Technology has become a driving force in the world. Very often these days, some new technology replaces an older one. Since the development of early personal computers in the mid-1970s, it is evident how fast technology has run. From the initial microcomputer revolution to the present-day Internet age, the journey has been long and ever-expanding. ‘Long’, only in terms of scope and not time. In the modern-day world, to know and understand the technology and technology trends has become significant. To be able to cope with the newer generation and be at par with the present, we have to make ourselves aware to come out of the shell of obsolete technologies. We are here to help you. Go through this comprehensive list of top twenty technology trends (in no particular order) to enhance your technical knowledge.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
AI or as also called Machine Learning, is becoming the new in thing. From Google Assistant to e-commerce applications and websites, everything technical is running with AI. AI is an endeavor of making machines capable of being equitable to human intelligence. Precisely, AI is to create a machine to stimulate itself. From Alexa to Digital Marketing, everything pretty much relies on AI. AI is also capable of driving driver-less cars with precision, manage traffic effectively, learn and reason lots of data and what not. AI advancement is an observed phenomenon that will overtake a lot of operations with time.
Data Science
“Data is the new Oil.” The more the data, the better is the ability to conclude information for socio-economic profits logically. Even political profits could be gained from data. Facebook-Cambridge Analytical Data Scandal is an acute example of the latter. Trump was allegedly able to win the US national elections because of his carefully designed campaigns based on the data received from Facebook and analyzed via Cambridge University. Data science is to analyze, explore and extract knowledge and insights from a sea of structured and/or unstructured data. The study of patterns and trends helps in understanding business performance, behaviors, ecosystem, space among many other things.
Augmented Reality (AR)
You must have seen the videos or at least the advertisements by the educational platform BYJUs. It is probably the most straightforward example to explain to a layman as to what augmented reality is. Augmented reality is the blending or overlay of interactive digital content (graphics, videos, etc.) onto the physical world. These are like virtual projections. AR is being used extensively in digital learning and has a humongous future potential for improvement. In addition to this, the uses of AR are multifaceted. It is progressively being used in engineering, medical training, design & modeling, tourism, public safety, and so on.
Internet of Things (IoT)
IoT refers to a system of interrelated ‘smart’ computing or digital devices and mechanical machines that are provided with unique identifiers. These devices or machines collect and transfer data over the Internet without requiring human-to-human or human-to-computer interaction. Thus, IoT is like another wheel that boosts AI and Big Data. Embedding of computing devices in everyday objects is enhancing the standard of living. The scope of IoT is far and wide – security systems, thermostats, cars, electronic appliances, lights in household and commercial environments, alarm clocks, speaker systems, vending machines, etc. all make use of IoT.
Blockchain
Blockchain is an electronic ledger that can store, authenticate and protect data and facilitate secure transactions. Different users can share blockchains. They are the foundation of cryptocurrencies or electronic currencies.
Robotic Process Automation (RPA)
Robots are already taking over many manufacturing processes from human workers. Robotic Process Automation is a technology to automate (by robots) repetitive and structured business or production processes. This helps free up humans so that they can engage in more complex functions. RPA can achieve tasks such as handling and replying to emails, processing transactions and handling business data.
5G
5G is apparently the most awaited technology because faster Internet speed is a dominant demand throughout the world. You will obviously want that Netflix Episode to stream faster in high definition without any buffering. The fifth generation of cellular network technology will offer a smarter, certainly faster and more stable Internet connection. The coming of 5G will mean an overall advancement in many other technology trends as most of the mentioned trends rely on the Internet and connectivity.
Cobots
Cobots is an acronym for ‘Collaborative Robots.’ The future will see robots and humans working hand in hand, hence the name. Today’s robots are highly specialized and intelligent enough to respond with precision and the future definitely looks promising for better and specialized advancements.
Aerospace Technologies
Drones are already helping in monitoring COVID-19 situations. Drones are believed to constitute an essential part of security. Remotely piloted aircraft have added to the cause of military operations. Search and rescue missions, firefighting, law enforcement, and transportation will all be transformed in the coming years by drone technology.
