3 Key Trends in Consumer Technology
In the last few decades, consumer technology has advanced at an incredibly fast pace. People aged over forty will remember a time in their early adulthood when the online world did not exist for members of the public; it was only in the early 1990s when the Internet and the World Wide Web started to be used by most people.
In addition, cell phones only became commonly used tech devices for most consumers in the same decade. Before this, if you needed specific information, you went to the library and if you needed to make a phone call you used a landline or a public payphone.
Today, there is a wide variety of consumer technology; some of it serves to make life easier or more productive, and other products can save time or offer recreational benefits.
In this article, some of the key recent trends in consumer technology will be explored, with specific examples.
- Smartphones as gaming devices
The latest models of smartphones offer almost unlimited uses, thanks to the ability to download millions of popular apps from your phone store. In addition, 5G networks have now become commonplace, allowing customers to enjoy fast Internet access regardless of their location.
Today, smartphones are becoming increasingly used for gaming purposes. Adults are using their devices to access online casinos, where they can enjoy a diverse range of realistic and exciting casino games—from hundreds of different “pokies” machines to card games such as poker and baccarat. These online casinos offer secure payment pages (using the latest encryption technology) and 24/7 customer support.
The convenience and on-demand entertainment that such sites provide has made them a firm favorite with adults from all backgrounds. It is little surprise that millions of adults now use their smartphones as gaming devices—as well as for productivity, social networks, and finding information from the Internet.
Put simply, smartphones have now become the most used tech device thanks to their wide range of applications, with gaming being increasingly enjoyed on this tech platform.
- Domestic robots for household tasks
Only a few decades ago, domestic robots were the stuff of science fiction and homeowners could only dream about having a robotic assistant to help them with their household tasks.
Today, consumer technology has progressed to the point where robotic vacuum cleaners are now widely available for home use. These sophisticated devices commonly use cameras and local mapping software to gain a comprehensive picture of the floors in your home. They can then automatically undertake cleaning routines without needing to be remotely controlled. Some models can be linked to your smartphone, to allow custom cleaning routines to be set or to activate the device when you are away from home.
- Recognizing the importance of VPNs
As consumers increasingly rely on the Internet for their daily tasks, social media posting, and routine purchases, many people will access sites on the go, often using public Wi-Fi services when surfing the Internet at shopping centers and cafes.
However, more IT security-conscious consumers are now recognizing the importance of using a secure virtual private network (VPN) when using public Wi-Fi or relying on mobile Internet services.
VPNs work by concealing your IP address and encrypting the data that you send and receive. This makes it extremely difficult for potential hackers to steal your information or gain access to your tech device. In 2024, VPN usage will likely continue to rise amongst consumers as the importance of this tech becomes increasingly understood in modern life.