Tech Trends for 2017

Over the past few years, technology has evolved to a point where it has infiltrated almost every aspect of our lives. Walking down the street, you might spot someone who is wearing a wrist monitor that is measuring their heart rate and number of steps. The same person could be typing away on their tablet or smartphone, playing the latest online casino game or simply chatting to someone halfway across the world.

When it comes to technology, there has always been something big on the horizon. So what will 2017 have in store for us? JackpotCity takes a look at the predicted top tech trends for the forthcoming year.

VR and AR

In 2016, augmented reality and virtual reality technology saw some major changes to the way we view and interact with our world. After the release of the Oculus Rift, thousands of VR apps soon followed, causing a massive release of similar Virtual Reality devices. 2016 also saw the release of the Pokémon Go augmented reality game.

With over 100 million downloads, it was clear that the market was ready for AR. In 2017, we expect to see an increase in VR and AR apps, games and technology. From virtual supermarkets to fully interactive virtual casinos, expect to see VR and AR in just about every market.

Smart Homes

For a few years now, we have been hearing about the impending arrival of smart homes and the interconnectedness of home technology. As yet, this type of smart technology has been limited to individual appliances and applications within the home. We haven’t yet got to the stage where we can link our entire house to smart network.

So what is the holdup? The main problem is the failure of big companies to collaborate on a single, unified technology for the home. In 2017, this could all change. With some of the world’s leading tech companies coming together for the first time, commercially available smart home technology could be making its way into every home in the near future.

Life On Demand

In 2015 and 2016, mobile technology grew exponentially resulting in a number of on-demand apps and business taking off. With start-ups like Uber leading the way, companies were able to give people, on demand access to just about anything. From car rides to food deliveries, accommodation and entertainment, people have gotten used to getting what they need from an app on their phone.

In 2017, we expect to see a vast increase in the number of on-demand apps and businesses. With such a big market to explore, we could be seeing some weird and wonderful on-demand apps heading our way including dog-walking apps, house cleaning, personal trainers, entertainment and more.

Integration of the Physical and Digital

As technology evolves, the integration between the physical and the digital becomes more pronounced. We already live in a world where we can order online and pick up in store and vice versa. In 2017, we expect to see a much stronger integration of the physical world with the digital. This will mostly be felt with consumer stores and online shopping. Since much of our lives are spent in a digital environment, shopping at the local supermarket could mean picking up, digital music, movies and smart purchases along with your milk and tomatoes.

Wearable Technology

While it has certainly made a splash, wearable technology is still seen as somewhat of a gimmick with an expensive price tag. In 2017 smartwatches and other wearable smart devices will become more commercially available with more integrated and useable functions.

Already people are able to play real money online casino games, check their messages and order a pizza on their smartwatch. As with smartphones and tablets, wearable technology is only going to improve and the number of apps available will increase exponentially.