, homes, and many more products means you’re probably already using the Internet of Things without perhaps knowing about it. If you’re locking your doors remotely, track your steps walking and running using FitBit and even turn our bedroom lights on from a different room.