Future Tech: The Technology Trends Set To Dominate 2020

A new year is coming and with it a whole host of new tech trends. From the main headliner, 5G – which will revolutionise everything else on this list and beyond – to major entertainment announcements and the shopping experience revolutionised, here’s everything that should be on your radar.

5G

Think of 5G in terms of an interconnected ecosystem of intelligent devices; the internet of things. Your phone talking to your fridge, your fridge talking to the supermarket, your car talking to the traffic lights – every technological aspect of your life connected thanks to a network speed 10 times faster than 4G.

Of course, all of that won’t happen at exactly one minute past twelve on the first of January. But as major 5G rollouts occur nationwide in 2020, expect faster, more reliable wireless networks and download speeds in the seconds as opposed to the minutes. As a result you’ll see even the most menial devices becoming smarter in the home, on the street and in the workplace.

Electric Cars

They’re here already but 2020 is going to see a notable electric car release schedule, ranging from new models to upgraded modern classics. Speedy options come in the form of the updated Tesla Roadster and brand new Porsche Taycan Cross Tourismo. Meanwhile, a classic luxury saloon will be electrified in the form of the Jaguar XJ-E and both Audi (Q4 eTron) and BMW (iX3) will release electric luxury SUVs.

Futuristic concepts like the Mercedes EQS will see a 2020 release date as will the electric evolution of the iconic Mustang (also rumoured for a hybrid upgrade) in the form of Ford’s Mach 1 SUV. Even the humble Fiat 500 is getting the electric treatment.

The Extended Reality Experience In Retail

With the help of 5G, augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are going to be even more prolific in 2020, changing the way we experience the world around us. In retail, for instance, brands like Uniqlo and Lacoste are already offering AR changing rooms that offer the chance to try before you buy, and this is a trend likely to expand next year. IKEA already offers an app that lets you try out furniture in your house with the help of AR, with other interiors and furniture companies likely to jump on the bandwagon.

Away from retail, Automotive is sure to follow suit, with AR sat-nav and displays already in the works.

Wearables

If you think wearables were a big deal in 2019, expect even more in 2020. In the fitness industry alone, wearables will continue to conquer with advances in GPS tracking, health monitoring and increased functionality thanks to 5G.

You can expect your clothes to do more too. Brands such as Zegna have included battery charging in previous collections and as wireless charging technology becomes standard, expect the trend to become commonplace in the pockets of new collections this year.

Living Room Entertainment Upgrades

The biggest news in the living room electronics department for 2020 is undoubtedly the PS5, which is set for release at the end of the year. Details are scarce but the console is likely to still play disks, bring forth a new generation of PSVR and see dramatic internal hardware upgrades, making it the ideal 8K display gaming companion.

Aside from the PS5, expect notable Samsung and LG TV releases including additions to their respective QLED and OLED televisions. A release date is also predicted for LG’s signature R-series, a collection of collapsible OLED sets which marry incredible engineering with unbelievable picture quality.