The last year began with ambitious predictions and technological promises that vowed to revolutionize our relationship with the digital world. Now that the year has passed and we are in 2025, it is possible to analyze which of these trends have actually become reality and which remained only in the realm of ideas.
Trends that became reality
Expansion of 5G and the advancement of 6G:The 5G, which had been gradually implemented, finally achieved widespread adoption in 2024. With higher speeds and lower latency, 5G has driven the Internet of Things (IoT) and enabled advances in applications such as autonomous vehicles and smart cities. Furthermore, the first practical tests with 6G networks have also begun, promising even more revolutionary speeds for the next decade.
Generative artificial intelligenceGenerative AI models, such as ChatGPT and others, continue to expand and gain applications in various sectors, such as education, health, and entertainment. In 2024, we saw a more responsible and regulated adoption of these tools, with laws that ensure greater transparency in the use of AI in automated decisions.
Technological sustainability:The technology market has been aligning with sustainability demands. Hardware companies launched devices made with recyclable materials, and data centers invested in renewable energy sources. This trend has solidified as a response to global environmental concerns.
Hybrid Cloud Adoption:Companies continued to migrate to hybrid cloud solutions, combining public and private infrastructures for greater flexibility and security. This approach allowed organizations to optimize their resources while meeting regulatory requirements.
Wearable devices and continuous monitoringThe IT in health is deeply connected to the growth of wearable devices, such as watches and sensors, which constantly monitor vital signs. These devices, combined with machine learning algorithms, enabled early diagnoses and rapid interventions.
Automation and advanced DevOps:Process automation and the implementation of more sophisticated DevOps methodologies have accelerated software development and delivery cycles. This allowed greater efficiency and quick adaptation to market changes.
Edge computing on the rise:Edge computing has gained ground as a solution to reduce latency and improve performance in critical applications. This advancement was crucial in sectors such as manufacturing, transportation, and health.
Intelligent electronic medical records (EHR):Cloud-based and AI solutions have made electronic health records more interactive. Now, systems can suggest diagnoses, alert about drug interactions, and offer predictive insights based on the patient's medical history.
The Information Technology (IT) sector was marked by a series of transformations that solidified its relevance to the global economy in 2024. This market continues to be one of the pillars of technological innovation, adapting to emerging demands and paving the way for more integrated and efficient solutions.
What remained only speculation
The fully integrated “Metaverse”:Despite the high expectations surrounding the metaverse, the vision of a fully immersive and interconnected digital universe has not materialized as anticipated. Problems related to infrastructure, high costs, and low user adoption kept the concept as a distant promise.
Blockchain in all industries:Despite the initial enthusiasm, blockchain technology has not become as prevalent as expected. Sectors such as finance and logistics continue to use it, but its adoption in other industries has been limited due to high costs and technical complexities.
Full automation with autonomous AI:Although AI-based automation has advanced, the idea of fully autonomous independent systems is still not a reality on a large scale. Companies continue to face challenges related to reliability and the need for human supervision in critical tasks.
Hyperautomation at all enterprise levels:Hyperautomation promised to completely transform corporate processes, but its application has been more limited than expected. Companies still face difficulties in integrating different technologies and training teams to adopt them.
No-code programming platforms as a universal standard:Although no-code platforms have gained popularity, the idea that they would completely replace traditional developers has not materialized. They are widely used for simple solutions, but more complex projects still rely on conventional programming.
IoT with full integration:Although IoT continues to grow, full and seamless integration between devices from different manufacturers remains a challenge. Fragmented standards and security concerns hinder the creation of truly interoperable ecosystems.
The 2024 balance sheet shows that, although technology is advancing at a rapid pace, many predictions still face significant barriers. The future remains promising, but of course not all predicted innovations can overcome the challenges of the real world. What is clear is that the adoption of technologies depends not only on technical advances but also on cultural, economic, and regulatory factors. Now we must pay attention to the trends of this year to see what will actually materialize and invest in the right direction.
