2024 tech trends: what to expect from the year ahead
Explosion in Custom AI Models
In 2023 we were blown away by ChatGPT: a large language model (LLM) AI chatbot released by OpenAI in November 2022.
In 2024 we predict an explosion of custom GPT chatbots that each have access to specific industry/organisational data. Imagine having a personalised AI assistant with you while you work that is tailored to answer questions about your specific job, organisation, and industry.
We anticipate a flurry of announcements in 2024 showcasing how custom GPTs become the go-to tools for organisations in healthcare, finance, and beyond. 🤩
Generative AI in All Your Apps
Say goodbye to boring software and hello to smart software as generative artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) become the silent geniuses behind your everyday apps.
Have you ever struggled sorting through numbers in an Excel sheet or remembering and capturing all the actions from an hour-long video conferencing meeting? In 2024 new AI tools such as Microsoft Copilot will be there to assist you, enhancing your office software, messaging, and video conferencing tools.
We predict a year where AI/ML integration amplifies the functionality of your apps, making them smarter, more intuitive, and easier to use. You’ll be amazed at how much you can achieve with just a few clicks! 🤓
Wearable Assistants
AI in your job, AI in your apps, how about AI that you wear!
In 2024, we expect to see and hear a lot more about AI wearables, which are wearable devices (e.g. smart glasses, smart watches, smart pins) that are powered by AI.
These AI wearables will be able to recognise your surroundings and your preferences and provide you with personalised and contextualised content. AI wearables will be like having a personal assistant, a tour guide, and a friend on your wrist, face, or lapel. You may never want to take them off! 😎
Making sure AI behaves
As AI gathers momentum in 2024, the development and application of responsible AI and ethics principles will be imperative to ensuring the immense potential can be fully harnessed while avoiding some of the risks inherent in the technology. Expect to see more on AI governance frameworks that take into account considerations around privacy, safety, reliability, and accountability will be increasingly critical in helping foster data and AI systems that benefit human, societal and environmental wellbeing. 🤝
Even More Sustainable Technology
Another exciting tech trend we can expect to hear more about in 2024 is sustainable technology.
Sustainable technology supports the environmental, social, and economic wellbeing of the present and future generations, by minimising the negative impacts (e.g. carbon capture solutions) and maximising the positive impacts of human activities on the planet (e.g. new renewable energy technologies).
In 2024, sustainable technology will become more widespread, as more innovations, solutions, and practices will be developed and adopted to reduce our carbon footprint, to increase efficiency and circularity (e.g recycling and reuse of precious minerals in electronic waste), and to enhance the resilience and inclusivity of the technology sector.
We see a future where sustainability isn't just a buzzword but a driving force, shaping a tech world that cares for the planet. 🌍
Satellite Direct to Handset (DTH)
Speaking of the planet, get ready for some out-of-this-world connectivity!
In 2024 and 2025, we can expect to see Satellite Direct to Handset (DTH) gradually emerging and operated by various LEO players. Initially in 2024 DTH capability will be limited to text messaging only with voice and potentially some basic low-rate data not expected till later in 2025. While this service will never rival or be a replacement for terrestrial mobile services it promises to provide a useful “safety net” of connectivity for customers in areas beyond the terrestrial mobile footprint which have a clear line of sight to the sky. . 🛰️
Network Technology Resilience
In 2024, we can expect to see network and technology resilience becoming an even higher priority, as more challenges, such as extreme weather events, cyber threats, and geopolitical tensions, pose potential threats to networks.
At the same time higher expectations on reliability, security and quality are also being placed on networks as they become the backbone of the modern, digital economy supporting essential functions and services, such as communication, education, health, trade, and finance. Think of network resilience like building a digital fortress against disruptions. 💪
3G Closure and advancements in 5G
In 2024 we will bid farewell to 3G. On 30 June 2024 we will be switching off our 3G network.
Doing so allows us to repurpose the radio spectrum 3G used to offer better coverage and reliability on our faster and more efficient 5G mobile network. Anyone using a 3G-only device will need to upgrade to a 4G/5G VoLTE-capable and compatible device to keep enjoying the Telstra mobile network.
Don’t worry, Telstra is here to help you with the transition and more information on the closure and device requirements can be found here.
2024 will also see our 5G network only get better, with increased coverage, the expansion of Standalone 5G (5G SA), the introduction of customised 5G slicing for applications and the integration of Voice over 5G (VoNR).
Get ready for some amazing 5G action in 2024! 🚀