The world of technology is only as slow as our imagination. Each year brings with it new trends, technologies and rapid changes that completely redefine the space.

So as we welcome another new year, its only fitting that we reflect upon what the past year brought with it and more importantly (and interestingly) we contemplate on the direction the industry is headed towards. What will define 2018, what trends should we look forward to? What learnings should we take with us from 2017?

Here are the top trends according to us that will shape 2018:

1) Intelligent Apps:

Apps already seem omnipresent, but experts warn that this is just the tip of the iceberg. While an increase in the number of apps and our reliance on these apps seems to be the natural course, we also expect these apps to become far more intelligent in 2018. Apps are expected to learn user behaviour over time and become predictive and proactive in their functioning.

2)   Pervasive Internet of Things:

Everything around us already has a ‘smart’ version, but 2018 is when the Internet of Things will truly become pervasive. Not just your car, at home, in the office or shopping almost every area of your day to day life is expected to be integrated with Smart Technology. This includes industries like FinTech, Entertainment, Communication and Gaming.

3) AI will define product design:

AI is already the focal discussion of every Tech meet and conference, and many companies are already integrating AI into their services for the customer’s benefit. In 2018, we’ll see more innovators embedding AI into existing and new applications. More likely, we will see companies integrate AI into product design as well. Designers are tasked with designing products that are not just ‘for’ the people, but almost ‘human-like’.

4) Augmented Reality will become a shared experience:

Today, Augmented Reality is all about isolating yourself from the actual reality. But come 2018 VR will enable people to explore new worlds together, unravel new mysteries together! In other words, they can view, experience and explore communally.

5) Growth in Automation:

More and more companies and industries will continue to rely on and advance automation in their respective fields. It is especially expected to impact Dull, Dreary and Dangerous jobs. This means humans will no longer need to do the jobs that machines can do quicker, safer, economical and more accurately.

6) Security will continue to remain a concern:

Cybersecurity has dominated company concerns in 2017 and is likely to hold ground in 2018 as well. With a greater dependence on AI and IoT, companies are going to be concerned about their data and the threats they face.