Twelve Tech Trends to Watch in 2018

What will be the biggest tech impacts of 2018? We can guess now, but predictions usually fall short in hindsight. And since our world is changing faster than ever, there will be new tech segments popping up on the radar that aren’t bubbling under right now.

That said, advancements in innovation are coming on fast in areas that are worth watching. It’s also worth noting how trends like ‘big data’ from a few years ago have become the backbone of other new tech innovations. Many of the current hot technologies overlap and work together across industries and products.

3D Printing– Though it’s over 30 years old, 3D Printing’s impact is at an all-time high. You can now create almost anything from jewelry and car parts to houses and human organs.
5G– Your phone will get faster, truly have unlimited data, and will fill up with new apps enabled by the power of an exponentially faster network.
Artificial Intelligence– Data-driven machines will grow and use more ‘insights-as-a-service’, customer service will be handled more by AI bots, and AI will proliferate insegments like retail, energy conservation and machine maintenance.
Blockchain– It’s been called the invisible technology that’s changing the world. You’ve heard about it as the foundation of cryptocurrencies since Bitcoin made it famous, but blockchain is revolutionizing healthcare, space, finance and many other industries.
Bots– You’ll encounter more of them and they’ll get more human-like and emotional like C-3PO.
Cryptocurrency– 2017 was a huge year for Bitcoin and new cryptocurrencies and there’s no sign of things slowing down. ICO’s and Bitcoin forks are on the rise and the future looks brighter for cryptocurrencies to move into the mainstream. If you’re interested in learning more, check out this beginner’s guide to ICOs.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion– With the #MeToo and #TimesUp movements escalating, 2018 looks to be a tipping point year for positive DEI change. Venture capital groups are donating to the Time’s Up Sexual Harassment Legal Defense Fund, and the Venture Inclusion Network has been created to offer resources to investors and founders commited to diversity in tech. For our part, we’ve stepped up to offer DEI consulting in partnership with Diverse City to help companies looking for expert guidance in how to create a culture and workplace that everyone including women and minorities thrive in.
Internet of Things– While every ‘thing’ possible is getting connected, and tens of millions of people now have listening devices in their homes, security of devices will start to get better in order to attract more user adoption.
Robotics– Emotions are coming. Okay, robots were already starting to get emotional, but watch for that trend to continue. Home robots are being developed, Amazon’s using them to work along-side humans, and drone usage is rising. The robots are here to stay. Lets hope they stay friendly.
Smart Cars– Cars are going electric, getting brain-to-vehicle technology, getting cellular-vehicle-to-everything technology, expanding IoT connection possibilities, starting to self-drive, evolving infotainment systems, and the list gets longer all the time.
Smart Cities– Smart street lights, parking meters, energy saving and the connection of everything is a goal for cities like San Diego, Boston, Nice and Dubai. The poster child of smart cities, Amsterdam, is even using sensors on boats to alert them when they’re taking on water from heavy rains.
VR/AR/XR– Watch virtual reality, augmented reality and mixed reality to expand into many areas inclucing social media, museums, cinemas, enterprise training, retail and shopping, therapy and medicine.