We are living in the 2020s, where we shall see many new, sophisticated things on this planet that we have not witnessed before. Several years ago when we were younger, there was a lot of talk about how the future would look like and how technology would impact our lives in the future. Now, I believe that the modern society we used to hear about is not too far away at all. The thing is that it’s quite surreal to see it in reality, since it has only been seen in films and television, but wouldn’t it be very thrilling to go through it and experience it on your own?
The present, day-and-age, is filled with innovative companies that are coming up with all kinds of new artistic and technical ideas and developing some of the most sophisticated machines in the world. If we draw a comparison between how things were in 2000 and how things are in the present day, we will see that we have made tremendous progress since 2000. It is a transition from a time when a button phone was rare to contemporary times when foldable phones with full screens are commonly found in the hands of billions of people. It is possible only due to the fact that technology advances with time and doesn’t have any barriers or hurdles when it comes to advancement. In some ways, it can be compared to a totem pole that never falls.
A little known fact: Had the library of Alexandria not been destroyed, we would have been 500 years ahead. – Carl Sagan
As such, here are ten technology trends in 2023 or in the 2020s:
1. Hologram Technology
Hologram technology is three-dimensional imagery projection you can witness without the requirement of glasses or cameras. It can be viewed with your naked eyes. You’re in it, and the whole hologram world around you seems futuristic, regardless of which angle you approach it from.
At present, hologram technology is still in the working process for perfection and it will soon be one of the ultra-modern technology trends in the near future, given how rapidly companies are bringing sophisticated technology. For years, top companies have been focusing on holograms, and they’ve been striving to deliver the best possible output. They even showcased and demonstrated several prototype versions of their products to the public during several events.
As per the market analysis from 2020, genuine holograms are currently worth $5.5 billion, and we can probably conclude that the value must have grown over time now that we are in 2022. Though, it’s unclear when they will be released in the market. I suppose we will have to bear and wait for it.
2. Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality
When we talked about hologram technology, we have to talk about virtual reality and augmented reality. These two are going to play a prominent role in the modern future alongside hologram technology. I assume you all know how they work and why they’re so special. But still for the people who may not know :
Virtual Reality: Virtual reality is a three-dimensional simulation in which you can immerse yourself and interact with objects through the use of VR devices. Example: Google Cardboard
Augmented Reality: Augmented Reality, on the other hand, is a technology that embellishes the real physical world by introducing additional digital elements, such as visuals, sounds, and other sensory perceptions by using a smartphone’s camera. Examples: Pokeman go, and Snapchat lenses.
Why is there so much hype about them? This is due to the tremendous potential of these simulations. Right now, they are used extensively for army training, entertainment, education, marketing, surgery, and other purposes. As we are in 2022, VR and AR will have a market value of $209.2 billion, which implies that AR and VR are so close to becoming a new reality and we can expect to see new immersive technologies in the coming years.
3. Space Tourism
What if we could explore space like a tour? Isn’t that amazing? I assume you’re all familiar with space tourism. Space tourism is an activity of traveling into space and the skies for the purpose of exploring space. Many top-tier companies have been working on space tourism for a long time now. Among leading companies like SpaceX, Virgin Galactic, and Blue Origin are the ones that have made notable progress in space tourism. Elon Musk, the founder and CEO of SpaceX, announced in 2017 that he would take two paying customers on an inaugural lunar mission and stated that prices will be between $500,000 and $100,000. Originally scheduled for 2018, the mission has been delayed ever since. Meanwhile, the Virgin Galactic spaceship completed a successful test flight into outer space in 2018. The company has a waiting list of people who want to become space travelers with an initial deposit of £ 200,000 to obtain a spot on this list.
Seeing as you are reading this, you must already be aware that former Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos flew into space on Blue Origin’s spacecraft on July 20, 2021. To say it again, we’re close to space tourism. We caught a glimpse of it
4. Artificial Intelligence (AI)
This needs to be discussed, an exciting future is just around the corner. Artificial intelligence has been one of the most discussed technology trends. It intrigues every human and we have seen in movies and television shows. But in reality, artificial intelligence hasn’t yet advanced as much as we’ve seen in films. However, don’t lose your hopes, we’re not too far off from reaching that world. We will soon behold the world of artificial intelligence and robots that will be used in nearly every corner of the world in the near future. Well, hope it doesn’t turn on us and dictate us just like what happened in those movies.
Nonetheless, A lot of leading companies, such as Amazon and Google, are working on artificial intelligence to improve user experience and to create a universal service provider for every being. I mean we are already using their AI inferior products such as Alexa, Siri, and Google Home, which come in handy so we can ask them stupid questions.
5. 5G Network
The current age is marked by the instantaneous download of anything, unlike 10 years ago when it was difficult to get an app to download. Our posterity will never know the definition of struggle, they never know what it likes to download an app with the speed of 500kbps. But, It’s amazing how much has changed in 10 years. As a matter of fact, 5G network is just the next step away. While 5g has already become available in several developed countries, The 5G network is still on the list of technology trends in 2022 for some countries since it has yet to be tested in developing countries such as India. Multiple reports indicate that it will be established during the first half of 2022 and that said, it could take up to two years for 5G to be set up throughout the country, perhaps by the end of 2023? Hopefully, everything will work out.
