Posted on January 4, 2020
Cloud
2020 has been a challenging year for everyone, but that doesn’t mean tech has been at a standstill. In 2020, the way we’ve been interacting the world has changed. From an emphasis on video versus text and more screen time, people are trying to stay connected with each other in different ways.
Tech is also increasing the efficiencies of our lives and workplaces in ways that you may not have expected. With this in mind, read on to learn about the tech evolution of 2020 and some of the most eye-opening tech developments!
According to the Nielsen Audience Report, media consumption increased by almost 60% starting in March. This was when people were confined to their homes.
This ballooning screen time may be a trend that we see growing starting in 2020. People will find more ways to interact and learn about the world around them in the safety of their homes.
This increased screen time has contributed to the sale of blue-light blocking sunglasses. Moreover, tech companies and websites are taking note. Since more people are searching for videos and media to consume, more emphasis is placed on video for marketing and entertainment purposes.
People are spending more time indoors. This has placed even more of an emphasis on the purchase of premium televisions and gaming consoles. The PS5 console developed by Sony and the Xbox Series X delivers on more powerful performance and visuals.
They also offer vast libraries of digital games. This is more possible than ever before. The need to purchase physical copies of games becomes less necessary with increased storage space.
With these new consoles comes the need for more advanced televisions that can take advantage of the better visuals. Resolutions in 4k and 120Hz refresh rates are more accessible to consumers as the cost of manufacturing these televisions goes down.
Phones have also seen an upgrade in 2020 with the advent of 5G tech. These 5G networks help people stay connected to the Internet wherever they are and at far faster speeds than 4G LTE. However, even though this tech is available now, people may need to wait in order for the infrastructure to be installed in their local areas.
As the years’ progress, we’ll find more availability of 5G connections in more areas than cities and densely populated areas.
In 2020 during the pandemic, there was a 154% increase in telehealth visits. This became convenient for patients, especially elderly ones and those with compromised immune systems.
They are able to get the help they need without risking virus exposure. Telemedicine has been found to be convenient for a wide variety of people. We’ll continue to see it rise in popularity through the pandemic and afterward.
However, issues remain when it comes to its accessibility for people who don’t have Internet access in their homes. Telemedicine can also be difficult for those who lack the knowledge of accessing the Internet.
Big data analytics and our ability to store large amounts of data is leading to an increasing trend. This trend enables machines to analyze the data and make decisions on their own.
Corporations are using artificial intelligence to make hiring decisions. They’re also scheduling out workers in the most efficient way.
Artificial intelligence and machine learning are being used in the hospital for administrative applications. From helping doctors diagnose patients by interpreting patterns to increase efficiencies, artificial intelligence is here to stay.
“Smart” devices and objects that are connected to the Internet are becoming more accessible and popular. This can be as simple as your Amazon Alexa sitting in the living room to play music to more robust security systems that you can program from your car. The Internet of Things can also be a part of your smart home system, such as lights that turn on when they sense you approaching your house.
Cybersecurity is becoming more important than ever before. We now know that Russia was trying to influence our American elections. Ransomware on computers is becoming more prevalent.
This means that corporations and individuals alike are looking for better solutions. The proof that cybersecurity is becoming more important is also in the numbers.
According to the International Institute of Business Analysis, $6 trillion is expected to be spent across the world on more sophisticated cybersecurity solutions.
Cloud developments have skyrocketed throughout 2020. Cloud computing enables people, from consumers to organizations, to access information comfortably on any device. It also helps backup data and keeps it secure, even in the case of hackers or catastrophic events.
Today, AWS (Amazon Web Services), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform dominate the landscape of cloud computing. Edge services are an offshoot of cloud computing that’s the new, evolving tech of the cloud. Edge computing enables information to be more accessible than information stored on the cloud.
Smartphones are becoming more accessible to people throughout the world. Consumers are becoming savvier about the way tech companies are monopolizing their time. Designers need to find different ways to design with the consumer in mind in order to forge relationships and build trust.
This is why empathy in tech design is becoming more important. UX designers are placing more of an emphasis on stepping into the shoes of consumers. This helps them discover their motivations and pain points.
This also enables them to design websites, products, and apps that are focused on solving problems. Consumers also need to experience positive emotions while interacting.
One of the most exciting technologies that we’ve seen grow in 2020 is 3D printing. Individuals are now able to print their own toys, coffee mugs, and more through 3D printers that are on the market for less than $1000. New small businesses are being created each day based on the ability to 3D print items that people are willing to pay for.
3D printing is also saving lives. In the healthcare industry, medical professionals are able to 3D print prosthetics for their patients. They can also develop replicas of bones and organs and more. 3D printing can also help reduce waste by introducing alternatives to large-scale manufacturing.
Mobile apps have been growing in popularity even before 2020, but we’ve seen them especially take off in 2020 for service industries. Apps such as Uber Eats and DoorDash have enabled restaurants to stay open during the pandemic through the ability to safely order food.
Groceries and other businesses are also using apps to give people the ability to shop online and pick up their items from the comfort of their cars. Even after the pandemic, we predict that the popularity of these apps is here to stay because of their convenience.
Self-driving vehicles felt like a development straight out of a sci-fi novel. However, we’re already seeing huge advances in this technology in 2020. Corporations such as Waymo and Tesla are forging ahead with cars that come with autopilot features that are meant to be developed over time.
Walmart is also announcing its first fleet of driverless trucks in Bentonville, Arkansas next year with the company Gatik. The trucks will also be traversing a 20-mile route from New Orleans to Metairie, Louisiana.
In late 2019 and into 2020, Waymo is offering driverless robotaxi services with operations in Chandler, Arizona.
Last but not least, we’ve seen an increase in the use of virtual and augmented reality throughout 2020. For instance, consumers shopping on Amazon or Wayfair can use augmented reality. It allows them to see how a couch or piece of art will look in their living rooms.
Social media sites such as TikTok and Snapchat use augmented reality filters and lenses in order to change the shape of people’s faces. However, virtual and augmented reality is also being used for more serious applications such as in education or even military training.
When it comes to the tech evolution of 2020 and beyond, there are plenty of developments to look forward to. For instance, the advent and proliferation of telemedicine are helping increase the accessibility of healthcare for the elderly or people who are immunocompromised.
Companies are using artificial intelligence and big data more. They’re striving to improve their operations and make better overall decisions. And consumers are benefiting. The design principles that focus on empathy and trust-building over shady practices have become more transparent over time and serve consumers better.
Ready to bring your business into 2020? Solutions such as cloud computing and cybersecurity can keep your data safe and accessible at all times. Contact us to get started today!