Experts Detail Exciting Emerging Developments

Technology use and enthusiasm are high and widespread these days—indeed, many of us feel lost or discombobulated if we’re separated for even a short time from our smartphones. From personal connections to shopping assistance to entertainment and more, technology is, and will continue to be, interwoven into the lives of today’s consumers.

That’s why most of us are intrigued to hear about the new consumer-facing devices and developments coming from the tech industry—and no one has a better inside track on that information than the members of Forbes Technology Council. Read on to learn about the exciting emerging developments that may soon play a big role in how we live, work and play.

1. Wearable Tech

The shift from mobile phones to wearable tech, like augmented reality glasses, will redefine consumer tech. Proactive artificial intelligence will play a key role, anticipating our needs—opening apps, showing commute times or placing orders—without user prompts. This evolution will make AI-driven wearables indispensable, blending convenience with seamless, interconnected assistance. – Mohan Kumar, AtoB

2. Digital Assistants

Digital assistants will revolutionize the tech industry by automating routine tasks, boosting efficiency across businesses. They will enhance user experiences through personalized, real-time assistance, driving smarter decision making. By integrating advanced AI, digital assistants will streamline workflows and optimize operations, reducing human error. – Joydeb Mandal, Accenture

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3. AI-Powered VR And AR Hardware

I expect sophisticated virtual reality and augmented reality hardware technologies, built on robust AI solutions, will change how we interact and perceive the world. Hologram technologies will also gain adoption as hardware technologies become cheaper and more powerful. These could solve a vital user need for a deeper connection with someone, even though they might not be in physical proximity. – Srishti Sundram, Jupiter.Co

4. Text-To-Video AI And Smart Glasses

Text-to-video AI and smart glasses will revolutionize learning and healthcare. Students could generate Newton’s law simulations with a simple prompt, tweaking variables like force or acceleration to see immediate results and simplify complex concepts. Aspiring surgeons could use smart glasses to practice procedures with real-time surgery simulations. This blend of AI and AR will be game-changing. – Sandeep Jha, LinkedIn

5. Personalized Health Monitors

Devices like smart watches, smart earphones and earbuds, and smart glasses will collect more valuable personal health data, including glucose levels, hearing and vision acuity, blood pressure, heart rate and much more. Personal use of these devices will be common for health-related guidance and daily life improvement, and users will share health metrics with their physicians. – Adeel Sarwar, CareCloud

6. ‘Self-AI’

I’ve coined a new term: “self-AI.” I believe this technology will become a reality within the next five years. Your self-AI will be an extension of yourself, capable of answering questions and making decisions just as you would. This innovation could revolutionize the way we live and work by giving us more free time, both at home and at work, while automating many aspects of our daily lives. – Karen Nikoghosyan, eSwap Global Inc.

7. Ambient Computing

Ambient computing is technology that seamlessly integrates into everyday life, operating quietly in the background without requiring active user interaction. Think of devices and systems that understand your habits, preferences and environment, automatically adapting to your needs. These devices can range from smart homes to wearables that monitor health and provide insights without prompts. – Volodymyr Dudas, CodeLions

8. Lighter-Weight, Eco-Friendly Devices

Aluminum and laser manufacturing technologies are transforming consumer electronics, enabling lightweight, eco-friendly, efficient devices. Aluminum, an affordable, lightweight material, will replace copper, while laser manufacturing will produce ultra-thin designs, accelerating their adoption in wearables, smartphones and the Internet of Things. – Robert Lane, Manaflex

9. Metaverse And XR-Powered Services And Events

Personally, I’m betting on the metaverse and extended reality, especially when it comes to entertainment, education and social interactions. In education, XR will enable hands-on learning in virtual environments, while social interactions will become more immersive, allowing people to connect in ways that feel more real and personal. I believe we’ll soon see many new projects focused on this. – Sergii Malomuzh, Rewump

