10 Emerging Technologies & Trends to Watch as We Enter 2024

Oct 19, 2023

For various reasons, some technologies have more staying power than others. Leveraging our experience here at ASUS, we’ve curated a list of 10 technologies and technology trends of 2023 that have great potential to be important in 2024 and beyond. Let’s dig in!

If you’re interested in technology, you’ve likely already heard of artificial intelligence. Talk of generative AI and language model-based chatbots is everywhere, and for good reason —quickly progressing AI technology is already finding its way into work as well as everyday life.

AI-powered chatbots have become useful in increasing the speed of generating text. They can help draft emails, create pieces of marketing copy, or even translate text.

AI also supports many creative processes — from ideation through verification of ideas to enhancement of created work. Language-based AI models and generative AI seem to increase efficiency across many tasks. For instance, creating graphics or other content is much easier and faster using AI tools. Text-to-image AI models allow users to generate graphics from scratch or enhance existing work. Some creative apps already leverages AI to support the image editing process, offering functions like automatic background removal or recoloring, as well as more complex tools such as generative fill.

There are some concerns with using AI in the creative process, however. A big one is the matter of credit attribution and intellectual right protection. AI leverages machine learning from databases of existing content and material to generate content, and the rules regarding intellectual property rights and AI are still being formed. Thus, many recommend that AI should only be used as a source of inspiration and ideation for the time being, until the rules regarding property rights are clarified.

Extended Reality has been around for a while now, but 2023 seems to be a year when this innovation went mainstream.

Extended Reality refers to Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality. Sometimes, the metaverse also enters the conversation when talking about Extended Reality. We can see more and more uses for AR & VR. Previously reserved for tech gadgets and niche usages (such as gaming), Extended Reality now has many common applications. For example, ER is used in social media AR filters.

Extended Reality is something marketers and content creators should pay attention to. The demand for Extended Reality content is increasing, so creating ER content will likely prove a useful and lucrative skill and a good promotional strategy in 2024.

Traditionally, laptops have come in a clamshell form factor. But the form has been evolving, recently. For example, new components and solutions are being added, such as the ASUS Supernova SoM chip design and AAS Ultra angled keyboard design in Zenbook Pro 16X OLED. These advances help achieve levels of thinness and lightness that were unimaginable just a few years ago. A good example is the 1 cm thin, 1 kg light Zenbook S 13 OLED.

Other form factors have also become more common in recent years. This includes a 2-in-1 convertible format with a 360° hinge and touchscreen (see Zenbook S 14 Flip OLED) or a detachable keyboard format (see ASUS Vivobook 13 Slate OLED) that serves as both a laptop and a tablet — and anything in between.

In recent years, ASUS has launched dual-screen laptops as well, such as the ASUS Zenbook Pro 14 Duo OLED. The second screen helps extend working space without the need for external devices. A unique Project Precog has also been announced as far back as in 2018 as an interesting concept that can show what the near future of laptops may look like.

Another example of an innovative laptop is the ASUS Zenbook 17 Fold OLED, announced during CES 2023. With an OLED screen that folds in the middle, plus a detachable wireless keyboard, it offers six different usage modes. It features a 12.5-inch or impressive 17-inch display and is a very versatile and practical tool.

But ASUS doesn’t settle. We take what we’ve learnt in the past years and work on delivering even more exciting laptop innovations that offer real, practical benefits to users from all walks of life. Stay tuned — are new ASUS innovations and useful, novel form factors coming in 2024!

How we watch movies has changed a lot in recent years. Streaming movies is an everyday reality for many people, and now a similar option is available for gamers — thanks to the emergence of cloud gaming. This novel solution allows users to play games without having them stored on their computer’s hard drive. What that means is that one can play games on demand, without having to wait for the game to download. Cloud-based games are also available across various devices, giving users unprecedented versatility and flexibility when it comes to gaming. All you need are a computer and a fast and stable internet connection.

Perhaps you’ve seen the video of a surgeon conducting an operation while being located thousands of kilometers away, with the use of a remotely controlled robotic arm? The doctor was taking advantage of 5G to do this.

