The Coronavirus outbreak has altered everyone’s lives. However, not everyone is sailing in the same boat. While some have taken to the wave of technology and continue to work in unique ways, others are wary. Let’s face it, with this new normal, technology post COVID-19 will stay. They will become the “new normal”.
From everything “contact-free” to the frightening “New Normal”, people have now begun to adapt to alternative ways of working. Work-from-home has become the reality as businesses still struggle to operate fully during these uncertain times. The bets are on technology to sail through the global crises. People are already appearing for job interviews on Zoom or Google Meet. Virtual house parties with long-lost friends have become the latest trend. Live movie streaming has become a fav Saturday night out. We’re even attending live charity concerts from the comfort and safety of our homes.
Technology adoption has streamlined the process for us, hasn’t it? It is our rescue — those who want to flourish in this new way of working. Even as we learn the tools, let’s find out which technologies post COVID-19 will make our task easier.
AI/ML based Communication
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning have proven their ability to support communication-related tasks. AI/ML systems assist in monitoring the load on various networks while communication is being done using shared spectrum. Gmail guessing your answer as you type is a day-to-day example of it.
Based on the data type, network load and number of users, AI/ML systems assist networks to select the most optimum parameters to deliver content. For instance, with AI/ML based communication, it will become easier for networks to be able to switch the transmission from one spectrum to other on a real time basis, and will significantly improve the overall user experience.
Popular apps that use AI/ML:
- SwiftKey Keyboard
- Cortana/Siri
- Alexa
- Youper
- Flo
Also Read: Why Are Women Vital For the Future of Artificial Intelligence?
5G
Connectivity has become the need of the hour and with increasing demand for faster and higher bandwidth networks. The “service based” architecture of 5G promises to offer greater quality of service, coupled with greater speed, in transmissions. It also offers a lower latency and therefore greater ability to execute tasks remotely. Not only will 5G connectivity provide the option to connect several devices, it will also enable the possibility of implementing virtual networks.
Common use cases of 5G
- Autonomous vehicles
- Industrial automation
- Wearable technology
- Smartphone devices
- Seamless IoT
Also Read: Reliance Jio Announces ‘Made In India’ 5G Solutions
Virtualisation
With a huge amount of data being shared online, mobile operators will have to ramp up the existing network infrastructure to support large volume data transaction. This will aid the virtualisation technology to reduce the capex and opex. It will give scalability and elasticity. Virtualisation will also lead to a more flexible, agile and cost-effective network. Additionally, virtualisation will aid in dis-aggregation and in opening network architectures. This way, the technology will pave the way for innovation. Newer players will be able to provide cutting edge technology to better manage the network.
Benefits of virtualisation
- Makes IT systems more agile
- Automation will enable companies to save costs
- Better availability of resources
- Simulates environments better
Rural Broadband
The demographic of cities have been altered after the Covid-19 outbreak. The imposed lockdown has already caused several to lose their loss and has simultaneously triggered a reverse migration from cities to villages.It is still not certain how many of those unfortunate will come back; however, it is sure that they will take back some city amenities, such as 24-hour internet connectivity.
Mobile internet connectivity and the world of opportunities that it opens up will lead to a greater demand for high speed internet connectivity in rural areas as well – for everything, from govt. services to tele-education, tele-medicine to e-commerce.
Also Read: 5 SURPRISINGLY INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS FOR RURAL INDIA
Many innovative wireless technologies are aiming to provide faster and cost effective alternatives to current optical network solution. One such model is IEEE802.22 based Fixed Wireless Access technology. This type of technology employs unexploited UHF spectrum and can be beneficial to ensure middle mile and last mile network coverage.
Need for rural broadband
- Encourages local business
- Enables local mom n pop shops
- Gives direct access to healthcare and other essential services for remote locations
- Proves rural enterprises with access to critical real-time information such as market prices
IoT Solutions
With rapid proliferation of “smart” devices, the market has suddenly witnessed a growing demand for Smart Devices which can be easily connected to the internet and doesn’t really demand any supervision. For instance, “robot vacuum cleaners” are in high demand due to its ability to perform all the cleaning chores without needing a human to handhold the smart device.
IoT will fuel edge computing, thus data storage and computation will come closer to the businesses, and will also enable reduced bandwidth and shortage of response times. With the new normal, this will become an even bigger technology post COVID-19.
Popular IoT devices
- Smartwatches and smart devices
- Connected enterprises
- Home automation systems
- Smart trackers & automated keys
Also Read: Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner India 2020
Technologies will transform the user experience profoundly, providing opportunities that weren’t possible before. Trending technologies will help businesses rise back post the COVID hit back and take its own shape.
Are you looking forward to this “new normal” or do you want human interaction now? Tell us in the comments below!
