2019 looks to be a promising year for technological innovation.
Here are the top technology trends to look out for this year.
1. Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence is already all around us. Intelligent assistants like Google Home, Alexa, Siri and Cortana are in our homes. In the future, they might become more intelligent than us. The potential autonomy of machines certainly caused unease in 2018. People realised concerns around smart homes, and the assistant who’s always listening.
But AI doesn’t have to be something from a horror movie.
AI will become more widespread in 2019, and therefore more regulated. Most companies have a use for AI, and it has the ability to do things humans otherwise couldn’t.
2. Blockchain
In 2019, blockchain will become more ‘normal’. It will lose its reputation as a scary, unstable technology and instead (whether we like it or not) become widespread. Like AI, blockchain has the potential to make difficult tasks easier, such as:
- Signing contracts
- Storing data
- Communication
In 2018, blockchain struggled – from the cryptocurrency crash to disappointing concepts. But blockchain has far more potential than its given credit for, and with time – and quiet implementation – it could make our data safer, decentralised and secure.
2019 is the year when blockchain will become more free to redefine and establish itself.
3. Augmented Reality
Augmented reality combines the real and digital worlds.
It has already been implemented in apps such as Pokémon Go, in online catalogues (such as IKEA) and in GPS applications. However, its potential spans beyond games and catalogues. 2019 is the year it will become more useful in our everyday lives.
4. Connectivity and the Internet of Things
The Internet of Things, like AI, is already here.
Statista predict that by 2020, there will be around 30 billion IoT devices. Everything is connected. The Internet of Things is most commonly seen in smart homes and the idea that everything in a home can be connected. This includes security, locking systems, lighting and other electronics.
2018 brought connectivity into the mainstream, but 2019 will make it the norm.
5. Automated Everything
Automation has been around for over fifty years, and advanced and widespread (in areas like mining) for at least a decade.
Automation definitely isn’t new – but it is improving.
OECD found in 2016 that 9% of jobs (in OECD countries) are able to be automated. Jobs that are tedious or dangerous can be replaced by machines, who aren’t as vulnerable to dangers or boredom. A human worker can be easily injured, whereas automated machines are less susceptible to damage.
Certainly, there is the fear that automation will replace workers – but it’s unrealistic to automate everything, especially with the way automation functions now.
Automation won’t just be important in the workforce. It will also help with things like driving. Cars will park and drive themselves. The future is automated – and that doesn’t have to be a bad thing.
6. Cybersecurity and Data Protection
Better cybersecurity is intricately tied with blockchain and AI. There are already companies like Shopin that are exploring data protection with blockchain. As cyber threats increase, technology will rise to meet them with equal defense.
Artificial intelligence, blockchain and machine learning will advance cyber security and make sure our data is protected in the right ways.
To see how blockchain can help you in 2019, click here.