Info Tech Inc

It would be an understatement to say that 2020 was unpredictable. But one thing’s for certain: companies ramped up their technologies to cope with the coronavirus crisis and stay afloat during a challenging time. In fact, many businesses, according to Dave Antrobus, integrated technologies so heavily that they redefined pretty much everything about the ways their teams work, from their office spaces to the software they use, and even their product portfolios. These changes aren’t going to slow down either – technology is the driving force that dictates how we interact with our colleagues, clients, customers, and supply chains, and COVID-19 is the catalyst that will accelerate our digital lives yet further.

Here, Dave Antrobus, Technology Director at Fresh Thinking Group (FTG), explores six technology trends that he expects will take precedence during 2021.

1) The As-a-Service Revolution

The As-a-Service Revolution refers to the uptick in companies using on-demand, cloud-based platforms to operate their systems and back up their data. Cloud-based platforms are amongst the most widely used technologies of our time, and we’re likely to see yet more companies making use of the cloud in 2021. After all, the pandemic has proven that companies around the world can rely on the cloud to provide scalable solutions and uphold communications. So, as we move into the new year, Dave Antrobus believes these companies are likely to continue using online communication and project management tools like Zoom, Trello, and Slack to uphold efficiency and meet ongoing demand.

2) 5G and Enhanced Connectivity

Mobile connectivity has advanced rapidly over the years, unlocking new internet uses with each generation. If you look at mobile gaming news, you will see how popular it has become. For example, 3G has enabled web browsing and data services on mobile devices, and 4G has enabled video and audio streaming on increased bandwidths. Now that 5G is becoming more readily available, we are likely to see a stream of new technologies that capitalise on 5G networks throughout 2021. For example, 5G will enable services that rely on augmented and virtual realities, not to mention advanced cloud-based gaming platforms such as NVDIA’s GeForce Now and Google’s Stadia. As network providers roll out 5G, enhanced connectivity will also likely wipe out cable and fibre networks that tether users to specific locations.

3) Artificial Intelligence (AI)

The rise of AI is well underway and will likely grow exponentially throughout 2021, especially in the development of applications that help us to understand and interpret the world around us. For example, while we collate data to measure COVID-19 infection rates and vaccine efficacy, AI will inform our success measures as we aim to curb cases and keep the virus under control.

AI systems supporting the pandemic span from computer vision systems that monitor the capacity of public spaces to track-and-trace initiatives that monitor contact tracing. These systems use self-learning algorithms that become increasingly intelligent and offer far more data than it would be possible to collect through human analysis. With AI systems in place, we will be able to effectively predict demand for healthcare services and help administrators to make informed decisions about where and when to deploy resources.

Coronavirus aside, AI will also help businesses to evaluate and understand customers’ evolving behaviours. As AI systems become increasingly accessible and affordable, we will see the analysis of behavioural shifts become both more sophisticated and commonplace.

4) Vehicle Automation

COVID-19 has disrupted the average commuter’s travels, and the number of passengers using public transport has now reduced due to the rise of remote working. But, as some employees must still attend the workplace for certain events, the number of commuters is fluctuating weekly. We’re likely to see this uncertainty continue well in 2021 and even beyond. As a result, public-transport networks may well need to adopt vehicle automation systems to keep travel running smoothly while reducing labour costs in correlation with the decline in ticket sales.

5) Robotics and Drones

Over the last few years, we have seen an emergence of robots in care and assisted-living sectors, which are increasingly vital in a world stricken with infection. While human caregivers play an important role in these sectors, robotic devices can be of great aid when supporting patients in hospitals and hospices – and even at home. From opening new channels of communication – including 24/7 in-home help – to cleaning robots, security devices, and drones that deliver medicines, the newest robotic innovations are key to managing huge demand in healthcare.

6) Extended Reality (XR) – Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR/AR)

Extended reality encompasses virtual and augmented realities – technologies that use glasses or headsets to project computer-generated images into a user’s field of vision. While AR technologies superimpose images over the real world, VR technologies create original computer-generated environments.

In future, VR and AR applications will be particularly key to developments in medical sectors. For example, we will hopefully be able to reduce COVID-19 transmission in medical settings as practitioners will likely soon be able to examine patients and diagnose illnesses remotely. As more data on viral transmission becomes available, we will also be able to use AR tools to provide real-time warnings when we approach high-risk areas and when we need to wash hands upon touching communal facilities. We may even have access to devices that alert us when we touch our faces without having washed our hands. Such accelerations in technology could drastically reduce the spread of infection and save lives.

AR and VR will have a huge impact on other sectors, too. One example is the eye-care sector – opticians will soon be able to carry out remote eye tests using VR, and customers will then be able to virtually try on a range of glasses using AR. Meanwhile, in the education sector, AR and VR tools will reduce the need for children to work in crowded classrooms, especially in areas with high transmission rates. The options are limitless.

