Five ways technology will change things in 2022

2021 might not have shaped up quite how we had hoped – although there were glimpses of normality returning, the dreaded Miss Rona remained a spectre on the horizon, always threatening to put us back into the stasis we suffered socially and economically in 2020. But is 2022 looking any brighter?

Well, the truth is, despite the feeling we’ve been in limbo these last couple of years, of course, things have been moving forward. And one area that is especially true is technology. We take a look at what new developments will be shaping our lives in 2022. 

Artificial Intelligence everywhere

It’s a technology that we’ve had on our radar for some time now, and one endlessly envisioned, lampooned and catastrophised about in films and popular culture. But 2022 could actually be the year we see artificial intelligence put into practice on a larger scale, with an influx of products and gadgets using the technology. You’ll find it harder and harder to distinguish between chatbots and real customer service agents in apps and social media recommendations will increasingly be powered by AI. Plus, with video expected to be 80% of all internet data in 2022, with 7 billion videos watched on YouTube and 100 million videos uploaded to TikTok everyday, plus streaming services from Netflix to Amazon Prime Video to Disney+ continuing to grow, we can expect new AI tools to reach customers, such as video search, video editing and video generation.

Embracing crypto

The rise and rise of the use of cryptocurrency is set to continue in 2022. In particular, it’s expected we’ll see a greater acceptance of Bitcoin as a form of payment and more mainstream use of the cryptocurrency, with discussion on platforms such as Twitter and Reddit already making it easier and easier for newcomers to have a go at trading by accessing tips on where, what and when to invest, and an increase in the number of apps and trading platforms, such as bitcoin circuit. There’s also expected to be a further explosion of crypto applications and digital assets, such as non-fungible tokens (NFTs) but also an increase in regulatory scrutiny.

Augmented reality in shopping

It wasn’t so long ago that it seemed inconceivable that online shopping would explode as it has. And the pandemic has all but accelerated the shift from shopping in brick-and-mortar centres and high streets to having an item from click to arriving at your door in a matter of hours. Now the next big revolution in shopping is around the corner: augmented reality. Instead of just seeing an image of an item on a screen, or worn by a model, you will be able to see a realistic 3D model of a product as though you really had it in your hands, getting even closer to the full experience of shopping you may miss from browsing in a real store. You might also be able to revamp your social media feed by investing in virtual fashion, paying for luxury designer clothes or accessories to be seen in a one-off Instagram post rather than forking out for the item itself, making these revered items more accessible and limiting the impact on the environment. Or is that one step too far…?

Sustainability in tech

Have you found yourself becoming more and more aware of the complete lack of sustainability in your consumption of tech? As our devices become obsolete more quickly and easily replaceable with the latest model, the mounting graveyard of discarded electronics is rather alarming. Now, that looks set to change, with 2022 ushering in a new era of a more sustainable approach, both economically and environment, with reusing and repairing, rather than replacing, gadgets, to become more the norm, new devices to be made with longevity in mind, better materials to be used, such as low-carbon and biodegradable to ensure energy efficiency, and batteries with larger capacities to become more common. Plus, with devices being designed to have a longer lifespan, software companies will also ensure updates can continue longer. Better late than never right?

Domestic robots

While of course, the application of new technologies is most crucial in areas such as life-saving healthcare, you also can’t be blamed for getting excited at the prospect of some of the everyday household chores being taken off your hands. You may or may not already know that robotic vacuum cleaners are already available out there, but there are a whole host of even more advanced robots set to come on the market, such as general household robots, akin to supped-up Alexa’s on wheels who can help with household jobs, provide entertainment or even security. Others can help monitor elderly people living on their own or serve an educational purpose. Sign us up!

The editorial unit