From aimlessly wandering around the local park to catch animated creatures to live streams of shocking news being broadcasted via social media, the opportunities technology possesses are only going to grow.
So, what can we expect in the near future of technology?
1. SELF-DRIVING CARS
The talk of these robots on wheels has the world waiting eagerly for their arrival. These self-driving vehicles, from standard four-passenger cars to buses, could reinvent how people live and commute. Research also suggests that self-driving cars could reduce the number of miles travelled by as much as 90%.
With these cars, there is no technology more critical than sensors. Put simply, without these sensors, autonomous vehicles won’t work, especially ones that monitor and track a vehicle’s position relative to other vehicles on the road. They also allow the cars to spot humans and other hazards.
An advantage of these sensors is that throughout journeys they can collect data and provide information that can be used to allow people to plan their trips.
The likes of Uber are planning to take full advantage of driverless cars to optimise their already technology-focused business.
2. ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
The idea for Artificial Intelligence is the invention of self-learning and autonomous technologies which not only become smarter over time, but can also make logic-based decisions due to their newfound knowledge, and operate with little to no human intervention.
Although there is a large focus on AI in robot form, the future suggests it will also be accessible in your pocket. Through advances in areas such as deep learning and low-power computer chips, AI could soon find a place in our beloved smartphones. The integration of AI into our devices could transform them into decision makers.
MIT researchers have created a neutral network chip that requires 10 times less power than mobile graphics processing units (which feature in all smartphones) require. This development brings the reality of AI availability to smartphones much closer to happening.
3. INTERNET FOR EVERYONE
Speaking at a hi-tech event in East London, Jeremy Corbyn unveiled what he calls a “digital democracy manifesto” which he claims will “democratise the internet”.
With the politics put to one side, this simply means there is a plan for a Universal Service Network designed to bring high-speed broadband and mobile connectivity for everyone, including remote rural communities.
Virgin Group Founder Sir Richard Branson also shares the same vision of connecting everyone to the Internet. He aims to do this by launching Virgin Galactic satellites to connect the three billion people in the world who are living without internet access.
4. VIRTUAL AND AUGMENTED REALITY
The term “Virtual Reality” has been used as a catch-all for any sort real-world simulation or modification.
Since the advent of VR, the immense hardware requirements over time have become apparent. Augmented Reality can be used to guide a user on the street, or highlight businesses as a user travels through a town. Of course, like previously mentioned Pokémon Go is currently the most common use of AR.
However, this revolutionary app is only the start for Augmented Reality.
VR and AR stand now where wearables did just a few years ago and only have advanced lately after decades of work on computer and imaging technology making it practical and reasonably affordable to have a setup in the home.
Mark Zuckerberg, the man who spent $2 billion of Facebook’s money on VR, explains why he is working on VR, “I think it’s the next major computing and communication platform after phones”.
The future of VR could be seen as an at-home treat, comparable to the concept of console gaming or watching a Blu-Ray. Whereas, AR can be seen as a more social, everyday experience that is more accessible and mobile than VR.
Technology is continuing to advance day-by-day and we are looking forward to what will be available to us this time next year.
