As 2017 draws to a close, small businesses and big corporations alike are looking towards 2018 and the many new technologies currently emerging. Do not be left out of the loop! Be sure that you know all of these new tech terms and how they may affect you or your business.
7 New Technologies To Know in 2018
Artificial Intelligence
Probably the most talked about technology trend of the last few years, artificial intelligence (AI) involves the development of computer systems and software with the ability to autonomously perform tasks that generally require human logic and intelligence like decision-making, translation, etc.
AI opens up a realm of possibilities only thought to exist in science fiction. Chances are businesses will see more AI programs popping up in predictive analytics and other big data processes. It is also set to revolutionize healthcare technologies like EGG signal processing algorithms and heart monitors, as well as transforming the transportation industry with driverless vehicles.
Blockchain Technology
Blockchain technology emerged alongside the original cryptocurrency, Bitcoin, as a means to protect cryptocurrency users from fraudulent transactions and counterfeit Bitcoins. Blockchain is what allows cryptocurrency possible at all. It acts as a transparent digital ledger chronologically recording every single transaction that occurs in a completed block.
Users can access all of this information through a computer that is connected to the blockchain network. The distributed ledger tech (DLT) that blockchain uses primarily works to verify transactions as well as digitizing, coding, and inserting documents into the blockchain. Once inserted or recorded, these transactions and records can be verified by anyone in the community rather than a single, centralized authority.
Intelligent Applications
Intelligent applications utilize machine-learning technology to analyze real-time and historical data in order to make decisions and predictions based on an individual user’s experience. In a sales context, an intelligent app helps workers evaluate and prioritize leads and opportunities by applying behavioral models that predict which leads or opportunities are most likely to have the greatest return on investment. It could help marketing teams predict what a customer is most likely to need and purchase next.
Intelligent apps could also allow for more effective business security structures and a dramatic increase in automating various everyday activities. Once incorporated with other new techs like AI, virtual reality, and The Internet of Things, intelligent applications will make the user’s experience much more productive and friendly.
The Internet of Things
The new goal of many businesses is to make all of their products or services “smart,” or connected to one another through a single digital interface. They refer to this as The Internet of Things and focus on developing a completely ambient intelligence system for users.
The Internet of Things is the idea of connecting all physical objects through a device mesh that incorporates any device with sensors and an ability to access the Internet. Think smartphones, tablets, wearables like a Fitbit, electronics and other gadgets.
The Public Cloud
As more services and software move towards a digital format, the importance of the public cloud also increases. This style of computing uses elastic and scalable IT-enabled capabilities to provide services to external customers through the Internet.
Accessing information through the public cloud decreases the costs of sharing resources and expands your choices of new technologies. Businesses offer access to their resources on their public cloud either for free or a specified fee. There is no question that in 2018 consumers will see greater numbers of software and services offered this way rather than in a physical format.
Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, and 360-Degree Videos
Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) saw great leaps forward in 2017 and more can be expected in 2018. Since the release of the Oculus Rift in 2016, many forward-thinking companies and tech entrepreneurs have released literally thousands of VR applications and video games. Think about the popularity of AR games like PokemonGo that had over 100 million downloads. You can expect to see many, many more advances in AR and VR technologies over the next few years. Not so good if you’re hoping to get your kids outdoors.
Voice-Driven Apps
As consumers grow to rely on voice-driven applications like Siri, Alexa, etc. in their everyday lives, businesses are looking for more and more ways to incorporate voice-command into their products and services. Being able to speak directly to an application or machine transforms the user experience and will certainly play a bigger role in tech development throughout 2018.
Leave a Reply