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Tech trends 2024

With the end of 2023, it is time to look forward to 2024. In this blogpost we explore how the trends in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Security, Quantum Computing, Increasing technological Interplays, and the evolution of programming languages will unfold in the upcoming year.

Artificial Intelligence

In the realm of AI, a standout from 2023, its influence remains undeniable in the coming year. In the creative sphere, discussions on AI’s limitations spark conversations about the unique value human artists bring. Balancing AI’s potential with artists’ rights could pave the way for a future where AI and human artists collaborate, pushing the boundaries of creativity.Β 
Β  Β  Β  Β  Β  Within Manufacturing, generative AI is embraced for optimizing designs and excelling in repetitive tasks, flaw detection, and quality control. Giants like Mitsubishi, Bridgestone, BMW, and Volvo integrate AI for teaching robots, quality assurance, and predictive maintenance, ushering in a new industrial revolution under the banner of Industry 4.0.
Β  Β  Β  Β  Β  Another way in which we see Generative AI extend its reach is through content creation. Not only is everybody already being exposed to ChatGPT written content and images made with Dall-E. AI also grants marketers data-driven insights to enrich their campaigns with emotional connections. These connections can unfold seamlessly across omnichannel marketing, generating diverse assets from a single brief in the correct tone of voice and style.
Β  Β  Β  Β  Β  In addition to these private sectors, AI is increasingly influential within government and semi-government sectors such as healthcare. The problems specific to this sector call for a digital solution. AI plays a vital role in this revolution. It can be applicable in many forms, such as predictive maintenance and realistic imaging emerge as prominent applications. Notably, AI’s role in radiology, aiding in detecting abnormalities, presents a compelling case. Particularly in breast cancer detection, detecting this more frequently than doctors with fewer false positives.

Looking at this marvel of AI, one cannot help but wonder about the downsides. The intricate nature of deep neural networks raises concerns about transparency, accountability, and potential biases in decision-making. Misuse is another challenge, with instances of prompts used to bypass the algorithm for undesired outcomes.
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β  The impact on the job market is another point of concern. Projections from the World Economic Forum suggest AI could replace 85 million jobs globally by 2025 through automation. There is, however, also the potential creation of 97 million new jobs.

All these concerns lead to a need for robust regulations in the evolving AI landscape. Effective regulation becomes crucial to promote responsible AI use. Emphasis should be placed on ethics and encouraging collaboration between government, market, and society.
Β  Β  Β  Β  Β  Fortunately, in 2023, the EU took a decisive step with new legislation. This new AI law establishes standards for safety, fundamental rights, and innovation. The law includes specific regulations for critical processes, government applications, and consumer products, prioritizing transparency and public input.
Β  Β  Β  Β  Β  The implementation of this new law is based on the classification of AI systems according to risk profiles. Low-risk applications have fewer obligations, while high-risk systems face limitations on data collection and aim to reduce risks. All activities are documented, users are informed, and continuous human oversight exists. By being the first to introduce such legislation, the EU aims to set an international standard.

Security

Regulatory, human, and AI-driven perspectives will drive technological advancements in cybersecurity. AI will start to play a critical role in AI-driven cyberattacks. In 2024, we will see AI-driven cyberattacks where AI decrypts security datasets. Companies must adjust and anticipate these attacks by adapting their defense mechanisms.
Β  Β  Β  Β  Β  Besides this trend, the increase in interconnected devices has given rise to a surge in IoT cyber threats. Interconnected devices give hackers more entry points, granting them more access. This concern will only grow with remote work becoming the new standard and devices lacking robust security measures becoming potential vulnerabilities. Amid these challenges, social engineering attacks evolve. Becoming increasingly sophisticated, they pose an ongoing threat.
Β  Β  Β  Β  Β  As we approach 2024, a notable shift is on the horizon with Blockchain and Decentralized Systems. These technologies were once confined to the realm of cryptocurrency. Looking into the future, they are promising to advance transparency. Secure ledgers promise to redefine trust and efficiency by disrupting traditional financial frameworks through the ascendancy of Decentralized Finance.
Β  Β  Β  Β  Β  Another opportunity for cybersecurity lies within quantum computing, which offers immense processing power. While it will potentially fortify security measures with enhanced encryption and sophisticated threat detection algorithms, it has a dualistic character by simultaneously threatening existing protocols. The urgency to develop quantum-resistant encryption techniques, known as post-quantum cryptography, becomes evident.

