Trends 2018 – The Year of Disruption

Technology trends know no turn of the year. The year 2017 has brought many changes in the tech landscape, which will mature this year. The immersive media, such as Augmented and Virtual Reality, are particularly noteworthy, as is the new block chain technology that was launched last year.

In addition to some very specific applications that we can look forward to, the following technologies and innovations will fundamentally shape and change our near future.

 

Artificial Intelligence

Even if artificial intelligence means robotics and intelligent helpers, artificial intelligence will initially concentrate on data in 2018. With a growing focus on the Internet of Things, all the information gathered has to be analysed first. That’s what AI is predisposed to. 2018 is the year in which artificial intelligence becomes a must. Many companies will rely on data-driven AI processes to decipher, interpret and optimize their data and services.

 

How smart is today’s artificial intelligence? (Source: Vox)

 

At the same time, applications such as chatbots and digital assistants will experience a boom.

 

Chatbots and Virtual Assistants

Chatbots are still at the beginning of their possibilities. In 2018, more and more industries and sectors will rely on AI-supported helpers and expand their services and offerings.

2017 was the year of voice control. With Alexa, Google Home and Co in more and more living rooms and offices, people are learning to talk to machines. This trend will continue in 2018. Voice bots are expected.

Blockchain also becomes interesting for chatbot developers. Some of the sizes in the segment are already working on the possibilities of merging both technologies.

 

Blockchain

2018 should be the year of the Blockchain. While last year’s impact on the financial sector has been enormous, it is now time to grow beyond the financial sector. Any industry or organization that needs to capture and monitor transactions can benefit from the technology. For example, the healthcare sector is predicted to see increased use of blockchain technology in 2018.

In the areas of recruiting, too, it is expected that the selection process will be simplified by reviewing candidates’ qualifications and relevant experience.

 

19 Industries The Blockchain Will Disrupt (Source: Future Thinkers)

 

But beyond all the industries, however, the year 2018 will be marked by a certain encounter; the clash of Blockchain and the Internet of Things.

 

Internet of Things

Blockchain for the Internet of Things can change the way business transactions are conducted by providing a trusted environment. Automation and encryption are an essential factor in anchoring the Internet of Things even more firmly in companies and private households.

In the industrial Internet of Things, companies will continue to develop their tools in 2018. Entrepreneurs must use the collected data to optimize processes and control networked machines more efficiently. At the same time, however, new approaches must be developed in order to bring the IoT more strongly into households. Software as a Service is a buzzword here. However, in order to convince the general public, a number of factors must first be determined. For example, security and anonymity are a central stumbling block. These points are to be solved by the block chain, for example.

 

Virtual Reality

2018 will be an exciting year for Virtual Reality. More and more people have discovered the potential of this technology. What used to be a gimmick at many events in the past is now often a real added value. Companies can take their customers on a journey into their own brand world. According to forecasts, this area of application will expand in 2018. More and more companies will use VR to carry out training courses. Especially for complex assembly or risky situations, virtual training can not only save a lot of money but also a lot of nerves.

On the consumer side, users of the technology will continue to use it for games, sports and entertainment. But the circle is expanding, with falling prices for hardware, a wider use of virtual reality hardware is to be expected. The range of products is thus also extended by new applications. At the same time, other immserive technologies such as augmented reality and mixed reality will also experience an upswing.

 

Augmented Reality & Mixed Reality

With the latest announcements around Apple ARKit and Google ARCore, 2018 is set to be a turning point for augmented reality and mixed reality technology. Mobile devices play a central role here, as they enable ARs to become accessible to the general public.

 

Augmented Reality explained (Source: Animaker)

 

Brands will also increasingly rely on AR technology this year. In recent months, Ikea has launched its new Augmented Reality application, which allows consumers to take an immersive approach to their furniture. But it is not only dealers such as IKEA that will make massive investments in AR technologies.

Augmented Reality and Mixed Reality will, through the HoloLens, Magic Leap’s product and the new technological efforts of the market leaders, transform all aspects of the commercial landscape; from oil and gas to construction, energy, financial services, digital healthcare and beyond. 2018 will be an immersive year.

 

Drones

In recent years, drones have become a central component of various companies and government organizations. But flexible aircraft have also found their place in private households today. The potential of drone technology is enormous. The drone industry will continue to grow in 2018. As new companies become aware of the market, the potential of applications grows. In 2017, Intel and Facebook have already made their first steps into the drone market, but this is only the beginning. For 2018, new organizations are predicted to experiment with the possibilities of drones in their industry.

The expansion of the drone fleet will be particularly exciting in 2018. Amazon tested Amazon Prime Air with the help of drones years ago. This is to be expanded and optimized in 2018.

The above-mentioned areas are just one of the major trends that await us in 2018. I will keep you informed about all developments in the new year! I wish all readers a happy new year and an innovative, disruptive and creative 2018!

Alexander Pinker
Alexander Pinkerhttps://www.medialist.info
Alexander Pinker is an innovation profiler, future strategist and media expert who helps companies understand the opportunities behind technologies such as artificial intelligence for the next five to ten years. He is the founder of the consulting firm "Alexander Pinker - Innovation Profiling", the innovation marketing agency "innovate! communication" and the news platform "Medialist Innovation". He is also the author of three books and a lecturer at the Technical University of Würzburg-Schweinfurt.

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