What do the likes of Apple, Microsoft, Samsung, and other tech giants have in common? They’re extremely powerful and incredibly profitable – we all know that much. But take a deeper look into their commonalities and you’ll find something a little more intriguing.
These companies thrive in sectors of the electronics industry that are so abundant with rapid innovation that customers have become nearly impossible to satisfy. Every new product iteration is expected to ship with more features, more power, higher-quality components, and a better design, all while being less expensive.
This phenomenon can make it easy to forget just how quickly technology is evolving. Let’s put things into perspective and take a look at the trends that are currently shaping the electronics industry.
Table of Contents
5G Connectivity
The next generation of mobile network technology is beginning to roll out, offering connection speeds of up to 10GBps and making 5G at least a hundred times faster than 4G.
You can already try the technology out for yourself, assuming there’s a nearby 5G tower in your city and just over a thousand dollars in your wallet to spend on a compatible smartphone.
In other words, we still have a few years to go before the widespread implementation of 5G becomes viable. For now, we can patiently look forward to the near future where we’ll be able to connect at unimaginable speeds.
Product Design Enhancements
Artificial intelligence and machine learning are redefining the capabilities of product design software. This is particularly beneficial for the electronics industry, where components such as circuit boards are becoming increasingly complex.
Consequently, a growing number of PCB (printed circuit board) designers are switching from traditional software such as orcad pcb to Altium, a more advanced solution that is paving the way for innovation in the computing industry.
VR and AR
VR (virtual reality) and AR (augmented reality) are hardly new technologies, but their capabilities are beginning to extend far beyond entertainment as they become more powerful and affordable. Both technologies work to improve the relationship between man and machine, serving as useful tools in training, production, and design.
IoT Everything
Thanks to cloud computing, shrinking sensors, and widespread internet access, manufacturers are turning anything and everything into connected, voice-assisted, smart devices. As an early adopter of IoT (Internet of Things) technology, you can make significant changes to your life at home.
Your security cameras can send footage to your smartphone when something is amiss; your fridge can automatically order groceries when you run out; your bed can send you data about your sleeping habits; your mirror can tell you the weather; your toothbrush can show you how to improve your technique. The list goes on.
3D Printing
Manufacturers can now leverage 3D printing techniques to rapidly produce prototypes of future products at a significantly lower cost. 3D printing is also an affordable solution for product testing and troubleshooting as well as on-demand production. Both businesses and consumers will benefit from earlier releases and lower costs.
If the current trajectory of technological innovation is anything to go by, a bright future lies ahead for the electronics industry.
