As we are in 2024, it’s clear that technology’s rapid evolution won’t be slowing down. The advances that made 2023 a standout year, like machine intelligence and blending the digital with the real world, will keep transforming our lives.
One key focus for the upcoming year will be balancing innovation with environmental responsibility. The goal isn’t just to advance technologically and minimize and even reverse environmental harm. From advancements like foldable phones to integrating AI into software and AR & VR, 2024 promises even more excitement. Here are some of the major tech trends to watch in 2024.
Summary: Key Tech Trends
- Generative AI’s Rise: Generative AI, epitomized by tools like ChatGPT, is moving beyond the realm of specialized applications to become a staple in everyday tools. Its integration into search engines and office software signals its growing importance in enhancing efficiency and productivity.
- Foldable Phones: The mobile tech arena is poised for a significant shift with the mainstream adoption of foldable phones. As prices become more accessible, these innovative devices are expected to dominate smartphone lineups, offering users both novelty and functionality.
- AR & VR: While companies like Apple are betting big on mixed-reality headsets, the mass adoption of AR and VR technologies remains a challenge. Despite advancements, factors like high costs and limited content will likely delay their integration into daily life.
- Self-Driving Cars: Self-driving cars’ trajectory is marked by optimism and hurdles. Although advancements in Level 3 driver assistance technology are promising, the widespread rollout of fully autonomous vehicles may face delays due to regulatory, technological, and public trust issues.
Generative AI Will Continue To Captivate Attention
In 2023, generative AI became a household name. Now, in 2024, will see its true value. For many, the idea of artificial intelligence might be daunting, conjuring fears of job loss or other concerns. But its benefits are becoming clearer as generative AI becomes a regular part of tools we use, like search engines and office software.
Think of it as having a super-smart assistant available all the time. When used right, it boosts our efficiency and helps us work better and faster. Here are some AI-centric techs you can expect in 2024:
AI-Powered PCs
This year, tech companies started discussing the concept of the AI PC. Essentially, these are laptops equipped with a special kind of processor called a neural processing unit, or NPU. This NPU works alongside the regular CPU and GPU to manage AI tasks.
While chipmakers had thought about adding NPUs for a while, the buzz around generative AI, especially after the debut of ChatGPT, pushed the idea forward. This buzz made companies see AI as something that doesn’t just rely on cloud computing.
The future success of these AI PCs depends greatly on having great apps that users will love. Big names like Intel, AMD, Qualcomm, and Nvidia are gearing up for what looks like a major showdown in 2024. They’ve all revealed their plans, but the real game-changer will be how well they put them into action.
AI Smartphones
Google recently introduced a new advanced language model named Gemini. This model understands language, has visual and auditory capabilities, and improves learning skills. What’s interesting is Google has designed a version to work right inside their Pixel 8 Pro phones. Instead of relying on cloud servers, this model runs on a specialized chip within the device. This move sets Google on a promising path for 2024.
On another front, Apple is gearing up to roll out similar AI features. They’re expected to unveil these in the spring and launch them for iPhones by the fall. Apple’s CEO, Tim Cook, highlighted how they already use AI in features like Live Voicemail and fall detection. He also hinted at Apple’s efforts to enhance Siri using their generative AI technology.
Foldable Phones – The Next Big Trend In Mobile Tech
As we roll into 2024, foldable phones are gearing up to become the new normal. With prices expected to become more affordable soon, more people are likely to hop on the foldable phone bandwagon. In 2022, only a few brands dipped their toes into the foldable phone pool. Fast forward to 2023, and these unique devices started making up a bigger chunk of smartphone lineups. In 2024, nearly every brand is expected to offer a foldable option, and the early adopters are looking to grab a bigger slice of the market pie.
But the innovation doesn’t stop there. Rollable screens teased us in some concept phones, hinting at what’s to come. Motorola might steal the spotlight with its upcoming ‘bendable phone.’ It features a plastic OLED screen known as FHD+pOLED, which will come in a 6.9-inch display that can flex into a U shape and even double as a smartwatch.
AR And VR At The Front Of Tech
In the middle of the year, Apple revealed its much-anticipated mixed-reality headset, the Vision Pro, set to launch in 2024. CEO Tim Cook talked about a shift into “spatial computing,” merging our real world with digital data. Priced at $3,499, the Vision Pro is packed with cutting-edge tech, benefiting from Apple’s years of research in various fields like sensors and displays.
However, it’s worth noting that virtual reality headsets, including those from Meta, have been around for a while. Even with Meta’s CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, betting on mixed reality, these gadgets haven’t taken off with the masses. Recent sales figures for such devices have been lukewarm at best.
So, while there’s excitement around Apple’s upcoming release and Meta’s new Quest 3, challenges like steep pricing, limited content, and complexity mean it might be a while before mixed reality becomes a part of our daily lives.
Self-Driving Cars Will Boost Again In 2024?
The world of self-driving cars often swings between extreme pessimism and optimism. Elon Musk of Tesla frequently predicts rapid advancements, which don’t always pan out. Meanwhile, Cruise, a self-driving taxi company, faced setbacks, including losing its license in California and public trust after mishandling an accident.
Some critics say the whole idea of driverless cars has been a flop. Even Cruise’s new leader, Mo Elshenawy, acknowledges they’re going through a tough phase with less funding. But stepping back, it’s clear the reality of self-driving cars is more nuanced as we head into 2024.
Looking at the passenger cars segment, a noteworthy advancement, pending regulatory approval, is the broader availability of Level 3 driver assistance technology packages. Mercedes has already introduced this on specific models in Germany, California, and Nevada. Level 3, per the Society of Automotive Engineers, enables highly automated “hands-off, eyes-off” driving, with other automakers like BMW and Polestar gearing up to offer it.
Major players such as BMW, Ford, Honda, Mercedes, Toyota, and Tesla are actively working on advanced driver assistance technologies, a precursor to fully self-driving vehicles.
However, there’s a growing acknowledgment that the timeline for the widespread rollout of fully autonomous vehicles might be more extended than initially anticipated. Predictions claiming imminent arrival are becoming less common.
A pivotal development in the autonomous truck sector could be a substantial increase in driverless, heavy-duty, long-haul vehicle testing. Kodiak, for instance, has outlined plans for driverless trials in 2024.
Conclusion
In 2024, technology continues relentlessly, blending innovation with environmental responsibility. Generative AI, like AI-powered PCs, takes center stage, promising efficiency gains. Foldable phones and advancements in AR and VR hint at a seamless digital-real world integration. While self-driving cars show promise, challenges remain, underscoring that true autonomy may be further down the road. As we navigate these trends, it’s evident that the tech landscape is vibrant and promising, yet still evolving.
