There’s a reason the 21st century has been dubbed the Information Age. Every year, new technology is invented to expand our research abilities and make life easier. So what does the future have in store?
In this article, we’ll list 12 of the most innovative technologies of the 21st century and what we can expect to see in the coming years.
Blockchain is already revolutionizing nearly every industry, from technology, to finances, to healthcare.
This database tracks and stores information chronologically through blocks of data that are chained together. This leads to a long history of transactions that are stored permanently in the database, making forgery and theft virtually impossible.
What makes blockchain unique from other databases is its decentralization. For example, Bitcoin’s blockchain is used in a decentralized way. Instead of a server with thousands of computers stored in a single location, Bitcoin’s computers are stored in different geographic locations and operated by separate groups of people.
A decentralized model means that every transaction made within the blockchain is irreversible. Each node in the block chain has the full transaction history recorded, so an error in one node’s data can be corrected by using data from all the other nodes.
This makes it extremely difficult for even a single user to tamper with the blockchain’s record of transactions. It also means that companies can use blockchain to transparently store a variety of information, like legal contracts, identifications, or inventory.
Often mentioned in conjunction with blockchain, cryptocurrencies utilize the decentralized model to facilitate the exchange of goods and services online.
Cryptocurrency is digitally secured by cryptography, making it nearly impossible to counterfeit or double-spend. Cryptocurrency also simplifies the process of digitally transferring funds, since it secures the transaction through public and private keys instead of through a bank or credit card company.
However, cryptocurrencies have also received a lot of criticism for their use in illegal activities. Some cryptocurrencies are valued for their privacy and anonymity, making their transactions harder to track.
3. AI Cloud Services
AI cloud computing merges the machine learning capabilities of Artificial Intelligence (AI) with cloud-based computing environments.
For now, AI cloud services have mostly been utilized by major companies to provide greater functionality to end-users.
For example, the customer relationship management platform Salesforce recently added Einstein to their cloud environment. Einstein provides insights into customer interactions, helping businesses increase customer engagement and improve future relationships.
But while AI cloud services are mostly used for businesses and corporations, that’s all expected to change.
AI is already revolutionizing the Internet of Things (IoT) with new technologies every year. And experts predict that future AI cloud technologies will include even more smart appliances, in addition to automated chatbots and virtual assistants.
As new smart devices and connected objects come into play, they’ll require a stronger connection to transmit data quickly and reliably. That’s where 5G comes in.
5G is the fifth generation mobile network. It’s designed to achieve greater speeds, increased availability, and improved efficiency.
This technology will enhance a variety of industries through faster transmissions and better-quality connections. From virtual reality to the Internet of Things, 5G is not a technology to be ignored.
5. Autonomous Vehicles
The science fiction TV shows of the past are becoming today’s future. Motorized vehicles like cars and trucks have become central to modern society, but companies are beginning to develop cars that do away with drivers entirely.
These “self-driving” cars offer different levels of automation, allowing the driver to take a backseat on certain aspects of driving and let the algorithms kick in. We’re already seeing examples of automation through cruise control and lane-centering steering. But companies like Tesla are hoping to achieve full driving automation by 2025, if not earlier.
6. Quantum Computing
Scientists have been announcing the arrival of the quantum computer for over 50 years. But in October 2019, Google announced that it had achieved quantum supremacy by performing a calculation in 3 minutes which would take much longer on a conventional supercomputer.
Quantum computers replace bits with qubits that have superimposable states. This makes them much faster and more efficient than traditional computers, but it can also lead to loss of information.
Nevertheless, quantum computers could be revolutionary in fields like medicine and blockchain.
7. Genetic Engineering
At the time of its release, the movie Gattaca was a product of science fiction that almost seemed unimaginable.
But computing power is reaching the point of being able to analyze a person’s genome and predict their chances of developing conditions like heart disease and breast cancer. This could lead to more personalized medical treatment based on a patient’s genetic history.
In addition to genetic predictions, researchers are finding new ways to enhance the human body and its genome.
