The past two years have demonstrated the significance of being able
to quickly adapt in the face of ambiguity. There will be a lot of resemblances between the technological trends of 2021 and 2022. Using technology, businesses and individuals were able to continue to work, shop, and socialise in a “virtual world.”
The ‘Metaverse,’ NFTs, and widespread use of 5G connectivity will all be introduced and established by 2021, along with the transition to virtual living, shopping, and working.
In 2022, technological advancements are likely to support a virtual way of life and work even more than they do today. Businesses are likely to speed up their digital transformation efforts and improve their virtual business practises even further in the near future.
Highlights in technology for the year 2021
Over the course of 2021, we witnessed a wide range of technological advancements. Here’s a look at some of the year’s most significant technological developments:
1. The Metaverse
Facebook changed its name in October 2021 to Meta and introduced us to the “Metaverse,” which is a virtual world that exists outside of the real world. According to Mark Zuckerberg, the “Metaverse” will be an online community where people can hang out, do business, and have fun.
The ‘Metaverse’ is currently as unknown as the internet was before it was created, with no one being able to predict what it would look like. To the contrary, we already know that the ‘Metaverse’ will give people new ways to communicate virtually, whether in the context of business or shopping.
2. Digital contact tracing
With the launch of NHS test and trace, the digital contract tracing became more prominent in 2021, in order to reduce the spread of Covid-19. Tracking people’s movements using GPS or Bluetooth via a smartphone app is called digital contact tracing.
The lessons we’ve learned from this pandemic will help us better prepare for future pandemics and other areas of health care, even though digital contact tracing was largely ineffective in reducing the virus’ spread.
3. Chip shortages
At some point between 2020 and 2021, there was a worldwide semiconductor chip shortage. Computers, laptops, video game consoles, automobiles, and smartphones are all made using semiconductor chips. As a result of the scarcity, prices have gone up and delivery times have gotten longer. For the iPhone 13 to be a success, Apple had to divert chips from less popular iPad models.
The CEO of Intel has predicted that the chip shortage will last until at least 2023. It’s critical to prepare ahead of time for the devices, laptops, and monitors you’ll need to hire new employees. In order to avoid delays and ensure that any new employees can get started as quickly as possible, you should order IT equipment early.
4. 5G
5G-capable smartphones were released by a number of tech companies in 2021. In the second quarter of 2021, the number of people using 5G to access the internet while on the go grew rapidly. In order to maximise 5G connectivity, network providers are now focusing on improving coverage and performance in order to achieve this goal. 6G, which as of this writing does not exist on a technical level, is predicted to be widely available only in the years 2030-2035.
5. Foldable phones
2021 saw the resurgence of flip phones, with foldable phones once again becoming commonplace. Samsung’s Galaxy Flip 3 and Galaxy Fold 3 have dominated the market, but Microsoft and Huawei have also released foldable touchscreen phones. They operate like a smartphone when they’re unfolded, but when they’re folded, they’re closer to being a small tablet. They’re small enough to fit in your pocket, but have tablet-like capabilities.
6. NFTs
Non-fungible tokens (NFTs), also known as blockchain’s latest innovation, are NFTs. The term ‘non-fungible’ describes something that cannot be substituted for another. Non-fungible tokens (NFTs), on the other hand, are completely unique and cannot be exchanged for another NFT.
As far as digital art goes, the most common form of NFTs is digital art. People are now beginning to trade digital art in the same way they do physical art: for a price. Even though digital art can be easily accessed and copied online, only one person can claim ownership of the work. Similar to how anyone can buy a Van Gough print, but only one person can own the original painting by the Dutch master.
A growing number of high-profile celebrities are using NFTs to purchase and display digital art on their Instagram accounts, and this trend is expected to continue for the foreseeable future.
Predictions for the year 2022 in technology
A successful hybrid working environment and increased productivity are predicted to continue to be possible in 2022 as a result of the technological advancements made in 2021.
1. More people are utilising cloud computing services.
Leadership must prioritise technology that maximises flexibility, security and productivity in the face of the majority of UK businesses committing to some hybrid working arrangement. Businesses can no longer rely on antiquated systems for data storage, file sharing, and collaboration after two years of the pandemic.
Instead, companies that haven’t already embraced cloud computing should do so. As long as their team has a stable internet connection, this will allow them to ensure that their data and applications can be accessed from anywhere, at any time. Then, no matter where they are, they’ll be able to get the job done. In the event of a crisis, cloud computing helps to ensure that data is secure and that business continuity is maintained.
2. New hybrid-working tools are being developed.
In recent years, Microsoft Teams and other collaboration tools have been critical to the success of businesses and schools in the UK. Upgrading currently used technology and introducing new hybrid working tools are both anticipated for the year 2022.
Microsoft Teams, for example, will see improvements in the coming year, the company has confirmed. This includes the ability to see the order in which hands were raised and to assign roles in meetings. Additionally, the Direct Guest Join feature will allow Teams users to join third-party meetings, such as Zoom or Cisco, and vice versa. Moreover, they will continue to enhance their existing collaboration features to support hybrid working in accordance with the most recent technological developments.
AI and machine learning are expected to play a role in the development of new hybrid working tools. Reduced IT issues and disruptions, as well as enhanced features for collaboration and connectivity, are all examples of improved capabilities.
3. Low-code versus no-code approaches
In software development, “no-code” or “low-code” refers to tools that eliminate the need for complicated coding in favour of more intuitive methods, such as drag-and-drop menus. With no-code and low-code development, businesses can adapt to industry changes quickly, without the need for complex technical intervention. No-code and low-code solutions can help companies grow by reducing development costs, increasing efficiency, and enhancing security.
4. Cyberattacks are becoming more complex.
Employees and individuals are being targeted by cyber criminals who are developing increasingly sophisticated scams to steal their personal information. The Log4j vulnerability, one of the most significant cyber security threats to date, was discovered in December 2021. Businesses must be ready with the best cyber security solutions to protect themselves from threats like these in the years to come. Antivirus software and firewalls are no longer sufficient to provide complete security. Penetration testing, dark web monitoring, and cyber security training are all important components of protecting your data from ever-increasing threats.
In the coming years, we look forward to working with our clients to help them achieve their goals through technology that is constantly evolving.