Even so, if 5G networks become commonplace everywhere, and at a reasonable price, we will also be able to access them from anywhere. During the 2022-2023 period, 5G is highly likely to become available in most places. Therefore, you can access the internet at a super-fast speed of over 1,000 Mbps and stream movies at high quality.
Read: What’s the difference between 5g network and 4g network ?
6 . Self Driving
One of the most anticipated technology trends in 2022 is self-driving. Consider a scenario in which we would not have to drive the car, but instead allow our car to take us to the destination. That’s crazy, isn’t it? Fantasying that autonomous cars will one day drive themselves sounds so unreal.
The public has seen a few demonstrations of these products from companies. A number of trials are currently being done. Many seemed to succeed, while others failed. Still, they aren’t flawless in every way. Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, announced that the company is working on a fully autonomous vehicle. A few reports state Tesla will have an autonomous car on the market by 2025. Just imagine a world with no dependency on any component, such as the brake system, lane changing system, security system, and music system. Personally, I’m eagerly waiting for them.
7. Blockchain Technology
Over the years, Blockchain Technology has been the most popular and trending topic. Despite the simplicity of blockchain technology, it can be challenging to understand for some people. The blockchain is a digital ledger that records all transactions people make with full encryption and decentralized financial systems. Changing, hacking, or cheating the system is difficult or impossible. That’s where cybersecurity comes into play and prevents all the hackers who are trying to get into data systems.
We can follow the history of every transaction we’ve made, and it tracks every transaction we make. A number of multinational companies have invested in blockchain technology, including FedEx, Mastercard, IBM, and Walmart. Depending on how well it works, blockchain technology is expected to be fully operational by 2023. Facebook and Libra Association members are also actively developing blockchain-based cryptocurrency technology.
Here: Top Blockchain Development Companies
8. Internet of Things (IoT)
The Internet of Things is a network of interconnected devices integrated with sensors, applications, networking, and the necessary electronics to collect and exchange data. One day, the Internet system will be embedded in every device and application.
Ofcourse, you may have been using it without being aware that it is related to IoT. To dumb down and make it simple for you to comprehend the IoT concept, Any device having to do with the internet and having sensors that collect data is an IoT device. Oh yeah, I know what you’re thinking, but it’s not, your smartphone isn’t an IoT device, it may have internet and sensors. Though, I would rather call it an intermediary device between an app and its IoT device. The perfect example I can give you is Google Home and others like smart bulbs, smart lights. smartwatches, smart CC camera, and extra.
With them, it would therefore be simple for us to use every device in our home, making our daily lives easier. What we’re seeing is just a junior version of IoT, We’ll see an expansion of Internet of Things, which means that everything will be run by IoT. Now with the advent of the 5G network, The IoT will become more secure and accessible.
Here are upcoming applications of IoT :
- Smart Eye
- Smart Glasses
- Control Armband
- Audio Bridge
- Smart Farming
9. Solar Power
Getting our energy from the sun is the way of the future. As long as the sun is shining, Solar power is a renewable resource that can be used without limit. One of the positive aspects of solar energy is it doesn’t cause any harm to the environment. However, it does have an adverse effect on the environment, an issue that I think many people seem to overlook.
- Solar energy requires a lot of lands, making it difficult for plants and animals to survive.
- Production of solar panels requires large use of water.
- The manufacturing process emits toxic chemicals such as: hydrochloric, acid sulfuric acid, and nitric acid.
As climate change worsens, so will the demand for renewable energy. With global climate change rapidly approaching, solar energy will be a significant factor in mitigating it. Consequently, solar energy consumption will be significant and non-renewable energy consumption will be reduced to a great extent.
10. Quantum Computing
Technology trends are incomplete without the naming of Quantum Computing, it’s a new modern technology that uses the collective properties of quantum mechanics, like superposition and entanglement, to increase computing power dramatically.
In contrast, today’s computers can only encode information in bits with a value of 1 or 0 – which severely limits their abilities. Quantum computing, on the other hand, uses quantum bits or qubits as well as subatomic particles in order to exist simultaneously in two states (e.g., a 1 and a 0). Thanks to Investopedia definition.
There are other fields where quantum computing is finding applications, including banking and finance, which uses it to manage credit risk, for high-frequency trading, and to detect fraud.
In the present day, quantum computers are limited to laboratories and research labs. However, it’s not too much longer before the first quantum computer hits the market. Don’t assume you can use them as you have used these general computers. Only those with experience in quantum mechanics, information theory, linear algebra, and probability can use it.
The Epilogue:
Whatever comes ahead of our way, we have to embrace it. These 10 technology trends will shape up the 2020’s decade and we are going to witness them with our naked eyes.
Because technology is like totem, it never topples.