Quantum computing

Besides its potential within Cybersecurity, Quantum computing will reshape technology in 2024. Advanced quantum machines will tackle complex challenges in drug discovery and finance. It can, for example, help model and analyze computationally intensive processes like complex molecular structures to identify potential medications. Investments in this field are increasing, leading to a quantum revival.
Β  Β  Β  Β  Β  With the advancement in quantum computing, there may be a demand for programming languages suitable for developing quantum applications. Languages such as Qiskit (for quantum computing with IBM Quantum) and Cirq (for Google’s Quantum Computing) are gaining prominence and will continue to do so in 2024.

Increased interplay

In 2024, we will see an increased interplay between different technologies. For instance, 5G and IoT are expected to merge further. The fusion of 5G and IoT will redefine our digital experiences. Global coverage of 5G will amplify IoT potential and contribute to the democratization of knowledge facilitated by AI. Expect refined standards for security, privacy, and seamless device interaction, making a more connected world achievable.
Β  Β  Β  Β  Β  Another exciting interplay is that between cloud and edge computing. Cloud’s scalability will support Generative AI models, while edge computing reduces latency for real-time operations, leading to Generative AI adapting content instantly.
Β  Β  Β  Β  Β  Lastly, VR and AR will become more intertwined. Powered by advanced headsets, this combination will revolutionize experiences in education, entertainment, healthcare, and retail. The Metaverse will redefine digital interactions, offering interconnected virtual landscapes. The convergence of VR, AR, the Metaverse, and Generative AI will blur the lines between the digital and physical.

Further Adoption of Newer Languages

Within software development, embracing newer programming languages affects the future. Developers find themselves at the forefront of innovation as technology advances, exploring languages that promise enhanced efficiency, versatility, and capabilities. That is why languages such as Rust, Kotlin, Swift, and TypeScript have gained popularity. This trend will likely continue, with each language having its advantage.
Β  Β  Β  Β  Β  The rise of low-code and no-code platforms will also influence how software is developed. While these platforms do not replace traditional programming languages, they can reduce the need for extensive programming expertise. This affects the demand for Fullstack and Backend developers.
Β  Β  Β  Β  Β  The last trend to keep an eye out for is Wasm. WebAssembly is not a programming language itself. Instead, it is designed to be a portable compilation target that combines with regular web tools, making apps run as smoothly as if you were to install them directly on your computer. By becoming a new standard for the web, supported by all major browsers, it has become a crucial part of the web and will continue to gain popularity in the upcoming year.

Conclusion

In 2023, AI started to shape how we work and create in various fields, from redefining art in the creative world to revolutionizing tasks in manufacturing. AI is pushing the limits of innovation and will continue to do so in 2024. Yet, concerns about fairness, transparency, and job impacts highlight the need for clear rules and regulations.
Β  Β  Β  Β  Β  Additionally, in 2024, AI will present new challenges in cybersecurity with AI-driven cyberattacks. The increasing number of connected devices also poses new threats that require increased awareness. Nevertheless, there is hope in cybersecurity with innovations such as Blockchain, Decentralized Systems and quantum computing enabling advanced security measures.
Β  Β  Β  Β  Β  Furthermore, existing technologies continue to evolve. Existing technologies like 5G, IoT, and cloud computing with edge computing are converging. In 2024, the world promises to be more connected and efficient. Programming languages continue to evolve, with new languages emerging and existing ones developing to enable new technologies and applications. Despite the perception that these developments may sometimes be too rapid and pose certain dangers, we are particularly curious about what 2024 holds!