Technology has been around for millions of years. Yet, at the rate that modern consumers use it, advancements, trends, and other innovations are being introduced rapidly to revolutionise our lives further. From social media platforms, smartphones, the internet, electric cars etc., technology has changed how we live, communicate, learn, entertain, and work.
Sitting at a milestone network of £764bn, modern consumers constantly rely on the technology sector to bring out newer, exciting, innovative inventions, whether the new generation of Xbox or PS4 consoles or the latest Apple iPhone. Fortunately, the UK’s technology industry is incredibly fast-moving, and it seems like recent technological trends are being released daily.
Whether it’s an alternative currency like Bitcoin, Ethereum, or Litecoin sweeping the e-commerce world, VR/AR revolutionising how we use screens, or electric and hybrid motors changing the way we make car journeys – there have been many technological trends within the last year. So, as we approach 2023, we’ve created this article outlining several to keep your eye on in the new year below:
Virtual Reality (VR) And Augmented Reality (AR)
The gaming industry is undoubtedly one of the biggest sub-genres in the technological sphere. With roughly 44.54 million gamers in the UK, per statistics from 2021, it’s only sensical that the gaming sector has been subject to some significant trends over the year.
Gamers thought they hit the technological jackpot with cloud gaming expansion, cross-platform accessibility, and the tons of remakes, reboots, and indie bursts released/announced until along came virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR).
The way we use screens has been radically changed thanks to VR and AR. Now, firing up Doom Eternal on the PS4 after a long day of work will always be different; instead, with the addition of a VR headset, you physically become Doomguy and rip and tear your way through hordes of virtually realised demons.
On the other hand, AR combines real-world and computer-generated content through a smart device or clear visor. This is exemplified through Microsoft’s HoloLens headset, designed to help people solve real-life business problems through apps, etc. As a result, VR and AR have become a trend for both pleasure and business, and we’re excited to see where it goes in 2023.
Electric And Hybrid Vehicles
In today’s world, we are more aware of the environmental challenges that our daily lives inflict upon our planet, and as a result, we are actively trying to combat them. One of the most significant environmental issues is the consumption of fossil fuels, which cars are one of the biggest culprits for.
However, with the invention of electric and hybrid cars, many UK drivers are making a difference to the planet (and looking good while doing so!). Although electric vehicles have been trending for a while, they’ve gained much popularity over the year thanks to more people realising their benefits and well-known car developers jumping onto the trend.
Yet, a select few UK drivers are reluctant to switch from traditional gasoline-powered vehicles to electric ones. If this sounds familiar, why not consider leasing an electric car over a short term, as you don’t have a lifetime commitment and can change it once your lease is up?
Consider learning more about charging times from LV Electrix and everything else electric motors. Their website contains helpful resources and how-to guides suitable for electric car veterans to beginners, from advice about finding an excellent lease to the ins and outs of electric motors. Keep an eye on their site going into the New Year for all things electric car-related, or contact them directly for specific inquiries.
Alternative Digital Currencies
If you are the owner of a Twitter account, the chances are that you’ve seen cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Dogecoin, Litecoin, and many more trending. Cryptocurrency is becoming a widespread payment method globally, with many stores, like Starbucks, Whole Foods, and Tesla, accepting the digital currency. Plus, many more that may surprise you!
Since it is an entirely self-contained form of currency, users do not need to use a bank to store it or make transactions, which is perfect for buyers that wish to remain anonymous. Using the cloud, your smartphone, or other digital devices, you can quickly transfer cryptocurrencies anywhere in the world, with no limit placed upon the amount like traditional banks.
With multi-millionaires like Elon Musk, the owner of Twitter and Tesla, constantly voicing his opinions on the digital currency, it was only a matter of time before the trend hit off. As a result of its popularity, we are now seeing more stores accepting it, the introduction of crypto bankcards and much more. With digital currencies already making waves, it will be interesting to see how far they could go in 2023, making it a trend to keep an eye on in the New Year.