5G is a mobile internet connection technology that was considered an innovation just a few years ago. It is slowly becoming the standard, now. 5G allows for a speedy connection, ever more important in the connected world we live in. This tech translates into much faster load times and minimal latency in everyday activities, making smooth, immediate 4K streaming, uninterrupted videoconferencing, or lag-free online gaming a reality.

Most new smartphones, such as the Zenfone 10, already offer 5G compatibility. Many IoT (internet of things) solutions take advantage of this technology as well, making true smart cities a not-so-distant reality.

More and more internet service providers offer this option at a reasonable price point, so the trend for 5G devices is definitely moving forward.

WiFi 7 is the latest generation of wireless internet connection technology. This upgrade to the WiFi 6 standard not only offers a much faster connection speed (up to 320 MHz, compared to 160 MHz of WiFi 6) and higher bandwidth (tri-band). It also allows for uninterrupted connection of more devices. WiFi 7 is a perfect solution for those who cannot afford any lag when online. It’s a welcome upgrade for competitive gamers, remote workers of various kinds, or for those streaming in 4K.

Investing in a WiFi 7 router is something to consider, since the upgrade is bound to become the new standard for device manufacturers. Even if you only own older devices that are not compatible with WiFi 7, you will still benefit from the ability to connect more devices to your network.

As more people use devices that are connected online, data security and privacy have become a more prominent issue. Internet browsing will soon become a much more private affair, thanks to the gradual phasing out of tracking cookies. Cookies are pieces of code that send information about your online behavior to advertisers and software developers.

More and more device manufacturers and software producers are forcing users to opt in for data tracking instead of setting it as a default. This shift will translate into better security online, reducing the risk of identity theft, scams, or data leaks.

In today's rapidly evolving industrial landscape, the Internet of Things (IoT) and automation have emerged as transformative forces for efficient business operation.

IoT refers to the network of interconnected devices and sensors that seamlessly exchange data. This connection allows for the automation of many tasks — executing many processes without human interference.

This innovation has revolutionized industries by enhancing operational efficiency and by enabling predictive maintenance and data-driven decision-making. The importance of this synergy lies in its ability to optimize processes, reduce downtime, and streamline resource utilization.

This development has practical benefits for end consumers, as new products become available faster and costs decrease. As efficient, smart production opens doors for more companies to enter industries previously dominated by giants, consumers will have more choice in the products they buy — from everyday commodities to high-end tech gadgets or vehicles.

Technology innovations are also revolutionizing healthcare. Not only are hospitals and clinics becoming smarter and equipment ever-more sophisticated, healthcare is becoming more accessible.

Wearable devices are one of the transformative forces behind the emergence of smart healthcare, as they become more available, more budget friendly, and easier to use. Wrist trackers and smart watches are providing users with a wide array of health-related data, such as heart-rate and oxygen-level tracking, insights into sleep quality, and other features. This is important because it offers users insight into their own health and provides information that they can use to address possible issues early on. The devices can also provide wellness suggestions, such as sleep cycle adjustments or reminders.

The wonders of technology often come at a cost, such as harm to the environment. That is why more and more technology providers like ASUS are making leaps to create a greener, more eco-friendly production process to curb negative impacts on the environment by creating more sustainable products and processes.

For example, many ASUS laptops come with EPEAT® Gold or EPEAT® Silver ecolabels to confirm that green manufacturing processes and sustainable materials are used in production. Many ASUS products also exceed ENERGY STAR® standards for energy efficiency, which signifies how they help save power.

The use of sustainable materials for production, such as post-consumer recycled plastic or post-industrial recycled metal — or even recycled ocean-bound plastic — is another significant trend that companies like ASUS are implementing in their production processes.

Recently, ASUS has delivered its most sustainable laptop yet — the ASUS ExpertBook B9 OLED. It is made utilizing green practices such as thixomolding manufacturing technology to minimize impacts on the environment. Plus, in making ExpertBook B9 ASUS has applied a carbon offset concept to achieve a net-zero carbon footprint.

Sustainability is a trend that is on the rise, and ASUS is making high-quality sustainable products that do not compromise on performance.

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