Digital Trends in 2016

Digital Trends in 2016

With 2015 fading in our rear view mirror, we look ahead to what 2016 has to offer in the world of digital trends. And, if the latest news is any implication, then we can expect this year to be a banner year for technological breakthroughs.

From smarter cars to faster Internet to connected appliances, the changes will be fast and furious this year. Here’s just a taste of what digital trends you can look forward to in 2016.

2016 is Going to Be the Year of Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence is going to be featured heavily throughout the tech world in 2016. The advanced technology is set to be introduced in everything from robotic vacuums to cars to smartphones and more.

One of the first AI products to show up on the scene is the Dyson 360 Eye™ robot vacuum cleaner. This revolutionary vacuum uses a complex AI system that constantly observes and interprets its surroundings so it knows where it is in the room, where it has already cleaned, and where it has yet to go.

Say Goodbye to Wi-Fi in 2016

It seems like we’ve just got used to having Wi-Fi available just about everywhere, but in 2016, that’s all set to change as MU-MIMO is primed to land. MU-MIMO in a new Wi-Fi standard that will revolutionize how we surf the Internet because it delivers a substantial increase in bandwidth and makes networks much more efficient. The result is faster and more stable connections for every device in the home or office. In 2016, you’ll see smartphones, tablets, laptops, and other mobile devices being launched to support the new technology.

It’s All Connected

In 2016, everything is going to be connected to the Web—everything. Any new major appliance you purchase will probably have an Internet connection included. This includes your new oven, refrigerator, television, lighting, security system, and even your smoke detectors and thermostat. Smart home technology is going to become standard in 2016, allowing you to control virtually everything in your home from any Internet-connected device.

Tablets Evolve in 2016

When Microsoft introduced its Surface 4 tablet, it delivered the first potential laptop-killer as the tablet provided all of the lightweight convenience of a tablet with all of the power of a laptop. In 2016, we can expect several other companies, Dell, HP, and Lenovo included, to launch competing products that will no doubt make the old 15-lb laptop obsolete.

Major Tech Decisions to Be Hashed Out in 2016

In 2016, we can expect to see a number of major tech decisions handed down by leading manufacturers and tech giants. One of the most important will be the life or death of the electric car. As gas prices continue to tumble, the once-promising future of electric-only vehicles now seems to be in jeopardy. How the electric car industry fares in 2016 will ultimately decide its fate, at least for the foreseeable future.

Also expected to be determined this year is the fate of Yahoo. The company’s decision to raise money by selling off its stake in Alibaba proved to be a bust, leaving its primary investors battling it out as to the company’s direction. With so much division within Yahoo’s ranks, this year might be the last time we hear the famous yodel.

While Yahoo is in a fight for its life, another tech giant, Dell, is set to make what is arguably the largest technology merger in history. In 2016, it is expected that Dell will merge with EMC, and if the merger happens, Dell will become the largest privately owned technology company in history.

The Downside to Such Rapid Innovation

It goes without saying that 2016 is going to be an exciting year for technological advancements. But, with such innovations happening at such a fast pace, consumers need to be wary of risks. For starters, upgrading to new hardware means that you will have to dispose of the old tech. In cases where the old tech contains sensitive information, your identity could be at risk if the data isn’t completely wiped from the hardware.

Another potential problem is the cost of changing infrastructures to support new technology that has yet to even have all of its kinks worked out yet. New technology comes with a hefty price tag, despite its learn-as-you-go mindset. This is currently being seen in the world of self-driving cars. Most of the vehicles being sold right now featuring self-drive technology will be rendered obsolete in a year and a half because this is still a young and growing industry. There is a lot of room for improvement in this area, as will become evident throughout the new year.