Tech trends to expect in 2020

TECH TO EXPECT IN 2020

 

2020 promises to be a wonderful year in the tech industry. Hopefully, there should be innovation in various gadgets.

We will take a look at various gadgets and concepts and focus on major tech companies that are leading the transformation and development of such gadgets.

SMARTPHONES

As is tradition every year smartphone manufacturers release their latest models with an improvement in the previous versions. These improvements and advancements are enhancing user experience. This year is not going to be different. We expect better specifications, a good look and more powerful smartphones which would surely be expensive, to flood the market. Companies like Samsung have already release concepts of the Galaxy S11 and Note 11, S11 is expected to be released with 4 different models as witnessed in 2019 on the S10. The S20e (the budget or cheaper model), S20 (the midrange), and the S20+ (the premium model), as well as the S20 ultra, all expected to be unveiled on February 11 this year, though not yet released it has enjoyed enormous social media hype. Apple is also expected to unveil its X12 this year, Huawei with the Mate40 and P40 flagships, Google with Pixel 5 and Oneplus with Oneplus 8, etc.

Also, we should see the cheaper and more budget versions of the flagships flood the market this year. Smartphone producers, I believe, have realized that most consumers cannot afford their top-tier smartphones hence the development of cheaper versions that should give users a similar experience. Samsung during this year Consumer Electronics Summit (CES) keynote address unveil their cheaper versions of S10 and Note10, the S10lite and Note10lite looks sleek however with few compromises and the price id not yet known. There questions as to why Samsung will make such phones when there is an already existing budget version of the S10+ and Note10, S10e and Note10. Google is to release a budget version of Pixel 4, called the Pixel 4A to capture more market I guess. Latest smartphones are expected to come with higher specifications RAM, storage, CPU, camera, screen, display, etc. the flagships should come with at least 90Hz to 120Hz, snapdragon 865 CPU in android and A13 Bionic chip in IOS, 4 or 5 cameras the back, etc. we also expect to see more foldable devices hitting the market with massive improvements on the previous models. Samsung fold, Huawei Mate x, among others should come back better Motorolla razor should also make waves this year, with other companies following the razor style of foldable.

LAPTOPS

Laptops should come with better specs, thinner look, lighter weight, bigger and fewer bezel screens. New concepts are different from what we know now are to be developed this year. Companies like Lenovo and Dell have already make known their concepts of how laptops should look like in the future. Dell introduced the Ori foldable screen laptop and Duet a dual-screen laptop. The Ori works like a foldable smartphone, a single screen that can be bent into a laptop mode or a tablet mode. The Duet is more or less two different screens one up and the other at where the keyboard is on the traditional laptop. These two screens can interact with each other or individually. The device is backed software, Microsoft is to develop windows 10x, to enable a seamless performance of such devices.

WEARABLE

Wearables are expected to be more intelligent with improved AI technology and machine learning to predict and give the user a better experience. Apple series 6 and Samsung active and other wearable are expected on the market this year with more focus on health and wellbeing features. Samsung introduced Gait Enhancement and Motivating System (GEMS) pairs with AR glasses and a Galaxy smartwatch to create completely customized fitness experiences – transforming your home into your workout studio, says Federico Casalegno, Senior Vice President and Chief Design Innovation Officer of the Samsung Design Innovation Center, when he introduced the product at CES 2020.

AUTOMOBILES

Almost all automobile companies are in driverless cars. In recent times companies that are known for automobiles have also ventured. Sony just introduced its driverless concept at the CES. AI, design, futuristic concept will drive everything technology this year and beyond.

Which programming language to start with as a beginner

Which programming language to start with as a beginner

There are numerous programming languages available. Some for a 
specific purpose and others for general-purpose programming. 
Depending on what you want to specialize in you may choose a 
particular program. But as a newbie or someone new to 
programming, you may want to choose an easy and a general-
purpose language that can help you understand and grasp the basics 
of programming in general.
The internet is flooded with myriads of tips on what programming language to start with as a newbie, however, most tips do not give point-blank advice on what specific language but beat about the bush.
As a beginner I recommend python. Yes, python, looking for an easier yet comprehensive programming language python is just perfect for you.

Comparing most languages that I have come in contact with, python is relatively easier. Simple codes, simple syntaxes, etc
.
I will take you through some of the popular languages, comparing them with a simple "hello world" program ( the first program written by every newbie, which is a convention of a sort) that prints hello world on the screen.

An image comparing java,c++, and python.

