At HP, we constantly monitor technology trends that we believe will significantly impact our society, the environment, industries, and customers.
As I sat down to write this blog post and synthesize some of our latest thinking, I thought I would turn to the first trend on my list for some help and to compare notes. So, I asked OpenAI’s ChatGPT for their take on the top trends, and here’s our dialogue (note: I did not edit the responses below for content or grammar):
Me: What do you think are the top 10 technology trends to watch in 2023?
ChatGPT: It’s difficult to predict exactly what the top technology trends will be in 2023, as technology is constantly evolving and new developments are being made all the time. However, some trends that are likely to continue to be important in the coming years include:
- Artificial intelligence and machine learning
- Edge computing
- 5G and other advanced wireless technologies
- Internet of Things (IoT)
- Virtual and augmented reality
- Cybersecurity
- Blockchain
- Quantum computing
- Robotic process automation
- Biometric authentication and security
These are just a few examples, and it’s possible that other emerging technologies could also rise to prominence in the coming years.
Me: Why is artificial intelligence at the top of your Tech Trends for 2023 list?
ChatGPT: Artificial intelligence (AI) is at the top of my Tech Trends for 2023 list because it has the potential to revolutionize many industries and fundamentally change the way we live and work. AI refers to the development of computer systems that can perform tasks that would normally require human intelligence, such as understanding natural language, recognizing patterns, and making decisions.
AI has already made significant progress in recent years, and it is expected to continue to advance rapidly in the coming years. Some potential applications of AI include:
- Improving healthcare: AI can be used to analyze medical records, identify patterns and trends, and help doctors to make more accurate diagnoses and treatment recommendations.
- Enhancing customer service: AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants can provide personalized and efficient customer service, freeing up human employees to handle more complex tasks.
- Improving transportation: AI can be used to develop self-driving cars and other autonomous vehicles, which could improve safety and efficiency on the roads.
- Improving cybersecurity: AI can be used to detect and prevent cyberattacks by analyzing network traffic and identifying unusual patterns.
- Enhancing productivity: AI can be used to automate routine tasks, freeing up human workers to focus on more valuable work.
Overall, AI has the potential to impact many aspects of our lives significantly, and it is likely to be a major technology trend in the coming years.
Now while I have a slightly different take on what technology will rise this year, I was impressed with ChatGPT’s responses and ability to articulate logical and believable answers. While they could use a good edit (can’t we all) and some help with tone and depth, they were as strong as many blog posts I’ve read.
This a great example of why I believe Creative AI will be one of the top 10 technology trends in 2023. Let’s jump into the entire list.
1. Creative AI
More and more, AI is being used to generate creative content — blog posts, poetry, illustrations, 3D photography, etc. By using machine learning models, creative AI software can be trained to generate responses to creative prompts like my questions above, create art, translate copy, perform sentiment analysis, and more. This could profoundly impact creative fields such as marketing, entertainment, design, gaming, etc. I don’t believe it will replace professionals in these fields (yet), but it will enrich their own creative expressions. By leveraging creative AI, we’ll be able to challenge our own conceptions, explore new design inspirations, save research time, and potentially improve our overall creative output. There is enormous potential here, and VC investors are taking note, with OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, rumored to be in talks to sell existing shares in a tender offer that would value the company at around $29 billion. Much more of this to come in 2023!
2. Game Engines Everywhere
A game engine is software that makes it easy for game developers to design and build games. It’s estimated that 60% of game developers use game engines. Some of the big names in game engines are Unity, Unreal Engine, and Game Maker Studio. The flexibility and robust visual and audio support also make these engines attractive for use well beyond game development. NASA is turning to game engines for astronaut training, automotive designers and architects are using them to visualize designs, and movie and TV studios are using them to create elaborate virtual productions. They are also an enabling technology for the Metaverse. Game engines are powerful tools that will continue to impact new markets and industries in the year ahead.
3. The rise of the virtual office
A Gallup survey last year found that 8 in 10 people are working hybrid or remotely. And while remote and hybrid workers have proven they can remain productive even when not in the office, the software and tools to make their lives easier have been slow to develop. Over the past few years, we’ve all experienced the limitations of meeting and collaboration software, which were never intended to replace offices. This has led to a new breed of virtual office platforms called virtual offices. These virtual offices are digital replicas of physical spaces dedicated to getting your work done alone and with co-workers. They are designed to offer transparency, ease of communication, and collaboration and are committed to how you and your company work. Roam recently raised $40 million and is one such platform provider. Their virtual headquarters allow employees to drop by, attend video conferences or town-hall meetings, and get work done. I expect we’ll see more and more of these virtual office platforms start to launch in the coming year.
