2018, An Exciting Year to Improve Our Lives Through Technology

Access to technology is growing rapidly. It’s such an absolute future that technology is changing the lives of people in the world. Technology provides a mechanism to amplify efforts to reach more people and engage them in ways not possible before.

There is no denying that in the modern world, we are quite spoilt when it comes to technology. Many of us will even admit that it is something we simply can’t live without now. From speedy access to the internet on-the-go to the ability to instantly get in touch with almost anyone in the world by dialing just a few digits.

Of course, our phones are now a far cry from what they used to be. We’re now able to do more than just make a phone call. We check our emails, order our weekly food shopping, take photographs, listen to music, and even watch hours of videos.  Yet, the list is endless!

Do you see that technology will stop growing in 2018? Of course, the answer is a big NO. According to the predictions, some of the technologies which have been developed in 2017 will be more popular this year. Some even might replace the function of the human being in 2018.

1. Big Data

We are creating an unprecedented amount of data as we live our lives. From social media to the digital footprint we leave as we use the social media or connected systems at work. Every second, millions of people hit Facebook, Twitter, do a skype call and search for something in Google.

This is happening so rapidly that the amount of data which exists is doubling every two years. This growth (and the opportunities it provides) is what we call Big Data. This data explosion is what has made many of today’s other trends possible, and learning to tap into the insights will increase anyone’s prospects in just about any field.

One of the sectors that might be replaced is financial industry. Algorithms can now analyze financial data and prepare accounts (as well as do tax returns). Bank tellers have already been partially replaced by ATMs, but soon even higher-level bankers, including loan officers, could be potentially replaced by automated systems.

1. Smart “Everything”

In industry, machines are increasingly being built to communicate with each other with less need for human input, in order to more efficiently carry out tasks. Collectively this trend is known as “Internet of Things” because it isn’t just an internet of computers and phones anymore!

According to Forbes, Intel forecasts that by 2020 there will be 200 billion devices connected to the internet. Data from these devices can help us to make better decisions about our lives, as well as in business. There are huge opportunities out there for those who are able to develop products and services based on this data, and potential here is really only limited by imagination.

1. “Talking” to Machines

The way we interact with machines has evolved from operating levers and valves, to control panels, keyboards, and touchscreen interfaces. Big data has opened the possibility where voice controlling machines feels natural and is often the most intuitive option we have.

It’s predicted that by 2020 half of online searches will be carried out by voice, and 30% of them will be made using devices which have no screen at all. This year, BMW will roll out new cars with Alexa pre-installed, just as Ford has done.

In business we will become increasingly used to using AI assistants to manage day-to-day schedules and put information in front of us when we need it. Some of us might have used it now.

1. Blockchain

Have you heard about Blockchain? This distributed, encrypted, and public ledger behind virtual currency Bitcoin has used beyond making early adopters in virtual currencies filthy stinking rich. Experts say that it represents a leap forward in information storage and security.

A blockchain is really just a digital file in which blocks of information are “chained” and secured using private key cryptography. It is ensuring only those with appropriate permission can edit the sections of the data they are entitled to.

In fact, blockchain has the potential to change the very foundations of our economic system, though this is likely to be some way off. In the meantime, anyone capable of fitting blockchain technology to current business problems is likely to find their skills in demand.

1. Facial Recognition

Facial recognition software is another developed technology that will be a giant step. This might be used as one of the features on every smartphone, someday. Everyone is looking for this and other biometric solutions to improve security in the coming years on everything from standard video systems to mobile device access.

2018 will be an exciting year for technological innovations that will leverage big data, the Internet of Things (IoT), and even our lives.