It is no secret that technology is part of who we are. Ignoring this fact is an act of pure folly and it proves just how disconnected you are from reality. As a generation we are technology-hungry and we are always on the lookout for tech solutions for most of life problems and challenges. This has led to the emergence of different technology trends such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) that have revolutionized the way we do things. Businesses have prospered as results, communication has been made easy, and fast and secure forms of payment have been unearthed. Life has gotten better. In fact, the right terminology would be simple. Life has gotten simpler, easier and much less complicated.
It should be noted that technology is forever changing. New trends keeping getting developed and what was hip and cool a while ago may not be as impressive today. 2016 saw the emergence of a couple of technologies such as virtual reality and artificial intelligence as domineering trends. Here are 7 technology trends to look out for in 2017.
1. Virtual and Augmented Reality
Pokémon Go was big in 2016. This augmented reality game thrilled its players and brought to light the amazing potential of virtual and augmented reality. There is more to virtual and augmented reality other than gaming and in 2017 is the year this technology will arrive at the workplace.
The overlay of information capability associated with AR and the different perspectives offered by Virtual Reality means that VR/AR can be implemented in fields such a transport, health, retail and training to improve the outcomes
2. Intelligent things
Intelligent things incorporates aspects of AI and IoT to create smart devices capable of operating with minimal supervision and this makes it one of the technology trends to look for in 2017. It goes beyond complex programing models as it intends to make devices much more receptive to the natural surroundings.
3. Going mobile.
With the number of smartphone users increasing every other day, the need for web-content to be optimized for mobile platforms is growing as well. Smartphones operate just like PCs with the added convenience of being mobile. It is, therefore, vital that firms have their products optimized for mobile platforms lest they lose customers to their competitors who offer this advantage.
4. Bitcoins.
Invented in 2009 by an unknown person with the alias Satoshi Nakamoto, bitcoins have grown in popularity and have been accepted as a form of payment in various outlets. No banks are involved and this means that its users are not subjected to the exorbitant fees that are usually charged by the financial institutions. The anonymity aspect of transacting in bitcoins is what makes it even more appealing. The value of bitcoins is never stationary and it can rise or fall depending on various factors. People have been buying bitcoins with the hope of its value increasing and reaping big from their investments and this trend is sure to continue in 2017.
5. Blockchains in financial industry
The Blockchain is the technology behind the bitcoin phenomenon and it has been discovered that it can be used in the financial industry to great effect. It is in the form of a distributed ledger with the technology behind it designed to make payments safer and tramper-proof ensuring that every transaction is audited and up to date.
Countries such as China have embraced this technology and 2017 will see more nations following suit.
6. Chatbots
Firms are forever looking for ways of cutting costs and chatbots is one cost-effective technology trend that will be implemented by firms in 2017. Chatbots are automated and they interact with the customers of a business, offering information and help via a chat interface.
7. Innovative wearables
Innovative wearables are making revolutionary steps in the technology world by increasing user experience and allowing its users to learn more about their bodies in real time. The market for wearables is untapped and in 2017 expect firms to develop much more of these for their gadgets and apps such as Spectacles, a wearable developed by Snap.
Conclusion
Most of these trends are already in existence but 2017 is the year they will blossom. We are at a better place technology-wise but these trends are bound to make interactions easier and much more effective.
