Sure, AI is changing everything in tech. But that is far from the only
threat/opportunity in our space – it is not even the latest.
These are 8 tech trends you just can’t miss.
When you look back at 2023, it is easy to feel gobsmacked by seismic changes such as Generative AI. However, the years ahead show no signs of slowing down, as new trends powerful enough to change every aspect of tech life emerge. From mind-boggling 5G speeds to successive AI advancements, we’re talking full disruption across the board – be it agriculture, healthcare, banking, or leisure time. These 7 tech trends can (and probably will) reshape industries, the way we work and connect, and everything in between.
1 – Generative AI, building something from nothing
Let’s start with the trend on everyone’s lips. Generative AI refers to algorithms that can be used to create content such as audio, video, text, images, simulations and even code.
That being said, Generative AI relies on data from various sources to learn from, and then adds its own spin to generate something new. ChatGPT is a great example, where anyone can create anything from an attractive CVs debug code, get step-by-step solutions for math problems, write music or poetry, among others.
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Generative AI have an impact on most business functions, but a few stand out when measured by the technology’s impact as a share of functional cost.
This technology has a vast potential across a range of applications. It can be used to enhance medical diagnostics, provide real-time guidance to surgeons, help scientists with research, detect bank fraud… the possibilities are (almost) endless.
2. The Metaverse, the literal digital world
Picture a digital universe where, instead of scrolling through screens, you “exist” in an immersive experience, with 3D realistic visuals and audio, and even tactile sensations. That’s the metaverse – a blend of augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), wearables, AI, 5G, and social technologies.
Imagine going to concerts as your digital avatar, visiting the Louvre like you are actually there, or even work at a virtual office and have a coffee break with your colleagues… while sitting at home.
With 400 million monthly users, the Metaverse was valued at $58 billion in 2021, and is expected to reach $1.5 trillion (yes, trillion) by 2030.
3. Edge Computing and 5G, as virtuous as cycles get
Alright, picture this: a future where the norm is super-fast internet that’s practically everywhere. Now, add reliable self-driving cars, smart cities, instant streaming, or even remote surgery into the mix. This is the potential of the power couple edge computing and 5G. It’s like 5G is turbocharging the internet, and edge computing is supercharging the network. The result is ultra-fast connections, real-time data transfer, highly responsive devices, decentralized networks, and overall immersive, dynamic, and transformative experiences.
This dynamic duo is one of the main tech trends because its applications touch almost every single industry, such as manufacturing, energy, and utilities. Think smart grids and efficient energy distribution, precise farming, disaster prediction… and the list goes on.
4. Quantum Computing, turbocharging computer power
If regular computing power is a bicycle, then a quantum computer is a spaceship. Crazy, huh? Well, not to everyone: IBM, Google, Microsoft and Intel all have or are developing their own quantum computers. Quantum computing will be a game-changer, especially in the areas of climate change, materials and drug research, finance, and cybersecurity. See, quantum computers have the capacity to run extremely complex simulations – quantum simulations – that not even supercomputers can handle.
However, it’s important to note that while the potential impact of quantum computing is vast and impressive, it is still an emerging field; practical and scalable quantum computers are still in the early stages of development and there are quite some challenges to address. Still, it probably won’t be long until it is a viable technology – and a major tech trend for the years ahead. Learn more about Generative AI, Edge Computing and Quantum Computing with this AI Buzzword decoder.
5. Sustainable Tech, the tech trend the world actually needs
Sustainable tech is already a thing; however, it will probably grow fast. First, we need it. Solar panels, wind turbines, and energy-efficient buildings are already reducing carbon footprints and fostering cleaner energy ecosystems. Electric vehicles are steering us away from fossil fuels, while smart grids optimize energy distribution. Secondly, other new emergent technologies such as AI, 5G, edge and quantum computing can expand the reach of sustainable technology. They can add smart, fast decision-making capabilities, ultra-fast and low latency networks, and astronomical computing power.
The future of sustainable technology lies in carbon dioxide capture, innovative biodegradable materials, water purification technologies, and highly accurate environmental forecasting methods. It also includes next-level farm tech. Sustainable tech is not only one of the tech trends but also a hope for a healthier, greener tomorrow.
6. Biotech & Bioengineering, reengineering ourselves
Unfortunately, we can’t (yet) preserve someone in a cryogenically frozen state and wake them up in a few centuries, but there are a lot of amazing things we can do. Creating lab-grown organs for transplant or cruelty-free meat are good examples. Scientists can identify and isolate specific genes (out of literally thousands) accountable for various conditions, genetically modify plants to make them more resistant to low temperatures, or even create bionic limbs! All these are a result of incredible biotechnology and bioengineering advancements over the years.
Combined with other innovative technologies, biotechnology and bioengineering can go to a whole other level. Computer-mind communication, human enhancement, synthetic ecosystems, environmental restoration can well be within our grasp.
For now, biotechnology and bioengineering are included in the tech trends 2024 because they have very real applications that can solve daily problems, such as AI diagnostics, AI-driven genome research, 5G-enabled remote healthcare monitoring and telemedicine, 5G-connected wearable biomedical devices, AI-guided biomaterials research, or AI-enhanced crop genomics.
7. (Zero Trust) Cybersecurity, the tech trend that assumes everyone is out to get you
Zero Trust security is a cybersecurity approach that assumes no inherent trust within a network, operating under the assumption of constant threat. This means every user and device need to be cleared, regardless of their location or network. This approach replaces the outdated previous model of “trust but verify,” with an uncompromising “never trust, always verify” model. Zero Trust Cybersecurity relies on processes like continuous monitoring, continuous authentication, micro-segmentation, multi-factor authentication, and least privilege access to mitigate the risks associated with perimeter-based cybersecurity where users and devices inside a secure network are trusted.
By ensuring security at every point of interaction, Zero Trust minimizes breaches, strengthening data protection and data integrity. Zero Trust security is one of the main tech trends, since cloud technologies, decentralised technologies, and networks, and even edge computing are shaping the technological landscape.
In conclusion, it’s clear that AI, ML technologies, along with 5G, edge computing, and quantum computing will shape the upcoming years, driving advancements across various sectors of the tech industry.
Keeping up with the tech trends 2024 with Near Partner
Elevate your business with a trusted partner – with Near Partner. Our phenomenal team can help you and your business stay ahead of the tech curve by embracing the latest trends like AI, cloud computing, and IoT.
We strive to deliver tailored solutions that empower growth and efficiency, allowing business owners to focus on the business part. We are ready for the challenge, are you? Get in touch with Near Partner, and let us work together to bring your vision to life.
