Technology fans rejoice! 2018 promises to be a landmark celebration of all things technology. In fact, many trends will shape the global technology landscape in 2018, and these include:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
AI once was a fantasy seen only in science-fiction movies. Now, it has become a part of the everyday lives of millions of people around the globe.
From intelligent personal assistants like Amazon Alexa and Apple Siri to self-driving cars, AI is already transforming the technology landscape across many industries. And in 2018, people should expect more of the same from AI.
Meanwhile, businesses that enter the AI market now may be able to capitalize on a significant opportunity for years to come.
Market research firm Grand View Research has projected the global AI market could be worth nearly $59 billion by 2025. Thus, companies that enter the AI market today may be better equipped than rivals to leverage AI to grow their revenues.
- User Experience (UX)
Delivering a consistent UX across desktop and mobile platforms is a major challenge for many businesses. Fortunately, help is available to ensure companies can address this problem in 2018.
For example, hiring a digital agency that takes a user-centric approach to web design and mobile app development is quickly becoming a must for businesses, regardless of their size or industry.
With a user-centric approach, a digital agency can work with a company to find unique ways to deliver exceptional experiences to its target audience. Then, this agency can develop websites, mobile apps and other state-of-the-art solutions to help this business engage with its prospects and customers.
Of course, UX is rapidly evolving due in large part to new technologies that are becoming available. If companies prioritize UX, however, they should have no trouble fostering partnerships with prospects and customers in 2018 and beyond.
- Augmented Reality (AR)
AR brings elements of the virtual world into the real world. It transforms the way people connect with the world around them, and as such, may prove to be exceedingly popular in 2018.
To better understand the potential of AR, let’s consider perhaps the biggest AR success story to date – Pokémon GO.
Pokémon GO is a location-based AR game that enables mobile device users to capture, battle and train virtual creatures. It was released in July 2016, and to date, has generated more than $268 million in total revenue, according to Business of Apps.
When it comes to AR, Pokémon GO may only be scratching the surface. As app developers search for innovative ways to engage mobile gamers, they may launch AR titles in 2018 that blur the line between virtual reality and the real world like never before.
- Smart Home Devices
Smart home technology makes it simple to control a house’s light bulbs, thermostats and other devices from any location, at any time. It usually is quick and seamless to install, and in 2018, may become a viable option for many homeowners.
There is no shortage of smart home devices available to homeowners. From LIFX Wi-Fi Smart LED light bulbs to the iRobot Roomba robot vacuum, state-of-the-art smart home devices make it easy to maintain any house.
Perhaps best of all, the smart home technology market is growing, and smart home devices are becoming more affordable. This means homeowners likely won’t have to worry about breaking their budgets to equip their residences with the latest and greatest smart home devices in the foreseeable future.
- Blockchain
Data security is a top priority for consumers and businesses alike. Yet security breaches remain problematic that put consumer and business data in jeopardy.
Enter blockchain, a shared, distributed, decentralized and tokenized ledger. Blockchain is becoming increasingly important to financial services, healthcare and other highly regulated industries and may receive widespread attention in 2018 as well.
Blockchain facilitates and verifies transactions and keeps a record of all parties’ involvement. Therefore, blockchain delivers unparalleled data security and accountability that could make this technology a top choice for consumers and businesses.
2018 could be an unforgettable year in the global technology market. Keep an eye on the aforementioned technology trends, and you can keep pace with the technology revolution.
Guest Post by Seamgen
Nigeria
