From exosuits to electric scooters, dumb phones to delivery robots, we could be on the cusp of a brave new world.
From Bitcoin bankruptcies and industrial espionage to data breaches and drone chases, 2018 was an eventful year in technology. But what can we expect in 2019? With the tech world increasingly becoming part of the mainstream news agenda, Daily Telegraph writers gaze into their crystal balls to make predictions about the technologies that will make an impact over the next 12 months.
Augmented Reality
Last year was huge for genomics and artificial intelligence, but in 2019 the way we see the world will change literally, not metaphorically. With virtual reality (VR) becoming synonymous with systems that promise much and deliver little, augmented reality (AR) looks set to revolutionise the way we use media.
The technology aims to make TV screens redundant, plunging you into sports arenas, for example, and overlaying stats and info on the action. Exciting, interactive visuals will make for an entirely new way of watching content. However the hardware is still heavy and expensive; battery life is short and 5G roll-out will take time and be glitchy.
Advanced haptic feedback
The latest iPhone models have dropped the physical button on the front of the devices and added a 3D Touch function, which means the screen can vibrate in specific places when tapped or pressed upon. In 2019, the world’s largest businesses will look more closely at haptic feedback and how it can improve their devices.
Earlier this year, Google’s parent company Alphabet bought British company Redux, which used advanced haptic feedback to make completely flat screens feel like physical sliders and buttons. Trying out Redux’s technology is startlingly impressive – and miles ahead of what’s found in current iPhones.
Microsoft recently patented a design for a smartphone using haptic buttons, and British business Ultrahaptics raised £35m (R626m) in funding earlier this month. Expect lots more to come.
Delivery robots
Robots have long been laughed off as tech duds, unlikely to make an appearance in everyday life. But that could be about to change. Trundling along the streets of Britain’s Milton Keynes are a small fleet of delivery robots, shipping Amazon packages, Asos bags and even groceries from the Co-op.
The robots are part of an effort by Starship Technologies, a robotics company trying to improve “last mile” delivery with automated machines. Several start-ups are now trying out robots to improve deliveries, since they can be ordered on-demand and can turn up when convenient.
‘Dumb’ phones
Nokia relaunched its 3310 and 8810last year to the joy of those who experienced a battery that could last weeks (not hours). Google and Apple are aware of the trend and have introduced features offering time limits and bedtime mode.
“Dumb” phones are cheaper, great for children and a good weekend phone for when you want to switch off.
You are always in reach if needed but won’t be distracted by WhatsApp or Facebook.
However a life without Google Maps, Uber or Instagram might be just too complicated for those who use their phone as a personal secretary.
Exosuits
As robot workers are looking too expensive, a technology that allows employers to power up their human staff more efficiently is emerging.
Called exosuits, the mechanical vests can be worn to give increased strength and endurance, allowing workers to carry out strenuous tasks in factories and construction sites with ease.
They also have a medical application, with those with impaired movement being given greater walking ability with mechanical trousers.It’s a cheaper way for companies to help their ageing workforces without the need to invest in robots or AI but employees may reject the equipment and a divide could form between those who use the suits and those who don’t.
In-ear assistants
Walk around the tech industry’s capital city, San Francisco, and every other person you see is wearing Apple’s wireless AirPod earbuds. Where Apple goes, the rest of the world follows, and the market has become flooded with AirPod alternatives. Wireless earbuds may not seem like a revolution but their more discreet nature means people feel comfortable wearing them all day, even when not listening to music.Virtual assistants such as Alexa, Google Assistant and Siri have struggled to make it out of the home because they are awkward to use in public, but when only you can hear it that may no longer be the case. Although this is likely to be seen as anti-social you could say the same of smartphones.
Facial recognition technology
There is huge demand from police and immigration officials for this but court cases from human rights organisations might halt it – plus the error rate from the software is still questionable.
Human-like chatbots
Research suggests consumers find chatbots “annoying” and impersonal but advances in machine learning and AI research have been staggering. And given 85% of customer interactions are expected to be through chatbots by 2020, this can only be a good thing.
Companies are starting to wake up to the fact that they can save huge amounts of time and money by investing in chatbots.
Cashier-free shopping
Retailers in the United States are trying out a new type of shopping experience. Shops are using sensors, artificial intelligence and cameras to allow customers to walk in and out without using any tills.
Cashier-free or autonomous checkout shopping is already a well trialled concept in Silicon Valley. Amazon has two cashier-free shops in San Francisco, and a further five in Seattle and Chicago. The mega retailer is reportedly planning to open 3,000 shops by 2021.
Customers scan a barcode on the Amazon Go app as they walk in and a combination of cameras and sensors track them as they pick items off the shelves. The app then charges the card on file soon after they leave. Barclaycard is developing a similar technology that allows shoppers to charge in-store purchases via their mobile phones and is trialling the service.
Consumers increasingly have been opting for the convenience of online shopping. Retailers are hoping to lure them back by eliminating queues at checkout tills but not everyone is comfortable with the idea of hundreds of cameras tracking your every movement as you browse the aisles. – The Daily Telegraph..