As the holiday season quickly approaches, everyone is gearing up for the new year. Maybe you\u2019re looking for a last-minute gift idea, or maybe you\u2019re thinking about Boxing Day sales, either way, it\u2019s a good excuse to read up on some tech trends in the upcoming year.<\/p>\n
Here are the top tech trends to watch in 2019:<\/p>\n
![\"Artificial](\"https:\/\/www.worldline.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/6.png\")
Artificial Intelligence has already received a lot of buzz in recent years, because of its effects on the way we live, work and play. We are already dependent on AI technology through navigation apps, streaming services, smartphone personal assistants, ride-sharing apps, smart home devices and more. AI will continue to be an emerging technology and a trend to watch over the next few years.<\/p>\n
![\"Internet](\"https:\/\/www.worldline.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/5.png\")
The Internet of Things (IoT) encompasses every device that connects to the internet. Wi-Fi connectivity is being included with things like vehicles, thermostats, security cameras, and home appliances. This allows these devices to connect to the Internet and share data. Consumers are already benefiting from IoT, and we\u2019re only in the beginning stages.<\/p>\n
In 2017, the number of IoT devices reached 8.4 billion and that number is expected to reach 30 billion by 2020.<\/p>\n
![\"Blockchain\"](\"https:\/\/www.worldline.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/7.png\")
In 2018, nearly everyone caught wind of blockchain technology in relation to cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin. Blockchain is a continuously growing list of records, called blocks, which are linked and secured using cryptography.<\/p>\n
In the next few years, blockchain will transform the art world by increasing the speed, transparency and volume of art sales by providing a record from initial authentication to current ownership. Blockchain will also be used to improve the global supply chain, and the heightened security will play a significant role in protecting information such as personal medical data.<\/p>\n
![\"VR](\"https:\/\/www.worldline.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/9.png\")
Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) have been hot topics in the last few years and will affect the trajectory of how we use technology. VR immerses the user in an environment while AR enhances their current environment. In the new year, we will see more Mixed Reality (MR) which blends virtual spaces and real-world objects to combine the best of both virtual reality and augmented reality.<\/p>\n
![\"5G\"](\"https:\/\/www.worldline.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/8.png\")
Fifth generation (5G) cellular networks will improve mobile internet connectivity by offering faster speeds and more reliable connections on smartphones and other devices. Throughout 2018, the networks were tested, and in 2019 the first 5G-ready smartphones will be released. Though 2020 is the year that the 5G global standard will release, 2019 will see commercial advances in 5G, pushing the development of the Internet of Things, self-driving vehicles, VR and AR, drone delivery and more.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
As the holiday season quickly approaches, everyone is gearing up for the new year. Maybe you\u2019re looking for a last-minute gift idea, or maybe you\u2019re thinking about Boxing Day sales, either way, it\u2019s a good excuse to read up on … Continue reading