The technology world rarely stays still for long, and with a flurry of new innovations transforming the way we live, work and play seemingly by the month, sometimes, it can feel hard to keep up with the latest developments. Over the past two years, the pandemic has sparked dramatic growth in the digital space as we’ve had to find new ways to do the things we always have done with minimal contact – and although life has returned largely to normal at this point, the impact on our way of life is long-lasting, with many of the changes we’ve seen so far thrusting us well and truly into the digital age.
From augmented reality to online gaming, cast your mind back to just a decade ago, and it’s remarkable to think how far we’ve come in just a few short years. And, as we head full throttle into the middle of 2022, things are about to get even more interesting.
These are the biggest tech trends to have on your radar for the rest of this year and beyond.
The growth of online casinos
After a period in which land-based casinos across the globe have been forced to close their doors for extended periods of time, it’s perhaps unsurprising that the world’s biggest high-rollers have been forced to find their roulette and poker fixes elsewhere. The huge spike in demand for remote, online gaming has seen some dramatic improvements across the board when it comes to the standard of casino apps and websites and the services they offer – and now that bricks-and-mortar establishments are accessible to the public once again, they have a fight on their hands to bring back the loyal customers who have found remote play more convenient.
The best platforms have come a long way since arcade gaming slots were the only thing they had to offer. The introduction of live dealers at many online casinos has seen some of the leading providers report countless new sign-ups, giving them the chance to experience real-life play, in real time, from the comfort of their sofa, sun lounger and just about anywhere else you can think of. And artificial intelligence has dramatically uplevelled customer service and responsiveness. Still, there’s nothing quite like a night at a land-based casino, and the chance to rub shoulders with the rich and famous and soak up the olde world glamour they invariably tend to offer is unlikely to be passed up by many casino lovers entirely.
New applications of artificial intelligence
Now that we mention artificial intelligence, it isn’t just online casino players who are benefitting from this exciting advancement. While many still assume that AI application by brands and businesses is largely limited to annoying bots who stand in between you and the real life individuals who can help with your queries, the truth is far more sophisticated – and most of us are likely already reaping the benefits without even realising it.
A major driving force behind digital transformation, AI has facilitated the widespread introduction of automation, which has, in turn, made for more efficient customer service and a vastly improved overall customer experience when shopping online. And when your favourite streaming services and music apps make recommendations you love? You have artificial intelligence to thank for that, too. By analysing your daily habits and logging your preferences, they can make tailored suggestions you’re certain to enjoy – something that a human workforce simply wouldn’t have the time or the capacity to execute.
The development of the ‘Metaverse’
Virtual reality isn’t a new concept, but the ways in which it’s being applied are ever-changing. Not only that, but it’s becoming far more sophisticated than it was in the early days – so if you wrote it off back then as little more than a passing fad, then it might be time to reconsider.
Today, virtual reality gaming offers a truly immersive experience that is worlds apart from anything you’ve experienced before – and this burgeoning tech trend has more recently gone on to pave the way for something even more exciting.
The ‘Metaverse’, a project being spearheaded by Facebook owner Mark Zuckerberg, is a network of 3D virtual worlds focused on social connection, and while we can expect it to take up to then years to be brought to fruition, it’s already creating one of the biggest stirs in decades in the tech world.
Its purpose will be to allow people to connect through a shared virtual universe from anywhere in the world – whether for work, self-improvement, or simply entertainment. Expected to push the boundaries of modern technology and breach the borders of reality and distance, we can expect to see the project gathering momentum over the coming years, and the results could well be astounding.
