There is a reason this century has been dubbed the “Information Age”. Every year, new technology is invented to expand our research abilities and make life easier
1. Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the simulation of human intelligence processes by machines, especially computer systems. Specific applications of AI, include expert systems, natural language processing, speech recognition and machine vision. AI requires a foundation of specialised hardware and software for writing and training machine learning algorithms. AI is simply a component of technology, such as machine learning.
2. GPS Navigation
The GPS (Global Positioning System) is a tool that provides users of the application of systems, such as navigation and timing plus placement. This system consists of three segments: the space segment, the control segment, and the user segment.
The GPS itself isn’t a 21st century invention, but until the year 2000, it was controlled by the US military and not publicly available. Many of us can’t go anywhere without it, and it’s opening up parts of the world that were extremely difficult to explore before.
3. Streaming services
A stream is best described as an online entertainment provider (music and movies, among others) that delivers content via internet connection to the subscribers’ gadgets, such as computers, tablets and mobile phones.
With increasing bandwidth on the internet and its takeover of technology, the ability to stream audio and video has changed the way we consume media. Today, we have hundreds of streaming giants earning big money and entertaining mostly the youth via platforms such as YouTube, Apple and Netflix.
4. E-Readers
An ebook reader or e-reader is an electronic device that looks similar to a tablet although the display does not require back illumination. Some of its features, include adjustable text size. It’s built-in WiFi or, in some cases, 4G and 5G connections.
Battery life of at least a month on most models if WiFi is turned off. The portable library that stores books changed how Gen Z and Millenials particularly read. With electronic paper rather than LED screens, even the eyes are safe. It is a game changer that is completely revolutionising the publishing industry.
5. Cryptocurrency
This is the in-trading system for most people who do not want to transact in cash. Crypto is a digital currency designed to work as a medium of exchange through a computer network that is not reliant on any central authority, such as a government or bank, to uphold or maintain it. At times, its authenticity is questioned, but its overall impact cannot be denied.
Marketed as a decentralised alternative to government-issued fiat currency that puts the power in the hands of the holder, crypto’s widespread adoption continues to shake up the financial industry.
6. Augmented Reality
This is an interactive experience that combines the real world and computer-generated content. It can also be described as a technology that superimposes a computer-generated image on a user’s view of the real world, thus providing a composite view.
Digital graphics are overlaid onto live footage to convey information in real time, and has been around for a while. Only recently, however, following the arrival of more powerful computing hardware that the concept has really taken off. The technology is being adopted as a tool in manufacturing, health care, travel, fashion, and education.
7. Blockchain
Blockchain technology is an advanced database mechanism that allows transparent information sharing within a business network. A blockchain database stores data in blocks that are linked together in a chain. It is an incorruptible way to record transactions between parties — a shared digital ledger that parties can only add to and that is transparent to all members of a peer-to-peer network where the blockchain is logged and stored.
The technology was first deployed in 2008 to create Bitcoin, the first decentralised cryptocurrency, but it has since been adopted by the financial sector and other industries for myriad uses, including money transfers, supply chain monitoring, and food safety.
8. Mobile operating systems
A mobile operating system (OS) is software that allows smartphones, tablets and other devices to run applications and programmes. Mobile operating systems for smartphones and other portable gadgets have enabled the proliferation of smartphones and other mobile gadgets.
Mobile operating systems have become the most consumer-facing of computer operating systems. The product installed in some gadgets also has exciting interfaces with endless app options.
9. Tokenisation
The chip is embedded in a credit or debit card to make a payment by tapping rather than swiping. This is enabled by enhanced security features of tokenisation.
This data security technology replaces sensitive data with an equivalent randomised number known as a token that is used only once per transaction and has no value to would-be hackers and identity thieves attempting to intercept transaction data as it travels from sender to recipient. Tokenisation is also being touted as a way to prevent hackers from interfering with driverless cars.
10. 3D printing
3D printing or additive manufacturing is a process of making three-dimensional solid objects from a digital file. The creation of a 3D printed object is achieved using additive processes. In an additive process an object is created by laying down successive layers of material until the object is created. Each of these layers can be seen as a thinly sliced cross-section of the object.
The earliest application of the layering method used by today’s 3D printers took place in the manufacture of topographical maps in the late 19th century, and 3D printing as we know it began in 1980. The convergence of cheaper manufacturing methods and open-source software, however, has led to a revolution of 3D printing in recent years.
Today, the technology is being used in the production of everything, from low-cost car parts to bridges.
