Over the last few years, the word “disruption” became one of the most common terms when talking about the tech industry. According to Google Trends, the use of this term has been steadily increasing during the last nine years, peaking in July 2019. Today, the new technology doesn’t just make our lives easier but changes our way of thinking. The tech industry itself transforms quickly, so it becomes especially important for brands, tech experts, and marketers to keep up with the latest trends.
Such technologies as artificial intelligence and hyper-automation have a huge impact on business and society. For instance, machine learning, edge computing, and automation allow us to create highly integrated city spaces and smart buildings. However, tech trends don’t exist in isolation, so it’s up to us to decide what combination of innovative solutions will drive the most innovation, helping organizations achieve their strategic goals.
Here is a list of the key tech trends you should be aware of in 2020.
- Blockchain and transportation
An encrypted digital ledger used in blockchain networks finds its applications not only in cryptocurrency transactions but also in such areas as insurance, healthcare, and transportation. The transportation sector always involves lots of paperwork. Tracking used to be a difficult task, but blockchain can make the whole process transparent, safe, and simple, with all the data stored securely in a decentralized network. - Battle of streaming giants
Netflix, HBO, and other streaming services offer content of all kinds, creating both big-budget shows like Game of Thrones and niche shows for everyone. A few leaders already face competition from Disney+ and AppleTV+. In 2020, we are going to see a clash of streaming services, with even more original content. - Machines taking our jobs
As AI and robotics evolve, machines become capable of performing tasks that used to be completed only by humans. Modern robots can not only clean windows and pools but also organize data, manage inventories, and provide customer support. In 2020, many people and transaction-based businesses will be forced to change their career path. - Augmented reality
AR will become widely adopted in navigation systems, education, communication, and advertising. This technology has already proven to be an effective tool for employee training, providing an interactive experience for employees who learn to perform dangerous tasks. - Mobile apps in the service industries
Mobile apps have already changed the way we order things online or take a taxi. As the use of mobile devices continues to grow, we can expect more industries, including the agricultural sector and mining, to change due to the convenience that mobile apps offer. - Gaming
Cloud computation and streaming created lots of opportunities for innovations in the gaming industry. Google, Apple, Sony, and Microsoft will continue to fight for domination, with many other industries, including telecommunications, trying to capitalize on gaming. - Expansion of 5G
5G already exists in a few cities in the U.S., and it will surely expand by the end of 2020, with the biggest internet providers announcing their 5G networks. 5G networks are five times as fast as 4G networks, so you’ll be able to download movies in a few seconds. - Battle of mobile payment systems
The app economy not only changes business strategies but also raises a question about who will process most mobile payments and profit off them. The battle between software companies, banks, and credit card companies will make many headlines in 2020. - Electrical cars
Electric cars are here to stay, and Tesla Cyber Truck is just another example of their disruptive potential. Prices will eventually drop, and we will watch more charge stations appear here and there to satisfy the demand for electricity. - IoT
The internet of things continues to evolve, introducing new standards of efficiency. Computers and robots that communicate directly with each other will simplify numerous management processes and streamline business decisions. - Cybersecurity anxiety
As businesses become more and more dependent on data, cybersecurity becomes one of the most important issues for many industries. Although software companies constantly improve their security standards, the growing number of connected devices creates more opportunities for hackers. - Your own AI
The rapid development of AI is being held back by a lack of AI talent. Platforms with user-friendly interfaces will become more popular, enabling non-experts to learn more about this technology and allowing organizations to create their own AI-powered solutions. - Rise and fall of social media
The uncontrollable growth of social media has created not only countless opportunities for digital marketers but also many problems. Cyberbullying, data leaks, and various mental health conditions caused by the use of social media became a reason why many people, including celebrities, go on a social media detox. In 2020, marketers and organizations will have to figure out what to do with such a backlash. - Conversational AI
As the popularity of chatbots grows, developers continue to tackle one of the biggest challenges associated with AI, which is teaching robots to understand the context. In the nearest future, AI will likely be capable of understanding sarcasm, while natural language processing will make our conversations with robots even more effective. - Flatter organizations
Modern organizations depend on fast decision-making, which creates the need for less management. To withstand strong competition and to process information faster, organizations will become flatter. - Digital twinning
Digital replicas of physical objects, like cars and buildings, will become more common in 2020. Machine learning and wide adoption of sensors will be used to predict events and prescribe actions to be taken by physical twins of digital models. - Sleep tech
The increasing pace of modern life is a reason why millions of people don’t get enough sleep, with 40% of Americans getting less than seven hours of sleep at night. In 2020, the popularity of sleep tracking tools will continue to grow. - New standards of education
Online learning allows more people to get the necessary education, while tuition costs continue to grow. As online courses become more and more accessible and effective, the role of colleges and universities will change. - Big data
Organizations from various industries have to deal with enormous amounts of data. One of the main competitive advantages will be the ability to use information effectively, no matter how much data you have. - Gig economy and labor rights
The gig economy has already created a number of problems associated with labor rights. Many online companies, such as Uber, Foodora, or Lyft, don’t offer a full employee contract to drivers and deliverers. Now, these workers start to demand what they deserve, so we can expect major changes in the gig economy in 2020.
Author Bio: Gregory Chapman is passionate about researching new technologies in both mobile, web and WordPress. Also, he works on writing service review websites Online Writers Rating. Gregory in love with stories and facts, so Gregory always tries to get the best of both worlds.
Gregory is a guest blogger. All opinions are his own.