As technological advancements accelerate over the next 12 months, our adoption of these technologies must accelerate, too. When we can use technologies to automate our business processes, we can become more efficient and streamline our productivity.

For more business insights from Dave Antrobus, take a look at his recent news.

About Dave Antrobus

Dave Antrobus is the co-founder of Fresh Thinking Group, Manchester’s independent capital investment organisation. He onboards an array of companies who benefit from FTG’s top-level business functions, shared resources, and bespoke growth strategies, providing each acquisition with tailored business guidance and technical know-how. As FTG’s Technology Director, Dave builds and optimises a wealth of software solutions – primarily websites and mobile apps – for acquisitions in both digital and logistics sectors. He writes the code for these systems using Laravel, Vuejs, and Reactjs, and also manages an extensive collection of WordPress sites and server technologies.

Learn more about Fresh Thinking Group at https://freshthinking.group.

If there is one thing global history has taught us, is that no good can come from active warfare. In the same breath, it’s quite difficult to understand that war has also brought change, revolution, and radicalization for millions of people shaped new relationships and forged a pathway towards the modernization of humanity. Although today, some countries are still locked in wars of their own, two of most the most notable and unforgettable wars ever fought on a global scale were World War I and World War II.

Both these wars were caused by decades of foreign and international conflict which led to global powers and western governments sending millions of brave men and soldiers to the frontline, battling against the enemy to secure their rightful place as a global influence and ultimately as the most powerful government in the world.

During these times, when both wars were in full swing, those serving in the frontline, or perhaps behind enemy lines had to find means of communicating with one another. It’s quite understandable that both these wars were fought in a time where radio and telecommunication development were still only starting to become used in active warfare. This posed a massive problem for troops, military and aviation personnel, higher officials, and active troop leaders. To combat this growing issue, researchers and war veterans established the ‘military alphabet’ or more known today as the ‘phonetic alphabet.’

The origin of the military alphabet in WWI & WWII

During the early 20^th century, and the start of WWI, the use of A, frequency radio helped pilots to communicate their exact coordinates and location with ground control. Although at the time, development for this was still quite slow, which meant poor signal and radio interference became a major issue.

World War I

To make things easier, foreign flight associations started using their own set of terminology, or words to replace confusing letters. During this same era of WWI, the British Royal Airforce brought to life the RAF Radio Alphabet. This meant, that during the war, personnel would be able to make use of certain words assigned to each letter of the alphabet to help eliminate blurred communication.

It was only years after WWI that the International Telegraph Union (ITU) created a more urbanized spelling alphabet for telegram communication. As the research, development, and field testing outgrew the confines of war and military usage, the phonetic alphabet was already used by most commercial airlines around the world when WWII commenced.

World War II

It wasn’t until the Second World War in the 1940s when the use of the military alphabet, and then only again in the 1970s during the American-Vietnam war that the alphabet became more prominent for military troops and later on public use.

The Joint Army or Navy Phonetic Alphabet was established by the United States Defense, which governed a set of standardized spelling and uses of the alphabet across all its already established armed forces. This meant that troops, aviation personnel, and anyone working on the frontline could easily make use of this alphabet to have clear and concise communication with each other. Although by this time radiofrequency was already quite established and advanced, there we still certain issues that came to light during an active shooting, bomb drills, and when military personnel finds themselves in high-stress and hard-hearing situations.

Today, however, the use of the military alphabet can be heard in hundreds of military-related movies and popular films.

Post-World War II

After the Second World War, the United States and NATO took the development of the military alphabet to the next frontiers. This meant that the current alphabet which we now use has become the International Radiotelephony Spelling Alphabet (IRSA), or the NATO Phonetic Alphabet. Each of the words or codes as the International Civil Aviation Authority calls it has undergone vigorous field-testing. This means that more people, from various dialects, language groups, and cultures can speak and easily understand the alphabet, making cross-communication during active war or interior conflict simpler.

The military alphabet is used under strict tactical and military communication purposes and its usage is intended to act and liaise phrases, or words during times of distress. 

Let’s not deny it, we have all been addicted to a computer or smartphone game at least once in our lives and 2020 made sure we got right back into that habit!

These days it’s not hard to get addicted to games, you can play them on your phone, on your tablet or any other handheld device, or on one of the many gaming consoles on the market. Gaming platforms are so easy to find it’s no wonder we get addicted so easily and if you, like many others, are looking for something new to get into, here’s a list of the most addictive games for 2021.  

Fortnite

Fornite’s popularity since its release has skyrocketed. Its cartoon-style graphics, unique construction mechanisms and strategically-planned attacks and battles has made it one of the most addictive games out there. The aim of the game is to be the last man or team standing. Sounds easy enough? Wait until you try it!  

