Throughout the years, we’ve borne witness to the rapid evolution of technology. Those who grew up before the turn of the millennium can most likely remember a drastically different world. It was with less digital reliance, where a lot of gadgets were still analog or even manual. Those times have even become a point of nostalgia for some.
However, regardless of how pleasant we may remember those times to be, the simple reality is that technology- and our lives today are far better than yesterdays’. We can enjoy technology and its benefits, not just for individuals and citizens but also for entrepreneurs and business people. Despite this, it’s easy to forget how far we’ve come. Below are some examples of how gadgets and innovations have changed all our lives.
Smart Appliances and Home Automation
Without a doubt, we’ve truly entered the era of the future. Technological devices limited to science fiction are now part of our everyday life. Before, long-distance communication had to be achieved through wired connections such as telephones, but now we can even video call people from across the world. This innovation and development extend to even how to design and navigate our house. Enter smart appliances and home automation.
Through internet connection and WiFi-controlled appliances, we can now control traditional appliances like a rice cooker, oven, or even a refrigerator remotely. With these devices now connected more seamlessly, many homes are becoming more self-functioning and autonomous.
Take, for example, a feature that’s fast becoming implemented in newer homes. That’s scheduling your home’s lights, thermostats, and security cameras to send you integral information. This allows you to have more control over the finer aspects of your living, all with just a touch of a finger. That’s definitely futuristic.
Financial Technology and Digital Financial Services
Almost everyone uses digital financial services one way or another. One might pay their bills through their smartphone, a business could be sending their employees’ salary through a tablet, or an investor might even be coordinating with true ECN brokers over a laptop. Online financial services are so prominent nowadays that many of us take them for granted and fail to see how far technology has gotten.
This progress is all thanks to financial technology, one of the leading industries right now. Almost all of our financial processes and operations are now accessed through the internet, and even the banking backends require the internet. This innovation has allowed for the development of economies everywhere. E-commerce, small businesses, micro-investments, crowdfunding, and more are all thanks to the developments in the financial technology industry.
The Power of the Cloud
One development that pushes the envelope forward is cloud computing. While it’s a word that’s commonly thrown around nowadays, many people still don’t understand what cloud computing is and what it can do. Essentially, it’s the ability to share digital resources, be it computing power or data, like pictures or videos, through the “cloud,” which is then accessed through the internet.
Thanks to this, we are witnessing a new generation being empowered: connecting through loved ones, consuming media without a physical platform like DVDs or radio, or even storing important files online are all accessible. It enables individuals and businesses to do more with what they have: because everything is processed through the cloud, a device’s specifications or power matters little. All that matters is the skill of the user.
Sustainable Energy and Eco-friendly Gadgets
Despite all of technology’s life-improving innovations, it still has had a bad rap due to manufacturing industries and machinery contributing to the planet’s decline. Thankfully, many companies are now designing products with sustainability and eco-friendliness in mind. Because of this, we are now seeing more and more eco-friendly tech in the market.
With the strong consumer demand for sustainable and eco-friendly options, many sustainable companies and businesses are stepping up to the challenge. Businesses selling domestic-grade solar panels are fast increasing, as the need for electric power remains high, but the need for cleaner alternatives also strengthens.
Beyond energy sources, many manufacturers are also turning to the cheaper yet more eco-friendly option of recycled raw materials. Left and right, industries are trying to adjust not only to the eco-friendly demands of the market but also because of the waning natural resources.
We enjoy a convenient life thanks to technology. However, we must all be aware of how it has changed our lives. This isn’t just to know what other devices can make our lives easier but to also put things into perspective and be grateful for what we have.