As a company in the heart of the Silicon Valley, Hybridge sees technology advancements from our clients constantly. Last January, we took this knowledge and evaluated what technology might advance in 2017 in our article "Technology trends to look out for in 2017". Our predictions for 2017 were pretty spot on. So, what are our predictions for 2018? Here are the top 4 technology advancements we believe you should look out for this year:
- IoT and Blockchain:
The Internet of Things (IoT) has already made many advancements in the last few years by connecting smart products like your phone and your watch. We will continue to see this advance where almost anything is a “smart product.” Want your yoga mat to tell you if you’re improving your Downward Dog position or your desk chair to tell you when your slouching? Soon, these features will be commonplace.
The difference that we might see with IoT is the introduction of blockchain. Originally designed for bitcoin, blockchain can create a digital record across hundreds of devices and reduce the risk of hacking. When used together, IoT and Blockchain technology will allow improvements such as manufacturing and transportation companies tracking their shipments in real time through embedded sensors in products or trucks.
- Artificial Intelligence:
AI is another advancement that will only continue to grow and improve as it receives more funding and recognition. According to Andrew Ng, Stanford University Adjunct Professor and former Chief Scientist at Baidu, AI is the new electricity. When electricity replaced steam power, almost every industry was transformed. A similar revolution will happen with AI and we are already seeing this in the IT, healthcare, and transportation industries.
Last year we saw the introduction of facial recognition software in the iPhone X. The increase in the popularity of smart homes will also help lead to improvements in AI. In the future, Alexa and Google might fully understand you and even be able to gauge your emotion. AI is rapidly growing and we will see it integrate into even more industries in 2018.
- 5G Internet:
Since everything else in the tech industry is speeding up and improving, mobile providers may be forced to move faster toward creating a 5G network and 5G phones. The creation of a 5G network could be up to 10 times faster than 4G. This will further revolutionize the way we use our mobile devices. However, the creation of a 5G network cannot happen overnight. Most likely, we will see the foundation set for 5G to premiere in 2019 or 2020. In 2018, we will only see the creation of Gigabit LTE, the stepping stone to a 5G network.
With mobile networks increasing and improving, you might find that the network connection on your phone is faster than your office network. Companies like AT&T and Comcast will receive pressure to also increase their network and services. Everything will continue to get faster and more convenient in 2018.
- Wireless charging:
Now that Apple has finally implemented wireless charging with their introduction of the iPhone 8 and X, we might see a widespread adoption of this feature. The standard for wireless charging is a company called Qi. You may have seen their wireless charging stations on your table at Starbucks or at airports. Now that technology and innovation giant Apple has approved of Qi, we may begin to see their wireless charging available in cars and at restaurants and hotels. We are continuing to move toward wireless technology that is more convenient and accessible.
In 2018, we are likely to see many technology advancements and improvements, some of which we may not even be able to fathom. The biggest takeaway of what’s to come is that digital transformation for your business is a must. Hybridge helps ensure that all our clients are updated to the latest and greatest hardware and software that works best for you. If you ever have any questions or concerns about the technology for your company, contact us at info @ hybridge.com or 888-353-1763.
