In the past year, we have seen so much new technology trends but now when we are in 2018. There are new Technology Trends which is going to come at the higher level.
Here are some Top Technology Trends of 2018
5G
5G is a type of wireless technology that you may have heard about in recent headlines. Such as Verizon selecting Samsung as the provider for its 5G commercial launch.
One reason why it’s such a big deal is that it will result in higher wireless speeds, capacities, and lower latency — which generally means that there will be far fewer delays or “technical hesitancies” in some of the things it powers, like wireless VR or autonomous vehicles.
That benefit is two-fold. Not only does it enrich a user experience when it comes to something like AR or VR by providing higher data rates, but it’s also practical for safety — which is where the latency piece comes in.
But just how fast is 5G. During the presentation, the example of two-hour movie download used. On a 3G network, for example, that would take 26 hours. On 4G, it would lower to six minutes. But in 5G, it lowered to 3.6 seconds.
Artificial Intelligence
A considerable amount of attention will pay to the role of AI in digital personal assistants, which plays into the smart home sector. There, AI technology like machine learning lends itself to the ability to recognize user preferences and behavioral patterns.
Smart speakers, for example, were named as some of the heaviest hitters in the CTA’s Consumer Tech Industry. Forecast, with a predicted revenue of $3.8 billion (an increase of 93%), and 43.6 million units sold (+60%).
Within this realm, AI also plays a major part in autonomous driving capabilities — especially when it comes to sensory perception (like objects in the vehicle’s path), data processing, and action. That, a key piece in the industry forecast, with $15.9 billion revenue predicted, or 6% growth.
What’s next? Two key things to come were identified, the first conversations with context. Like machines carrying on conversations with humans with better natural language processing. To make it more like the way we speak to each other.
The second is the ability of AI to build trust and reduce bias with users — which, when executed successfully, can help AI systems do things like explain why it makes certain recommendations of actions or content.
Robotics
Robotics, in this context, seemed to play the biggest role in consumer electronics — which seems fitting, seeing as CES is largely about the newest technology in that sector.
The speakers seemed to take a particular interest in Kuri, a robot that was described as a “family friend” that can “capture life’s moments automatically using face recognition.” It’s a bit nostalgic of the Google Clips photo technology announced last fall, which boasts allowing users to spend more time at the moment, rather than taking the perfect picture, with similar recognition technology.
The event also shed light on Honda’s robots, which are engineered around what it calls its “3E Philosophy,” built on the pillars of empowerment, experience, and empathy. It reflected a pattern of working to incorporate more empathy into robotics — like Kuri, these would be moving, speaking computers with feelings.
Voice: The Fourth Sales Channel
The CTA’s research has shown that one in four shoppers used voice assistants in their holiday shopping during the 2017 season.
Here’s an area where marketers can use the rise in smart speaker sales (and its anticipated continued growth) to their advantage. Voice assistance and technology are becoming larger parts of a brand’s identity — an area of opportunity for those who have not yet begun to leverage it as such.
So, how can marketers do that? I recommend looking into ways to merge your brand with voice assistants and see how you can create content exclusively for that medium — for example, something like building a custom, branded skill for Amazon Echo.
Facial Recognition on the Go
From the iPhone X Face ID technology to your car being able to recognize your eyes and nose. Our faces are playing a greater role in helping our devices recognize us and capture our preferences — anytime, anywhere. And, it seems, we’re becoming more comfortable with it.
According to the CTA’s research, users have a growing amount of trust in this technology. For such personal data as medical information. But it’s also often a matter of convenience as a video showed later in the day by NVIDIA indicated. Face recognition can use smart vehicles to recognize its owners for unlocking doors, opening trunks, and more.
Virtual Reality
VR isn’t exactly a new trend. But what I’ll be keeping our eyes on is the newest use cases for it.
Content, it’s predicted, is where the most noticeable change and evolution will take place. Especially when it comes to creating immersive experiences for brand awareness.
Where once this technology almost exclusively used to tell a story for the purpose of entertainment. Businesses and organizations are now presented with an opportunity to leverage VR for commercial purposes. Like shopping, for example, or a deeper look inside what helps a business run and create its products or services.
Augmented Reality (AR) is further working its way into the B2C space. As we have entered the era of what called “AR for all”. There have been several consumer-oriented use cases from brands like Ikea and Wayfair. Using the technology for things like home decor. As well as demonstrations on how it enhances a gaming experience from both Apple and Google.
Smart Cities
From self-driving pizza delivery vehicles to environment and energy usage, smart cities are where society and technology intersect.
While Smart Cities fill a new enough category that their roles in marketing remain fairly open-ended. They do present an opportunity for brands looking to increase their roles in the community. Especially where technology is concerned.
One of the best cases for the growth of Smart Cities. Ffor example, is how they will work to bolster public safety and services. Something that cannot happen without the cooperation of the market, organizations, and regional leadership.
By exploring where their own organizations fit into the ecosystem of a Smart Cities. Marketers can work ahead of the curve by looking for ways their brands can actively support. And contribute to a Smart City, thus playing a larger role in what remains, for now, an emerging trend.