4. From security to resiliency
Our society has become dependent on digital tools and technologies, and the impact of cybersecurity breaches and attacks cannot be overstated. When cybersecurity fails or is ill-equipped, several aspects of our lives are at risk, from our data and identities to our safety. That’s why there are increasing efforts underway not just to prevent attacks but also to be prepared to withstand them and quickly recover if they do occur. Moving beyond cyber security to cyber resiliency will become increasingly important this year, with more technological emphasis on risk assessments, detection and response, data recovery, and compliance.
5. Sustainable technology
Net zero climate goals and environmentally minded consumers mean that tech companies―and companies across all industries―will need to step up their sustainability credentials in 2023. Consumers are increasingly aware of their choices and environmental impact and want to select brands that prioritize sustainable practices and values. At HP, we have long been proponents of climate action. Our mission is to drive toward a net-zero carbon, fully regenerative economy while engineering the industry’s most sustainable portfolio of products and solutions. As seen at CES recently, companies will be pushing the sustainable innovation envelope this year. New technologies are being deployed, from electric watercraft to clean water robots and vertical farms, to solve some of our toughest sustainability challenges.
6. Super Apps
In our increasingly mobile-first world, the desire for apps to do more and more is paramount. That is spurring a new application platform called “super apps.” Think of them as Swiss army knife-like applications that perform as a suite of multiple mini apps. WeChat is probably one of the best-known super apps, with the ability to message, shop, stream content, and even book a trip all in one place. Many other super apps are also rising in popularity, including Revolt, an all-in-one money management app. Omni is one of South America’s fastest-growing apps that allows you to do everything from bike-sharing to managing your finances and health. Super apps have also made their way into the business realm, with apps like Microsoft Teams, Slack, and Peerbie making it easier for teams to communicate and get work done.
7. Metaverse goes phygital
As technology develops, we will continue to see the real world and our digital worlds synchronize in new and exciting ways. One way the metaverse does this is by bridging the physical and digital worlds to create a cohesive user experience. The need for this seamless physical-digital experience is growing. Thanks to NFTs, the metaverse “phygital” (a bundle of physical and digital goods) is arguably one of the most exciting applications of these blended experiences. Brands are creating NFTs and/or virtual storefronts in the metaverse to offer their products to a broader audience. With the gradual adoption of the metaverse phygital infiltrating every sector in the coming years, we’ll see new buying behaviors, purchase patterns, and physical brand and digital creator collaborations. Some recent examples include Holographic NFT Display Cubes, digital and physical clothing, phygital retail stores, and collectible craft cocktails.
8. Spatial computing
From Fortnite to virtual reality (VR), spatial computing is essential to our current and future digital experiences. In previous iterations of computer games and virtual worlds, we moved using 2D mouse pointers on screens. Now, more and more, we are transitioning to 3D experiences, which feel much closer to how we move around in the physical world. Spatial computing allows users to digitally interact in 3D vs. 2D, which is more intuitive for most people and will enable us to interact with a digital world, similarly to how we navigate the physical world. VR/AR/MR are good examples of this, but so is playing Fortnite on your phone.
9. Ambient computing
Making computing more ubiquitous and seamless to users is called ambient computing. From the smart thermostat heating your home to the perfect temp at the right time to your favorite AI device turning on your TV or lowering the lights, ambient computing continues to become increasingly integrated into our everyday lives. I expect to see more advancements in this space, especially in our hybrid work lives. At CES, HP just launched the HP E-Series G5 Monitors, which include an Ambient Light Sensor that automatically adjusts the screen brightness. We also introduced a suite of PCs enhanced by HP Presence, offering intelligent camera face tracking for video calls and PC hibernation mode based on usage patterns. These are features, enabled by technology, that work seamlessly together in the background to create a better user experience.
10. Web3 2.0
I also expect that 2023 may be the year we see blockchain gain traction in enterprise applications. Blockchain saw much skepticism in 2022 with many wondering whether it is a technology in search of a problem or something the world really needs. The jury is still out, with people taking a position on both ends of the spectrum, sometimes with the ‘enthusiasm’ of a presidential election, but my bet is that in 2023 we’ll see use cases and adoption emerge in the enterprise space that will start to point at where blockchain technology could gain more widespread traction in the future. I also think blockchain technology will need to evolve to meet enterprise needs — sustainability, scalability, and performance — so it’s possible the blockchain of tomorrow will look very different from the blockchain of today, ushering in the era of Web3 2.0.
As ChatGPT said, it’s difficult to predict precisely what the most significant technology trends will be this year, but these are the ones I’ll be tracking at the top of my list.
What do you think of the trends above? Are there others you think will rise to the top 10?
Andrew Bolwell 