Technology trends in 2018, Japan's name AI, AR, VR will have explosive growth
In 2018, Japan was expected to witness a significant surge in AI, AR, and VR technologies. Smart speakers, reintroduced by global tech giants, were seen as revolutionary devices that would spark the next wave of innovation. These voice-activated assistants became a focal point for companies aiming to capture the "last blank space" in digital marketing. With the ability to access the internet simply by speaking, smart speakers promised to make online interaction more seamless, especially during activities like cooking, driving, or doing chores.
Japan, known for its trend-conscious culture, often makes bold predictions at the start of each year. In 2018, media outlets highlighted the potential of smart speakers, emphasizing their role in transforming how people interact with technology. The shift from keyboards to touchscreens to voice commands marked a new era in user interface design. Companies like Google, Amazon, and LINE introduced their own smart speakers in Japan, offering users the ability to control home devices, get information, and even manage daily tasks through voice commands.
Amazon Echo, for instance, had a dominant market share in the U.S., with a reported 70% presence, and was expected to surpass the success of the Kindle. As these devices became more integrated into daily life, it was predicted that every household might soon have one, making it easier for parents to wake up their children without entering their rooms.
However, challenges remained. Early adopters faced issues with accuracy and response times, and improving natural language processing was a key focus for 2018. Additionally, monetizing the technology through advertising or other services was seen as a crucial next step. Despite these hurdles, the competition in the smart speaker market was expected to intensify, with companies willing to invest heavily to gain an edge.
Meanwhile, VR and AR technologies also saw promising developments. Although they had gained attention two years prior, their adoption in 2017 was slower than expected. High costs and the need for powerful hardware limited their appeal. However, companies began launching more affordable options. HTC's Vive Focus and Oculus Go were among the first all-in-one VR devices priced under $200, making the technology more accessible to a wider audience.
Content development was another critical factor. Developers worked on reducing prices and creating more engaging experiences to attract non-gamers and minimize discomfort like motion sickness. Beyond entertainment, VR and AR found practical applications in industries such as real estate, retail, and automotive. For example, VR allowed customers to explore homes virtually, while AR enhanced driving safety by projecting information onto windshields.
Magic Leap, which had raised significant funding but delayed product launches, finally released its AR glasses in late 2017, claiming superior visual and audio quality. The company planned to release a creator version in 2018, signaling a growing interest in AR innovation. Analysts predicted that the VR/AR market would reach $120 billion by 2020.
AI also continued to expand its influence in 2018. From industrial robots to medical advancements and autonomous vehicles, AI was set to transform various sectors. Semiconductor companies like NVIDIA, Google, and Intel competed to develop specialized AI processors, fueling rapid market growth. The AI market was projected to grow at an average annual rate of 57% between 2017 and 2025.
Additionally, quantum computing made headlines in 2018. Companies like D-Wave and IBM introduced systems capable of performing complex calculations far beyond traditional computers. Japan also joined the race, with NTT and Fujitsu developing quantum-based machines. The Japanese government launched the Quantum Neural Network (QNN) cloud system, allowing public access to future technologies.
In the consumer space, IoT-driven personalization increased. Zozotown, a popular Japanese online retailer, introduced the Zozosuit—a body-sensing garment that measured 15,000 points on the body to help customers shop online without physically trying on clothes.
As 2018 unfolded, the convergence of AI, AR, VR, and smart devices promised to reshape everyday life, making technology more intuitive, immersive, and integrated into our routines.
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