(Warning: long-winded on this post)
Like everyone else, I frequently receive / review misc. predicted "top tech trends" lists ... but I believe most IT professionals would benefit more from shared observations combined with predictions on where / how popular tech (both production and beta) will move in the upcoming 12 months ... see my contribution to the discussion / debate below ... probably not as "sexy" as predicting "unmanned flying drone" applications - but the observations are real / my own ... if you're looking for drones, see the existing lists. :)
1. iPad evolves into a dominant business hardware platform. (90% confident) On numerous occasions in 2010 I witnessed peer IT execs surrounded by their users asking for iPads - this user demand combined with biz apps that are starting to surface will win the day for Apple in 2011. Forget the other devices this year, iPad has too big a head start - watch for others in 2012.
2. MiFi devices will impact our communication world much like wireless / broadband did. (50% confident) I have tested several of the new 4G MiFi devices during my road warrior activities - one thing jumped out at me. There really is a need / desire from the user community to leverage mobile hotspots. Haven't figured out yet all of the ways that this will impact the way we communicate, but it will ... I am particularly curious about the younger crowd and phone MiFi use.
3. Skype and personal video-2-video solutions will make another big splash similar to when they were first introduced. (75% confident) Onboard cameras are now standard in most personal devices, so the platform base is in place. But the primary reason that I would point to a big move in 2011 is the use by HS and college students and soldiers returning from deployment.
4. High Definition video becomes pervasive. (75% confident) Might take longer than 12 months due to hardware turnover cycles. But the quality in off-the-shelf, everyday devices is outstanding. We're just now starting to understand what we can produce with that quality. Think about everyday media use by ordinary citizens; security applications that are crowd sourced; real-time asset and operational management by public agencies.
5. GPS apps finally evolve down to the personal, everyday level. (100% confident) With network improvements and societal changes, we are finally starting to see true, pervasive use of GPS. We are staring to see apps that can do much more than provide turn-by-turn directions or assign a coordinate to a vacation picture - younger generations acceptance of "big brother" will drive this change. Inside building directions; find you / find me apps; location-based service offerings ... I can't wait to see what evolves!
6. Onboard automotive technology becomes "real" (25% confident) The beta solutions are out there - but they are still relatively clunky and cobbled together. Will be interesting to see how the public reacts and helps automakers upgrade their early offerings. Would not be surprised if the smartphone platform completely trumped the automotive world and left manufacturers with only an opportunity to provide the best "plug-your-device-in-here" environment.
7. Another, non-platform-specific, app store enters the smartphone app store market. (75% confident) Beta solutions are starting to surface. Dominant providers currently control this space, but that will likely change. Demand for best-in-class apps will force current, dominant providers to work with the new solutions.
