In 2024, technology is poised to redefine and shape various aspects of our lives, ushering in a new era of innovation and connectivity. One prominent trend is the proliferation of 5G technology, which promises faster and more reliable internet connectivity. This development will not only enhance our online experiences but also facilitate the widespread adoption of emerging technologies like augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR).
Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to be a driving force, with advancements in machine learning and natural language processing. AI applications are becoming more integrated into everyday life, influencing industries such as healthcare, finance, and education. Personalized AI assistants and smart home devices are set to become even more intuitive, adapting to users’ preferences and routines.
The Internet of Things (IoT) is expanding its reach, connecting an increasing number of devices to create a seamless and interconnected environment. From smart cities to smart appliances, the IoT is fostering efficiency and convenience. However, this connectivity also raises concerns about data security and privacy, prompting the need for robust cybersecurity measures.
Technology
Blockchain technology is gaining momentum beyond cryptocurrency applications. Its decentralized and secure nature is being harnessed for supply chain management, voting systems, and ensuring the integrity of digital identities.
“Trying to foresee the future is like trying to drive down a country road at night without lights, while gazing out the back window,” the late management guru Peter Drucker once quipped.
Change is occurring so quickly when it comes to predicting new technological trends that the back window might as well be fogged up.
In 2023, nuclear fusion made its first steps from the domain of science fiction to the realm of science reality, while NFTs went from being the flavor of the month to yesterday’s leftovers.
But, people who keep up with the most recent innovations can identify trends in the direction that civilizations are moving and predict the technology that will help them get there.
Here are the predictions made by four experts when CNN asked them to guess which technology would have the biggest impact on our lives in 2023.
Synthetic Intelligence
Our daily lives now include artificial intelligence (AI), which is used in everything from social media algorithms to e-commerce. An explosion of AI-generated visuals and music is expected in 2023, according to Ayesha Khanna, co-founder and CEO of Addo, a company that provides AI and data solutions. She continues, “AI will become the next team member for people in many positions, offering ideas and draughts, even if it won’t replace humans.”
This year, “one emphasis of AI will be the augmentation of people, as new technologies become available to enable workforces to fully use AI,” predicts futurist and author Bernard Marr, whose works include “Future Skills” and “Business Trends in Practice.”
Khanna, however, cautions that additional work will be required to guarantee the objectivity and accuracy of generative AI co-pilots, particularly in fields like healthcare where there may be major repercussions if an AI assistant suggests the incorrect course of treatment to a clinician.
A Metaverse
Khanna predicts that the popularity of spending time in virtual online worlds will increase in 2023, despite the fact that Meta, the firm formerly known as Facebook, lost billions of dollars on its metaverse initiatives.
In particular, game platforms like Roblox, retail and entertainment industries will start more pilot programmes on how to increase customer engagement and loyalty there, she predicts.
“In 2023, organizations will be driven by metaverse natives, who have grown up gaming and socializing in other digital realities, to stage concerts, fashion weeks, customer journeys, and edutainment events.
Marr continues by predicting that more modest businesses will join the larger ones that have already opened “outposts” on metaverse platforms.
Businesses will need to think about how they can use these chances to build immersive and effective experiences as the metaverse also becomes more portable and accessible via devices like headsets and smart glasses, he adds.
The search for independence, a driving force behind vertical globalization, will pick up speed in 2023, according to him, having an impact on all facets of technology. He continues, mentioning how Chinese automakers are investing in their own ships to sell their vehicles around the globe, citing Apple’s intentions to relocate manufacturing elsewhere.
The competition for the semiconductors that power our cellphones, laptops, cars, and home appliances will be another trend to keep an eye on. According to Prakash, semiconductors will revolutionize international affairs in 2023 and pit the US and China against one another in this market.
“Internet of Things”
The Internet of Things (IoT) is a system of interconnected sensors and infrastructure that can gather information on everything from home heating to gridlock on major streets.
In 2023, according to Selin, the Internet of Things will keep changing the energy industry. “Smart thermostats that monitor energy use and control temperature help to lower energy use and costs. Devices that use intelligent sensors and data-driven intelligence to guide energy decisions and promote energy efficiency are proliferating on the market.
Marr projects that by 2023, IoT-related goods and services will grow, “with gadgets like smartwatches offering advanced sensors for monitoring various health indicators.”
Also, “allowing more complicated machine-to-machine interactions by defining global standards and protocols that devices may use to communicate with each other, as well as increasing IoT security to avoid attacks,” he adds, will be an emphasis.
Wrapping Up
In the healthcare sector, telemedicine is set to become more widespread, offering remote consultations and monitoring. Wearable devices and health-focused apps will play a crucial role in promoting preventive healthcare.
As we embrace these technological trends in 2024, it is essential to balance innovation with ethical considerations, ensuring that the benefits of these advancements are accessible and equitable for all. The coming year holds the promise of a more connected, intelligent, and technologically integrated world.
