Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, people around the world have adopted new technologies and smart devices as a way of keeping up with changes, and to live, work and learn remotely. While many of these technologies were already in use, the pandemic and the global crisis that followed also boosted the adoption of some new technologies like mRNA vaccines and supply chain automation. With new variants of the virus that caused the crisis now emerging, people and businesses are also starting to look for new trends in technology that may help them make the most of 2022.
Choosing the right apps, platforms and technologies for a business is no easy task, and it becomes even more difficult during a crisis. However, the COVID-19 pandemic proved that new technologies are important. Recent developments in key technology drivers from the last two years may prove pivotal for many businesses in the year to come, but new patterns and technologies will also shape 2022 for the better. Here are 5 new trends in technology that will most likely impact businesses around the world in the coming year.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) remains important
AI seems to be one of the most significant trends for businesses in the coming year, according to a new study that surveyed 44 executives; as it has already reshaped different industries in numerous countries. 81% of respondents said that AI will either be critically essential or very important to their businesses in 2022. 20% of the executives who took part in the study also predicted that AI is the technology that they will invest the most in during the following months.
Virtual reality is here to stay
Like AI, virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) have been around for some years, reshaping multiple industries around the world. However, when Facebook CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, announced that the social media giant will rebrand itself under a new name, Meta, everything changed. Not only does Facebook now plan to focus on bringing a “metaverse” to life, with the help of new technologies like VR and AR, but other companies are also joining the trend. Companies like Google, Microsoft, Apple, Valve, and others are already developing VR related products and services.
Investments in quantum computing
Quantum computing is not only a reality that will definitely reshape business, research and science, it is also a top priority for President Joe Biden and his administration. The President already announced that his administration will invest $180 Billion in research and development, as well as in future technologies. Advanced computing, which includes quantum computers, is just one of the technologies to receive a part of this investment, but it’s also the one that will most likely bring new opportunities for American businesses, researchers and scientists.
Better internet access is crucial
The COVID-19 pandemic has proved internet access important for people who must work, learn and socialize from their homes. While the Biden Administration focuses on providing every American with access to reliable high-speed internet, private companies, like SpaceX, are also developing new ways of giving speedy internet access to those who need it. Amazon, SpaceX and others are investing in space-based internet that can ultimately provide good internet access even in rural and developing areas. SpaceX’s Starlink internet service is currently available in 20 countries, and the company continues to launch satellites to orbit, to expand even further.
Cloud computing, a favorite among executives
According to executives, like AI, cloud computing seems to be one of the technologies most likely to attract new investments in 2022. In fact, 82% of those who took part in the study linked above reported that cloud computing will be critically important to their business in the coming year. 34% of respondents also predicted that their companies will mostly invest in this technology, resulting in US companies opting to invest more into cloud computing technology next year. The global cloud computing market is actually expected to grow to $474 billion in 2022.
The COVID-19 pandemic already proved that new technologies have a significant impact on everything, from the way people socialize and spend their free time to the way they work. However, new tech trends are even more essential for companies that have to put this crisis behind them and manage to grow and evolve in 2022.
