We’re already halfway through 2024, and tech trends are evolving at an unprecedented pace. Many emerging trends are already shaping different industries and influencing how we interact with the digital world. From Artificial Intelligence (AI) to Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR), the opportunities are endless.
The Rise of AI
AI continues to be the driving force in technological advancements in 2024. We’re witnessing how various industries integrate AI into their operations, changing the decision-making process.
Tech giants, startups, and governments are pouring resources into AI research and development, leading to AI being adopted in different industries. Today, AI is used in sectors from healthcare to finance, and its algorithms can analyse vast amounts of data, predict outcomes and automate routine tasks.
In healthcare, AI is able to improve diagnostics, prepare personalised treatment plans, and streamline administrative processes. Financial institutions use AI for fraud detection and risk assessments, while retailers take advantage of AI for customer insights and personalized marketing. In manufacturing, AI can optimize supply chains and quality control, which will ultimately cut the manufacturing process.
As we analyse the biggest emerging tech trends for 2024, it’s insightful to consider the perspectives of industry leaders. According to Technology Magazine, the increasing adoption of AI in cybersecurity will shape the technology landscape. Chris Peake, CISO and SVP of Security at Smartsheet remarked that “AI has huge potential to strengthen data security and add an extra layer of protection. Nobody can manually monitor all the data flowing through their business; intelligent systems need to take on that burden. Machine learning can grow to “understand” what’s normal and flag anything that isn’t.”
Will AR and VR Break into the Mainstream?
Augmented and Virtual Reality have long been portrayed as the next big thing in technology, but 2024 is finally the year we’re seeing their breakthrough into the mainstream.
We’re already seeing the use of VR across many industries, including the iGaming industry. Many slot sites have VR capability and allow players to interact with games in real-time, making the gameplay more lifelike. What’s more, many gaming companies have already launched AR games like Pokémon GO and shown their potential.
Beyond gaming, AR and VR already impact education and training. Corporate training programs use simulations to improve employee performance. AR can also provide real-time information about complex industrial processes so workers can perform tasks with greater precision. It’s transforming the automotive industry, too, providing drivers with real-time information that increases their safety.
In the retail industry, AR and VR are able to change the whole shopping experience. For example, furniture retailers like IKEA developed AR applications that allow customers to see how a piece of furniture will look in their homes through their smartphone cameras. On top of that, fashion brands have already started implementing VR fashion shows so that customers experience runway collections from home.
Connectivity & Security
As technologies continue to evolve, the need for connectivity rises. The introduction of 5G is already revolutionising the way we communicate through our devices. As such, the increased connectivity will support the rise of IoT (Internet of Things) devices, autonomous vehicles, smart cities, and more. Smart cities use IoT devices to analyse data, optimise traffic, reduce energy consumption, and improve safety.
Similar to connectivity, the need for security measures has increased because the rise of technology trends leads to a bigger potential for cybersecurity threats. AI plays a huge role in security, too.
Machine learning algorithms can now detect anomalies and respond to cybersecurity threats, helping companies in different industries protect their networks in real-time. Implementing AI-powered security protocols will also help businesses adhere to compliance regulations like GDPR and CCPA.
As you can see, the biggest emerging trends for 2024 are able to revolutionise different industries. As AI systems are more integrated into everyday life, their impact on the economy and society will be bigger than ever.