7 Technology Trends That Will Dominate 2017

As we headed into 2017, several key technological advancements were at the forefront of the industry. This year saw a flurry of developments in areas such as Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), Internet of Things (IoT), Machine Learning, automation, and more. Here are the top trends that will dominate the technology landscape in 2017:

1. Connecting the World with IoT and Smart Home Tech

We've been hearing about the Internet-of-Things (IoT) and smart home technologies for years. While we've made significant progress, the full potential has yet to be realized. In 2017, the biggest companies like Google, Amazon, and Apple will bring about significant advancements in smart connected homes. The problem until now has been a lack of collaboration among various individual appliances and apps, limiting the seamless integration into a single user experience. As bigger players join the fray, expect major upgrades in this domain.

2. Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality

Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) saw some major advancements in 2016. Oculus Rift's release and Pokémon Go's massive success demonstrated the potential of these technologies. However, it's projected that 2017 will be the year when AR and VR truly take off. We can expect AR and VR versions of everything from everyday objects to complex applications. This technology will open up immense marketing opportunities.

3. Machine Learning

Machine learning has made significant strides in recent years, with Google's core search engine incorporating it to enhance user experience. In 2017, we can expect machine learning to permeate almost every consumer application, from recommendation systems to analytics apps. As this technology becomes more integrated, people will start expecting it as a standard component in various technologies. The year 2017 has the potential to usher in a new era of machine intelligence.

4. Automation

Automation will continue to be a significant trend in 2017. With the rise of advanced technology, we can expect more tasks previously performed by humans to be automated. Robotic journalism is already a thing, and it won't be long before we see more practical applications. Automation, combined with machine learning, can lead to even faster improvements across various sectors. 2017 is set to be a pivotal year for automation and the technology evolving with it.

5. Humanized Big Data

Big data has been a buzzword for the past five years, and its ability to provide quantitative insights is undeniable. However, the sheer volume of data often leads to a lack of qualitative insights. In 2017, there will be a push to humanize big data, making it more empathetic and qualitative. This will enable better visualization and accessibility, which can be highly beneficial for marketing and other applications.

6. Physical-Digital Integrations

Mobile devices have already started integrating technology into our daily lives, providing access to vast information. This year, we can expect to see even deeper integrations between physical and digital realms. For instance, online giants like Amazon will be introducing more physical products, such as Dash Buttons, while physical stores like Walmart will be adding digital features like store maps and product trials. The line between the physical and digital worlds will become increasingly blurred.

7. Everything On-Demand

Thanks to apps like Uber and startups taking the "Uber of" approach, on-demand services have become the norm. In 2017, we can expect this trend to expand further. We'll see more apps offering on-demand services for a variety of needs, from rides and food delivery to accommodations. This on-demand revolution is transforming the way we interact with technology and services, making life more convenient and accessible.

It's essential to note that predicting the future of technology can be challenging, but staying informed about these trends can help you prepare your marketing strategies and budgets accordingly.