What to Expect in Tech 2024

As we embark on 2024, the technological landscape is evolving in remarkable and groundbreaking ways. Dominating this transformation are key innovations in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Neurotechnology, Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR/AR), and advancements in space exploration. These technologies are not just emerging; they are becoming deeply integrated into our daily lives, reshaping how we interact, work, and envision the future.

AI Integration in Daily Life

Generative AI (GenAI) is already prevalent in many products we use daily and is set to become even more integrated into our lives. For example, Gmail suggests the next word in your sentence, and PowerPoint offers design ideas. It's conceivable that Microsoft Word and Google Docs will soon feature the ability to turn bullet points into paragraphs - and eventually, do so in your own writing style. Currently, ChatGPT allows users to provide examples of their writing and generate new documents based on those notes for free - however, it still has a way to go.

GenAI and AI in general are advancing rapidly. If 2023 marked the introduction of AI to the masses, 2024 is set to be the year it integrates into everything we use.

Before ChatGPT, the general public did not have access to or really understand how to use AI in everyday life. But now, many of us recognize its capabilities or at least understand that it will impact our lives in the near future.

However, AI still has a long way to go. Despite its introduction in the 1950s and recent advances, we are still only scratching the surface of its capabilities. If we liken AI to a human child's learning journey, it would currently be in kindergarten. It still needs to progress through middle school, high school, college, and university, and then gain years of real work experience to approach its full potential.

The Risk of AI and the Need for Standardization

This rapid development of AI is also a concern for many leaders in the space, such as Elon Musk, who states, "AI is a fundamental existential risk for human civilization, and I don't think people fully appreciate that." Musk's warning, especially directed at political leaders, underscores the necessity for governments to implement more regulation over AI before it becomes unmanageable. He mentions having access to advanced AI technology and describes it as "the scariest problem." In response, many tech companies are designing AI standardization measures before governments are able to enact their own laws and regulations. For example, Amazon's Titan Image Generator will create images with an invisible watermark, enabling us to distinguish whether an image is real or AI-generated.

The Dawn of Digital Humans

GenAI also ushers in a new era with digital personas, transforming user interactions from text-based interfaces to engaging with lifelike digital figures. Soul Machines leads in this innovation, creating customizable AI avatars for a range of uses including marketing and customer support. Their digital human, Nova, which is free to interact with, offers a glimpse into this future. Try it out!

Virtual influencers, like Miquela Sousa, know better as Lil Miquela, showcase the influence of digital beings. Collaborating with fashion giants like Prada and venturing into music, Miquela blurs the line between virtual and reality for her millions of followers.

As we move forward, digital humans could revolutionize fields such as therapy, medical advisory, and media, marking a significant shift in how we perceive and interact with technology.

Neurotechnology: Bridging Minds and Machines

In 2024, neurotechnology is gaining prominence, offering innovative ways to connect our nervous system with electronic devices for monitoring and influencing neural activity. According to Nita A. Farahany in her Harvard Business Review article "Neurotech at Work," the neurotechnology sector is rapidly growing, with projections reaching $21 billion by 2026.

Neurotechnology applications, such as neuro-keyboards and mouse pads, are enhancing productivity by organizing thoughts and reminding users of tasks post-completion. For instance, while writing, the technology might suggest taking a break to take a walk or to switch your laundry. However, ethical concerns arise regarding how it handles intrusive thoughts or personal frustrations, especially in a workplace setting where such devices could monitor employee focus and mental state.

Beyond productivity, neurotechnology holds potential for enhancing public safety by preventing accidents attributed to mental fatigue. Yet, the balance between ensuring safety and preserving mental privacy poses significant ethical dilemmas. Questions about how employers and law enforcement might use this data, and the impact on personal freedom, remain unanswered.

A landmark development in this field is Neuralink's recent success in implanting the first brain-chip in a human, aiming to aid those with paralysis and neurological conditions, highlighting the vast potential and challenges of neurotechnology in transforming lives and society.

The Mixed Reality of AR and VR

Both Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) have long been heralded as transformative technologies, but it's only recently that we've begun to see their integration into daily life. Take, for example, Google Glass, launched in 2013. Despite its innovative approach, it didn't quite catch on, likely because it was ahead of its time. However, on February 2, 2024, Apple introduced the Apple Vision Pro, a $3,500 wearable computer equipped with cameras that allow users to engage with the outside world while simultaneously accessing apps and videos. Apple has dubbed this device a “spatial computer,” aiming to merge the physical and digital realms to enhance work, entertainment, and gaming experiences. This device represents a blend of AR and VR, which Apple collectively refers to as Mixed Reality (MR).

To distinguish between the two, AR supplements the real world with digital overlays, providing valuable applications in sectors such as education, healthcare, and retail by adding virtual components to our physical surroundings. VR, conversely, offers a fully digital experience, immersing users in a virtual world predominantly for gaming purposes.

A significant breakthrough in the VR landscape is Disney's development of the HoloTile Floor. This innovation allows users to navigate in any direction within a virtual environment without leaving a stationary position. Disney anticipates its release in 2025, marking another milestone in the evolution of immersive technologies.

Moore’s Law of Space Exploration

Historically, space exploration was dominated by government entities, driven by military security and stringent regulations. However, the landscape is shifting, acknowledging the pivotal role of both private enterprises and government agencies in shaping humanity's future in space. Private companies introduce flexibility, innovation, and efficiency, while governments offer deep expertise, infrastructure, and regulatory oversight.

The entry of more private players into space exploration is accelerating, spurred by regulatory easing and the decreasing costs of space travel. This trend mirrors Moore's Law in computing, where technological advancements lead to smaller, faster, and more cost-effective solutions. Similarly, space technology is evolving to become more accessible and affordable.

A notable illustration of this progression is Elon Musk's challenge to SpaceX engineer Steve Davis, resulting in a significant cost reduction for a component of the Falcon 1 rocket, from an estimated $120,000 to just $3,900. This example highlights the potential for dramatic decreases in the cost of space exploration.

Currently, space travel is a luxury available primarily to millionaires, with ticket prices reaching $1.25 million. However, within the next decade, the ongoing reduction in costs could make similar experiences available for as low as $10,000, making space travel more accessible to a broader audience.

Conclusion

As we navigate through 2024, the intersection of AI, neurotechnology, digital privacy, VR/AR, and space exploration is painting a future full of promise and challenges. These advancements are not just reshaping our technological landscape but are also prompting us to reconsider our relationship with technology, the ethical implications of its use, and how it can serve humanity for the better. As we stand on the brink of these innovations, we are reminded of the endless possibilities that the future holds, driven by our curiosity and our commitment to harnessing technology for the greater good.

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