Digital Trends to Look Out For in 2020
2019 has been and gone, and we are going to look at the main digital trends to watch out for as the new year progresses. 2019 brought some huge developments in the technology world and while many feel it might be hard to top, we are excited about the potential that both Internet of Things and Artificial Intelligence will hold this year. Below you will find the main trends to watch out for.
5G Set To Transform Technology
5G is going to be a big thing. You’ve probably already heard about the promise of high speeds and see the release of the latest new 5G compatible smartphones. But 5G is more than just speed. It is going to lay the foundations for a connection that will accelerate how we think about accessing information as consumers and how business is done.
5G promises up to 100 times the speed of 4G LTE but the exact figures aren’t known. A lot of the technology that is required to get us to those speeds is still under development and over the next couple of years, there will be a huge amount of infrastructure being built and massive upgrades to existing systems. 2020 will only give us a further glimpse of the capabilities of 5G and it could be 2025 before we see the full capabilities.
5G has three main attributes and these are lightning-fast speeds, low latency, and great capacities for connecting large quantities of smart devices or sensors on one network. Consumers will see the benefits when it comes to speed and the faster wireless capabilities and massive increases in capacity will fuel mobile data usage, the Internet of Things, and more.
Blockchain Technology and Online Casinos
Blockchain technology is another element that is creeping into every industry and it is expected to connect on a deep level with the online gambling industry. One of the major concerns with online casinos is that data such as gaming results, winnings and payouts, are intentionally hidden or concealed from the public which is why security is paramount. Blockchain has a lot to offer in this regard.
Another great aspect will be anonymity. Blockchain technology ensures that users never have to share their personal information, and this stops hackers from accessing their data. Blockchain also allows the top online casino operators to develop tokens that can be used as currency. Blockchain technology can also reduce house edge costs, allow for decentralization, and provide better prediction markets. Online gambling is a huge industry and Blockchain technology will improve it. Many of the best international online casinos where you can play for free or real, are using blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies – especially Bitcoin.
The integration of Blockchain technology into top online casinos is expected to resolve these concerns. It will help to build trust with online gamblers and reduce fraud. Blockchain technology provides secure ways of transactions and winnings are automatically calculated. Blockchain allows for the usage of cryptocurrency which creates opportunities for players to venture beyond regulatory jurisdictions as cryptocurrency is not dependent on regulated payment services. Blockchain also reduces costs associated with withdrawals and deposits to online casinos.
Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR)
Augmented Reality is set to overtake virtual reality in 2020 and this is in part because of its ability to be used on mobile and tablet devices. VR still required the use of a headset. In 2020 we expect to see a lot of brands leveraging Augmented Reality for their marketing campaigns which will create new and exciting experiences for customers. Even back in 2018 we saw this when Ikea launched their AR app that allows a user to visualize furniture in their homes before buying.
Voice Search in Marketing
It is estimated that by this year almost 50% of searches will be voice-based. 2019 saw a huge increase in voice search through devices like the Amazon Alexa. Big brands like Ocado are moving into the market too with an app for grocery shopping by voice that’s setting new trends in the search environment. Voice search devices allow consumers to purchase products using their voice, and businesses that can market their products this way are set to see the rewards.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
AI is set to be one of the trends that is going to be the next big shift in technology. AI can be used to analyze data to form a set of insights which mirror human decision-making processes. It can also be used to automate tasks to increase productivity and efficiency in businesses. How exactly AI will affect job losses in major industries is still unclear, however, the technology will offer huge benefits in the manufacturing, healthcare, and other sectors. You can read more about this in our article on how AI will improve the quality of life in Scotland. AI is something we will be keeping a close eye on in 2020 and beyond.
Internet of Things (IoT)
IoT has been there for a number of years now and more and more people have connected devices and gadgets in their home. We’ve already identified three industries that IoT will disrupt and companies who manufacture products now have opportunities to expand by offering ongoing services that can monitor the performance of products. As always, here on our website, we keep you up to date with everything happening so make sure you subscribe and are never left out of the loop.
