Every year new technology and advancements are introduced to the marketplace. Some are completely new while others are advancements to what is already out there. It’s hard to predict “the next Uber,” but there are a few technology sectors you’ll want to keep an eye on in 2017.
- AR and VR – Augmented and virtual reality saw a big jump in 2016 with things such as Pokémon Go and the release of the Oculus Rift. VR is now readily available to the everyday consumer through products such as Google Cardboard, Google’s Daydream, and Samsung Gear VR. Pretty soon there will be AR and VR versions of nearly everything.
- Smart Home Tech – Smart home products also took off in 2016 with home controllers such as Samsung SmartThings and Google Home. In 2017, Apple HomeKit is expected to become a bigger player in the industry. Now that big name companies are joining the market, it will become less fragmented, more secure, and easier to use. If you’ve been interested in buying Smart Home devices, 2017 might be your year to do so.
- Smart and autonomous cars – Cars will continue to become smarter and more advanced. The Tesla Model 3 (an affordable Tesla) is set to be released in 2017. Autonomous cars are also on the rise. Uber offers self-driving cars in Pittsburgh and they are starting to test them in California (once they get the correct permits) and Arizona. The biggest impact from autonomous vehicles is likely to be felt from autonomous long-haul trucking. Freed from the need for their drivers to sleep, fewer trucks will be on the roads, but they will run 24x7, disrupting an industry that employs (directly and indirectly) about 5% of the US workforce.
- Speech as an interface – Powered by massive investments from major tech companies, the revolution in Machine Learning (such as AlphaGo) is rapidly evolving speech recognition and cognition. Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri are gaining capabilities and “intelligence” at an exponential rate. This is already making the home computer and home stereo obsolete. Soon people will wonder why some houses and cars don’t respond when they are asked a question.
As a technology partner for startups in the heart of the Silicon Valley, Hybridge sees many new ideas and technology advancements. We are looking forward to what is to come in 2017.
