5 of the Most Anticipated Technology Trends of 2018

2017 offered some phenomenal technological advancements that range from the miraculous (as in brain implants that restore movement lost by spinal cord injuries) to the foreboding (as in self-driving semi tractor-trailers). Any year-end-review will also get you thinking about the future. So what’s going to be big in 2018? Here are our predictions for the 5 most anticipated technology trends of 2018:

1. The Internet of Things (IoT)

IoT trends have been on a steady incline for years, with over $6-trillion predicted to be invested in IoT by 2021. The increasing desire to make everything we own “smart” will be a big theme for 2018.

The IoT has already given us the ability to operate our thermostats, alarms, security cameras, and talking toys via our cell phones. 2018 will see IoT incorporated in more businesses, with trends focusing on the importance of IoT security and analytics.

IoT Business News also predicts that 2018 will see an influx of cooperation between different businesses in an effort to improve IoT communication between different devices and brands.

2. Subscriptions

We predict that subscription based services will continue to dominate in 2018. From Netflix to Microsoft Office, we’ve seen the monthly, subscription based model succeed across the board.

In 2018, subscriptions will branch out into even more markets. For instance, in 2018, Lincoln will be offering a subscription model on their automobile line.

3. VR

Virtual Reality has existed primarily as a tool of entertainment for hardcore gamers. Part of this is because not enough content exists to make the VR headsets appeal to a mass market. Things seem to be on the uptake in 2018, with mainstream media companies and bigger companies investing in VR integration.

Take for instance NBC/Telemundo’s plan to introduce VR for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. The companies plan to create a program that places VR users on the sideline of the biggest game in the world. In 2018, VR is poised to provide more intimate interactions in sports and entertainment.

As more content comes, so shall new headsets. 2018 will see the premiere of arguably the most futuristic-cool headset yet, the Magic Leap as a competitor for the Rift, Vive, and others.

4. AR

Where VR replaces your world, AR integrates with your current surrounding. Most famously, perhaps, is the Pokemon Go game which was introduced in 2016.

In 2018, AR will become a platform for companies to merge content and marketing into a modern, innovative outlet. Expect to see more companies offering augmented reality programs to accompany their apps and traditional marketing.

The symbiosis of AR glasses, like Google Glass, and new content, like a Harry Potter game by the creators of Pokemon Go, will no doubt help the appeal.

5. Bots

Businesses will continue to utilize chatbots as customer-facing tools, while more time and money will be invested in creating rewarding experiences for the customer.

There already exists a cornucopia of chatbot applications, so the most interesting thing to watch in 2018 is how companies are able to integrate these bots with AI and IoT to operate both more efficiently and personably.

What else should we look forward to in 2018?

2018 looks like it is going to be an awesome year in technology. We can’t wait to share some of our thoughts on emerging IT trends in the months to come.

Did we miss anything? What are you excited about in 2018? Reach out to us and let us know. We’d be happy to hear from you. You can contact us any time. Happy New Year!