As we approach the end of the year, the annual ritual of identifying tech trends and making predictions for the next solar orbit swings into action. Such exercises are always interesting but also inherently risky, especially considering the uncertain times the world has experienced recently and continues to live through.

For example, at the end of 2019, if you had asked anyone to forecast how the world of work would change during the following year, it's unlikely that anyone would have predicted that a global pandemic would turn everything upside down, resulting in a newfound focus on devices and services that make remote working possible, and unprecedentedly shifting to a hybrid model.

Hopefully, 2023 brings with it some much-needed positive changes - especially in the tech world which has been facing a slowdown recently. Here are the top tech trends to keep an eye out for in 2023:

Flying taxis

Vertical Aerospace will ramp up testing of its eVTOL in 2023, to bring innovative aircraft to market by 2025. The company is currently in the process of testing a prototype of the eVTOL, which it believes will revolutionize air travel by offering a more efficient and sustainable way to fly.

The eVTOL is powered by electric motors and is designed to take off and land vertically, like a helicopter. This makes it ideal for use in urban areas for short journeys, where space is limited. The aircraft is also much quieter than traditional aircraft, which will make it more suitable for use in built-up areas.

Satellite phones

ATS Spacemobile is currently in the process of developing groundbreaking satellite technology that would allow mobile phones to connect directly to a satellite to make calls or use data at incredibly fast 5G speeds.

The phones will use the company's patented technology to connect to a network of satellites, which will then relay the call to the appropriate phone on the ground. This will allow users to make calls from the most remote locations, and will also allow them to stay connected even if there is a power outage or other emergency.

"Coverage gaps are very real, and problematic. So this is a very attractive solution and a very big market. And that's why we've got so much support from mobile network operators," said Scott Wisniewski, from AST SpaceMobile, as per BBC.

Other tech trends to watch out for in 2023:

  • Artificial intelligence will continue to evolve. AI is already being used in a variety of ways, such as for predictive analytics and automated customer service. As it becomes more sophisticated, it will be used for even more applications.
  • The Internet of Things will become even more widespread. IoT refers to devices that are connected to the internet and can share data. This trend is already taking off, and it's expected that even more devices will be connected in the future.
  • Virtual reality will become highly common. VR is already being used for gaming and entertainment, but it's expected to become more popular for other uses as well, such as training and education.
  • Blockchain technology will become potentially more prevalent.
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Tech trends 2023
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