7 Tech Trends to Watch Out for In 2020

With so many changes in tech, it’s hard to choose just seven trends that will emerge in 2020. The seven we chose are game-changers, some of which have appeared on similar lists in the past but which promise to evolve in the new year in exciting ways.

1. Mobile Commerce – Pay with Your Phone in More Places

Sure, shopping on your phone as you wait in line at the grocery store is fun and convenient. However, mobile-friendly wallets such as Google Wallet and Apple Pay are changing the nature of how we pay. In China, Alipay and WeChat are used to pay for most products and make life simpler for payers and payee. The QR code is back and, in 2020, you may soon be able to leave the house without cash and card. Better buy a spare phone battery.

2. 5G Network – Lightning Fast Cell Networks

5G WiFi pulls ultra-fast internet from cellular networks. As concern raise over the impact of 5G on the human body, the rollout of the long-anticipated tech continues. Increased bandwidth yield truly fast internet speeds as well as simpler setup processes. 5G networks will aid in the use of drones and driverless cars, making our cities smarter.

3. Prescriptive Analytics – Pick a Canned Decision

Prescriptive analytics have machines do the thinking for us and present us with viable options. Until now, analytics has been used to describe the present and predict the future using data mining and projection. Historical data is arranged and used to understand why changes occurred. Then, it’s used to project future events and behavior.

With prescriptive usage, the tools deliver options based on descriptive and predictive analytics. Prescriptive analytics is already being used in the health and oil and gas industry. Proscriptive functions could be more widely adopted in 2020.

4. AI as a Service

Software as a Service and AI could bring the power of AI to the public without the current high price. Some areas of AI remain stagnant (speech recognition) but AI + SaaS (AIaaS) are already used to handle intensive GPU workloads; Microsoft, Google and Amazon already offer machine-learning solutions. In the coming year, we may see AI tasks offered on subscription.

5. Mid-Market Tech Growth

The technology sector typically refers to large tech companies. However, mid-market businesses are gaining new attention. As investors learn the trick to owning and operating emerging tech companies such as online businesses, more money may free up in the mid-market sector. These include midsized content, SaaS and e-commerce businesses. Even independent Amazon business owners are collectivizing to increase their power in the market.

6. The Fall of APPs

Progressive web apps are simpler to get started on than native mobile apps. PWAs function much like a native app and don’t require a download. You simply launch them from your phone screen.

7. Bitcoin Phenomenon

Bitcoin is dominating cryptocurrency. Value prediction for 2020 range from more than double the 2019 peaks at $25,000 to $1,000,000 (that from John McAfee). Among the many digital currencies to rise and fall, Bitcoin already has 69% of the market. Is Bitcoin finally becoming the digital gold proponents predicted? Blockchain technology will further advance in asset management, healthcare, and intellectual property in 2020.

These trends in tech are just a sampling of what 2020 may have in store in the ever-advancing world of technology. Whether you’re excited about the potential for your bitcoin stash or not having to download apps anymore, there’s certainly many exciting changes to look forward to.