Our 6 predictions for 2021, will it be a good year for technology?

Did you know the first-ever iPhone was released in 2007? It’s hard to believe the advancements made over the last few decades. There’s more to come in 2021, and we’ve curated a list of predictions for what the next year will hold in the world of technology…

1. VR Advancements, making our way into a virtual world

There’s no doubt that COVID-19 has encouraged different sectors to get creative in their operations as they tackle restrictions. Many have turned digital, with countries like Germany developing 360° videos for potential tourists to experience the attractions without actually being there.

Herrenberg, a town within Germany, has already developed its own digital twin with an interactive app. The app is used by residents to rate their experiences of different areas, sharing their thoughts when a particular spot feels unsafe, comfortable, or ugly. 

The use of a platform for residents to comment on the feel of a place could prove beneficial to governments and councils, as they can discover quickly and effectively what areas of a location need improving.

It’s expected in the future that more people will become interested in experiencing virtual tourism. The ability to build interest in an area now could result in further tourism post-pandemic thanks to VR technology.

2. Increase in cloud-based data storage

With more people working from home than ever, businesses are adapting their databases to be available from any location. 

The IDG Computing Survey from 2020 contains numerous interesting statistics revolving around the increased use of cloud services over 2020. 

‘Eighteen months from now, 16% expect their IT environment to be entirely cloud-based, 43% expect to be mostly in the cloud, and 36% expect to be at least somewhat in the cloud, with only 5% expecting still to be entirely on-premises.’ – The IDG Computing Survey

Businesses are investing more in cloud services, reducing their on-site data storage. With this likely to increase in 2021, we could find more businesses choosing to host their data using a third-party cloud solution.

3. Cybercrime will become a more significant threat

As businesses invest more in cloud-based data storage, the attempts to breach these databases will inevitably increase. Since COVID-19, hackers have taken the opportunity to attack databases more often and more successfully.

Since the pandemic, the FBI has reported a quadrupled increase in reports, with daily incidents sometimes reaching up to 4 thousand a day. This is a significant increase from the 1 thousand a day they were encountering pre-COVID. Even Google reported blocking an average of 18 million Coronavirus phishing attacks, where individuals were attempting to profit from fake virus advice and less secure remote working setups. 

Its likely that while the threat of COVID-19 remains, hackers will continue to test the security of business databases. In 2021, it is clear businesses and individuals need to do more to protect their data.

4. Advancements in medical technology

Many investments are being made in the healthcare sector to help treat patients. From robotics used in operating rooms to ventilation machines saving lives, technology has brought us far in medical care.

Furthermore, testing is now taking place for smartphones to connect to and control pacemakers. This innovation hopes to build an understanding for patients about their pacemaker by helping them make sense of their treatment. The technology also provides a good opportunity for health data to be collected and automatically sent to a physician for review, preventing the need for face-to-face visits. 

With the continued threat of COVID-19, it is likely that more investments will be made into medical technology to help treat patients and save lives.

5. Working from home will continue

As businesses are advised to have staff work from home where possible, many employees have settled into a new lifestyle. With this ‘new normal’, 60% of people have stated they want to continue working from home more than they previously did, meaning the rise in home workers is not likely to decrease any time soon.

This doesn’t mean the end of offices, however, as 40% of the employees stated they still viewed the office as the key place for work.

With the second national lockdown announced on the 31st of October, people are again being encouraged to stay at home. Because of this, remoting working is set to continue for many individuals into 2021 and possibly beyond. 

6. Electronic recycling rates will rise

As the years go by more businesses and companies are getting conscious of their social responsibility. With the need for companies to be more aware of their environmental and social impact, many are looking into recycling.

It was recorded in the first quarter of 2020 that WEEE (waste electronic and electrical equipment) collections were surpassing the expected rates. It wasn’t until the UK lockdown in March that collections stopped, as many IT recycling facilities closed.

With this decrease, 2021 is likely to yield a higher recycling rate than that of 2020. Businesses with stockpiled old IT from lockdown will be looking for disposal solutions, boosting collection rates again.

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Looking to recycle your electronics in 2021? Speak to a member of our ITAD team.