Welcome to the future!
As you look to build your career in tech, let’s discuss some of the consumer tech trends that will be growing in 2020 — and companies that will likely be hiring in these areas.
We will always remember when “Baby Yoda” took over the internet.
5G: Growth in next-generation cellular technology
With the 5G rollout comes the ability for data to travel at ridiculous speeds — whether that is to let you download movies in seconds or to help self-driving cars make split-second decisions. As cellular providers improve the tech rollout, device manufacturers will also be working hard to get consumers and businesses the tools needed to take advantage of these lightning speeds. Initially, these devices will be smartphones but will progress to drones, robots and self-driving cars who require the increased latency of 5G speeds to have devices talk to each other super-fast. Sadly, it doesn’t look like this will be hitting more rural areas — but many large cities have already received these faster speeds.
Companies to watch out for: Verizon; T-Mobile; AT&T; Apple; Samsung; Waymo/self-driving car companies
Entertainment: The streaming wars continue
According to research firm eMarketer, Netflix was the most-watched video service in the United States in 2019, with people spending an average of 23 minutes a day streaming its content. And we all know how Disney+ and “Baby Yoda” took over the internet once the Mandalorian launched. And with Apple TV Plus and HBO Max out — the Clone Wars (aka the streaming wars) are only going to increase. Also watch out for each of these companies to be competing on sharing existing content and developing original content. Most of this is focused on video content — but Apple and Google also continue to innovate on music streaming to compete with Spotify.
Companies to watch out for: Google (YouTube); Disney (Disney+); Netflix; Roku; Apple TV Plus; Spotify
IOT + AI = Really Smart Homes
Artificial Intelligence is what powers all of those voice-assisted smart speakers you have in your home, whether you speak to Siri, Alexa or ‘Hey Google.’ And now that Apple, Amazon and Google are all in your homes, each of them is pushing harder to use the Internet Of Things to help your home take care of your every need — without you having to think about it. Your smart fridge sees that you are low on mustard and orders it from Amazon Grocery for you. Or your Google device turns on your lights as you pull into the driveway because it knew when you left the office, based on your Google Maps activity. All of these innovations are on the way (and will continue discussions on balancing privacy vs convenience as they work together on interoperability standards). And software automation companies like IFTTT and Zapier will continue to help with connecting devices and software tools.
Companies to watch out for: Amazon; Apple; Google; Samsung; LG; IFTTT; Zapier
Now if you really want to see the future, check out some of the startups that are already working on technologies that could change the way we interact with the world around us.
