Tech Trends to Expect in 2024
By: Peter Ramsay
VP, Global Results Communications
The rate at which technology continues to evolve is accelerating at breakneck speed. In fact, this fluctuating landscape is moving so fast that it can be challenging to discern between the here-today-gone-tomorrow trends and those longer-lasting ones.
From the relentless advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) and the proliferation of quantum computing to the continued integration of 5G networks and the rise of immersive technologies like augmented and virtual reality, the tech space is a firm favorite to dominate the news cycle in 2024.
As we usher in the new year and continue to navigate the intricate intersection of science and society, it’s imperative that businesses have a strategic communications program in place to anticipate news trends and stay at the forefront of industry relevance.
With this in mind, here are three technology trends that are sure to dominate headlines in 2024 and beyond.
1. Generative AI: Trust, Transparency and New Regulations
Generative AI (GenAI) took 2023 by storm, with ChatGPT garnering about 100 million users within two and a half months after its launch. By comparison, it took Facebook four and a half years to reach the same number of users. While 2024 will be another banner year for GenAI, the discussion will center around trust, transparency and responsibility rather than implementation and adoption.
Likewise, the U.S. presidential election is on the horizon, and the topic of trust will be a major issue, with AI content warnings being placed on search engines and social media platforms to fight against misinformation. The push for AI-related regulations and legislation is already here (i.e., the EU’s AI Act), and 2024 could see potential efforts to prevent monopolies in the wake of the co-founder of OpenAI (potentially) joining Microsoft.
2. Cybersecurity and Fraud Prevention/Detection
Brands depend on customer data to deliver superior experiences – nevertheless, being a good steward of private information is not without its challenges. Hackers continue to hatch elaborate schemes, leveraging the increasing sophistication of their AI systems powered by machine learning (ML) algorithms. And with high-profile data breaches becoming more common, cybersecurity will be a mainstay of the news cycle in 2024.
Additionally, many of next year’s cybersecurity discussions will focus on AI and its role in fraud prevention. Several companies have or plan to launch AI detection solutions to identify synthetic voices, vet for fake/copycat social media accounts and prevent other impersonation schemes, just in time for the inevitable uptick in election-related scams, leaks and deception.
3. Connected Devices and The Importance of Always-on Connectivity
The Internet of Things (IoT) keeps getting bigger. By 2030, there could be around 50 billion IoT devices in use around the world. As the planet becomes more connected than ever before through the widespread implementation of IoT technology, look for smart cities, the expansion of electric vehicles and the emergence of smarter energy grids (not to mention IoT cybersecurity risks) to be topics that will garner much attention in 2024.
Smarter offices, homes and factories are just some of the exciting possibilities IoT devices and sensors will bring; however, these solutions are only as useful as their connectivity. As such, robust, always-on connectivity solutions will likely increase in importance alongside the ongoing rise of IoT deployments, including network management solutions that can remotely remediate network outages. Moreover, the 5G expansion will create ample dialogue and speculation around 6G specification development and standardization.
Leverage Our Tech PR Expertise
Regardless of your industry, it is extremely likely that one or more of these tech trends will affect your company in some way in the coming year. Global Results Communications (GRC) offers industry leading tech PR expertise to elevate your business above the noise and position it as a thought leader in your industry. By choosing GRC, you're not just investing in a PR program; you're investing in a strategic partnership that places media relations at the core of your communications strategy to deliver high-impact and measurable results.
Contact us today for a free planning session and find out how GRC can help you harness the power of media relations to elevate your brand, maximize market opportunities and foster meaningful connections with your stakeholders.
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