Here are what I believe are technology trends we should keep an eye out for.
1) Artificial Intelligence(AI)
Machines demonstrating intelligence. In some ways, people already actively use artificial intelligence. How many of you have used Amazon's Echo or Google Home? Even the iPhone X's facial recognition feature has to do with Artificial Intelligence. For instance, for Amazon Echo's Alexa to respond back to your question, it has to interact with a communication cloud which ends up increasing the response time.
In order to keep up with rivals Google and Apple(who have already produced their own AI hardware and AI chips), Amazon is trying to design its own custom artificial intelligence chips. The new Amazon Echo is touted to be even faster.
Samsung also announced that it plans to add AI to all of its devices and appliances by 2020. It plans to get rid of its "Smart Home", "Smart View" and combine it all into one "Smart Things" App which will be connected to all your Samsung Devices. The tech company also plans simplify all of its products using a single-cloud approach which will include connectivity, cloud, and intelligence.
2) Augmented Reality (AR)
According to Google, "hundreds of millions" of Android phones will be capable of AR(Augmented Reality) over the next few years. Google is betting on the fact that as AR becomes more common and even a "daily habit" for some, monetization opportunities will arise. Not only has Google released the ARCore developer's Kit, but Apple has as well, by releasing the ARKit. This encourages app develops to build Augmented Reality apps, which in turn will be used when Android and iPhones are capable of AR.
Even Microsoft joins in by building its HoloLens. It is a headset that allows users to interact with digital images which will "overlay" on the real world. Microsoft is calling this "mixed reality". For now, Microsoft is working on building a specific AI chip for the HoloLens(2nd Generation).
3) Revolutionary Vehicles
Companies such as Tesla, Volkswagon, Nissan , BMW and others have all come up with electric vehicles. Most of the companies uses lithium-ion batteries instead of oil. This will help to reduce the usage of fossil fuels, though the cars are quite pricey for now. However, since countries like China are pushing for more cars to run on alternative fuel, this will lead to more companies building different electric or hybrid vehicles and the price will eventually go down sooner or later.
Gogoro Smartscooter electric vehicle, which has been tagged by Forbes as 'The Tesla of Scooters', is a popular vehicle working to replace polluting scooters across Asia. Gogoro has installed battery swapping stations all around cities in Asia, starting from Taipei. You put old battery in and a new one pops out for you, freeing you from having to recharge anything yourself.
4) Healthcare Tech
There are a number of digital health technology in the market such as fitness trackers, mobile health apps etc. One reason healthcare technology is growing exponentially is because people nowadays tend to be more concerned about their health and want to be better informed about it.
Most of you have heard of FitBit, but have you heard of the Internet of medical things(IoMT) ? It is basically an infrastructure of medical devices and software applications which are connected to healthcare IT systems. For instance, you go for a walk and your FitBit calculates the amount of steps you walked, that data is then shared with a doctor and feedback is sent to your phone.
One of the leaders of healthcare tech is Noteworth. Noteworth is a health platform which allows health organizations to prescribe virtual care to their patients(also known as telehealth/telecare). It also works to help doctors collect and access the patient's health data. This platform also works to improve the care the patient receives. It also strives to cut costs and better engage their patients. There is also a visualized patient-generated health data in continuous Noteworth Reports which can be monitored at anytime.
5) Wearable Technology
Wearable tech such as smartwatches, activity trackers, fitness trackers etc are already widely available in the market. However, most of the current technology available is only to wear on your wrist(Fitbit, Apple Watch etc) or on your eyes (Google Glass, Virtual Reality headset etc). In the future, much of the technology will be integrated in our clothes, body, even running shoes.
Companies such as Samsung, Qualcomm, and E Ink are working to create smart patches which will work to be a health gadget which will be able to monitor your body and notify you if it sees any warning signs. It may also be able to directly deliver medication to patients while reminding patients when is the next time they have to take the next dosage and change their Smart Patch.
Under Armour has built a new shoe technology it refers to as HOVR. It is supposed to be a smart running shoe which comes with in-built sensors to track your distance, pace, stride, and steps. The sensors are Bluetooth powered and are located in the thickest part of the mid-sole. To access the data stored by the smart running shoes, you have to download Under Armour's Map My Run app. The shoe will be able to store your data and you will be able to sync it when you have Wi-Fi connection.
Sony is also working to create a device known as 'Xperia Ear Open.' It allows you to listen to music while being aware of your surroundings at the same time. This device is made in a way so that you will be able to tune in and tune out simultaneously. For instance, you can listen to music on this device will having a conversation with someone. The music will work like background music in a way. However, this means that you will still be able to hear people having conversations around you, because the device is designed in such a way that it is 'open'.
No comments:
Post a Comment