10. AI-Enhanced Smart Speakers

AI will reinvigorate smart speakers. Many thought that smart speakers were “done” when Amazon scaled back its focus on Alexa. To regain relevance, speakers powered by AI will become more attuned to what customers might ask a smart system. This technology will be integrated across various settings, including airports, call centers, homes, wearables, appliances and other Internet of Things devices. While AI is here to stay, it will require appropriate guardrails to ensure its responsible use. – WaiJe Coler, InfoTracer

11. ‘Sensory Internet’

In five years, “sensory internet” will revolutionize digital interactions by enabling users to feel textures and temperatures through connected devices. Imagine online shopping where fabrics can be “touched” or immersive gaming with real-world sensations. This advancement will gain traction as it enhances remote experiences, making digital interactions more lifelike and engaging. – Nicola Sfondrini, PWC

12. ‘Calm Tech’

“Calm tech” will revolutionize consumer technology. Instead of overwhelming us, devices will seamlessly integrate into our lives, anticipating our needs and simplifying tasks. Think of smart homes learning your routines and wearables optimizing your health. This shift toward unobtrusive tech will appeal to a society that’s tired of digital overload. – Miguel Llorca, Torrent Group

13. Decentralized Digital Identities

Within five years, decentralized digital identities will reinvent the way consumers interact online. As privacy concerns surge, blockchain-backed identities could displace traditional credentials altogether in favor of user-centric control over personal data. This, in turn, will foster trust, reduce fraud and revolutionize industries from e-commerce to healthcare. – Sandro Shubladze, Datamam

14. AI-Augmented Hearing Devices

AI-augmented hearing-enhancement devices should emerge as a mainstream consumer product. By combining technological advances in audio processing, AI noise filtering and design, these devices will appeal to the millions of people with mild hearing challenges who’ve historically avoided hearing aids, fundamentally changing how we think about hearing assistance and making hearing-enhancement devices a common wellness product. – Adam Ennamli, General Bank of Canada

15. ‘Intelligent Environments’

Within the next five years, “intelligent environments” could emerge, where AI, the Internet of Things, and augmented reality adapt to customer needs, seamlessly integrating across devices. These systems will provide tailored assistance in daily tasks, health monitoring, education and entertainment. Their convenience and adaptability will drive adoption, offering value to individuals and businesses while transforming everyday experiences. – Balasubramani Murugesan, Digit7

16. AR Embedded In Everyday Devices

One major development I foresee is the widespread addition of augmented reality to everyday devices. AR will seamlessly integrate into smartphones, glasses and home systems, enhancing how we interact with our environment, work and entertain ourselves. Its practical applications in education, shopping and remote collaboration will drive its broad impact and adoption. – Savitri Sagar, Kenzo Infotech

17. Wholly Personalized Consumer Interactions

We’ll witness significant advancements in AI-driven personalization at every point in consumer interactions. From retail to leisure, AI will provide highly personalized experiences, gaining widespread acceptance because of its capacity to improve convenience and user involvement. – Asad Khan, LambdaTest Inc.

18. Conversational Interfaces

I expect a wider and more advanced adoption of conversational interfaces. With evolving large language models and natural language processing, we will soon be able to talk to our devices and applications in a more human way, just as though they were our friends. Operating devices and apps via voice is faster and much more convenient than pushing buttons, so I’m looking forward to the next stage of conversational interfaces’ evolution. – Roman Vrublivskyi, Attekmi

19. Neurofeedback Wearables

Neurofeedback wearables are set to be transformative. By monitoring brainwaves, we can enhance mental performance and emotional well-being. This technology has the potential to revolutionize education, healthcare and productivity. I am excited to explore its possibilities and see how it redefines the concept of wearable technology. – Brian Sathianathan, Iterate.ai

20. Affordable 3D Printing

Expect 3D printing to become more and more affordable to the masses. Tools that design objects for 3D printing will become easier to use as well, allowing for new innovations from a wider range of consumers than ever before. – Syed Ahmed, Act-On Software