The first programmable computer was called Z1. It was built by Konrad Zuse between 1936 and 1938. It was the first computer using binary technology and incorporating programmable aptitudes.
Since then, technology has become an integral part of our lives. It’s just a matter of time until other technologies will appear and will make our lives even easier.
There are a few emerging technologies, some of which focus on interconnecting the objects surrounding us, others focusing on teaching machines how to detect certain patterns and supercomputers which can be accessed from anywhere around the world.
Last, but not least, there are the visual and experiential technologies, where you can dive into the reality of your game or movie and be a part of it.
Here are 9 technologies which will shape our future.
1. Artificial Intelligence
This technology adds a dash of humanity to computers. They can record certain patterns, store them, and then use these memories. For example, if you are a pupil and instead of doing homework you’d prefer going outside with your friends, you could go to your artificial intelligence-based computer and tell it “Write my essay for me” and, in a few minutes, it would be able to deliver your essay.
Of course, at first, you’d have to teach it how to write. How could you do that? Well, you’d have to provide some sample essays. Then, the artificial intelligence behind the computer could replicate or create such essays.
But remember, by some sample essays, we mean hundreds, thousands, or maybe more. That’s because the computer needs so-called critical mass in order to identify writing style, grammar rules, verbs, and so on.
2. Internet of Things
This is the technology which connects regular objects to each other. We mentioned this technology in the introductory paragraph.
Well, this technology won’t be able to do your homework for you, but it will be able to make your appliances communicate with each other.
When you think about IoT, imagine this, you wake up and lay in bed for 10 minutes, just to relax. In the meantime, you are reading news on your smartphone. This will let the espresso machine know that you are awake and it will start preparing your cappuccino. You might even receive a push notification from the espresso machine asking you how much sugar you’d like. In terms of IoT, this example is just the tip of the iceberg.
3. Augmented Reality
If you’ve played various games on your smartphone, it’s virtually impossible to not know what Augmented Reality is. If you still don’t know what we are talking about, here’s a hint: Pokemon Go.
Yes, that’s game where you had to run across the city to find the pokemon you wanted. Then, once you were in the area indicated on the map, you could search it with your smartphone’s camera. Augmented Reality is meant to improve your reality with elements from the game or video you are watching.
4. Virtual Reality
Similar to Augmented Reality, Virtual reality is meant to help you dive into the reality of a certain game, video or presentation.
For example, real estate investors looking to promote their future condominiums could create a virtual presentation of their project. Basically, with the right equipment, you could walk through your future apartment and see its size, its plan, and the way your favorite furniture will look when placed inside.
By using this technology, industries such as real estate, gaming, design, and many more could improve their relationship with their clients.
5. Blockchain Technology
The concept of Blockchain technology has been around for a couple of decades now, but practical and viable implementations of this technology only appeared a decade ago, with the launch of Bitcoin, the first-ever cryptocurrency.
The blockchain is a very large decentralized computer. Everyone looking to earn some money could incorporate his computer’s resources in a blockchain. Whenever your computer finishes a certain task, you receive a small amount of money.
Unlike the traditional banking system, the transactions, and the users are verified by such decentralized computers. This decentralized system offers its users more privacy and independence.
6. Self-Driving Cars
During the past few years, you have likely heard about autonomous cars. At least, you’ve heard the news about drivers falling asleep while their car was doing its business.
If you haven’t heard about autonomous, self-driving cars up until now, you’ve heard about Tesla.
Self-driving cars are here to stay. It’s a combination of the classic car, artificial intelligence, and the internet of things. All these technologies packed into a very smart, electrical vehicle.
If you are looking to take a nap while commuting, you should definitely buy yourself a brand new self-driving car.
7. Cloud Computing
Cloud computing is a technology which lets you use other people’s resources to do your job. For example, similar to blockchain technology, you could deliver certain projects by using Amazon AWS or other similar platforms.
The first word, ‘cloud’ highlights the fact that it can be accessed from anywhere around the world. You can see a certain cloud whether you are here or 2 miles away, right? I don’t think we need to explain what computing means, do we?
8. Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity refers to a certain technology which helps us repel possible cyborg or alien attacks. Ha, got you!
The truth is, cybersecurity is a technology which protects your valuable data from getting into the hands of bad people. For example, the HTTPS protocol is meant to hide your information from the eyes of people with bad intentions. Instead of surfing the web and leaving trace information all over the place, you just send long alphanumeric strings of data.
9. Facial Recognition
Have you ever watched a James Bond movie? If not, what are you waiting for? If yes, have you seen the way MI5 together with James Bond spot the criminals while they walk the streets?
If the answer to the first question was no, I will explain it to you. Basically, they were using facial recognition technology. It can detect a certain person by identifying certain facial patterns and peculiarities. For example, the latest smartphones use this technology to help you unlock them faster.
Since the ‘30s computers and technology have come a long way. Considering the latest improvements to existing technologies and the appearance of lots and lots of new ones, the next few decades will be very fruitful.
