Modern Trends in Information Technology

Modern Trends in Information Technology
Summary
Technology is a dynamic field where players should be willing and able to adapt to the ever-changing dynamics to remain relevant. In recent years, there has been a complete technological overhaul in both hardware and software, which has led to improvement in the IT industry in terms of accuracy and efficiency. Hardware technologies have undergone tremendous changes, such as high-speed processors, non-volatile memory with hybrid storage, and high-speed networks. In the realm of software, the latest innovations include Artificial Intelligence (AI), Blockchain, and the Internet of Things (IoT).
Software
Artificial Intelligence
AI is a branch of computer science that entails the building up of machines or robots capable of doing tasks that would require the intelligence of human beings. Modern technology is now powerful enough to create AI tools in various ways, such as deep learning, machine learning, and advanced artificial intelligence applications. AI is currently used in various industries and businesses in many applications; it is used in healthcare, finance, transportation, criminal justice, and manufacturing.
Cross-platform Development Tools
Developing applications in the past was time-consuming and required allocating so many resources since the developers had to create one application for each platform. For example, iOS applications could not run on Android and vice versa. However, recent trends have enabled Software developers to write apps that can work for almost all personal computers and mobile platforms. These software technologies are also efficient, and their user interfaces are of high quality.
Blockchain
Bitcoin is a revolutionary technology invented a decade ago. It has many uses, among them cryptocurrencies, which have made it popular and a cultural phenomenon. Blockchain enables decentralization, and storage of data and ensures that data is immutable. Bitcoin is the most prominent blockchain and has been called the ‘digital gold.’ Other networks such as Ethereum have bigger ambitions of becoming a world computer (“Current Trends in Information Technology”). Blockchain architecture is beyond virtual money; it could alter the way ownership, collaboration, and privacy are seen in the digital arena. Blockchain applications, also called distributed apps, are becoming more popular as software developers now come up with more secure, decentralized applications.
Internet of Things (IoT)
Internet of Things refers to a system of interrelating computing devices, objects, and digital machines connected with unique identities or the ability to share data over a network without the need for human and computer interaction. IoT is gaining more reception as internet-connected devices are no longer only associated with computers and mobile phones. IoT helps individuals live a better life by ensuring that devices are better connected, helping homes become automated (“Current Trends in Information Technology”). Moreover, through system automation, IoT helps companies achieve efficiency in transportation and logistics and ensures labor costs are reduced, which is an essential aspect of company profitability.
Progressive Web Apps
Progressive Web App refers to a web application software built through web technologies including HTML, CSS, and JavaScript intended to work on any platform that uses a standard-compliant platform. The introduction of progressive Web Applications (PWA) has seen developers create extensive web-based applications that can run on any platform (“Current Trends in Information Technology”). PWAs are vital because they reduce the time taken to develop the product and make them available in the market and maximize the way developers reuse codes.
Hardware
Google Pixel 5
 Fig. 1. Google Pixel 5 from GSMArena
One of the latest devices is the Google Pixel 5 launched in 2020. The phone is GG enabled and has a weight of 152g (“Google Pixel 5”). It is built with a gorilla glass front and an aluminum back and frame. It uses a Nano-SIM or e-SIM and is dust and water-resistant for up to 30 minutes for less than 1.5 meters of water depth. The device uses the Android OS 11 and is fitted with a Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 7 nm chipset. It uses an octa-core CPU and an Adreno 620 GPU with an internal memory of 128 GB and 8GB of RAM. It comes with a dual main camera with 12.2 MP and 16MP, while the selfie camera is 8MP.
Samsung Galaxy S21
 Fig. 2. Samsung Galaxy S21 from GSMArena
The pixel is similarly priced to the Samsung Galaxy S21 that also comes with 5G. According to (“Samsung Galaxy S21”), the Galaxy was announced in January 2021 and has dimensions of 151.7 x 71.2 x 7.9 mm and weighs 169g. It has a gorilla glass front, a plastic back,