Around 65% of the global population can access the Internet, while more than 81% of US adults go online every day. Taking these stats into consideration, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that technology is advancing at breakneck speed – not a sweeping generalisation, but an accurate assessment of tech innovations in every industry.
There are hundreds of cutting edge developments occurring every day, and we’ve taken a look at a few of 2022’s hottest trends.
1. 3D Printing
The 3D printing industry has taken off over the past few decades and is predicted to grow even more in years to come. The average Internet user probably doesn’t know the history behind this invention, which has been in the works since the early 1980s.
Current 3D printing is obviously a lot more advanced than early prototypes, and is being used across a range of industries. Now that the cost of 3D printers has dropped slightly, many more companies are taking advantage of the technology to produce clothing, machine and vehicle components, prosthetic limbs and even food.
2. Extended Reality – Virtual Reality
Virtual reality doesn’t only exist in sci-fi. Technological innovations now allow people to experience what is known as “extended reality” (XR) – an umbrella term encompassing virtual reality, augmented reality and mixed reality, among others.
XR is used in many different contexts. Most “non-tech” people understand virtual reality (VR) to be a headset that transports the user into a fantasy world, where they fight zombies and inevitably end up punching a wall – forgetting of course that their surroundings aren’t real. VR technology is advancing in leaps and bounds; adding details and nuances to the experience in terms of touch and smell.
XR in general, including VR, is also used by businesses and even by sites that offer online blackjack real money games to enhance their customers’ experiences. For example, building companies can give clients a virtual tour of the property long before it has been completed, while in retail, visual merchandisers are able to test-drive their ideas without having to spend hours setting up mannequins (only to dismantle them again if things don’t work out).
3. Telehealth
Telehealth has become more and more important over the past few years as the COVID-19 pandemic forced people into isolation. Many people all over the world are still feeling anxiety about contracting the virus, despite vaccinations and precautionary measures, which has led to a rise in online health services. Not only have more people had virtual consults over Zoom or another platform, but the telehealth sector itself has improved significantly. Now patients can access tools such as wireless blood pressure monitors that allow doctors to monitor them without in-person visits. There are even gadgets that can be programmed to remind their users to take medication – not just an alarm, but a technology that collects data for health providers to use in their prescribed treatment.
A Virtual Future
These are just a few of the hundreds of technological developments that are having an impact on our world today. Scientists, software developers and designers are always on the lookout for more challenges – for better or worse, today’s tech won’t last long.
