The human species has arrived in 2014 and, while we're unlikely to evolve in big steps this year, the technology we use will. Here are five technology trends that will likely come true in 2014: Mobility, wearables, intelligent assistants, 3D printing and smart cities.
Mobility
In 2014, mobile will be the number one screen of use before TV or even desktop and laptop computers. There will be more mobile subscriptions than there are people in this world. According to comScore, mobile will become the primary channel through which the world accesses the internet, before laptops and desktops. And more than 45 per cent of businesses still don't have a mobile friendly website - now is the time to act on this opportunity.
Wearables and the Internet of Things
Mobile is no longer just your phone and tablet, but increasingly your eye glasses, wrist watch, bracelet, even your car and your clothes. 'Wearables', as all these connected devices are commonly called, will become a lot more mainstream in 2014. But these connected devices make only a small portion of the so called 'Internet of Things' which will soon comprise pretty much all electronic devices we use in our daily life. Imagine your fridge notifying you on your cellphone you're out of milk and adding it to your shopping list or the onesie of your newborn that feeds your iPhone with regular updates of all vital functions.
Intelligent assistants
Google's Now, Apple's Siri and Samsung's Voice are the major digital assistants helping us with simple tasks like scheduling appointments, browsing the web for the weather forecast at our travel destination. To date, these personal digital assistants only act when we remember to ask them, and are more of gimmick than increasing productivity. This will change in 2014 with emphasis on predictive intelligent services that keep you one step ahead. Have a flight scheduled in your calendar? The Tempo app checks if your flight is leaving on time, the weather at your destination, and even the expected traffic congestion on the way to the airport.
3D printing
Already big in 2013, 3D printers are likely to make the jump to a mainstream device in the coming years. In 2014, big players like Samsung, Microsoft and HP have announced to join the party and bring out user friendly and affordable 3D printers. On the other side of the spectrum, the International Space Station (ISS) will get its own high-end 3D printer able to print tools and even simple foods for the space crew in zero gravity.