With innovations ranging from virtual reality to mobile payments, 2016 will surely see more advances in technology that will change our lives.
On that note, here's a list of some of the technological trends that could transform how the world works:
1. Virtual Reality
Ever wanted to travel? Without time, money and energy, it's going to be a little hard to set off on an adventure. But with VR technology, you can "teleport" to the Horseshoe Bend of the Colorado River or to the Aurora Borealis at the comfort of your home using Flickr VR.
A lot of companies have been working on making virtual reality more accessible, lowering the prices for the equipment. While VR gives off the impression that it'll be heavily geared toward gaming, there are actually a lot of developments for other purposes, from a life-sized Cortana to exploring other worlds with Google Expeditions.
2. Wearable Tech
The days of retrieving smartphones and other devices from pockets are almost over, as wearable technology is starting to boom. Now, checking one's emails or health status can be done with a simple flick of the wrist.
Also, augmented reality keyboards are coming in 2016, and Japanese corporation NEC is one of the headliners to pave the way for it with the ARmKeypad. Using smart eyeglasses and a smartwatch, the device can display a functional virtual keyboard on the forearms, potentially improving productivity for workers.
3. Smartphones
Smartphones continue to improve by the day. Most tech-forward handsets are already equipped with fingerprint scanners, and some are going to sport iris scanners too. And of course, we'll see more awesome hardware next year.
What's notable about these smartphones is the sensor technology they have. For starters, the scanners add another layer of security. What's more, everyone can get blood pressure, oxygen saturation and other health-related measurements through them – just like going for a quick, routine checkup at the doctor's.
Phones are no longer limited to communication and entertainment purposes, as they can effectively help owners stay fit and healthy.
4. Mobile Wallets
Picture this: You're at a restaurant on a date. The meals have been served, and you're enjoying the night with that special someone – until you realize you left your wallet at home.
Soon, that will no longer be a problem, as tech companies seem to want everyone to ditch their wallets and just carry their smartphones instead. Mobile wallets and establishments that accept them as a payment method are starting to become ubiquitous in the U.S.
5. Live Theater
A night on the town will soon mean "watch a professional video gamer play," too. Thousands of people gather in venues to watch their favorite e-sportsmen go toe-to-toe against other gamers, not to mention the millions of viewers that can watch game streams online as well.
"Did you get the ticket for the League of Legends show tonight?" or "Hurry, we're going to be late for the Street Fighter V match!" could become more common in the near future.
6. Business
Looking for investors for a startup now usually means going online. Websites such as Kickstarter and Indiegogo have helped a lot of people get their projects off the ground.
Some budding businessmen can now turn to crowdfunding to start things off, and considering the success of others, this is a pretty viable method.
7. Social Robots
Living far away from one's family and coming home to an empty apartment or house can be a bit depressing. If you're in that situation, Pepper could probably help you out.
"Pepper is a social robot able to converse with you, recognize and react to your emotions, move and live autonomously," Softbank says.
Though he won't be able to help out with household chores, Pepper can manage a good conversation.
8. Smart Homes
The Clapper was a great invention, wasn't it? Well, soon enough, homes will become smarter, featuring smart locks, web-connected cameras and many others.
With a smartphone in tow, you can change the color of lightbulbs with Philips' Hue Connected Bulbs. But it's not just about lighting. Just about everything in a home can be automated now, including thermostats, washing machines, refrigerators and even smart sofas.
9. Self-Driving Cars
Many people love to drive, but some of them are probably tired of it. Soon, however, they'll be able to kick back and relax inside their cars while heading off to their destinations.
Of course, with all the groundwork involved, you might need to take the wheel on a couple of uncovered routes. On top of that, a lot of effort is still required to get things into gear, including licensing, rules and regulations, to name a few.
10. Machine Learning
Machines can now learn things to a certain extent, and that opens a new world of possibilities.
If you're allergic to dogs, but you still want a pet dog, you can go ahead and get Zoomer. Apart from being adorable, Zoomer is capable of learning tricks and following commands, and it even has moods to boot.
Hopefully, humanity won't go too far and develop something out of "I, Robot."
Bonus: 3D Printing
While 3D printing isn't exactly new, companies have been making better and more clever uses for it. In the medical field, the technology has been greatly assisting surgeries, including the world's most expensive face transplant.
If ever anyone gets into an accident – God forbid – that'll require surgery, 3D printing will definitely improve the outcome.
The year 2015 has been a big year for technology. The following years likely have bigger things in store for us, and we can't wait to see how things will turn out.
Photo: Scott McLeod | Flickr
