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Looking at 4 tech trends for 2015

Digital signage blogger looks at how this year's tech trends could affect digital signage adoption.

April 3, 2015 by Kelly Eisel — Copywriter, Industry Weapon

Did you ever fantasize that technology would advance to the levels of 3D printing in your lifetime? It has. (You can print pancakes now. Yes, pancakes.) And, the capabilities are only picking up speed. Wearable technology (some are better than others) and electric cars are jumping from the pages of science fiction books and into our everyday lives. While hover boards and "Jetson's-esque" robot maids are still a few years off from becoming household standards, 2015 is sure to bring some futuristic tech trends our way.

1.) Internet on the go

By now, it's safe to say that the majority of Internet users access the Web from their mobile devices. So it's no stretch of the imagination to see that users will be using these devices as their primary connection. According to Ovum, 1 billion people will use mobile as their only form of Internet access in 2015.

This will have a hefty impact on cellular service providers who will have to up the speed and optimization of their networks to keep users satisfied. Also, tech trends like these will lead to a wave of hardware upgrades for wireless routers. Finally.

2.) Network investments

Virtually all aspects of our working lives depend on Internet access. In fact, companies actually lose money when their network is down. An Evolven study reported that network "configuration errors can cost companies up to $72,000 per hour in Web application downtime." To remedy this situation, businesses will reinforce their networks to increase reliability and innovation.

Playing off of the effects of the previous trends, businesses will continue to rely on the cloud to store and communicate their data. Investments, especially in the cyber-security realm, will heavily impact company budgets as hacking threats continue to grow. (We predict a few more celebrity data hacks.) Software vendors will take advantage of data security best practices and implement third-party audits to prove that their facilities are protected.

3.) The human brand

The advent of digital shopping allows consumers to access infinite retailers, instead of the previous few in driving distance. Because of the vast number of options, consumers are also learning to exercise skepticism. Why choose this retailer when the next one has free shipping? Why are their products so cheap? The list goes on.

Marketing efforts will become more upfront and honest to target our raw, humanistic sides. Brands that allow consumers to rate their products and services and read other reviews are having much more success than the brands who brush negative feedback under the carpet. With this level of honesty comes trust. Consumers are more forgiving when they can hear why someone had a bad experience with a brand.

4.) Digital messaging on every screen

Digital communication is becoming a necessity among all industries, internally and externally. These dynamic signage deployments are rapidly increasing. They allow end users to transmit infinite messages to their viewers. By 2015, digital signage adoption is expected to grow by 66 percent, and 56 percent for interactive signage.

The software behind these devices is certainly making leaps and bounds in the tech world. Social media integrations and interactive capabilities will be adopted as a regular use of digital signage over the next year.

The tech trends of 2015 are sure to bring plenty of advancements in hardware and software. Here's the rundown:

• Consumer-facing products like mobile devices will be the main source of Internet access.
• Businesses in all industries will begin to make budget arrangements to implement more reliable networks.
• Marketing efforts will revolve around honesty as brands realize that authenticity is an attractive quality to consumers.
• Digital signage will continue to increase in popularity, allowing streamlined, innovative communications.

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