2017 wrapup & 2018 predictions

We’re now a couple of weeks into the new year and it’s an exciting time for several key Internet technologies. Blockchain and cryptocurrency are enjoying an almost Dot Com level of hype right now, while Artificial Intelligence and Augmented Reality continue to impress. I covered all of this and more in my annual technology wrapup post for 2017.

Following on from that, Stuff published my predictions for 2018. In summary, here’s what I expect for this year:

1. There will be continued growth in Bitcoin and the leading “altcoins” like Ether, Bitcoin Cash and Ripple. However there may be significant regulatory hurdles to overcome, so it could be a bumpy ride.
2. Blockchain will continue to build out its infrastructure (while it’s Dot Com for cryptocurrencies, in reality it’s the mid-90s for the underlying technology).
3. Facebook’s PR will continue to flatline. Interestingly, after I made that prediction Mark Zuckerberg wrote about de-emphasizing news on the platform. Personally I don’t see Facebook relinquishing its stranglehold over how news is disseminated in society, but I’d like to be proven wrong on that.
4. We’ll finally get a killer app for AR in 2018. Maybe hope springs eternal, but I’d love to see an AR app with real utility – not just a game like Pokemon Go.
5. Virtual assistants will start to inhabit your TV and other household items this year. Based on early CES news, that’s already starting to happen.

So check out my 2017 summary and my 2018 predictions for technology. Stay tuned also for a new development from yours truly. I’m cooking up something new for 2018 🙂