One example is genetic engineering, or the ability to alter DNA sequences and modify gene functions.
Another scientific leap is the development of natural, artificial, and technological alterations, allowing humans to enhance their physical and mental performance. Bionic limbs and other physical augmentations are making it easier for those with disabilities to function in society.
Graphene is a byproduct of graphite that’s stronger than steel, thinner than paper, and conducts electricity extremely well.
Its strength and flexibility lend it to a variety of uses, like batteries, computer chips, wearable electronics, and space travel.
But it will likely be many years before graphene products are distributed widely enough to replace technologies like silicon.
9. Edge Computing
5G is certainly revolutionizing the way connected devices process data. But constantly transferring such massive amounts of information can take a lot of time.
Instead, edge computing focuses on allowing objects to process data on their own. This would be especially useful in industries like manufacturing, transportation, and healthcare, where fast decision-making is paramount.
While the Internet of Things is currently filled with stand-alone intelligent devices, the new age of edge computing will include a massive rise of collaborative intelligent objects.
Microchips are assembled from an array of molecular sensors that can analyze biological chemicals.
They’re currently used mostly within a medical context. But microchips are beginning to emerge in smart workspace technology. And some even believe that microchips will be used by consumers to perform tasks like banking.
Even smaller than microchips are nanorobots. These tiny sensors are built with very limited processing power, and they’re currently being investigated in labs around the world.
Although nanorobots are still in the early stages of testing, experts hope they’ll someday lead to an age of nanomedicine. For example, doctors could use biological machines to identify and treat cancer or to deliver prescriptions.
Nanobots could also be used to detect and measure toxic chemicals in the environment.
11. Green Tech
And while we’re on the topic of environmental science, green tech is certainly a subject worth mentioning.
At its core, green tech is the science of making the world liveable. Innovations like carbon capture, artificial photosynthesis, and energy-harvesting materials seek to make better use of the materials we have available. But many wonder if the costs and scalability associated with these ideas is plausible when they’re put into action.
One green tech innovation that’s gaining large traction is lab-made meat. This protein source offers the same taste and nutrients as traditional meat, but without all the antibiotics, growth hormones, greenhouse gas emissions, and animal suffering.
By 2030, 10% of the meat eaten in the world will be lab-grown.
12. Hydrogen Fuel Cells
A final innovation that’s close to fruition is the use of hydrogen fuel cells. Hydrogen combines with oxygen to produce electricity, releasing water as a byproduct.
The technology was discovered back in 1839, but it hasn’t been profitable enough for large-scale use until recently.
Even now, the technology is only being used to store a small amount of energy, since it’s much harder to do at a larger scale.
So it might be a few more years before hydrogen fuel cells become the norm.
The Future of Technology
While it’s still unclear exactly what these new technologies will mean for the modern age, one thing is certain: technology isn’t going away anytime soon.
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Time and experience have helped us develop best practices and workflow procedures designed to keep your focus on your business, not your technology.
