Top Technology Predictions For 2018

Some of the world’s most influential technology experts have forecast their predictions for 2018’s technology trends. The trends all point to technologies that boost efficiency and engagement. Lionel Naidoo – Dragon IS’s Managing Director – rounds up his top five technology trends that are set to shape commercial investment for the year ahead.

1. Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR)

VR and AR will make huge steps forward this year. Take Facebook and Google, for instance, who are working on implementing VR as a social technology. Or the education industry, where VR is used as part of training (e.g. for medical students to practise on VR patients). For Apple and Microsoft, the more commercially interesting technology is AR, which Disney is already considering for its theme park rides. Practically, the benefits for workers are clear: imagine engineers being able to see a blueprint as they work on it onsite!

2. Blockchain Technology

Blockchain is set to disrupt a number of industries in the coming year or so, due to its inherent transparency, security, efficiency, and democratic and decentralised nature. It will see widespread acceptance and use commercially. The banking and financial industries, for example, will need to adapt quickly to the open access that Bitcoin allows around the world.

3. Automation and Artificial Intelligence (AI)

The rise of human–machine teams will combine the lightning-fast speed and accuracy of AI algorithms with human qualities such as intuition, judgement and emotional intelligence. New types of automation (e.g. virtual agents) will drive change in the way we work.

4. Internet of Things (IoT)

The IoT is characterised by a landscape of sensors, devices, data, application programming interfaces (APIs), networks and apps. It will continue to expand in 2018, with more options added to the long list of offerings: GPS and telematics, Google Assistant, Amazon’s Alexa, remote patient monitoring systems, entertainment platforms and connected home systems. Businesses will look to take advantage of the IoT in the coming year to drive operational efficiencies, improve product performance and enable disruptive business models.

5. Online and Virtual Shopping

The UK has become the largest online shopping market in the world, with 42 per cent of all shopping done online. In 2018 and beyond, online shopping technology will take off even further. High-street shopping will become a more social activity, with cafés and restaurants as much of an emphasis as the shops themselves (if not more so). Discount retailers like Lidl are likely to be less affected by this trend as they occupy a niche marketplace that still relies on footfall.

At Dragon IS, we can help your business stay ahead of the curve with the technology you use in 2018 and beyond. Contact us today to find out more or to book a consultation.