Year 2013 turned out to be great for tech freaks. Ranging from social media sites to Google Plus and Pinterest to products like Google Glass and smart watches, every now and then there was something new to talk about.
This year won’t be very different from the previous one and there will be many key technology trends to watch out for. But, not all of them can be in the limelight. Research specialists like Forrester and Gartner have already given their predictions on the same. Looking at the most believable tech predictions, we bring you the top five technology trends that are likely to dominate 2014.
#1 BYOD and Mobile Device Diversity Management
According to Gartner, mobile device diversity management will remain an important strategic tech trend in 2014. With increasing variations in mobile devices and user contexts, it will become difficult for companies with BYOD policy to manage, control and operate so many platforms with few software apps. Further, BYOD will also place a huge strain on finance and IT organizations. So, solutions that address these issues will generate great interest.
There is no doubt that this policy requires a thorough review of apps, along with proper updates and extensions. In 2014, it will be interesting to see what enterprises supporting byod management to maintain balance between confidentiality and flexibility.
#2 More Networking Sites like Pinterest
Pinterest may not be leading the stats in the social networking world, but it is definitely the first of its kind. âPinningâ images online became one of the most interesting tasks in 2013 for social networks. In 2014, the spotlight will hover over the web world to see how many more sites like Pinterest show up. It will also be interesting to see if any such site can beat Pinterest and can come neck-to-neck with networking giants like Facebook and Twitter.
#3 Cloud and Mobile
Both Gartner and Forrester say that collaboration of cloud technology with mobile devices will be another focus of the tech world in 2014. Though several companies have managed to merge and keep cloud and mobile technologies in place, other limitations of cloud technology like speed and cost continue to be stumbling blocks. In 2014, it will certainly undergo changes along with few re-designs. Moreover, it will be a challenge for tech gurus to overcome the limitations while integrating cloud computing to mobile devices.
#4 Smartwatch
According to a BGR article, a research of Canalys has predicted that by the end of 2014, more than 5 million units of smart watches will be shipped. Rumors of smart watches have flown around since mid 2013. Google, Apple, Microsoft and Qualcomm – all the tech giants are busy developing smart watches with their own signature features.
Google has been lucky to be in the limelight with its geeky glassware in 2013 but, 2014 is definitely going to be the year of smartwatches. But only time can say whether these wearable tech candies will be able to surpass Glass’ popularity or not.
#5 3D Printing
Gartner predicts that shipments of 3D printers will grow by almost 75 percent in 2014. There is nothing surprising in this growing number of unitsâ shipments. In 2013, news of 3D printing was heard every now and then – eBay’s debut on 3D printing app for iPhone, 3D printed bionic ear by scientists and 3D printed rocket parts by NASA. The above mentioned examples have actually made organizations aware that 3D printing is not a passing fad. It is very much viable and real.
Further, 2014 will mark the end of key patents for 3D printers that are preventing big names like HP and Samsung to jump on this bandwagon. 3D printing will undergo major development and modifications in 2014, which is why it will stay among the top five tech trends in the upcoming year.
Technology is not new and neither is it constant. Hence, nothing can be foretold with utmost surety. The above mentioned predictions are certainly going to be the talk of the tech world in 2014, but only time will tell what prevails and what perishes.
This Guest Post contributed by Nilesh Talaviya, works at Cygnet Infotech, a leading iPhone application development company based in India. Are you planning to develop an enterprise mobile app and want expert developers? Contact at [email protected] with your ideas.
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Michael Levanduski
February 13, 2014 at 9:34 pm
I can’t wait to get one of those smart watches. They just make sense. Great post, thanks for sharing your thoughts. I couldn’t agree more about Cloud memory and such.The time of thumb drives and burning CDs should be over soon.
Anchit Shethia
February 14, 2014 at 1:07 pm
Wearable tech is one trend that is going to rule the 2014 year. With iWatch, Sony smartwatch, galaxy gear and lot more coming up.
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Kam Low
March 13, 2014 at 7:49 am
Thanks for the info – always looking new ways to stay a step ahead of the pack 🙂