Resources for Keeping Current on Emerging Technology
Let’s admit it, the world of technology is moving so fast sometimes it’s hard to keep up. We are always searching for the next big thing but, when we find it, every one of our neighbors has already gotten their hands on it. However, being technologically “in-the-know” isn’t just for techies. Keeping up with the latest trends in technology can benefit more than just being the person who had it first. I’m here to list five resources to help the average Joe keep current with emerging technology and stay ahead of the game, not just for him/ herself but for their future.
Let’s start with something simple, Kickstarter is a web site where entrepreneurs and small businesses could create a campaign to release ideas funded by the public. Many new technologies have started here as an idea and completely blown up because of public interest. The Oculus Rift is one company that started the virtual reality trend back in 2016 and now PlayStation is headed that way with PlayStation VR on the rise. However, many Kickstarter campaigns do not make it so it is important to research new technologies and take note of how much the public has funded the idea and if the business has made any progress with popularity.
Backers for ideas can opt to sign up for notifications on updates and consumers who have donated money to the idea have the opportunity to receive a prototype or exclusive releases before the product goes public.
https://www.kickstarter.com/
CES Consumer Electronics Show/ Consumer Technologies Association
CES is an association where innovators can debut consumer technologies and introduce them to the world. Every year CES holds a showcase where each innovative technology is demonstrated and people from all over the world attend to see each new product. Many current technologies register for CES to debut their latest products but new businesses have changed lives after debuting here as well. Self-driving cars have made an impression at CES and continues to wow audiences even through the latest 2018 showing. CES is held in Las Vegas, Nevada typically in the month of January every year. After CES has ended there is usually a recap video that the public could view to see the best innovations debuted at the show.
The MIT Technology review is originally a magazine made into a web site where users can subscribe to receive updates on MIT’s editors top picks for new technology. Founded in 1899, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology decided to provide the world with insight on latest innovations influenced only by their editors’ knowledge of technology. One breakthrough technology that the MIT team noted is the Sensing City located in Toronto, Canada. The idea is to place sensors all around the coastal city that monitors air quality, noise levels and activities while AI runs beneath the city to perform menial tasks. To access every article that the MIT Technology Review offers, a user must create a free account and click subscribe.
https://www.technologyreview.com/
Forbes is among the most recognized reading materials to find information on the latest business trends. In the world of technology, Forbes has also provided a list of emerging technologies that are worth noting for consumers and business owners alike. For example, in an article titled Forrester's Top 15 Emerging Technologies to Watch, 2017 – 2021, Augmented Reality (AR) has made the list for a technology that could make a positive impact on the world through support systems of engagement, insight, and integration. The Forbes web site does not require users to sign up for notifications or subscriptions but is readily available for anyone willing to search online for emerging technology.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/louiscolumbus/2016/09/25/forresters-top-15-emerging-technologies-to-watch-2017-2021/#2112a7d12564
If all else fails, which I’m sure it won’t, there is always Wikipedia. This web site has everything from information on a celebrity to contemporary news stories. Though Wikipedia is a user edited web site, I find it as a useful tool for many provided references. On the emerging technology category, a list of examples of current tech can be found and useful information is provided under each topic with links to web sites where the information originated from. Among this list is 3D printing, Cancer vaccines, and robotics.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emerging_technologies