Last year, we witnessed many technological advancements, for example, the rise of generative AI. What to expect next? What trends will influence us in 2024, and how can we prepare?
1. AI Continues Conquering the World
We’ll see multiple options to apply AI, from programming to creative writing, from design to developing models. According to Gartner’s estimates, by 2026, generative AI will significantly alter 70% of the design and development effort for new web applications and mobile apps.
Also, we can expect the rise of competition between different AI tools. For instance, Alphabet, the owner of Google, recently released Gemini. This AI will be integrated into Google products, including the search engine. And according to Alphabet, Gemini already outperforms the current version of ChatGPT. On the other hand, OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, promises to release a much better version of its software in 2024. So, it's going to be an exciting year!
2. Cybersecurity Becomes a Necessity
Data leaks and IT infrastructure breakage are two of the biggest threats in the modern world. As Accenture states, the cost of a cybercrime incident averaged $13 million in 2021. And this number will increase in the coming years.
Not only people but also AI may be a source of cybersecurity risks. For example, in 2023, researchers proved that AI could develop polymorphic malware. Also, cybercriminals can use AI tools to write more efficient scripts for their attacks.
At the same time, companies can use AI to develop safeguard mechanisms and protect their data. So, it will be a race between risks and opportunities, and let's hope the good guys will win.
3. Get Ready For Quantum Computing
Quantum computers use quantum phenomena like superposition and entanglement, and they are much faster than regular computers; hence, they can solve more complex problems. Tech giants like Microsoft, Google, and AWS keep investing in this technology. At this point, experts say we can expect to see a real quantum computer pretty soon.
When it happens, many industries will be disrupted. For instance, much more powerful tools will appear in healthcare, finance, and logistics. Moreover, quantum computing may change the way we analyze data. As a result, various new opportunities will open for businesses and professionals.
Unfortunately, quantum computing also presents a high threat, and that's why tech companies work on developing tools to protect themselves. For example, Cisco's Executive Vice President Chief Strategy Liz Centoni says that in 2024, we'll witness the adoption of post-quantum cryptography, an approach that helps protect data from future quantum attacks.
4. Tech Going Green
Climate and environmental risks are currently as serious as cybersecurity threats. Therefore, many tech companies are doing their best to make their innovations and everyday operations not just creative and efficient, but also sustainable. For example, Apple wants to achieve 100% carbon neutrality by 2030. And Google plans to make its data centers and campuses carbon-free by 2030.
Modern technologies like AI, robots, cloud computing, blockchain, and others can help many businesses become more aware of their environmental impact and make steps toward sustainable future. That’s why investments in Green Tech are growing across the globe.
5. Super Apps to the Rescue
The concept of super applications isn't new: it's a combination of an app, a platform, and a supporting digital ecosystem. For instance, such applications can use AI and data from users' transactions and external sources. Generative AI helps these apps become even better, more personalized, and more intelligent. They can learn from interactions, improve the customer experience, and simplify developers' work. According to Gartner, by 2026, 30% of new applications will use AI to drive personalized adaptive user interfaces (today, this number is less than 5%).
So, we can expect many new apps in different categories. For example, financial apps that can automatically grant credits or insurance apps that monitor weather and other data to automatically file a claim when a threat occurs.
6. Machines Become Customers
We are used to making all the shopping decisions ourselves, and let's be frank: it's exhausting. But pretty soon, machine customers will take over many of these tasks. This trend is on the rise because of AI developments. Thanks to this technology, various devices and machines have become "smart" and gained the ability to make purchases. For example, a washing machine that orders laundry detergent when it's time for a refill is no longer a fantasy.
Sure, machine customers’ shopping decisions will have different criteria. AI isn’t emotional, so hooking it with a clever, manipulative message won't be possible. Hence, with many machine customers entering the market, companies will have to rethink their approaches to marketing and sales.
7. IoT Is Still Here
The term IoT (Internet of Things) has been very popular over the last decade, and we have even gotten tired of it. Nevertheless, the trend is still up and running. Nowadays, IoT sensors and interconnected device networks are crucial to maintaining our daily lives. Moreover, they are essential to building metaverses, creating smart machines, and even planning the cities of the future.
According to Business Insider, by 2025, there will be 65 billion IoT devices worldwide (6 times more than in 2018). And since they can be interconnected, we’ll be able to analyze huge amounts of data and make better business decisions based on it. Also, this hyperconnectivity will allow us to notice new trends much faster.
8. Software Development Drifts High-Code to Low-Code
Low-code platforms have become extremely popular, especially among startups. According to Gartner's projections, 65% of app-creating projects will use low-code development by 2024. This approach allows building applications with a minimal amount of hand-coding. Hence, it increases speed and productivity. This market is rapidly growing, and it may reach $65 billion by 2027 and $187 billion by 2030.
At the same time, low-code development presents new challenges and risks. For example, Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) that incorporate low-code functionality may experience problems when implementing custom code for specific project elements. So, to customize the code, companies will still need experienced developers.
Also, a low-code approach means having little control over the source code and, therefore, potential security issues.
2024 is here, and we can't know what it will bring us. But the better we understand what's going on around us, the better prepared for the future we'll be.
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