Tech got a bit weird in 2017. There was an artificially intelligent toothbrush that monitors your oral hygiene, a hairbrush that listens to your hair and virtual reality boots that stimulates different walking environments. Don’t worry if you haven’t heard about these, here, Jake Fox, CEO of online casino resource, Casinopedia, explains the five tech trends that you actually need to know about for 2018.
Data science
More industries will run on statistics, mathematics and probability in 2018. It’s not just online gambling companies that are keen to use big data for more realist odds and accurate predictions, but also the media, manufacturing and energy sectors.
This year will see industry leaders take a more data-driven approach to decision making, which will ultimately result in better profit margins and increased quality — and better odds on the horses.
Artificial intelligence (AI)
As more industries see the value of data, it needs to be analysed and used effectively. According to a Gartner survey, 59 per cent of global organisations are already looking to build an AI strategy.
In 2017, we saw a boom in artificially intelligent voice-activated apps such as Siri, Alexa and the Google Assistant and it is estimated that by 2020, as many as 50% of the total searches will be conversational. In 2018, Amazon’s Alexa will also be integrated into BMWs and selected Mini vehicles as part of the driving experience.
AI can also be used to analyse online gambling behaviour, and make accurate predictions of players that may be at risk of harmful gambling habits.
Internet of Things (IoT)
By 2020, Garter predicted that 21 billion IoT devices will be present on earth, communicating and working with one another to make our lives easier. As the connect world becomes ultra-connected, even more actionable data will be collected. The New Year will see a greater power given to IoT, attributed to improved integration of AI and machine learning.
With phones, computers and personal assistants communicating with one another, you may hear more players saying ‘Alexa, open racing results’, or ‘Alexa, ask Paddy Power for a tip’. This is just the beginning however, Alexa and other AI assistants have the potential to provide real insight into gambling decisions.
Blockchain
Ginni Rometty, CEO of IBM said, “What the internet did for communications, blockchain will do for trusted transactions.”
The internet gave people independence to create, be heard and attract millions of viewers. In the same way, Blockchain establishes a decentralised peer-to-peer system in one system, cutting out the time and costs of intermediaries.
In terms of its development, blockchain is where the internet was 20 years ago. As more C-level executives consider blockchain technology for reduced overheads, we will see exploration into other applications. It could change the way we vote in elections, trade energy and manage supply chains. If data needs to be transmitted securely as part of transparent peer-to-peer transactions, then blockchain could be the answer.
Virtual reality (VR)
This is the year we will see VR make it mainstream. With businesses like HTC investing so heavily to improve its wearables, there is real potential to excite and engage tech lovers. Its real potential lies in combining the power of artificial intelligence and conversational platforms to create a truly immersive experience. The combination of AI-based insight in a VR display will appeal to many investors.
It could allow online gamblers to browse a virtual gambling facility, with powerful AI-driven betting statistics displayed. Equally, military personnel could train offsite in the safety of a virtual environment, with data from the course analysed objectively.
Brands will continue to invest in creating VR-based experiences for the consumer, providing meaningful answers to industry problems, as well as an exhilarating experience.
Bringing it all together
Maybe artificially intelligent toothbrushes will take off in 2018, or maybe we’ll make better use of AI in other applications. What is set to take off, however, is the integration of these five tech trends as a whole, to create ground-breaking changes in the mainstream market.
