After living through ‘the year that wasn’t’, 2021 has to be the year of great things. Even if COVID-19 is still ravaging the world we have a handle on it now and, thanks to science and technology, we will get the better of it! As it turns out, nothing can stop the advancement of technology with technology revolutions making their way into the spotlight this year. Here are just 7 of them that should get your attention.
1. messenger RNA vaccines
With all the talk of COVID-19 vaccines, this one is of particular interest. Messenger RNA (mRNA) has been in the pipeline for 20 years already. Several biotech companies turned to their research on mRNA to create potential vaccines at a time when the pandemic was in full swing.
mRNA is like software for cells and can be modified relatively quickly. When injected into the human body Messenger RNA delivers a set of instructions to the cells, telling them to make the proteins required and send them to the body parts that need them. Pfizer and Moderna use mRNA technology in their vaccines and this new therapeutic looks promising for gene fixes to sickle-cell disease and even to help the body in the fight against cancer.
2. digital contact tracing
Digital contract tracing is an important technology to cast into the spotlight. Ideal for managing the vaccine rollout, contact tracing shows us just how much of our personal data can be collected and shared by using our mobile device.
Digital contact tracing makes it possible for mobile apps and GPS to let people know when they have crossed paths. The apps are designed with total security in mind, so you know someone has been in the same space as you, but you will never know who that person is.
While many people, especially in South Africa, are hesitant to use the apps associated with digital contact tracing for COVID-19, it’s certainly a technology that will impact other areas of the tech world.
3. data trusts
Tech companies have been steadily losing the public’s trust as more and more people find their data being sold on the dark web, shared, and exposed. In the search to overcome privacy and security threats, governments are beginning to explore data trusts which offer an alternative approach to the problem.
Data trusts act as a legal entity, collecting and managing people’s personal data for them. Privacy and security will be the primary focus of data trusts.
4. improved algorithms
To understand this one you’ll have to break down and take a look at TikTok!
With an app that has been downloaded billions of times and hundreds of millions of users, TikTok clearly has an indisputable appeal. The app has changed the way users see content and the way people become famous!
Gone are the days where people are seeing irrelevant content. With enhanced algorithms such as those that power TikTok’, people have an improved online experience. It’s excellent for new creators, too, as they have just as much chance of getting into the public eye as famous people do. Thanks, Tik Tok!
5. AI threat detection systems
Artificial Intelligence is no longer just being used for customer service queries. Tech gurus have been teaching AI to detect data breaches and hacking attempts while they are in action. The AI then sends a warning to the correct team leaders so that action can be taken!
6. GPT3
This language model technology revolution can seem a little scary as it shows us just how quick we are to assume we are talking to someone else when we aren’t. In the case of GPT3, it’s that we are communicating with AI.
The AI has been taught to better understand the world around it and how to interact with it. Training is given to GPT3, at a huge cost and leaving a large carbon footprint, through thousands of textbooks on the internet. GPT3 can mimic human writing and information, but at this stage, it doesn’t understand what it is writing, so some of the information can come out garbled with misinformation and prejudice.
7. hyper-accurate positioning
In some way or another, we all use GPS daily. Most of us acknowledge that the current accuracy of GPS apps is typically within 5 to 10 meters of the actual position. Now, hyper-accurate positioning makes it possible to pinpoint your position within a few cms or even millimetres.
Hyper-accurate positioning won’t just help you get to the exact spot your friend is waiting or the location of your next appointment. The technology will be the future of accurate robot deliveries, landslide warnings and help self-drive cars avoid minor accidents along their way. With four new GPS III satellites due to be launched in November 2021 and more in orbit by 2023, GPS it on a continuous upgrade for accuracy.
don’t let technology revolutions get the better of you
As a small to medium-sized business owner, you may feel you are too busy to keep on top of all the latest tech trends. However, keeping up with technology can help you stay on top of any new cyber threats that your business could face and exactly what cybercriminals are up to too. Take the time to familiarise yourself with tech trends, and your business will be a great deal safer going forward.