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 really became a reality and which remained only in the realm of ideas
Trends that became reality
Expansion of 5G and the advancement of 6G:The 5G, that 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 advancements in applications such as autonomous cars 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 intelligenceThe generative AI models, like ChatGPT and others, continue to expand and gain applications in various sectors, 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 aligned itself with the demands for sustainability. Hardware companies launched devices made with recyclable materials, and data centers invested in renewable energy sources. This trend has consolidated 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 monitoringIT in healthcare is deeply connected to the growth of wearable devices, like watches and sensors, that constantly monitor vital signs. These devices, combined with machine learning algorithms, allowed early diagnoses and quick interventions
Automation and advanced DevOps:The automation of processes and the implementation of more sophisticated DevOps methodologies have accelerated software development and delivery cycles. This allowed for greater efficiency and quick adaptation to market changes
Edge computing on the rise:Edge computing has gained traction as a solution to reduce latency and improve performance in critical applications. This advancement was crucial in sectors such as manufacturing, transport and health
Intelligent electronic medical records (EHR):Cloud-based solutions and AI have made electronic health records more interactive. Now, systems can suggest diagnoses, alert about drug interactions and provide predictive insights based on the patient's medical history
The Information Technology (IT) sector, was marked by a series of transformations that consolidated 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 great expectation surrounding the metaverse, the vision of a fully immersive and interconnected digital universe has not materialized as expected. Infrastructure-related problems, 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 completely independent autonomous systems is still not a large-scale reality. Companies continue to face challenges related to reliability and the need for human oversight 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 did not materialize. They are widely used for simple solutions, but more complex projects still depend on conventional programming
IoT with full integration:Although IoT continues to grow, the complete and uniform integration between devices from different manufacturers is still a challenge. Fragmented standards and security concerns hinder the creation of truly interoperable ecosystems
The balance of 2024 shows that, although technology advances at a rapid pace, many forecasts still face significant barriers. The future remains promising, but it is clear that 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 of cultural factors, economic and regulatory. We now need to pay attention to the trends of this year, to see what will actually materialize and invest in the right path
