By Nate Van Dore — Content Creator

Another year, another series of tech revelations — 2018 is set to be an exciting year for tech. It is important to know what’s emerging in order to launch or propel your business forward (or skyward). As it is equally important to know what trends will affect the way we live our lives, day to day. Below is a list of tech trends that will make 2017 look distant and archaic.

1. 5G

Enter the fifth generation of cellular technology. Traditional mobile towers may begin to lose influence as this upgraded ecosystem is introduced into the world. According to Next Generation Mobile Network’s 5G white paper, 5G connections will enhance ‘user experience, system performance, enhanced services, business models and management & operations’. 5G will be four times faster than 4G, which means higher productivity of products for Internet of Things (IoT) products. What we’re going to see are things like low earth orbiting satellites, wi-fi networks and mapped networks within smart cities, creating a truly interconnected diaspora of devices and environments that can be accessed from your smartphone.

2. Machine Learning

Machine learning (and AI) are primed to be one of the biggest business concerns and data initiatives of 2018, according to a recent survey conducted by New O-Reilly. This is, as research body Deloitte says, “the tipping point” for the technological adoption of machine learning. And because the machines are getting better at using data, the general efficiency of society will increase with higher-value predictions and smart actions in real time without human intervention.

3. Proclivity to Cryptocurrencies

2017 saw the rise in general awareness of Bitcoin. While the coin’s value rose significantly, other coins with greater utility have begun to gain traction. In a conversation with the our innovations manager, Mark Francis, it was inferred that “coins with practical applications and use beyond storing value will reign supreme this year.” This includes coins like Ethereum and IoTA that are seeking to enable greater efficiency and interconnectedness in a globalised world. This space is set to expand both in value and in real-world, life-changing utility.

4. AI Chatbots Phenomena

In the face of criticism, chatbots have significantly grown in relevance and demand. Chris Hughes from Chatbot Magazine said he has watched “watched investment in this category quickly increase and as of April 2017, $24 billion had been invested in the broader natural language processing (NLP) space. Slack raised $540 million, Twilio $484 million, and Interactions $135 million”. While 57% of Australians still prefer talking to a human over a bot, chatbots (with the help of machine learning and AI) will soon be able to handle complex conversations beyond closed lines of questioning — bridging the gap between a human operator and a full-time digital assistant.

5. Drones will become smarter

A somewhat novel item, drones are now a vital tool for companies that do any sort of content creation. As drone technology matures and becomes increasingly accessible, companies such as DJi are refining an already cutting-edge piece of tech. This will manifest in the increase of the Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLoS) capability and be harnessing automation and data capability analysis (think granular 3D mapping). Regulations and general security concerns are the only issues this year, but for commercial use, drones will enable an unparalleled visual delivery platform that will rival archaic methods.

6. Decentralised Social Media

Social media monopolies dominate our lives, finding ways to permeate even the most intimate or secretive conversations. Furthermore, third-party push advertising is a nuisance for the average social media user. Enter decentralised social media. By harnessing blockchain technology, platforms such as Touch. will be able to create a space free from centralised control and free from poorly curated advertising. Mark Francis, Director and co-founder of Touch. said that “creating a social blockchain will allow users to enjoy a truly democratic experience where human consensus drives influence”. Users of Touch. will be incentivised for the value they bring to the community in order to allow independent creators and small businesses to flourish in the face of media monopolies. Mark concludes that “it’s time for a social media revolution, and our platform will be that catalyst for positive change.”

Be sure to watch for these trends to permeate society at every level. 2018 is set to be an exciting year.