A.I. devices that responds to your voice. Next-generation wireless networks. If this year’s biggest consumer technology trends have a familiar ring, there’s a reason why.
Imagine a future where you are never truly alone. Even when your spouse or your children are away, you will always have someone or something to talk to. In the morning, you could ask the microwave to heat up your breakfast. In your car, you could tell your stereo to put on some ’90s music. And when you walk into the office, you could ask your smartphone, what’s on your calendar today?
This is progressively the world the tech industry is building. With an expanding portfolio of devices that can react to voice.
At the CES, the consumer electronics trade show in Las Vegas, artificially intelligent virtual assistants took the center stage as the most important tech topic, with big and small companies to showcase voice-controlled devices. Most of these products will be powered by Amazon’s Alexa or Google’s Assistant, the two most popular artificially intelligent assistants.
If this all sounds like a repeat of last year, that’s because much of it is. In other words, the tech industry is in a state of recapitulation rather than making something totally new.
Other progressing tech trends include the introduction this year of fifth-generation cellular networks. Known as 5G, which will significantly accelerate mobile internet speeds. Cybersecurity products for home networks are also increasing, an important safeguard now that consumers own so many devices that can connect to the internet.
But as is often the case, the technology is too optimistic. This is because some of the most promoted technologies, especially cars that drive on their own, are farther from reality and you will not see them in stores or dealerships in the near future.
