Technology moves at such a rate that it sometimes seems as though the average man on the street can’t keep up. Every year, another sensational headline hits the news as technology advances beyond boundaries that were shattered decades ago. That’s why predicting the trends of technology can be a difficult task and one which few undertake. Today, however, we have decided to give it a go and peer into the future. Have a look at what 2017 could have in store for us in the hope that robots don’t replace us just yet, not this year anyway.
The Internet of Things (IoT)
The Internet of Things has been on just about everybody’s list of technology trends for a few years now. It’s not a new invention, just something that advances each year. The Internet of Things is the idea that your living space is interconnected and that your home runs in digital harmony. The truth is that that’s a few years away as the kinks are still being worked out. Each year should see progress though and 2017 is no different. Managing household appliances through your phone, through an app are all part of this journey which will one day be second nature in the family home.
Automation
Automation is the process of turning what was once a physical task into a digital one. Think of self-serving kiosks or ordering fast food via your smartphone. 10 years ago you would have to go to the store or phone the company and place your order. Today you can do it all via your phone without talking to a single human being. 2017 should see the advancement of more and more automated tasks coming to the forefront with drone-delivery being talked about by those in the know. The job of the postman may be redundant and 2017 may be the start of that transition.
Physical and Digital Worlds Collide
Blurring the lines between the digital and physical world is something that we are beginning to see more and more of. 2016 gave us the rise of Pokémon Go, where players transitioned between the physical world and digital platforms. 2017 looks to carry on this momentum with experts predicting in store sat-navs becoming a hit. No longer will you have to worry which isle the eggs are; you will be able to find out without searching for a member of staff. Search engines are also taking a keen interest in this approach meaning that if you point your smartphone camera at an object, you will receive information on whatever is between the lens.
3D Printing
A few years ago, the idea of 3D printing was one which was largely written off as something that wouldn’t come to fruition. The truth is that they are speculated to become a household item by late 2017, early 2018. They are touted to be the must-have gift of this Christmas and could become a familiar site in the home. They are becoming more affordable by the day with a decent one only knocking you back a few hundred pounds. I know what I’m asking Santa for this Christmas anyway.