Social Media
Have you heard of social media influencing? Of course, you have. Now, everyone has the potential of being famous with this tool of social media. It has revolutionized the methods, connections and exchange of human interactions. It has even transitioned businesses and business operations.
Over The Top (OTT) Platforms
OTTs have entirely overhauled content creation and consumption. Ready-to-use content is readily available on smartphones, laptops, TV sets, etc. through the Internet. It has completely changed the way we see and perceive things. Binge-watching is the new cool. Podcasts, web series, etc. have become a major source of entertainment replacing the erstwhile traditional broadcast outlets like cinema, radio and televisions.
Genomics
Genomics is an area within genetics that is concerned with the sequencing and analysis of an organism’s genome. The genome is the entire DNA content that is present within one cell of an organism. Experts in genomics strive to determine complete DNA sequences and perform genetic mapping to help understand any disease. It also focuses on the structure, function, evolution, mapping, and editing of genomes while also being a crucial aspect of diagnostics and building vaccines.
3D Printing
Have you ever wondered what will you print first when you have a personalized 3D printer? 3D and 4D printing can have broad applications. When available for personal use, this would replace a lot of ordinary things, that we are yet to witness
Smart Places
Visiting a shop and buying your needed commodity without having to interact with anyone. This means a shop with no human but just machines and digital devices to let you buy your things. A ‘Smart Shop’ indeed. Similarly, any place with a large number of interconnected computing devices makes it a ‘Smart’ place. This trend closely links with IoT. Such locations will be future-ready and will enable maximum convenience.
Virtual Reality (VR)
Virtual Reality is a digital construction of immersive (seemingly real) reality. The use of technology to create a simulated environment is effectively used in gaming, but is not just limited there. These environments also simulate senses such as touch, hearing, smell, and vision. Using VR gear such as headsets, you can walk around and play the game in that 3D world. Augmented reality helps improve this virtual environment. VR is also used for entertainment and training purposes.
Cloud and Edge Computing
Cloud computing is the dispatch of various services through the Internet, including data storage, servers, databases, networking, and software. Cloud-based storage makes it possible to save files to a remote database and retrieve them on demand. Edge computing is transforming the way data is handled, processed, and delivered from millions of devices around the world. It is a distributed computing paradigm that brings computation and data storage closer to the location where it is needed, to improve response times and save bandwidth. This technology trend will make cloud computing and IoT devices faster in the upcoming years.
Intelligent Apps
Intelligent apps are mostly utility software applications that make use of other trends like AI, machine learning, data analytics, robotics, etc. They advise and help us make informed choices and decisions based on real-time data and/or historical data.
Digital Marketing and Advertising
Are you also fascinated by seeing that same laptop on ads on every website you visit? Just because you Googled it once. It is all owing to Google Ad-sense. Our data enhances our online experiences, while at the same time is also used for targeted marketing by digital marketing and advertising firms. Social media marketing is also a part of it. Few examples include customized searches, ads based on your previous searches and browsing history etc.
Intelligent Computer Vision
If you have watched Fast and Furious 7, you might remember God’s Eye. Big Data helps machines to interpret visuals around them. Facial recognition is the prime example that computer devices can ‘see’. We use it daily to unlock our phones. Google Lens is also a fine example of intelligent vision. Visual data will have extended applications in the coming time with greater regulatory control.
Natural Language Processing
“Hey, Alexa! Play ‘Dil Bechara’ for me.” Natural Language Processing allows machines to understand human languages. It has dramatically changed how humans interact with machines. This technology has given rise to voice interfaces and chat-bots such as Siri, Alexa and Google Assistant. People are increasingly familiarizing themselves with talking with the machines.
Though this list of technology trends ends here, the technologies don’t, they are ever-developing and endless. The possibility of something new in the digital world always remains. Many of the technology trends mentioned above complement each other. These technology trends are shaping the future. Fifty years from now, we might be looking at Mars and thinking what a great vacation it was!
Also read: FIVE WHOLESOME THINGS THAT HAVE HAPPENED IN 2020 SO FAR
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