Published on 10:15 AM, December 30, 2022

Cover Story

What will the world of tech look like in 2023?

Illustration: Zarif Faiaz

As we approach the end of 2022, it's natural to start thinking about what the next year might bring in terms of tech events and developments. While it's difficult to predict exactly what will happen in 2023, there are a few key areas that are likely to see significant activity and could potentially have a major impact on the tech industry.

The continued rollout of 5G networks

One of the most significant tech events of 2023 is likely to be the continued rollout of 5G networks around the world. While 5G has been available in some areas for a few years now, it is expected to become more widely available in 2023, with many major carriers planning to expand their 5G coverage significantly.

The introduction of 5G is expected to bring a number of benefits, including faster download and upload speeds, lower latency, and the ability to connect more devices to the internet simultaneously. This will make it possible for new technologies like self-driving cars and virtual reality to reach their full potential, and could also lead to new business opportunities and innovations in sectors like healthcare, manufacturing, and agriculture.

The proliferation of artificial intelligence and machine learning

Another significant tech event in 2023 is likely to be the continued growth of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. These technologies have already made significant strides in recent years, and are being used in a wide range of applications, from customer service chatbots to language translation to image and speech recognition.

In 2023, it's likely that we'll see AI and machine learning become even more widespread, with the technology being used in an even wider range of applications. This could include everything from personalised medicine and virtual assistants to predictive analytics and automated decision-making in industries like finance and insurance.

One major area of growth for AI and machine learning is likely to be in the field of healthcare. In recent years, we have seen the development of AI-powered tools that can assist with everything from diagnosis and treatment planning to patient monitoring and drug development. In 2023, we can expect to see even more advances in this area, as researchers and healthcare professionals continue to explore the potential of these technologies to improve patient outcomes and reduce costs.

The growth of the Internet of Things (IoT)

The Internet of Things (IoT) is another area that is expected to see significant growth in 2023. IoT refers to the interconnected network of devices, sensors, and other technologies that are capable of collecting and sharing data over the internet.

In 2023, we are expected to see the number of IoT devices growing, with everything from smart thermostats and security cameras to industrial equipment and agricultural sensors being connected to the internet. This will create new opportunities for businesses to collect and analyze data in real-time and could lead to the development of new products and services that make use of this data.

The rise of quantum computing

Quantum computing is another technology that is expected to see significant progress in 2023. Quantum computers are able to perform certain types of calculations much faster than traditional computers, which makes them particularly useful for tasks like data analysis, drug discovery, and code-breaking.

In 2023, it is possible that we'll see more companies and research institutions exploring the use of quantum computers for these and other applications. This could lead to major breakthroughs in a wide range of fields, from finance and healthcare to manufacturing and defense.

The growth of electric and autonomous vehicles

Electric and autonomous vehicles are another area that is expected to see significant progress in 2023. While both of these technologies have been around for a while, they are still in the early stages of development and adoption.

In 2023, it's likely that we'll see more electric and autonomous vehicles on the road, as more companies begin to produce and sell these types of vehicles. This could lead to a major shift in the way we think about transportation, with the potential to reduce emissions, improve safety, and reduce the need for personal car ownership.

The onward march of AR

Another key tech event of 2023 is likely to be the continued evolution of virtual and augmented reality technologies. In recent years, we have seen the development of virtual reality headsets and other devices that allow users to experience immersive, computer-generated environments. 

In 2023, we can expect to see even more advances in this area, as researchers and developers continue to explore the potential of these technologies for everything from gaming and entertainment to education and training.

Similarly, augmented reality (AR) technologies, which allow users to overlay digital information and graphics onto the real world, are also likely to continue to grow in popularity in 2023. AR has the potential to revolutionise many different industries, from retail and advertising to education and entertainment. In the coming year, we can expect to see the development of new AR applications and the expansion of existing ones, as businesses and consumers continue to embrace these technologies.

The evolution of cybersecurity

As technology continues to advance, cybersecurity is becoming increasingly important. In the upcoming year, cybersecurity is expected to continue evolving as technology advances and cyber threats become more sophisticated. 

One trend that is expected to gain traction is the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning into cybersecurity systems. These technologies will allow for more efficient and effective threat detection and response, as well as the ability to anticipate and prevent attacks before they occur. Another trend to watch is the increased focus on cloud security, as more companies migrate their data and operations to the cloud. This shift will require new security protocols and technologies to ensure the protection of sensitive information. 

Additionally, the rise of the Internet of Things (IoT) will bring new challenges to cybersecurity, as the interconnectedness of devices presents more potential vulnerabilities for hackers to exploit. Overall, the coming year will see significant progress in the field of cybersecurity as new technologies and strategies are developed to protect against emerging threats.