The 7 Biggest Tech Trends for 2017

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The year we are rapidly leaving behind us was a huge one in terms of all the technology that was in development or in concept at the time. This technology was mainly confined to helping to redefine the ways in which we communicate, and the ways in which we access information, but as a whole it was so much more than that, leading to a 2017 which will see the further development of all of these technologies.

2017 is seeing a far greater focus on these technologies and concepts than even 2016 did, and companies are having to involve themselves in the new technologies if they want to stay relevant and competitive in the line of business.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Artificial Intelligence (or AI) is something which has been studied and speculated about for years, but 2016 saw it finally start to move off the page and into the realm of achievable technology for the first time. AI is now at the point where it is being presented on the market for use in everyday proceedings.

AI is something which – it is hoped – will eventually assist in basic tasks throughout our lives, all while being unobtrusive. Since AI is something which is still very much in the beginning stages, there is a lot of work to be done. AI is something which makes things more convenient for us, and hopefully the role it plays will expand as we know more about it.

Virtual\Augmented Reality

These are both different means of viewing the world which came to greater prominence in 2016 than they previously had, mainly through the medium of games such as Pokémon Go and Oculos Rift. Various companies produced their own versions of the technology, and the study of them is continuing into this year.

Each one of them excels in offering an exciting and gripping glimpse into new opportunities which AR and VR can enable. Over the next several years they promise a significant growth. With the technological advancements, the digital interactions with the real world are expected to experience an evolution.

The Internet of Things

The Internet of Things has been a concept that has existed since the nineties, but it has only recently moved into the position of being made a reality. Essentially, the Internet of things is something that would bring computers into everyday objects such as fridges, allowing them to be controlled via the internet. Those interested in learning more about the Internet of Things and all it encompasses can pop over to these guys to read about edge computing. The main problem with tech like this is that incorporating all the hardware can be a difficult proposition, although many companies have already found success with it.

Machine Learning

This is an aspect of AI which is just coming into its own. Machine learning will allow us to create machines and networks (Small Business Computer Networks: what you need to know) which are resistant to hacking, and which actually learn from each hacking attempt.

Mobile Phones

Mobiles have been around for a while, but 2016 saw a growth in new types of phone, both in terms of tablets and new types of phone such as Google’s Pixel phone. The emphasis on mobile devices is not likely to change, so 2017 will see a focus on developing new technologies as they pertain to mobile phones.

Apps

This increase in mobile device use will also lead to an increase in the number of apps being downloaded and used for every conceivable issue. If the number of people using said devices continues to rise (along with the diversifying nature of what those mobile users are doing with their devices), then the importance of a wide range of apps will grow with them.

Wearables

Wearables have only really begun to come into the fore in the last year. 2017 seems to be the year when this will really come into its own, with all the attendant ways and means of controlling and using wearables that that implies.