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Kuna sababu ya karne ya 21 kuitwa Enzi ya Habari. Kila mwaka, teknolojia mpya hutokezwa ili kupanua uwezo wetu wa utafiti na kufanya maisha yawe rahisi. Kwa hiyo, wakati ujao utakuwaje? Katika makala hii, tutaorodhesha 12 ya teknolojia za ubunifu zaidi za karne ya 21 na kile tunaweza kutarajia kuona katika miaka ijayo. Blockchain tayari inabadilisha karibu kila sekta, kutoka teknolojia, fedha, kwa huduma za afya. Hifadhidata hii hufuatilia na kuhifadhi habari kwa utaratibu wa muda kupitia vitalu vya data ambavyo vimeunganishwa pamoja. Hii inaongoza kwa historia ndefu ya shughuli ambazo zimehifadhiwa kwa kudumu katika hifadhidata, na kufanya udanganyifu na wizi kuwa haiwezekani. Nini hufanya blockchain kipekee kutoka hifadhidata nyingine ni decentralization yake. Kwa mfano, Bitcoin's blockchain ni kutumika katika njia ya kutengwa. Badala ya seva na maelfu ya kompyuta kuhifadhiwa katika eneo moja, Bitcoin kompyuta ni kuhifadhiwa katika maeneo tofauti ya kijiografia na kuendeshwa na makundi tofauti ya watu. Mfano wa kugawanyika inamaanisha kwamba kila shughuli kufanyika ndani ya blockchain ni irreversible. Kila node katika blockchain ina historia kamili ya shughuli kumbukumbu, hivyo kosa katika node moja data inaweza kurekebishwa kwa kutumia data kutoka nodes nyingine zote. Hii inafanya kuwa vigumu sana kwa hata mtumiaji mmoja kuharibu rekodi ya shughuli za blockchain. Pia inamaanisha kwamba kampuni zinaweza kutumia blockchain kuhifadhi kwa uwazi habari mbalimbali, kama vile mikataba ya kisheria, utambulisho, au hesabu. Mara nyingi zilizotajwa pamoja na blockchain, cryptocurrencies kutumia mtindo decentralized kuwezesha kubadilishana bidhaa na huduma online. Cryptocurrency ni digitally salama na cryptography, na kufanya hivyo karibu haiwezekani kwa bandia au mara mbili-kutumia. Cryptocurrency pia kurahisisha mchakato wa digital uhamisho wa fedha, kwa kuwa ni salama shughuli kupitia funguo za umma na binafsi badala ya kupitia benki au kampuni ya kadi ya mkopo. Hata hivyo, cryptocurrency pia imepokea ukosoaji mwingi kwa matumizi yao katika shughuli haramu. Baadhi ya sarafu za sarafu zinathaminiwa kwa faragha na kutojulikana kwao, na kufanya shughuli zao kuwa ngumu kufuatilia. 3. Uwe na mtazamo wa kweli Cloud Computing ni teknolojia ya kompyuta inayounganisha uwezo wa kujifunza mashine ya akili ya bandia (AI) na mazingira ya kompyuta ya wingu. Kwa sasa, huduma za wingu za AI zimetumiwa zaidi na kampuni kubwa kutoa utendaji mkubwa kwa watumiaji wa mwisho. Kwa mfano, jukwaa la usimamizi wa uhusiano wa wateja Salesforce hivi karibuni aliongeza Einstein kwa mazingira yao ya wingu. Einstein hutoa ufahamu wa mwingiliano wa wateja, kusaidia biashara kuongeza ushiriki wa wateja na kuboresha mahusiano ya baadaye. Lakini wakati huduma za wingu za AI hutumiwa zaidi kwa biashara na mashirika, hiyo inatarajiwa kubadilika. AI tayari inabadilisha mtandao wa vitu (IoT) na teknolojia mpya kila mwaka. Wataalamu wanasema teknolojia ya AI ya baadaye itahusisha vifaa zaidi vya akili, pamoja na chatbots za kiotomatiki na wasaidizi wa kweli. Kama vifaa vipya smart na vitu kushikamana kuja katika kucheza, wao itabidi kuhitaji uhusiano nguvu ya kusafirisha data haraka na kwa uaminifu. Hapa ndipo 5G inapoingia. 