New apps, not new tech development, will be biggest trend for 2019
DR WAYDE Marr, president of the Vector Technology Institute, is noting that in recent times, trends in information technology have primarily been in the form of new applications rather than emerging technological development or discoveries.
“The fact is that the capability and capacity of digital devices have improved tremendously. That which once seemed to be impossible can now be deployed in a very effective way to become useful, integrate with, and even change, our lifestyles,” said Marr.
“What once were considered fringe or novelty ideas are now becoming mainstream, and impacting how we socialise, carry out daily life activities, learn and communicate.”
He said some of the trends that will have direct impact in 2019 will include blockchain technology, which is popularly associated with cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin.
“This has found a significant role in transferring sensitive and high-value information in a highly secure manner without requiring a trusted third-party to oversee or validate transactions,” said Marr.
“The advantage here is that transactions can eliminate complicated, cost-ridden and burdensome processes associated with executing these types of transactions.”
CONTROLLED IMMERSION
He also noted that virtual reality and augmented reality will provide a controlled immersion in activities and experiences in environments that protect one from being physically harmed or from creating physical danger. For example, learning to fly a jet plane, experiencing a new culture, and so on. VR and AR will see application growth in areas like training, entertainment, education and marketing.
“‘Internet of things’ is where growth will be most visible in the public sphere, as it has been fast developing as a commodity, whereby devices that control your home appliances, security cameras, door locks, light, air conditioners, and so on, are connected and controlled over the Internet,” Marr noted.
“Finally, cybersecurity will continue to grow and face even greater prominence, as information shared across the Internet becomes more vulnerable to exposure and capture. Issues related to privacy and data security will remain at the forefront of the concern of anyone who logs on, or has their data or any other devices connected to the Internet.”