Tech trends of 2024: Everything you need to follow

Every year technology advances faster and faster, leaving us with inventions such as AI, automated devices that facilitate our daily lives, sustainable technology, innovative means of cybersecurity and even the fantastic metaverse. In this article, we'll tell you the trends in technology that will mark 2024.

Generative Artificial Intelligence

Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) creates content from data or predefined rules. It is based on machine learning and the responsiveness of a machine without human intervention. Today, there are already applications and web pages where you can interact with an AI and ask it to perform various actions, such as writing text based on concepts, creating images and drawings, programming commands, and much more! An example is the innovative ChatGPT tool or Gemini, Google's AI, as well as programs that use this technology such as Adobe Firefly. The growing ability of artificial intelligence to interpret data, generalize and create possible scenarios on its own is impressive. This ability could allow, for example, to accurately guess user requests or create any chatbot. In the dystopian version of developments, the future of artificial intelligence takes on an ambiguous character - as shown, for example, in the TV series Westworld, where a giant neural network, Rehoboam, takes over the world and decides the fate of people. Here we return to the theme of responsibility for how to dispose of all the possibilities of technology.

Quantum computing

Without garnering as much attention as AI, quantum computing has been steadily advancing. This type of technology is based on quantum mechanics principles and promises to solve very complex problems with surprising speed and much faster than conventional computers. Everything seems to indicate that 2024 will be its year and there will be significant advances in this area, for example, through applications of quantum cryptography, process optimization, and materials simulation, as well as in pharmaceutical research and logistics.

Semiconductors

Chips or semiconductors are a crucial element for the digital changes we are living in. The computing power of microchips is increasing, while their price is decreasing, a situation that increases competitiveness in the sector. Chip manufacturing and innovation are impressive. While it seems that they cannot get any tinier, this does not mean that innovation has stopped.

2024 will see advances such as 3D chip stacking, new materials, and forms of lithography. All are designed to increase computing power. New standards and business models are also expected, as well as the opening of gigafactories.

Batteries

A vital part of the energy transition to renewable energy is long-term energy storage and support for electric mobility. For this, batteries are fundamental, so the interest in improving their performance and reducing their prices is a goal of companies and governments. On the one hand, lithium ferrophosphate and nickel manganese cobalt are the standards for electric vehicles. On the other hand, other chemistries such as cobalt-free or solid-state batteries are being explored. 2024 will likely see a leap in this field, which would represent a major change in battery technology.

Space technology

Humanity wants to return to the Moon in order to monitor natural phenomena, improve telecommunications, and for the achievement it represents in itself. Hence the recent interest in boosting space technologies, that there is even talk of a new space age, only now both public agencies and private companies are involved. In addition to supporting innovative projects, the use of sustainable spacecraft propulsion is a priority.

Sustainable technology

We will continue to experience climate emergency phenomena such as extreme temperatures, shocking weather events, and increasingly rapid onset, leaving us with little time to prepare. Therefore, advances in sustainable technology will continue to be a global priority, understood as a set of practices aimed at reducing the negative impact on the environment and promoting sustainability.

It is expected that in the coming years, performance indicators related to the sustainability of information technologies will be adopted. In addition to promoting digital solutions for the welfare of the environment and society.

Blockchain

Blockchain is a distributed registration technology that allows the creation of a shared and secure database among several entities. This database comprises sections of information linked together chronologically and securely, forming a chain of blocks (hence the name "blockchain"). When you think of blockchain, cryptocurrencies and transaction record probably come to mind. Still, this technology can securely store and manage any information, such as various types of contracts, legal documents, votes, etc. In 2024, blockchain technology will continue to be explored in areas such as digital identity and governance.

Super Apps

Super apps are applications that integrate several functionalities into a single platform and can be used to perform various tasks. They've become trendy in Asia and spread like wildfire throughout the rest of the world thanks to their usefulness and ease of use. They allow users to access all the tools and services they need in an integrated way without having to jump from one application to another. A classic example of what we mean by "super application" is Google's Suite, which integrates many tools and programs for home and professional use. Other examples are online sales platforms that integrate additional services, such as Amazon, which also offers cloud hosting software, video and music streaming, or delivery apps that offer other services in addition to food delivery, such as transportation or home cleaning (Glovo, Deliveroo, Uber, Bolt...).