Luis Andre Garrigo

Top 10 (Likely) Tech Trends for 2010

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We’re merely ten days into the decade, and yet we can all tell that this is going to be a big year for innovation. Let’s take a look into the future at the Top 10 (Likely) Tech Trends for 2010…

1. Initial Public Offerings (IPO) — Let’s be honest here, it’s the start of 2010 and everyone in the industry is eagerly awaiting for a big tech-startup to IPO. Once one sets the trend, others will surely follow. Could this set off another dot-com boom? Not likely. Let’s be realistic, Wall Street is infatuated with the tech industry right now. Google and Apple have target prices at $700 and $300 respectively. However, the economy is nothing short of pure crap. Call me a contrarian, but no aspect of the market will “boom” in 2010.
2. Tablet PCs — 2010 will be remembered as the “Year of the Tablet.” Not so long ago I remember using T9 Predictive Text Input on my Motorola Razor to text my friends. Thankfully, we’ve come a long way since then. So what does this have to do with the future Tablet market? In a couple of years we will all be reminiscing on the days that magazines were mailed to us, newspapers were printed, and laptops were considered “portable.” Like it or not, Tablet PCs are going to force these industries to reinvent themselves.
3. Real-Time — Ahh the future of the internet. No, I’m not talking about HTML5. Without citing any specific technologies, we can safely comment that the real-time web is gaining ground. Why wait for something when you can have it now? The early adopters have already witnessed the wonder that is the real-time web, and we love it! Now it’s time for the masses to embrace the real-time stream.
4. Local News — As it is right now, I use BNO News to keep up with news headlines. However, the majority of the headlines they push have little to do with my daily life; they’re far too general. Local news, however, does affect my life. Someone – whether it be traditional media or an entrepreneur – must reinvent the “local” industry.  BNO News would be 10x better if it was: A) more specific, and B) delivered to the user through a multitude of different mediums. I want news that affects me as it happens.
5. Location, Location, Location — Geolocation is more than just a game. Knowing your location, your phone (or similar device) has the power to alert you of traffic that lies ahead, coupons to nearby restaurants/stores, etc. The industry needs a reliable geolocation standard for the masses to adopt. New, useful and portable technologies will quickly develop, capitalizing on location awareness. An extreme amount of geolocation potential lies within your smartphone. Let’s take advantage of that potential in 2010.
6. Wireless Everything — Portability is huge. I can check my email, catch up with friends, conduct market analysis, et al wirelessly on my iPhone. There is no reason why everything in my life isn’t wireless. Walking around the house with my laptop isn’t all that easy or convenient. I have hard drives, speakers, a monitor and other gadgets that must all be “ejected” before they can be disconnected. The technology is there, why can’t I wirelessly sync my iPhone? Hell, even wireless charging is available. Now is the time to implement it.
7. Cloud Computing — There is not enough space on my internal hard drive to hold all my media. External hard drives are useful, but a hassle. So we should make larger hard drives to accomodate higher-quality media, right? Not exactly. On another note, the boot-time of my Mac is only lengthening with age. If the “instantly on” computer is to become a reality we must first reinvent the current system of PC architecture. The solution to both of these problems is browser-based, and already has a familiar name: cloud computing. Google’s Chrome OS and Jolicloud only give us a taste of what computing in this decade will be about. Hopefully our network infrastructure will be able to handle the load. (Invest in the stock market? *hint, hint*)
8. OpenID — One login to rule them all. Facebook, Google, Twitter and friends are all making a push to be the de facto login API. Let’s face it, password managers are useful, but it would be far more convenient if you only had to remember one universal login. I can already here the security nuts screaming foul. Well once again, it’s time to innovate. Give me a keychain password generator, send me a text message containing a security key, anything really! As long as I get a universal internet identity I will be happy.
9. 3D Entertainment — I’m glad I waited until the trends at CES had been established before publishing this piece. The 3D technologies they’re previewing only attest to the future of entertainment. Last decade was about high-definition. This decade will be about the “third” dimension. I can’t wait. Luckily we can leave the funky glasses in the closet because 3D TVs won’t be needing them.
10. Government — With all these new technologies government policy must evolve. I can’t predict the unpredictable, and – quite frankly – I dare not try. For that, I leave this section blank. Let your imagination run wild with all the potential “pork” that will inevitably be included in future omnibus bills.

2009, you were great. 2010, I have faith that you will be even better. Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right.

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