5G ni kizazi cha tano cha mtandao wa simu. Ni iliyoundwa ili kufikia kasi kubwa, kuongezeka upatikanaji, na ufanisi kuboreshwa. Teknolojia hii itaboresha viwanda mbalimbali kupitia maambukizi ya haraka na uhusiano wa ubora bora. Kutoka kwa hali halisi ya virtual hadi mtandao wa vitu, 5G sio teknolojia ya kupuuzwa. 5. Uwe na mtazamo mzuri. Magari ya kujitegemea Maonyesho ya televisheni ya uwongo ya sayansi ya zamani yanakuwa siku zijazo za leo. Magari ya magari kama vile magari na malori yamekuwa muhimu kwa jamii ya kisasa, lakini makampuni yanaanza kuendeleza magari ambayo huondoa madereva kabisa. Hizi "kuendesha mwenyewe" magari kutoa ngazi tofauti za automatisering, kuruhusu dereva kuchukua kiti cha nyuma juu ya mambo fulani ya kuendesha gari na basi algorithms kick katika. Tayari tunaona mifano ya automatisering kupitia cruise kudhibiti na lane-centering uongozi. Kampuni kama Tesla zinatarajia kufikia uendeshaji wa moja kwa moja wa magari ifikapo mwaka 2025. 6. Uwe na uhakika Kwa miaka 50 hivi, wanasayansi wamekuwa wakitangaza kuwasili kwa kompyuta ya quantum. Google ilitangaza kuwa imepata ubingwa wa quantum kwa kufanya hesabu katika dakika 3 ambayo ingechukua muda mrefu zaidi kwenye kompyuta ya kawaida. Kompyuta za quantum hubadilisha bits kwa qubits ambazo zina hali zinazoweza kuingizwa juu ya nyingine. Hii hufanya iwe haraka zaidi na ufanisi zaidi kuliko kompyuta za jadi, lakini pia inaweza kusababisha kupoteza habari. Hata hivyo, kompyuta za quantum zinaweza kuwa za mapinduzi katika nyanja kama vile dawa na blockchain. 7. Uwe na mtazamo gani? "Katika kipindi cha kwanza cha filamu hiyo, ""Gattaca"" ilionekana kama filamu ya sayansi ya uwongo ambayo haingeweza kuaminika." Lakini nguvu ya kompyuta inafikia hatua ya kuweza kuchambua genome ya mtu na kutabiri nafasi zao za kuendeleza hali kama ugonjwa wa moyo na kansa ya matiti. Hilo laweza kusababisha matibabu ya kibinafsi zaidi kulingana na historia ya urithi wa mgonjwa. Mbali na kutabiri chembe za urithi, watafiti wanatafuta njia mpya za kuboresha mwili wa binadamu na chembe zake za urithi. Mfano mmoja ni uhandisi wa maumbile, au uwezo wa kubadilisha mfululizo wa DNA na kurekebisha kazi za jeni. Maendeleo mengine ya kisayansi ni maendeleo ya mabadiliko ya asili, bandia, na ya kiteknolojia, yanayowawezesha wanadamu kuboresha utendaji wao wa kimwili na kiakili. Viungo vya mwili na vifaa vingine vya kimwili vinafanya iwe rahisi kwa wale walio na ulemavu kufanya kazi katika jamii. Graphene ni bidhaa ya chini ya graphite ambayo ni imara kuliko chuma, nyembamba kuliko karatasi, na huongoza umeme vizuri sana. Nguvu na kubadilika-badilika kwake kunatumika kwa matumizi mbalimbali, kama vile betri, vipande vya kompyuta, vifaa vya elektroniki vinavyoweza kuvaliwa, na kusafiri angani. Hata hivyo, itabidi itumie miaka mingi kabla ya bidhaa za graphene kuenea kwa wingi vya kutosha kuchukua nafasi ya teknolojia kama vile silicon. 