It’s no secret that technology is now everywhere. It has become part and parcel of our day-to-day lives. Not a single day in this present age goes by without the use of technology. “Smart technology” is the familiar terminology that is widely being used in everyone’s life today. Not only do we now have smartphones, Smart TVs and smartwatches, but the smart home influenced 2017 to a significant extent. Automation, AI and cloud computing were the other digital patterns that were the talk of the town last year. But now it’s 2018, and I would like to present to you the digital trends I think are most likely to dominate this year.

Artificial Intelligence

There was an increase in the adoption of AI and machine learning with data analytics. However, expect AI to rise in 2018 as well and the technology will aid a wide range of industries, including health, energy, transportation and telecom. Many startups have applied AI technology, and the AI adoption will continue to grow in 2018.

Augmented Reality

Augmented reality has been changing the way users see the world. After the launch of Pokémon Go, there was an increased demand for augmented reality entertainment worldwide. 2018 will be a great year for augmented reality thanks to the involvement of major tech giants such Apple (ARKit), Google (ARCore) and Snapchat (Lens Studio). Look for AR to flood the app market.

Cryptocurrency

Bitcoin, arguably the most popular form of cryptocurrency, as a system works without a central bank or single administrator. While Bitcoin has dominated the market and its value has soared (and recently plummeted), newer digital currencies are emerging to challenge its leadership. Expect to see alternative cryptocurrencies (e.g., Ripple, Neo, Dash) trading higher this year. According to a recent Forbes article, 2018 could see crypto gain more traction the in mainstream institutional investment market. I tend to agree.

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