If you went back 20 years and told someone what technology in 2016 looked like, they’d have a hard time believing you.
We’re reaching an age in our history where classic “science fiction” is losing the “fiction” part. Today’s smartphone is millions of times more powerful than all of NASA’s combined computing was in 1969 – the year Neil Armstrong set foot on the moon.
Technological advancement is exponential, which means the speed at which it advances is only going to increase over time. It’ll only become more and more important for business owners, marketers and media agencies to stay on top of it.
Melbourne-based technology analysis company, Gartner, has identified their top 10 technology trends for 2016:
Gartner split their top 10 trends into three general categories, the first of which being the merging of the physical and virtual worlds.
Physical and digital merging
In a previous blog post, we talked about virtual reality and how Tony Robbins is calling it the “next big disruptor set to change the very fabric of business”. It seems that Gartner would agree with Mr. Robbins on that front.
We’ve already seen virtual and augmented reality take the world by storm:
- Pokémon Go is a global phenomenon, breaking record after record and introducing players to a whole new era of possibility.
- Facebook recently introduced 360 degree videos, effectively allowing device users to turn their screens into windows to other worlds.
- Virtual reality devices such as Google Cardboard and the Oculus Rift are on a steep incline in intrigue and popularity as well.
The savvy agency would be wise to make understanding this field a priority. None of these innovations or opportunities are worth anything without compelling content to populate them and bring them to life. These advancements are opening the door to a whole new brand of advertising and media communication, so make sure you’re exercising that creative muscle and thinking of ways to “get there first”.
Algorithmic business
Classic computing is slowly giving way to neural network and deep learning-based computing.
Said another way: Through the development of systems that can perceive the world autonomously, human beings are rapidly approaching the creation of AI. Programs like Siri and the Microsoft equivalent, Cortana, are early indicators.
But the potential doesn’t stop there. Self-driving cars, virtual assistants and more exciting developments are on the horizon as well. It’s predicted that in five years, apps will be a thing of the past – replaced by self-learning systems that can serve your immediate needs at your behest.
Gartner advises businesses to assess the potential of this technology so they can gain a competitive advantage over other businesses.
New IT reality
The “Internet of Things” refers to the development of network connectivity for everyday objects and complex systems. The idea is to make virtually everything accessible and manageable via devices such as smartphones, tablets and laptops.
Imagine being able to pre-heat your oven on the way home with a voice command or the press of a button. Picture being able to lock and unlock your car with your smartphone. Think of a world where plumbing, traffic or city lighting could be directed by digital systems that calculate solutions on a moment-to-moment basis.
The final batch of technological trends Gartner has identified all pertain to the Internet of Things – platforms, security measures and other solutions needed to transmute the concept into reality.
We’re excited to see the world of tomorrow. As a media agency, we love experimenting with new ways to communicate, innovate and excite – and technology affords us the opportunity to dream bigger, think bigger and do better every day.