9. (a) Kwa nini? Edge Computing 5G ni njia ya kubadili njia ya vifaa vya kuunganisha data. Lakini kuhamisha habari nyingi hivyo kwa ukawaida kunaweza kuchukua wakati mwingi. Badala yake, edge computing inazingatia kuruhusu vitu kusindika data kwa wenyewe. Hii itakuwa muhimu hasa katika viwanda kama vile utengenezaji, usafiri, na huduma za afya, ambapo maamuzi ya haraka ni muhimu sana. Wakati mtandao wa vitu kwa sasa umejaa vifaa vya akili vya kujitegemea, enzi mpya ya kompyuta ya makali itajumuisha kuongezeka kwa vitu vya akili vya ushirikiano. Microchips hufanyizwa kutokana na safu ya sensorer za molekuli zinazoweza kuchanganua kemikali za kibiolojia. Wao ni sasa kutumika hasa ndani ya mazingira ya matibabu. Microchips zinaanza kuonekana katika teknolojia ya nafasi ya kazi ya akili. Na wengine hata wanaamini kwamba microchips zitatumiwa na watumiaji kufanya kazi kama vile benki. Hata ndogo kuliko michoro ndogo ni nanorobots. Sensorer hizi ndogo zimejengwa na nguvu ndogo sana ya usindikaji, na kwa sasa zinachunguzwa katika maabara duniani kote. Ingawa nanorobots bado ziko katika hatua za mapema za majaribio, wataalamu wanatumaini kwamba siku moja zitaongoza kwenye enzi ya nanomedicine. Kwa mfano, madaktari wangeweza kutumia mashine za kibiolojia kutambua na kutibu kansa au kutoa dawa. Nanobots pia zinaweza kutumiwa kugundua na kupima kemikali zenye sumu katika mazingira. 11. (a) Kwa nini? Teknolojia ya Kijani Na wakati sisi ni juu ya mada ya sayansi ya mazingira, teknolojia ya kijani ni hakika mada ya thamani ya kutaja. Kimsingi, teknolojia ya kijani ni sayansi ya kufanya ulimwengu uweze kuishi. Uvumbuzi kama vile kuhifadhi kaboni, photosynthesis bandia, na vifaa vya kuvuna nishati hutafuta kutumia vizuri zaidi vifaa tulivyo navyo. Lakini wengi wanajiuliza kama gharama na scalability kuhusishwa na mawazo haya ni ya kuaminika wakati wao ni kuweka katika hatua. Ubunifu mmoja wa teknolojia ya kijani ambayo inapata traction kubwa ni nyama iliyotengenezwa katika maabara. Chanzo hiki cha protini hutoa ladha na virutubisho sawa na nyama ya jadi, lakini bila antibiotics zote, homoni za ukuaji, uzalishaji wa gesi ya chafu, na mateso ya wanyama. Kufikia 2030, asilimia 10 ya nyama itakayotumiwa duniani itatengenezwa katika maabara. 12. (a) Kwa nini? Hydrogen Fuel Cells Ubunifu wa mwisho ambao uko karibu na kuzaa matunda ni matumizi ya hydrogen fuel cells. Hidrojeni huunganishwa na oksijeni ili kutokeza umeme, na kutokeza maji kama bidhaa ya ziada. Teknolojia hiyo iligunduliwa mnamo 1839, lakini haikuwa na faida ya kutosha kwa matumizi makubwa hadi hivi karibuni. Hata sasa, teknolojia hiyo inatumiwa tu kuhifadhi kiasi kidogo cha nishati, kwa kuwa ni vigumu sana kufanya hivyo kwa kiwango kikubwa. Kwa hiyo huenda ikawa miaka michache zaidi kabla ya chembe za mafuta za hidrojeni kuwa kawaida. Wakati bado haijulikani wazi ni nini hasa teknolojia hizi mpya zitamaanisha kwa umri wa kisasa, jambo moja ni hakika: teknolojia haitaondoka wakati wowote hivi karibuni. Hapa katika CRT, tunajivunia kutoa huduma za IT za kiwango cha biashara kwa bei zinazofanya kazi kwa biashara ndogo ndogo. Timu yetu ya wataalamu inaweza kuwa idara yako ya msaada wa IT, ikijibu masuala haraka, mara nyingi kabla hata hujui juu yao. Kufunika kila kitu kutoka kwa seva yako na miundombinu ya mtandao hadi kompyuta zako, vituo vya kazi na vifaa vya rununu, tunatoa ufumbuzi wa mwisho-kwa-mwisho kwa mahitaji yako yote ya teknolojia. Wakati na uzoefu umetusaidia kuendeleza mazoea bora na taratibu za mtiririko wa kazi zilizobuniwa ili kuweka umakini wako kwenye biashara yako, sio teknolojia yako. Blog & Media inasimamiwa IT Support Amazon Web Services