Ten Tech Predictions 2021

2020 surprised us all with its extreme turbulence and digital hypergrowth due to the global pandemic. 2021 hopefully will be the year when we return to some kind of new normal, carrying with us several new digital habits and behavioral changes. But 2021 will also be a turning point for many companies and industries ready to embrace the extreme focus on all things digital through creativity and customer obsession.

Will we forever live in a hybrid world shifting seamlessly between physical and digital presence? Will technology make us feel safe by helping us avoid physical contact? Are we entering a new AI-supported health paradigm, where consultation happens through the screen, supported by data from our wearables? These questions are at the top of my digital and tech agenda for 2021. As in earlier years, I have curated ten of the most interesting and pressing digital trends for the year to come. Let’s take a look.

1

The rise of the Games War

For the first time in seven years, we are witnessing the launch of brand new games consoles — from both Sony (PlayStation 5) and Microsoft (Xbox series X).

1

No-touch technologies

During the pandemic we learned to avoid all kinds of unnecessary contact — physical cash, door handles and point of sale card terminals — to reduce the chances of infection.

1

Everything as a service

Many of the services listed in my Tech Predictions this year, such as video conferencing technology or telemedicine, are made possible through as-a-service solutions.

1

Hybrid is the new black

For years, the term ‘hybrid’ has been used about cars that would run both on electricity and petrol. And even though this market is growing very fast and expected to last another ten years, this prediction is not about that.

1

National controlled digital currencies

Last year, I predicted that Facebook Libra would be released in 2020 amidst a lot of criticism and skepticism. But this year, we will take it up a notch in the battle for the future of money.

1

Goodbye to the physical wallet

Right after the introduction of paper currency in the Western world back in the sixteenth century, somebody invented the wallet, so we had a place to put our money.

1

A new health paradigm

“Going to the doctor” is taking on a whole new meaning these days, indicating that we are entering a totally new health paradigm.