Predicting the future has always been a favourite topic of writers and film-makers. Minority Report, 1984, Blade Runner, Total Recall and Back to the Future have all had fun imagining how technology will evolve.
Personalised billboards that know your name and shopping habits, and fake memory implants, are just some of the hi-tech fantasies dreamt up by writers over the years. And some predictions have come true.
If you’re hot in IT, however, predicting the future isn’t just a daydream, it’s business. Knowing which areas are likely to grow and which technologies are more than a gimmick can also help you choose your next career step.
Here some of the areas we predict are the next big things.
A reality cheque
When Facebook buys your company, you’re on to a winner. The social media giant has snapped up Oculus, producers of virtual reality headsets. The uses for these are vast and range from education and medicine to gaming and entertainment. This is a great technology for IT pros to get involved in right here, right now.
It’s your move
With the generation of “mobile only” users coming of age, companies need to ensure mobile platforms are all-singing and dancing, not simply an after-thought to software designed for tablets, laptops and desk-tops.
Canny mobile developers need to hone their skills to this change and grab those top jobs.
Best dressed
If this sector had a motto it would be: if at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.
The Apple Watch was a bit of a flop when released but Apple didn’t give up easily. They’ve come back stronger with the Apple Watch Series 2 – giving Garmin and Fitbit some healthy competition.
It’s a similar story with Google Glass. The VR spectacles were canned a couple of years back but they’re hard at work on Google Glass 2, convinced wearable tech is the future. Watch this space!
Let me entertain you
Gone are the days when everyone sat slack-jawed in front of whatever was on the telly. Box-set binging and on-demand viewing have gone from niche to norm. Streaming services are now big news and hot on the heels of satellite in terms of consumers.
In terms of the companies to watch for career opportunities, the smart money is on the on-demand, app-based entertainment providers.