What To Expect In Tech In 2019
The beauty of technological advancements is that these developments do not confine within the boundaries of tech alone but have a domino effect in advancing businesses, people and cultures as a whole.
We’ve seen and heard of new innovations challenging existing tech-giants as well as disrupting consumer behaviour overnight. Hence, when we speak of tech expectations we must take into account numerous possibilities varying from technical to social.
Here are a few factors to look forward to.
Ethical internet
Living in an era of one’s mental well-being constantly conversed about, it is only natural for businesses thriving on social media and using the internet as a key tool to be extremely mindful about ethical practices. As companies are self-reflecting and undergoing drastic changes to prevent cyber-bullying, isolation and other mental health-related issues, it’s only right to say that 2019 is indeed a year of change!
Will 5G come into play?
This has been in the works for quite some time; and while there has been quite a lot of buzz around, there hasn’t been much to show for it. But that’s about to change! Major tech companies such as Qualcomm, Samsung, Huawei – to name a few – are in the process of rolling out 5G to rural and urban areas alike; organising fixed and test deployments. It’s only a matter of time until your 4G icon is replaced with something new!
Could chatbots replace the human workforce?
Organisations are conjuring the possibilities of incorporating chatbots into their system, in order to stimulate better efficiency and customer satisfaction. A recent study reveals that 40% of large businesses are gearing up to incorporate Intelligent Assistants or Chatbots in 2019 – making it one of the biggest tech trends in 2019. However, with it arises the question of what could then happen to the human workforce?
While there are many possibilities we could also take into account, a possible future of chatbots functioning alongside the already existing workforce is very much a reality. For an example, while chatbots communicate and detect irritation in a customer’s tone (with the use of sentiment analytics), it can alert human operators to take over the call. What the future holds – we will have to wait and see.
Humanising innovations
Speaking of chatbots and their potential to co-exist with humans across industries, another apparent aspect is how sleekly tech is making way into our homes. By brilliantly humanising devices, from aesthetics to functions, tech companies are presenting them in a non-threatening, friendly manner; thereby smoothly integrating into our everyday lives. These devices even have the potential to completely change a brand’s positioning.
Humanising tech could, in fact, add to the previous point of living in an era of chatbots. Just think, for a moment – if we are indeed comfortable with artificial intelligence right in our homes, could we not grow to be comfortable enough to rely on them to pack our groceries or process our loans?
Mobile gaming
Remember when Japanese publisher Konami announced in 2015 that they would be focusing on mobile? Well, the waves are now hitting the West too. Looking forward to giving the mobile gaming craze of China a run for its money, corporations are gearing up with big plans for 2019. One such player – Blizzard. After waiting for almost 7 years since Diablo III, the company has announced that their next focus is on mobile devices.
It’s surely a beneficial way forward given that easy accessibility of mobile phones draws in a widespread audience. Therefore, it’s possible to see many other gaming giants jumping on the bandwagon to announce similar plans.
Key takeaways
2019 has a lot in store for tech-enthusiasts. With many changes, advancements and incorporations on the horizon, this could be one of the most exciting years yet. With the age of digitalisation, we see industries such as the gaming industry growing at a rapid pace while artificial intelligence sweeps into our homes.
Mobile app stores are booming alongside the advancements made in tech and ethics are being upheld. What a time to be alive!