What’s in store for 2024?

I am buzzing to delve into the emerging tech trends for 2024 and how it will likely impact our everyday. From the realm of ChatGPT to AR/VR on the highstreet, buckle up for a tour of all things tech that promise to redefine the way we live, work and play!

Artificial Intelligence: Enhancing Everyones Productivity

It’s no hidden secret that productivity across the western world has dropped in the last few decades, although we seem to be able to do more with every waking hour! Enter the hidden workforce, Artificial Intelligence (AI), your friendly bots willing to work every waking hour on-hand to help with any task. From the explosion of ChatGPT and Bard in 2022 it has been a whirlwind of a journey following the updates on what is available, with hundreds of new tools being released every week. When you consider the leap that the AI models have had over 2023, it is astonishing to think what they will be able to do by the end of 2024. If you look at ChatGPT alone, it has progress from the 70th-percentile to the 89th-percentile in a maths SAT exam.

Throughout 2024 expect to see AI become increasingly interwoven in the fabric of our daily lives. Imagine AI-powered chatbots assisting islanders 24/7, whether it is in your bank, your doctor surgery or your dentist, or AI-driven traffic management systems optimising your commute.

Digital Jersey’s Sandbox Jersey initiative is providing a vital testing ground for these advancements, allowing local and off-island businesses to experiment. With the help of Google and their Vertex AI platform, Digital Jersey can help open opportunities for cutting-edge AI developments locally.

Robotics & Automation: From Sci-fi to Reality

We have seen an increasing level of robotics available in the last few years, every man and his dog having a personal robot vacuum cleaner or a casual robot mowing the lawn, but 2024 will see a huge leap in the advancement or robots used in the commercial space. Heck, 2023 saw the first drone lightshow on the island, bringing the island’s famous Battle of Flowers into the 21st century with 100 drones swarming to create an array of light over the backdrop of St Aubin’s Bay.

2024 will see improvements in on-device AI for robots, enabling them to improve the service you see and make decisions about your life to improve it. Recently, my smart home set-up has instinctively started to clean the house as soon as it knows I have left for work….pretty useful really!

At Digital Jersey, we have been experimenting with robotics in agriculture, looking at how to improve operations on the côtils using drone technology to improve safety and operational efficiency. These are not distant dreams; they are the possibilities that await us in the age of robotics.

Data Trust: Building a Fortress for Data

In our increasingly digital world, data is the new gold, and protecting it is paramount. Digital Jersey is at the forefront of data trusts with its pioneering Data Stewardship work. 2023 saw the start of LifeCycle, the world’s first data trust under trust law, opening up the possibility for Jersey’s financial services sector to embrace and enhance Data Stewardship, creating a dual revenue opportunity for most of the island’s trust assets. This unique initiative provides an excellent framework for the island’s financial services sector to capitalise on a brand new industry around the world.

2024 will see an expansion of the work in this space, with increasingly interested companies across the UK and wider world. LifeCycle will likely come to a close as the pilot wraps up it’s analysis of the process, but a new opportunity for the island awaits….who will take the leap?

5G & IoT: Weaving a Web of Connectivity

JT’s announced the arrival of 5G in 2023, but what does it mean for 2024? 5G’s potential explodes beyond lightning-fast downloads. Expect a surge in smart island revolutions, with interconnected sensors optimising traffic, utilities, and public safety. Industrial IoT takes centre stage, as factories and warehouses can hum with autonomous robots and real-time data analysis. Immersive experiences bloom in augmented reality and virtual reality, powered by 5G’s ultra-low latency. And whooshing past us, autonomous vehicles navigate roads with precision, forever changing transportation. Buckle up, for 5G’s transformative wave is just cresting in 2024.

Digital Jersey’s vibrant coworking spaces across the island are fostering the growth of tech startups and entrepreneurs who are harnessing the power of 5G and IoT to develop next-generation solutions. Imagine a future where smart homes anticipate our needs, self-driving cars navigate our streets seamlessly, and remote healthcare consultations become commonplace. This is the transformative potential of 5G and IoT, and Digital Jersey is embracing it with open arms.

Immersive Experiences: Stepping into the Metaverse

In 2023 the Government of Jersey released its Visitor Economy Strategy, with AR & VR a focal point of opportunity in the digital retail world.  Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) are blurring the lines between the physical and digital worlds, creating immersive experiences that were once the stuff of science fiction. In retail, AR mirrors will let customers virtually try on clothes, while VR showrooms transport them to remote stores or exotic locales to explore products. Imagine strolling through a Parisian boutique from your living room or testing a new car on a virtual racetrack. Tourism takes flight with VR experiences that send you soaring over ancient ruins or diving into coral reefs, while AR overlays historical narratives and interactive elements on real-world landmarks. This immersive engagement fosters deeper connections with products and destinations, leading to informed purchases and unforgettable memories. As technology advances and accessibility improves, VR and AR will become indispensable tools for businesses to stand out, offering experiences that are not just informative, but truly transformative.

Digital Jersey’s work on the digital twin visualisation of the island, opens up the opportunity to use VR to provide more detailed information on big decisions. Imagine being able to immerse yourself in the new hospital being planned or out at the wind-farm being proposed? All of this is possible in 2024.

A Final Glimpse into Jersey’s 2024

These are just a glimpse of the tech trends that are set to shape Jersey’s digital landscape in 2024 and beyond. At Digital Jersey, we are committed to supporting the island’s tech ecosystem, nurturing innovation, and empowering islanders to thrive in the digital age. We believe that technology has the power to solve some of our most pressing challenges and create a brighter future for all.

So, Jersey, are you ready to embrace the future? The possibilities are endless, and the journey promises to be exhilarating. Let’s dive into this exciting new chapter together, one innovation at a time!

Remember, this is just a starting point. There’s so much more to explore in each of these tech trends, and I encourage you to delve deeper and discover the incredible possibilities that await us.

And don’t forget, Digital Jersey is here to support you every step of the way. Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur, a curious islander, or a seasoned tech professional, we have the resources and expertise to help you navigate the ever-evolving digital landscape.