As you can see the python code is simpler, a single line of code, the use of fewer parentheses, and the use of a familiar word “print”. Since the program is written to print "hello world" on the screen, python uses the print word, unlike the other two languages java and C++, which uses 'System.out.println' and 'count' respectively. Also, the python code has no required lines of code before and or after the main code, it went straight to the point 'print (“Hello World”)'. This is just to demonstrate the simplicity of the python programming language in comparison to other high-end languages.

However, if you want to venture into a particular field, say app development, data analysis, web design, etc. then you may want to consider a language that is designed for that purpose, this will ensure efficiency. 

Below are some of the popular programming languages and their specialization.

Java – Android and desktop app development
JavaScript – Website development
C++ - Virtual Reality, Gaming, Computer Graphics
C – Operating System development
Python – App and web app development
PHP – Website development
R – Statistical analysis
SQL – database management
Objective – C – IOS app development
Swift – IOS app development
Kotlin – Android app development
Arduino – A microcontroller, Robotics

Things to consider when buying a smartphone

THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING A MOBILE PHONE

Various factors come into consideration when buying a mobile phone

BRAND

Some people are obsessed with a particular brand, some just like Apple, Nokia or Samsung that anything apart from their favorite brand is a no-deal. If you are the brand type of person then you have made things easier because there are many brands to choose from nowadays, if you are not particular about brand choosing a phone just might be difficult. Choosing a brand is the first step to take. If you are not concerned about branding, you may want to consider other factors.

LATEST TREND

The mobile phone industry is just not a place for old tech. Year in year out mobile phone companies release the latest versions of their phones competing to lead the market in at least one aspect of interest when it comes to consumer choice, be it camera, screen or display, battery, etc. Significant changes are taking place that you may want to catch up with, hence, going in for an older version of a phone may not help you, you may as well feel left behind.

OPERATING SYSTEM AND OTHER SOFTWARE PREFERENCE

An operating system can also determine the kind of phone you should buy. You will have to choose between android and IOS since other operating systems are not doing well, Windows for example. If you are an IOS lover you are saved from choosing between the myriad of different brands that an android lover will have to choose from, you stack to apple. Even though Android phones have an android kernel or android operating system running on them, some features may vary depending on the brand. Most brands have tweak android using their developed system, an example is the One UI from Samsung, Harmony OS from Huawei, etc.

DESIGN

The design and look of a mobile phone is the thing now. Screen designs, for example, have gone through significant changes to get to what we have now. Current screens are thinner and more styled than the previous ones. You may be forced to choose a water-drop display, a camera cut-out or in-camera display or even a full-screen bezel-less display or a notch maybe. OLED and LCD, 4k, 1080p, etc.are also screen technology that may influence your choice of phone. If you are concerned about screen size and screen resolution may want to consider buying any of the latest foldable smartphones.

PERFORMANCE

Of course, performance is necessary, especially if you are a heavy user. You would like to have a phone that will perform the task seamlessly, be it gaming, streaming, etc., your phone should not slow down or freeze after opening some few apps. That’s why there is a need for good CPU and RAM capacity. At least 3GB of RAM would do for regular use but heavy users should consider buying 6GB.

CAMERA

One aspect of mobile phones that seems to be at the heart of every smartphone user is the camera. Mobile cameras have and are still undergoing mind-blowing improvements both in software and hardware. Cameras are becoming more and more sophisticated to enable the user to capture beautiful pictures like a pro photographer. The trend now is at least three different cameras at the back, two in front, each performing a different function. One for wide-angle shots, one for depth and detailed picture, and a normal camera, etc. depending on the smartphone you want. The software is developed to perform the various functions on your behalf, like instant editing, portrait, panorama, AI emoji, VR, etc. The camera is just a big deal when choosing a smartphone.

PRICE

Last but not least, yet one of the most important factors to consider is the price. Smartphones are getting expensive ranging from hundreds of dollars to even thousands. You have to make sure your choice is not out of budget. You should not buy a phone that would cost you that much just because it is the trend or that you want to prove that you are rich. There are flagship killers that can perform just fine, otherwise, you should not buy a phone that is so cheap with lots of compromises that would shortly after give you problems. Be mindful of fake Chinese duplicates.

Choosing a smartphone is relative to what one is looking for. Many other things are there to consider battery life. Battery technology is getting better, batteries can now stay for long after charging. It is such a bad feeling when you need your phone and you are notified of a low battery.

This and many more factors should be considered when buying a smartphone.