2020 resulted in many of us putting our lives on hold for a while, yet this didn’t stop the constant development of new technology across the world. New challenges, particularly Covid-19, resulted in the need to be innovative and take on new opportunities, so read on to find out a bit about some interesting developments in the tech world this year!

Covid-19

Sterilizers and Infrared Thermometers

Covid-19 has dominated our lives for the majority of 2020, as well as impacting the tech world. As a result, gadgets such as the CleanPod UVC Steriliser and Infrared Thermometers are being used more widely than ever before. Although these products are not necessarily new, the scale on which they are being used by the general public is unprecedented. With the impact of the pandemic likely to have an ongoing impact in the months, if not years, to come, it will be interesting to see how the tech world responds to the ‘new normal’ to make life easier. 

Covid-19 Apps

Various apps have been launched across the world in an attempt to stop the spread of coronavirus. They encourage people to protect their communities and loved ones by scanning barcodes as they enter venues to identify if you come into contact with someone who has tested positive. For the app developer, this has posed a range of new issues and challenges. For example, The Telegraph reported that an 79-year-old woman had attempted to download the Track and Trace app on her iPhone 6 but was unable to as her phone was too old. Also, ethics come into play as there are concerns surrounding the technology being used to collect sensitive data across the country. As a result of the constant criticism, it is likely that the Track and Trace app will be under construction for a while. 

Developing Existing Tech

Artificial Intelligence

Of course AI is not a new phenomena in the tech-sphere, yet the way it is beginning to shape industries on a more everyday level is making it a major trend. AI is consistently growing closer to our everyday lives, with companies like Domino’s working on the possibility of drones and robot delivery. It’s not everyday a robot delivers your Texas BBQ Domino’s to the door, is it? Or perhaps soon it will be an everyday thing… Nevertheless, the fact that discussions like this are taking place reminds us of how prominent AI is in our lives, it’s not just for the tech genius’.

Facial Recognition

Many of us are used to using facial recognition for a range of things on our iPhone, yet expect industries to take it much further in the coming years. This year has been a turning point in how face recognition will be used in all walks of life soon enough. From unlocking your house and car, to even being able to withdraw money from the ATM using facial recognition, the possibilities seem to be endless.