Technology is becoming more and more essential to our everyday lives. Not only that, but it’s changing all the time, too. The devices in our pockets, on our wrists, and at our home working stations are becoming increasingly complex, and the algorithms that define our time on them even more so.
Venture out of the house, and you will find further examples of the sophisticated steps technology is making. From supermarket checkouts to schools, the things that technology can do in 2021 are nothing short of extraordinary.
As such, it seems that constant progress and evolution are going to be the order of the day from now onwards.
To ensure you don’t get lost in the ever-changing landscape of technology, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on the trends. With that in mind, here are five of the most exciting technology trends to look out for this year. Try turning your hand to them if you don’t want to get left behind.
1. Artificial intelligence keeps getting smarter
This one isn’t exactly a brand-new trend. In fact, artificial intelligence (AI) has been on our radar for several years already. It already has a significant part to play in the media we consume, the smartphone apps we use, and the personalised services that big companies offer us, among other things.
As a species, we’re getting used to the part AI plays in our everyday lives. Which is a good thing because AI is only getting smarter. And, as the technology and expertise needed to support AI become more readily available, the need to adjust to the smart tech getting rolled out to homes and workplaces alike is becoming more urgent.
As a result, it’s starting to look as though companies that aren’t investing in AI now will end up falling through the cracks, and soon.
2. VR will become our reality
Virtual reality (VR) technology might not be advancing at quite the same pace as AI, but there’s no doubt that it will become pretty commonplace in the coming years.
Tech blogger, Antoine Bechara sheds some light on this and says, “So far, it has been used mostly to enhance gamers’ user experience and to create immersive worlds for escapists of all kinds. But, there are plenty of other applications for this exceptional technology, which are likely to bring it further into our everyday lives.”
Don’t underestimate VR, because it has the potential to revolutionise countless industries and sectors, including education, medical, and military.
3. Speed things up with 5G
It might not feel like all that much changed when 5G was introduced to some major network providers. But, actually, 5G technology is already causing some pretty significant shifts, which will have a bearing on how we use technology going forwards.
The advancements being made with 5G mean that more of our own devices will soon be able to connect to each other as well as to other people’s, and more quickly, too. So, there will be increased capacity for the technology around us to really work for us.
With 5G, we are on our way to a far better-connected, faster-paced world.
4. IoT is on its way
The development of 5G is, in turn, speeding up the development of what is known as the Internet of Things (IoT). In basic terms, IoT refers to the fact that many everyday items are getting a digital upgrade. Or, in other words, everything from your toaster to your dog’s collar is being connected to the internet, giving you greater control over more of the things in your life.
Really, this trend is only just getting started. But, in less than 10 years, it is predicted that an incredible 50 billion IoT devices will be in use globally.
5. RPA is upgrading the way we work
By automating more of the jobs that we do, Robotic Process Automation (RPA) has the potential to completely transform the world of work.
Whether you work in customer service or HR, chances are that RPA will be able to do your job for you, if not now, then in the years to come. But don’t worry too much. Because, at the same time as replacing jobs, RPA is also creating new jobs that don’t even exist yet!
So, watch this trend closely. It could just cause a career change that you weren’t expecting.
