Top 5 Tech Predictions For 2016: What's In & What's Not

As 2015 wraps up, we look to the horizons beyond to get a glimpse of what lies ahead. In the world of technology, it appears further development spells a more technofied lifestyle for many of us. Will we see "Back to the Future"-type pipe dreams become reality in 2016?

More 3D

Altough 3-D printing is slowly wearing off the sheen of novelty, it is expected to make further gains in 2016 as various types of items and products may be created through this technology. Also, designers for such objects may also stand to earn royalties for their work.

"The real opportunity isn't the widget. It's the intellectual property you're creating," explained Gartner analyst Mike Walker, as noted by Inc.

"3D-printing has caught its stride now that companies like Tesla are using it to build engine parts, and SpaceX is using it to create rocket parts," Forbes noted, based on market research firm Gartner's prediction. "Better applications of the technology to biological material and food will follow."

Further, virtual reality may also make some strides in 2016, with more of the VR headsets becoming available mainstream. It's also been forecasted by frog's Jud Holliday that personal 3D gateways may excite users next year as it allows them to "virtually transport themselves to points in space around the world and interact with the people there," as relayed by Digital Trends.

Internet of Things

IoT has become a buzzword of late as news of companies eyeing the creation of tech infrastructure that links and operates within the same network emerged. Google has apparently led the way with its efforts to enable various devices to connect with each other.

"Of all IoT devices, Google's OnHub routers get the most mentions - which is perhaps more excitement than you'd expect for a router," Stuff.co.nz observed.

However, according to Gartner, IoT platform providers currently remain fragmented and will need to whip up a better ecosystem to enable more and broader data sharing.

"This issue will persist through 2018, and IT departments will likely procure more one-off solutions as opposed to integrated webs of solutions that would serve them better.," Forbes noted.

Data Drives Design

There will be more data than ever as it's expected that about 25 billion devices will be providing data about various things under the sun by 2020, Gartner forecasted. As such, companies may be encouraged to use data to guide product, and even service, design.

"Data collation now enables a bidirectional relationship between retailers and their customers, yielding empirical metrics to corroborate subjective vision," frog's Data Science director Charlie Burgoyne said.

Smartwatch Era Arrives

The Apple Watch launched earlier this year; more of such wearables from other companies emerged this year too. And analysts predict there will be more of these next year, even overtaking fitness trackers "as people look for more functionality from a single device," Stuff.nz.com said.

"I think it's an iPod before the iPhone scenario," Adobe Digital Index senior data analyst opined. "Some people may have both, but end up using the more complex device because it does more than one thing."

Mobile Trumps Desktop

2016 may herald the age where there will be more browsing from mobile devices than desktop ones. This prediction was encouraged by the advent of big-screened handsets, which are becoming ubiquitous.

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