The Main Technological Trends for 2024

The recent couple of years have made it clear that generative AI and expansive language models will be a significant part of our future. These technologies are likely to be incorporated into products that might genuinely attract a wide user base.

Evidence of this trend is visible at CES, a major global technology exhibition. Here, a multitude of engineers, entrepreneurs, business executives, and representatives from tech firms gather to exchange ideas about what the future holds.

AI-Infused Diverse Devices

Firms like Intel and Qualcomm are focusing on developing widespread personal computers with distinct “neural processors” to facilitate AI functions.

Microsoft has introduced a new feature in its latest Windows PCs – a button on the keyboard to activate the built-in Copilot assistant.

In the realm of smartphones, which have long used machine learning to enhance photo and call quality, the integration of AI is deepening. Post-CES, Samsung is set to unveil new devices powered by artificial intelligence.

More intriguingly, some innovators are reimagining the scope of conventional smartphones to showcase how a truly AI-driven gadget should function.

Humane, a Californian startup flush with investment, plans to launch the AI Pin, a voice-controlled device that projects data onto the user’s arm. Meanwhile, Rabbit is gearing up to display a portable device capable of complex voice commands that Siri and Alexa can’t perform.

The early lineup of AI-based products expected to debut in 2024 is diverse, including automobiles, a variety of robots, medical devices, and even electric bikes. The user reception of these products remains to be seen, but AI-infused gadgets are certainly set to make headlines throughout the year and beyond.

Pivotal Moment for Spatial Computing

2024 might not be the year everyone rushes to buy the latest headsets, but it will be a defining moment for how big tech envisions virtual, mixed, and augmented reality.

Apple deserves special attention here. Last year, the company unveiled a $3499 headset, hoping to revolutionize media consumption and introduce new work paradigms.

Before its launch, Apple faces two critical questions: Can it create a mixed reality headset that people will want to use? And what happens to the field of spatial computing if it fails to do so?

Apple isn’t alone in this endeavor. Last year, Samsung and Google announced a partnership to develop headsets.

Chipmaker Qualcomm is continually releasing updated XR processors, offering higher resolution and supporting more cameras for devices from Samsung, Google, and other global brands. This is in addition to numerous smaller players eager to make their mark in Las Vegas.

Elections and AI’s Influence

In the era of AI, discussions about its role in elections are becoming increasingly relevant, even if you won’t find election officials at tech venues like the Las Vegas Convention Center.

AI’s impact is notably profound in this arena. It’s involved in creating deepfakes and synthetic media, which can intensify political conflicts, disrupt electoral campaigns, and undermine the credibility of news.

According to a study from the University of Chicago’s Harris School of Public Policy and Stanford’s Graduate School of Business, the spread of AI-generated content could significantly weaken voter trust in the overall information landscape. This erosion of trust makes it difficult for voters to evaluate and trust their representatives.

Yet, AI also brings innovative communication methods between voters and political figures. For instance, the Chat2024 initiative by Delphi, a Miami-based startup, enables querying AI chatbots that represent presidential candidates, trained on their public speeches and video messages. In a practical application, Shamein Daniels, a Democratic Congressional candidate from Pennsylvania, has employed AI-driven automated calls, developed by Civox, to connect with a broad audience of potential voters.

Advancing Home-Based Medical Care

At events like CES, while AI and devices can’t substitute for professional healthcare providers, there’s a notable rise in home health tech aimed at patient self-care.

Last year, Withings grabbed attention with a urine analysis device and has now created a versatile gadget for measuring body temperature and blood oxygen levels, complete with a digital stethoscope feature.

Other innovators are introducing complex sensors, such as earbuds that do more than play audio; they can also track heart health with precision.

Projects are also focusing on specific health concerns. For example, a company in Ireland is working on a wearable sensor to monitor menopause symptoms, and a South Korean firm has developed a device purported to improve sperm mobility.

While it’s hard to gauge the real-world effectiveness of these innovations at a tech show, it’s evident that the industry is paying more attention to previously overlooked health issues.

Big Tech’s Antitrust Challenges

The influence of antitrust regulations on our interaction with major tech companies is becoming increasingly apparent.

For instance, in the legal battle between Epic Games and Google, the jury ruled that Google had monopolized its app store, Google Play. While the court’s exact countermeasures are yet to be determined, this could lead to Android users having access to a wider range of app stores in the future.

This scenario suggests that users might soon have to navigate through multiple app stores to find their desired applications.

Apple is also under scrutiny. There’s speculation that the European Commission might compel Apple to allow users to install apps from sources outside its App Store.

In a separate case, Google faces legal action from the U.S. Department of Justice and various states, accused of unlawfully limiting competition in search. The conclusive arguments in this case are expected soon.

Moreover, the Federal Trade Commission is investigating Amazon for potentially harming both sellers and buyers by restricting fair and open competition in the marketplace.

Five Key Trends for 2024

You can add 5 more main interesting topics in the abstract:

Advanced Generative AI: Beyond the well-known ChatGPT, the trend is moving towards smaller, more efficient AI models, making AI more accessible for companies without cutting-edge hardware or extensive AI knowledge.

Quantum Computing and Cybersecurity: As quantum computing evolves, it poses challenges to cybersecurity, potentially cracking complex encryption algorithms. This necessitates the development of quantum cryptography, a field where American scientists and legislators are actively working.

Semiconductor Innovations: The semiconductor industry is poised for significant advancements, including breakthroughs in 3D chip stacking, new materials science, and innovative lithography techniques to boost computing power.

Battery Technology: The focus is on making batteries safer, more efficient, and cost-effective. Sodium-ion and solid-state technologies are likely to be more widely used in 2024, leading to cheaper, more reliable batteries with longer lifespans.

Space Exploration Technologies: With plans to return to the Moon, space technology will not only advance scientific exploration but also aid in addressing Earth’s critical issues like climate risk monitoring and improving global telecommunications.