Not only will technology continue to change in 2022, but it will also change how everyone interacts with it. The lines between devices and apps will blur further, and the cloud will become essential to every company’s infrastructure. AI technology will emerge in new areas like medicine, education, and entertainment. Plus, there are plenty more trends that could be on their way — here are five of them,
Quantum Computing
Quantum computers are a new breed of a computer that is exponentially more powerful than traditional computers. D-Wave Systems built the first quantum computer in 2009. Since then, several other companies have released their own versions, including Microsoft, IBM, and Google. The potential uses for these machines include speeding up the discovery of new pharmaceutical drugs and fighting climate change by solving complex problems that would take standard computers millions of years to solve.
Today, quantum computing is being used primarily by researchers in the field of artificial intelligence. The ability to create machines capable of solving complex problems will have a considerable impact on how everyone lives their lives. In the future, quantum computers may allow people to travel through time and space.
Smarter Devices
Another significant technology trend is the use of more innovative devices today. The internet of things (IoT) has given rise to a new generation of smart devices. Smart speakers such as Amazon Echo and Google Home have become household items, while virtual assistants like Siri are now standard on smartphones. The popularity of these technologies is snowballing. According to statistics, global spending on IoT solutions is expected to surpass $1 trillion by 2022.
Whether it’s smart equipment such as fitness equipment or smart devices such as controlling things remotely through your phone, IoT is changing how everyone lives and works. For example, smart fitness equipment allows users to track their progress in real-time and incentivizes them to be more active. The same goes for appliances like washing machines that can be controlled remotely through a mobile app. There’s even an Apple remote app that lets you control your desktop from your smart mobile device. This way, you can work remotely without being at your desk.
Datafication
Datafication is the process of collecting, storing, and analyzing data. It’s also a growing trend that will continue to grow in 2022. It creates a wealth of information that can be used to improve our lives and businesses. The growth and availability of this information have led many to believe that the future is “data-driven,” where there’s no longer a need for human interaction for anything because everything can be automated using artificial intelligence (AI). AI will analyze data from various sources, such as weather or traffic patterns, to predict what will happen next.
A real-life example of datafication is the use of machine learning to predict the next best action in a video game. This technology has been used by many companies, including Nintendo, who have created a machine learning algorithm that can create new levels for their famous “Super Mario” games. The algorithm was trained on thousands of human-made levels, which allowed it to learn how to create new levels that humans could play.
Extended Reality
It’s a good bet you’ve heard of virtual reality, which is when you use tech to immerse yourself in a digital world. But another major trend will transform how everyone uses technology: extended reality.
Extended reality (or XR) is the umbrella term for all technologies that combine real-world and virtual elements, from augmented reality to mixed reality to virtual assistants like Siri and Alexa. The first significant wave of XR devices will hit the mainstream in 2022, changing how people think about technology—in education, healthcare, entertainment, retail—and even how individuals live their daily lives.
3D Printing
3D printing is creating a three-dimensional object from a digital file. It’s also known as additive manufacturing, where objects are built layer by layer to create the finished product. This technology has many applications that range from prototyping parts to making custom tools and even end-use products.
For example, if you need to print out a new part for your car engine or lawnmower, 3D printing makes it easy to make one on short notice instead of going to the store and buying one off the shelf. You can even use this method as an alternative way to handle repairs when fixing something at home instead of going through someone else or paying someone else for their time and expertise!
In fact, many companies are using 3D printing today, such as General Electric, which has a 3D printing facility at the company’s research center in Bergen, New York. This is where engineers are working on designing new parts for jet engines and other machinery using advanced manufacturing techniques like 3D printing.
Final Thoughts
Everyone has seen a lot of changes in the way technology has been used over the past few years, but this next decade will be even more exciting. So many trends are happening now that it can be overwhelming to keep track of them all. From augmented reality to artificial intelligence, so many new technological advances are being released every day.
Hopefully, this article gives you a better idea of what’s coming down the pike for 2022. At its heart, it all boils down to one key thing—simplicity. Whether it’s making things easier for developers or users alike (or both), companies across industries will continue striving towards making their products as easy to use as possible.