Can technology keep up with us?

Every year we experience incredible innovation in virtually every field. With artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and wearables that can track our health, we're at the new frontier. But, is technology moving fast enough? Can it keep up with us?

• In an effort to be more inclusive, Apple announced their all-new emoji which include those with disabilities. The new set features an ear with a hearing aid, wheelchair users, and even service dogs.
• Technology is also making our cities more inclusive of innovation. New Zealand is actually implementing an IoT network to make everything about their cities smarter than ever.

When drones took over the skies at CES 2018, it was clear that technology is taking big steps towards progress. It’s as if we are in a fifth dimension where technology is the driving force towards a better tomorrow. Sometimes, you don’t get to realize how fast technology is advancing in the moment. The technology of yesteryear was slow moving, with steady yet gradual innovation. Now, we’re moving at light speed. Just last year the world was having a tough time accepting Sophia as a legal citizen. And now today there are six life-like robots trying to make the whole world of AI even more synthetic. From the way we eat to the way we move, technology is making our lives easier every day. Now, a bigger question remains. Can technology keep up with us and our demands?

BINA48 / Image source: Hanson Robotics

How has AI changed our lives?

While artificial intelligence (AI) might sound like some weird form of technology that learns about you, it’s actually more about working for you. It’s designed to deliver a more curated experience. Whether it’s about having a robot that learns your daily habits and responds like a personal butler or a smart device that helps you drive like a pro, AI is transforming our lives in a whole new and incredible way. If you’re wondering if we’re ready for AI to get inside our brains, we might need a little more time to warm up to the idea.

How does the IoT make life easier?

Yes, it already has. Take the smart home gadgets for example. We see gadgets like a robot that sweeps your floors to one that does your laundry and even one that monitors your home around the clock. It’s clear that these nifty devices have been sitting in different corners of the house and making your lives easier than ever. These devices can work together to fulfill every task you desire. But, now they are taking a step forward into the workplace to create smart factories. Imagine machines being able to communicate with each other in order to increase efficiency. They would function similarly to human colleagues but they could work through lunch breaks and even around the clock.

How augmented reality changes the way we shop

When e-commerce came into the limelight decades ago, it seemed like shopping couldn’t get any better. You were able to purchase products right from home without even going into a store. Fast forward to the current trends, and you get to explore products in 3D with augmented reality. For example, you can see whether a sofa really blends well with your home decor, all in real time. Augmented reality has truly revolutionized the way we shop by combining the physical and digital worlds in a completely new way.

Did You Know: The Gadget Flow iOS app supports AR and VR for better product exploration.

What’s the future of transportation?

Thanks to Elon Musk, we no longer confine the idea of transportation to the boundaries of Earth. In fact, it has been predicted that humans will be on Mars within 20 years. Just take a look at Hyperloop. Although it took five years for the first whitepaper from Elon Musk to reveal a realistic concept, the 500-meter tube with trains running at 240mph is very close to a reality. We’re unsure about hypothetical space trains but traveling from New York to Tokyo without stopping is certainly a feat.

Hyperloop transportation concept

Can technology keep us healthy?

Absolutely. Consider the numerous smart devices backed by studies being released every day as examples. There are smart air purifiers and heart monitors as well as brainwave sensors taking our healthcare to a new level. What was previously bound to labs and hospitals can now be inside your home or even on your wrist. And with AI being the new face of technology, healthcare is only going to get even better.

Can technology be green?

Technology is attempting to tackle one of the biggest issues on our planet: waste. We’re seeing smart tech devices at plants to help sort tons and tons of trash. Likewise, big brands are also working on a smaller level. Nissan is recycling batteries to help light up our streets. Meanwhile, Dell is looking to reuse computer parts to produce an impressive jewelry line.

Nissan reborn light

Which are some of the latest breakthroughs in technology?

Here are some of our favorites in technology so far this year:

Fortigis Cybersecurity AI VPN Router
Offering security and privacy, this incredible router actually uses self-learning AI to keep your connection safe. With hackers smart enough to access everything from your smartphone to your gaming console to your smart thermostat, Fortigis offers a seamless level of protection unlike any other.

Qarnot QC-1 Noiseless Crypto Heater
The QC-1 gets heat from the two graphics cards in the device as well as blockchain transactions or mining cryptocurrencies. Featuring a high-end design, the QC-1 crypto heater is completely noiseless. Likewise, it doesn’t have any mobile parts such as a hard drive or fan.

BUDDY – Your Family’s Companion Robot
Acting as your calendar and alarm clock, Buddy also monitors your home. BUDDY augments the care of younger, older, and less mobile people by providing companionship and help with day to day activities. With this smart companion, carers can use video to check in remotely with their loved ones.

https://youtu.be/51yGC3iytbY

Sobro Cooler Coffee Table
This modern table is complete with a refrigerator drawer to store and chill your beverages. From water to beer, your drinks will always be ready for game time. In addition, the Sobro Coffee Table has LED lighting on the underside to totally set the mood.

The latest frontier

With such innovative gadgets in the pipeline, something great is always right around the corner. The only thing that concerns us is whether this pace will outrun us in the long run. The most recent example is the self-driving Uber vehicle. How society responds will determine whether technology can’t keep up with us or vice versa.

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