Looking Towards Tech in 2018

As 2018 approaches, it’s time to start looking ahead to the tech trends that might define the coming year. Though the ubiquitous flying car predictions may need to wait on driveleless technology to catch up first, there are a few things we can realistically look towards in 2018:

  1. Artificial Intelligence and machine learning – From medicine to banking to powering those driverless cars, artificial intelligence and machine learning are the way forward in making automation truly intelligent. Even some of the more gimmicky AI public events, like Hansen Robotics’ Sophia being granted citizenship in Saudi Arabia bring up interesting questions about ethics in AI and what it means to be human. Though the humanoid robots may still inspire a trip deep into the the uncanny valley, you can plan on seeing more and more from AI both behind the scenes and in public spaces.
  2. “The internet of things” – This plays directly off of machine learning, but it bears mentioning since it’s likely that the so-called “internet of things” has already invaded your most personal space. From web-connected coffee makers to fridges that know when to re-order your groceries, consumers are likely to see a huge increase in the ubiquity of “intelligent,” internet-connected household and personal appliances.
  3. Security, Security, Security – After this fall’s infamous Equifax data breach, you can count on large-scale security being a focal point going forward in 2018. We’ll continue to see a move to Cloud security as the Cloud environment reaches maturity, and after some of 2017’s high-profile breaches, the industry is likely to see a shift from protection to active prevention. So, whether it’s your smartphone or your smart fridge, staying on top of security updates and being aware of how your data is used will be more important than ever.
  4. Virtual and augmented reality – Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) will see widely expanded applications in 2018. Expect to see VR and AR at use in training scenarios, guiding professionals by overlaying graphics onto real-world objects, and more.
  5. Crytocurrency – From Bitcoin to Ethereum, cryptocurrency will continue to take hold as more than a fringe investment piece. And, with the development of Blockchain, a kind of distributed ledger that allows for value exchange transactions in bitcoin or other cryptocurrency to be sequentially grouped into blocks, advancements associated with cryptocurrency distribution promise innovations that go beyond digital currency.
  6. Driverless Cars - Let's loop back to driverless car technology advancements. 2017 saw the technology hit the road in several cities, and include models ranging from the Tesla Motors’ Model S autopilot system-equipped vehicles to Google’s self-driving car. Though the technology is still incipient (with a few accidents, one fatal), autonomous vehicles clocked enough mileage to become a part of public knowledge and a potentially lucrative investment for forward-thinking tech companies like Tesla and Google.

Want to stay ahead of the curve when it comes to tech trends, tips, tricks, advice, and more? Watch this space for more about what’s going on in tech!