As a result, there are usually a number of interesting takeaways and developments worth discussing after things conclude – this year is certainly no different.
Tech developments and trends steal the show
While the surprise screening of Furious 7 and a performance by J. Cole may have stolen the mainstream headlines, it was the new technology developments and trends that will continue to have impact in the months to come. While many of the keynote speeches, exhibits, and lectures revolved around far-out ideas and futuristic theories, others dealt with current issues and developments. For those who were unable to attend or are otherwise out of the loop, let’s take a look at a few of the top takeaways:
• Technology is becoming more personal. Looking back over the past 30 years, you can see just how quickly personal technology has developed. We’ve gone from computers that fill entire rooms, to desktop computers, to laptops, to smartphones, to tablets, to wearable watches. Screens are getting smaller and increasingly more personal. One device presented at SXSW even allows people to control their computers, phones, and mobile devices without physically touching anything. These ideas showed that products like Fitbit and the Apple Watch aren’t anomalies or outliers – they’re the beginning of the future.
• Heated race for IoT supremacy. The Internet of Things (IoT) was a big topic at this year’s event. And if some of the presenter’s opinions are to be trusted, we’ve only just now scratched the surface of the IoT opportunity. According to Taso Du Val, CEO of freelance marketplace, Toptal, “There’s currently so much opportunity in the IoT space that established companies are now choosing to outsource their software engineering and development to keep up with the trends.” It’s essentially a race between tech companies to see who can develop these new applications, software, and technologies quicker.
• 3D printing is ready to explode. With dozens of keynote speeches and sessions devoted to various topics within the 3D printing category, it’s pretty clear that 3D printing is ready to explode. It’s no longer a matter of when the technology will be available (it’s already here), but a matter of building trust and helping businesses and consumers overcome hesitancy. One of the most exciting takeaways came from this technology, which researchers believe will one day be used to print full human organs.
• Smart homes are the future. There was also plenty of discussion at SXSW regarding smart home technology. As smart home technology manufacturers are able to increase production and reach economies of scale, prices are coming down and middle class families are gaining access to these devices and technologies for the first time. How these consumers adapt to things like automated lighting, smart temperature control, and more will dictate the direction of the industry.
Looking to the future with anticipation
While these four takeaways are certainly some of the most polarizing and interesting, plenty of other revelations were revealed at this year’s annual SXSW conference – things like a living stem cell jacket, a silkworm created pavilion, honey bees that can detect cancer, and a 4D printed dress. While the thought of these things may seem unbelievable, it’s important to remember that there was a time when ideas like wearable devices, 3D printing, smart homes, and the Internet of Things were unachievable. The future of technology is bright, and the 2015 SXSW conference once again proved that.
