Technology by its very nature is constantly in a state of flux; new trends are birthed and old ones make their way out. As we enter a new decade, it’s also time for us to prepare ourselves for new platforms and software which could change the very nature of how we communicate, store data and conduct business. Many forms of technology commonly used in 2019 might now be obsolete or be replaced with a far more efficient version. Keeping an eye on these technology trends in 2020 t is critical for companies to proactively identify new opportunities for revenue, productivity and innovation.
Here are the top technology trends that are likely to define digital transformation for 2020 and beyond.
1. Proliferation of 5G
2019 witnessed a massive growth in mobile usage from around the world. Mobile phones have become the primary way a majority of internet users access the world wide web. As a direct result of this, 2020 is certain to see a huge improvement in mobile data speeds, specifically in the adoption of 5G networks.
5G promises lightning fast connections, quicker download rates and a seamless experience to compete with even the fastest WiFi network. But while 5G has massive potential, mobile phones which can support the 5G spectrum are expected to roll out only in mid-2020. Additionally, mobile network operators themselves will need to account for the increase in bandwidth. These factors could impede the large-scale adoption of 5G and the subsequent digital transformation in 2020.
2. Self-driven automobiles
Driverless cars already made an entrance a few years ago, but in 2020, they are likely to go mainstream. Concerns over safety and the lack of human judgement in these machines kept driverless cars off the roads ever since their inception. However, multiple tests have now revealed that these cars have a much lower risk of accidents than cars driven by human beings do. Given the advanced safety features of these automobiles, they might be introduced as school buses or in public transport. While this might still be in the relatively near future, 2020 is likely to see modifications or additions to existing laws to account for driverless automobiles.
3. Improvement in human augmentation
Human augmentation is the ultimate synthesis of technology and the human experience. This umbrella term describes a range of technologies which can improve cognition, knowledge and convenience for human beings in they everyday lives. A growing use case of human augmentation, one that got its start in 2019, is in the field of wearables. Devices like smart watches and smart lens, provided human beings with an immeasurable wealth of data. 2020 is likely to see the expansion in human augmentation devices, beyond the consumer market. Manufacturing industries, for instance, might deploy wearables to reduce the risk of injury to workers. The possibilities are virtually endless.
4. Domination of voice technology
While 2019 saw an increase in the usage of personal assistants like Alexa and Google Home, the actual application of voice search was still in its nascent stages. 2020, however, is likely to see an unprecedented increase in voice queries as well as voice-based innovation.
Companies who want to stay relevant or reach a new segment of consumers cannot afford to ignore voice. Digital transformation in 2020 could lead to Alexa skills becoming just as important as a website is to reach and educate users. 2020 is also likely to see an increase in the number of websites with voice search functionalities built into them. To boost performance of and revenue generated through your website this year, it might be well worth the investment to explore the many possibilities that voice technology has to offer.
5. Continued prevalence of AI and ML
While technology trends in 2020 will undoubtedly see the rise in many new technologies, some will continue to reign supreme. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning were probably the two technologies that defined 2019. While last year saw the growing sophistication of advances in AI and ML, 2020 will see the impact of them. For one, repetitive tasks might be entirely automated through machine learning, eliminating the need for human beings to work on them. This will require people previously employed in these areas to upskill themselves in order to contribute to value-driven tasks.
AI trends in 2020 also promise to leave a significant business impact. Artificial Intelligence will also give companies an unprecedented glimpse into accurate, real-time data that can take most of the guesswork out of business decisions. ML and AI trends in 2020, therefore, will almost certainly see a rise in the adoption of both technologies on a scale larger than ever before.
These five technological trends will most likely cause the biggest disruptions and offer the greatest advantages. If your company is planning on leveraging new avenues of technology for digital transformation for 2020 and beyond, these are certainly worth keeping an eye out for.
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