With technology becoming a cornerstone in the success of any industry, the world is fast becoming a tech-hub with people integrating around common experiences. In this post, our 10 page research paper outline template experts will explore some of the technologies that shaped the year we are just about to bid farewell to. Remain with our discourse to learn more about the technologies that shaped the world and made it a better place as we look forward into a more tech-driven 2018 together.
Intelligent Apps
This year saw the app technology move to the next level of efficiency that allowed users to get a better experience. In this year, we saw many social media platforms increasing the number of apps that repurposed content across multiple platforms. We also saw most of these apps perfecting their photo-editing processes with added filters and complex features.
Machine Learning
Even though machine learning has been here since the late 50s, this year saw its increase as its application spilled into more sectors of human life and experience. For example, we witnessed Apple launching machine learning for its iOS applications. Many other companies also embraced the technology to make their software more intelligent and advanced. With such a widespread acceptance, and application, the technology took over the traditional and time-wasting processes of programming apps to do what they should. That is why this progressive approach is sure to spill into 2018.
Integrated Audio
This year witnessed a major shift from traditional where technology was based on visual and sensory interactions to the auditory level. For instance, we witnessed the rise of smart speakers and wireless earbuds replacing conventional headsets. This way, users got a better user experience than what they were used to.
Blockchain
For the cryptocurrency lovers, 2017 was a great year that saw the rise of Blockchain technology. This year, many companies including established names across all industries embraced and integrated it into their processes. For instance, this technology made inroads into the world of payments, contracts, cloud storage, real estate, and brokerage. Given the level at which the technology penetrated the mainstream financial sector and other industries, we can be sure it will only gain greater ground in 2018.
Bots
This year, we also witnessed the success of chatbots in various industries. With the rise of these bots, users had the best customer support experience than ever. As these bots gained acceptance and usage in customer support, the era of automation should be preparing itself for a looming extinction. For instance, Facebook led the path by integrating bots to improve its Messenger API. With this trend, we can only expect to see more of it being replicated and advanced in the coming year.
The Internet of Things
In 2017, we witnessed the rise of The Internet of Things. Even though this technology has been here for some time, the ability to integrate with devices across different platforms has been a challenge. But this year witnessed a higher penetration with different areas of life embracing it. For instance, smart home technology finally broke through into the mainstream this season.
AR, VR and mixed reality
The year 2017 saw the rise of augmented and virtual reality becoming more accessible and functional among leading apps targeting consumers and business. For instance, leading smartphone makers such as Google and Apple enhanced their VR-compatible gadgets making it possible for the technology to go mainstream in the nearest future. Additionally, many companies opted for VR and AR technologies to help position their brands in the market. For example, Snapchat’s AR geofilters can frame, warp, and even magnify users’ snaps with various graphic and illustration shades. Firms that embraced this technology and used it to deliver branded VR and AR experiences to their customers creatively impacted them significantly. A good example is Snapchat’s branded geofilters that cost between $250,000 and $750,000.
Self-driving Systems
If you thought that it was only in homes where technology made a lasting impact, then you need to look at the roads and see more for yourself. This year was a transitioning point for the transport industry that created a lasting impact the will spill into the foreseeable future. For instance, we saw the rise of sensor technology helping to improve wireless communication and real-time processing. This advancement was critical in realizing the dream of having driverless roads and vehicles.
With this kind of technology taking over, it will now be possible to sit back and read the newspaper while the vehicle drives itself. For example, Otto, a California-based startup proved it is possible to have driverless roads. The company demonstrated this by releasing an automated tractor-trailer that was fitted with high-tech hardware and software at the cost of $30,000. In this demonstration, the truck successfully transported 50,000 cans of Budweiser covering a 190 km journey with no human help. During the process, the firm used several sensors to monitor how the truck was interacting with the road and other vehicles on it. Luckily, it kept a safe distance behind other vehicles to avoid hitting them from behind while changing lanes only when it was only needful.
Following this successful demonstration, the remaining question has nothing to do with whether the technology is needful and successful or not. The only question we need to ask ourselves should be how soon we could see the same feats taking place on our local roads. Our concern right now should be picturing how we will have a world without the driving profession.
3D Printing
The last technology our 2017 review will examine is the rise of 3D printing that has disrupted the manufacturing and medical industry for the better. With this technology, it is possible for manufacturers to extrude and harden layers of thermoplastic and resin using high-precision machines. The penetration of this technology this year witnessed a disruption that also resulted in the decrease of costs in the medical and manufacturing fields. With 3D printing taking the center stage, customers began seeing the prospects of accessing instant and decentralized production of their orders. This trend means that we will all start ordering products and have them shipped to our homes or offices faster than ever.
Additionally, this year set in motion the possibility of manufacturers experiencing greater convenience since they will no longer need to wait for parts to be shipped to them when they can print them in their own premises. An astonishing example is where Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, successfully printed ear, bone and muscle structures and blood vessels from ‘bio-ink’ – a liquid mixture of cells and nutrients. They later implanted the tissues in animals to mature them. This illustrious and groundbreaking feat enables medical institutions to grow human organs for transplanting faster and more conveniently, and hence, saving more lives in the process because the long waiting periods patients used to go through will be over forever.
That was the year 2017 in retrospect of how technology transformed our lives. With these facts at your fingertips, you can now look forward to a better 2018 that is filled with more technological feats and wonders.