Candy Crush Friends Saga

Candy Crush has been a classic for years. In this new version, the candy-swiping and matching aspect of the game is still its main feature, but with the Friends Saga they also introduced new designs, playing modes and integrated a series of characters into the game. Candy Crush has definitely upped its game!

Crossy Road

This game is similar to Flogger. The aim of the game is to navigate characters as they try crossing a series of busy streets. The game has a fun pixelated art style and a hint of pop culture references which creates fun and engaging user experiences.

Bubble Witch 3 Saga

From the creator of Candy Crush, Bubble Witch is unsurprising just as addictive. It is a shooting and puzzle matching game already on its third instalment – Bubble Witch 3 Saga.

Ballz

This game is reminiscent of the classic arcade game Breakout, it’s not the game exactly but it works on similar principles. Players all have a set of blocks that they need to break using the limited collection of balls they have. It’s a fun and easy game and a good way to pass the time.

Draw Something

This is one fun party game. It is like Pictionary with your phone. Players take turns to draw something while others have to guess what they draw, and after a few drinks there’s no telling what drawing skills people possess.

Alto’s Odyssey

This side-scrolling runner snowboarding game is super addictive, players can slide and tap the screen to move, jump and make tricks while completing tasks, earning points and collecting coins. Its glamorous art style is what makes this game so unique and addictive.

Color Road!

Color Road is pretty straightforward but it gets difficult very quickly. Players control a moving ball with the aim of collecting balls of the same color and missing those of different colours. The increasing difficulty rate of each level is what makes it so addictive players can’t stop.

Angry Birds 2

Everyone knows and loves Angry Birds, but now the creators have expanded the game even more. Everything that got people addicted to Angry Birds in the first place stayed the same. Players still shoot angry birds at evil pigs, but with Angry Birds 2 the stakes are higher and the difficulty level has increased.   

Flappy Dunk

Flappy Dunk is such a simple game but so addictive as well. All players have to do is tap their screen to keep a ball in the air and manoeuvre it through a bunch of obstacles to earn points.

Gardenscapes

This game is similar to another game called Homescapes, but in Gardenscapes players help Austin, the butler, restore the outdoor garden. It’s a matching game which means the possibilities are endless and players can even go as far as to create the dream outdoor garden.

Start playing today! 

Some of the games on this list are true nail-breakers while others you simply can’t get enough of no matter what you do. Essentially, they are all known to be addictive games, so don’t say you weren’t warned before you get started! For more addictive games, apps and other entertainment, visit www.bettingsites.net.nz.  Trust us, you wouldn’t want to stop!   

The home-based business is more popular than ever before. Technology has allowed people to earn incredible incomes from home with a computer and internet connection. There is very little overhead in businesses like that of digital marketing or copywriting. You are going to have to start a business that aligns with your skills. This can allow you to thrive and be as productive as possible on a daily basis. Whether you have a small business or simply do a multitude of freelance work, there are best practices to follow. The following are tips to create a home-based business where you can thrive. 

Create a Home Office and Improve Your Home

There is a chance that you will have to meet with a client in your home. You want to look as professional as possible with the best home office they have seen. Renovating your home to give it the best look possible will be important as image means something to certain clients. Small details like sink refinishing can give a bathroom a newly renovated look. Your office needs to look professional as meeting with a client at the kitchen table doesn’t scream professionalism. The right desk can allow you to be as productive as you would like to be. 

Enlist the Help of Freelancers 

When running a business from home, you likely aren’t going to have in-house employees. Freelancers can help scale your business at an affordable rate and will help it grow. Top freelancers want consistent gigs so they can stabilize their income. Other freelancers will take any work that they can get. You can hire a freelancer to find contact information at a fraction of the price that it would cost to hire them in-house. Hourly rates overseas that are considered unlivable in the US might allow a freelancer to truly thrive. 

Consider the Demand For Your Skills 

There are skills that are going to be valuable for the foreseeable future. Web design and development are great examples as the digital world continues to grow. Copywriting is another skill where expert knowledge can allow you to earn a multitude of income. If you do not have expert knowledge, you can still earn healthy amounts. Most people have a specialty when it comes to writing whether it is long-form content, blog posts, webpages, or product descriptions. Digital marketing is going to stay in-demand as nearly all businesses have websites that need to be marketed. 

Establish Short-Term Goals 

Simply stating that you want to make a million dollars per year doesn’t allow you to embrace the process. Setting milestones for your business’ growth is essential. You do not want to feel like a failure until you are making an immense amount of money. You should make these goals realistic and adjust them as needed. Success in business isn’t always that of making quite a bit of money. Enjoying what you do while working for yourself can be more rewarding than a bit more money annually.

Above are the tips to help you thrive when running your home-based business. Take time to set up a business plan that you know that you can execute.