2020 Tech Trend Forecast
As we begin a new decade, Ambir is looking forward to the future and what’s in store for 2020 and beyond. Technology is rapidly changing, and now more than ever, we are able to benefit from new discoveries that make our lives better. But, with new technological advances every day, it can be hard to keep track of everything that is happening.
Following the 2020 Consumer Electronics Show, the internet has been buzzing about the latest innovations that might make a big impact this year. Here are our top three picks of the most promising tech trends to watch out for.
5G
What exactly is 5G? 5G is the next generation of wireless technology. It is expected to be smarter and more efficient than 4G and almost 100 times faster. This is notable because many new smart technology products will rely on 5G to work quickly and effectively. While 5G was launched in 2019, it was fairly expensive and not available in many locations outside of major cities. Major network providers like Verizon and AT&T have already begun implementing 5G. In 2020, we expect to see more affordable 5G plans and more widespread coverage for increased accessibility. Besides a quicker connection on your smart phone, 5G technology will impact user experience with drones, laptops and gaming routers.
Wearables in Healthcare
These days there is an app for everything. Wearables in healthcare enable people to more closely monitor their health on a day to day basis. We know watches on the market can track your steps, texts and calls, but in 2020 we will start to see them do much more and become increasingly sought after by consumers looking to become more health conscious. New watches and even earbuds will report your heart rate, blood oxygen levels, blood pressure and provide you with an analysis of your sleeping habits. Other devices promise to track your caloric intake as well as stress levels. This information can not only provide some peace of mind, but also alert you if you need to get something checked out by a doctor. These tools can help doctors as well. As many practices move to value-based care, this is a good way for patients to stay informed of their health without having to go into the doctor’s office for unnecessary additional checkups. With a focus on value-based healthcare, technology (like scanners that fit on mobile carts) that integrates with EMR and EMH systems will be absolutely crucial.
Environmental Food Tech
When you think of technology, does meat ever come to mind? Impossible Foods certainly thinks so. Exhibiting CES for their second year, food tech is now being accepted as a necessary mainstay in the industry. According to CNET “Since 14.5% of greenhouse gas emissions come from livestock, making meat substitutes out of plants could have a massive impact on the environment, as well as help us feed more people more sustainably as the global population grows toward 9 billion by 2050.” Not only does Impossible Pork look and taste like real meat, but bacon and sausage versions are rumored to be in the works as well. Consumers have hopped on the trend of plant-based food alternatives as other meatless brands have become more mainstream. With a changing climate, companies are looking to be proactive in reducing carbon footprint and making sustainable solutions to aid in our planet’s longevity. White Castle, Burger King, Del Taco, and Dunkin’, just to name a few, are chains that have quickly adopted these plant-based alternatives on their menus.
Of course, this is just a glimpse into a few of the many technological advances we are expecting in the near future. What trends are you looking forward to seeing develop in 2020?