From electric cycles to super apps: 6 tech trends that could define 2023

It’s been a year so fast. With 2022 coming to an end, his 2023 already shows that an exciting year is ahead, with many tech companies emerging from the shadows of the pandemic.recently concluded CES (formerly Consumer Electronic Show) Auto Expos in Las Vegas and Greater Noida gave us an idea of ​​what the coming months have in store for India and the world.

Here are the trends and gadgets we expect to see a lot in 2023.

1. Virtual Reality/Metaverse: Virtual reality (or VR) uses computer technology to create a 360-degree simulated environment. This is an immersive experience for the user. A VR headset is required to access the virtual world. There are many notable examples. Oculus Rift, HTC Vive and others are already on the market. But one entrant may turn the industry upside down.

Apple’s headset that blends augmented and virtual reality is perhaps the most anticipated announcement of 2023. Apple has been working on this device for years and expects to tackle the meta platform (aka Facebook) head-on. Apple’s ultimate goal is to bring lightweight AR (Augmented Reality) glasses to market and completely replace smartphones. The latest news to be announced says Apple is working with Disney and Dolby on headset content.

With companies like Microsoft and Nvidia on board, 2023 could see an explosion of meetings, conversations, and collaborations in the metaverse. These two companies are developing the Metaverse platform to enable collaboration on digital projects.

Thanks to advances in motion capture, avatars in virtual worlds may look exactly like they do in real life. In addition, motion capture allows him to adopt his own body language and unique gestures.

Sony’s PSVR 2 will be released on February 22nd, 2023. This is a headset that pairs with the company’s PlayStation 5 console. Features include high resolution displays, fast refresh rates, eye tracking, haptic headset feedback, and 3D audio.

File photo: A person uses a virtual reality headset on the Meta stand during the 9th Annual Summit of the Americas in Los Angeles, California, USA on June 8, 2022.
(Reuters)

2. Green Technology: We are finally at a point where renewable energy is cheaper than fossil fuels. Over the years, a lot of research and development has been poured into renewable energy and climate change, and it’s finally paying off. In 2023, we can expect progress in green hydrogen. Water is split into hydrogen and oxygen thanks to electrolyzers, and when powered by renewable energy, hydrogen is produced without emitting greenhouse gases. This is known as green hydrogen.

At the recent car expo in Greater Noida, both MG Motor and Toyota unveiled hydrogen-powered vehicles. Toyota showcased its second generation Mirai Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicle (FCEV). This he has 174 hp and a range of about 640 km.

Meanwhile, MG Motor exhibited the Euniq 7 (201hp) with a 6.4kg hydrogen cylinder. The company says the car can be refueled in minutes and has a range of up to 605km.

Neither Toyota nor MG Motor have yet announced plans to launch these vehicles in India.

3. Foldable device: In 2023, foldable devices are poised to take center stage. A device that can be “folded” so that it fits easily in a pocket, expands for more screen real estate. Samsung kicked things off at CES by showing off his new 360-degree foldable phone. The “Flex In & Out” display can be folded both inside and out, according to The Verge, who demoed the product. Additionally, there are significantly fewer visible creases thanks to the new hinge design. The display could be featured in Samsung’s next Galaxy Z Fold device, which launches later this year.

Google isn’t far behind with the first foldable smartphone. The device’s name is rumored to be Pixel Fold, which has been leaked in various iterations. Other companies such as Oppo and Xiaomi are planning to launch sleeker foldable models later this year.

According to Counterpoint Research’s Global Foldable Smartphone Market Forecast, Q3 2022 report, global foldable smartphone shipments are expected to grow by more than 50% year-over-year in 2023.

Samsung Electronics Co. Galaxy Z Fold 4 smartphone at the company’s D’light flagship store in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, January 5, 2023.
(Bloomberg)

4. The rise of “super apps”: There are currently three conglomerates in India, Paytm, MyJio and Tata Neu, building super apps in the country.

Paytm, launched in 2010, is probably the largest of them all. Paytm has slowly but surely added features over the years, including mobile recharge services, bill payments, Paytm wallets, and more. We recently added movies, events, flight bookings and introduced PayTM QR codes. As of 2023, we offer over 200 services and will continue to grow.

MyJio: Reliance Retail has made major improvements to its MyJio app after acquiring local search engine JustDial. Currently, MyJio offers over 20 of his consumer mini-apps. From UPI to mobile recharge options and even JioMart for ordering groceries.

Tata Neu: The newest entrant in the “super apps” game is none other than Tata Neu. They launched in April 2022 and are getting bigger by the day. There is also NeuPass, a loyalty program. The app features all of Tata’s signature brands for fashion, travel, entertainment, fitness and more. In 2023, we plan to open the platform for brands other than Tata.

5. eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) aircraft: The future of flying is here, but it probably won’t be coming to India any time soon. Consider the following scenario. Take off in a small plane (like a helicopter) and travel short distances without worrying about emissions or costs. Best of all, it’s silent. That is the eVTOL aircraft.

There are many companies developing eVTOL aircraft. They are cheaper to operate and easier to maintain than traditional helicopters. The goal is to reduce the cost of flying while being as environmentally friendly as possible.

Bristol-based company Vertical Aerospace is planning a series of test flights for its VX4 aircraft. The company hopes to progress from vertical takeoff to forward flight. It will also fly at higher speeds and higher altitudes this year.

Next, Germany-based Volocopter plans a number of public test flights of VoloCity models in 2023. It will be certified in 2024 and will launch services in Paris, Rome and Singapore.

A British start-up named ARC Aero Systems has unveiled a nine-seat VTOL aircraft as it prepares to revolutionize inner-city travel.

Functional prototype Aska A5 eVTOL flying car folds front wings at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Nevada on January 7, 2023.
(AFP)

6. Electric cycle: E-bikes are more useful on slopes than regular bicycles. Just the other day, Indian e-cycles his startup Gear Head Motor appeared on the reality show Shark Tank India and received funding from boAt founder Aman Gupta and his Lenskart Peyush Bansal. In January, Firefox launched its first app-controlled e-bike for the Indian market.

There are currently two types of e-pedals in India. It has throttle assist, which drives the motor in the back to keep the bike moving without pedaling. Another type is Pedal Assist, which reduces human effort by up to 80%. Pedal Assist only activates the motor when the user starts pedaling.

EMorad recently launched a range of electric bikes as well. There are his X-Factor series of affordable, which feature removable batteries and LCD displays and come with several levels of pedal assist.

More models are expected to be released throughout the year as the e-bike market heats up.

Honorable mentions to gamers are: After a decade of waiting, it’s the latest installment in Activision Blizzard Inc’s role-playing series. Diablo Finally ready for public release. Diablo IV Its terrifying landscape is one of the most anticipated developments that gamers around the world are looking forward to. Please mark June 6th on your calendar for him. The game is currently available for pre-order.

Sahil Bhalla is a Delhi-based journalist.