Advances in hardware and software development, data analysis needs, security, considerations, medical emergencies, sustainability, privacy concerns, connectivity, and communication have all inspired the latest technology trends.
The unexpected switch to remote and hybrid working has also fuelled some of the progress in the tech world.
Even though the limitations on movement and assembly brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic hampered tech projects, there are still many innovative technologies to look out for in 2022. Companies have become more agile, adapting to the new normal and releasing upgraded technologies to help other businesses manage their work.
Read on for the 10 essential tech trends to follow this year.
1. AI-powered cybersecurity
The steep increase in cyberattacks, email phishing scams, and ransomware is forcing cybersecurity firms to search for tech solutions to address the vulnerabilities. Criminals are hacking individuals’ accounts, countries’ critical infrastructure, and businesses of all sizes, causing millions of dollars in losses.
Workplace digitization and remote working in response to the COVID-19 virus made it a priority to retrain employees on online safety to reduce data breaches and losses.
2. 5G technology adoption
According to Ericsson’s Mobility Report, published by Statista Research, 5G technology subscriptions will surpass one billion this year.
While 4G brought significant improvements, for example, in streaming videos seamlessly, 5G has 100 times the speed, meaning that uploads, downloads, data transfers, and streams will be much faster.
3. Internet of Behaviors (IoB)
A lot of customer data is collected by service providers through IoT devices in the home. Businesses are using analytics and big data techniques to determine the data’s value in what is now known as the Internet of Behaviors (IoB).
By reviewing this customer information, businesses can personalize their services, market their products, and improve a customer’s experience with the company.
While personalized solutions are important, companies face an uphill battle convincing users to share personal data with them to develop these solutions.
4. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning
Artificial intelligence is one of the most consistently evolving technologies in the world. Its widespread use symbolizes its potential to provide solutions in multiple industries, from health, security, and education to logistics and information technology.
For example, navigation apps use AI to guide drivers through various locations, while machine learning technology ranks online search results and predicts what a user is searching for by offering suggestions.
5. Metaverse
Facebook’s name change to Meta put a spotlight on the metaverse, described as the next evolution in social connectivity.
The metaverse is a virtual, three-dimensional space that people can log into as avatars to socialize, work, shop, collaborate, or play games together. Companies are investing in novel technologies to bring the metaverse to life, such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR). For example, VR headsets enable people to explore and immerse themselves in digital worlds and share experiences.
6. Blockchain technology
After years of uncertainty, blockchain technology is now establishing itself as a viable solution to many tech challenges.
Blockchain is a distributed ledger of decentralized data, and it underpins cryptocurrencies, digital payment technologies, encryption technology, and blockchain gaming. A rising trend is for content creators to use non-fungible tokens (NFTs)—blockchain data units that are not interchangeable–to create digital work, sell it online, and earn cryptocurrencies.
7. Clean technology (cleantech)
The desire for sustainable living is influencing the development of new technologies known as clean technologies–or cleantech, in short.
Cleantech reduces the environmental impact of products or services while optimizing the use of natural resources. Renewable energy has been the most notable attempt at developing sustainable technologies, with wind, hydroelectric, and solar power having a lower carbon footprint than fossil fuels.
8. Educational technology (edtech)
The COVID-19 pandemic fuelled school closures worldwide, hurting the educational sector and class learning for billions of students.
Educational technology (edtech) companies have emerged to provide solutions by creating digital platforms for remote learning. Investments in the e-learning industry are increasing as startups form to innovate online education software and video conferencing technologies to give students access to teachers and courses.
9. Collaborative technologies
Office workers were restricted from going back to the office due to the COVID-19 safety guidelines. Thus, companies shifted to remote working, using collaborative technologies to recreate office settings, employee engagements, and workflows.
Companies that design collaborative tools went back to the drawing board, upgrading their services to meet the new and unexpected demand for shared online workspaces.
10. Telehealth
Another outcome of the pandemic has been the increased investment in telehealth services, which encompasses remote monitoring, diagnoses, evaluations, and doctor–patient consultations. People with mental health concerns can also reach out to online counselors for guidance and support.
Educational and collaborative technologies will continue to change how we learn and work, and AI may help to analyze the best way forward. at the same time, we must find a balance between innovating new technologies and regulating them to protect privacy and security.