The COVID-19 pandemic has wrought significant, global consequences, affecting all aspects of society. It has caused widespread disruption to everyone’s work, studies, and personal life. Although much of the pandemic’s effects have been unfavourable, such as the adoption of social distancing and wearing face masks, there is a possibility for some silver linings.
Amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the technology industry has made notable strides in developing novel ideas and remedies. We must evaluate which of these advancements will prove advantageous beyond the pandemic’s end. Below are some key factors to keep in mind.
Assessing the Effectiveness of Health Care Telematics
During the pandemic, telemedicine tools like Doxy.me and WebEx for Healthcare have been invaluable in facilitating secure communication between healthcare providers and patients. Yet, it should be acknowledged that the adoption of telemedicine was steadily increasing even prior to the pandemic. According to a study conducted by the American Medical Association (AMA), there was a 53% surge in the utilization of telemedicine between 2016 and 2019, as evidenced by national insurance claims data.
Telemedicine presents advantages to both physicians and patients, as various health concerns can be resolved without requiring an on-site consultation. Additionally, telemedicine provides a degree of convenience that can prove beneficial to individuals residing in remote locations where conventional medical facilities may not be readily accessible.
The pandemic has underscored telemedicine’s potential to serve as a viable alternative to conventional, face-to-face medical consultations in numerous scenarios, and in some instances, it may even be considered advantageous.
The Relevance of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
It is evident that AI has become an indispensable aspect of modern life, and in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, its relevance has only amplified.
More and more businesses are utilising Artificial Intelligence (AI) to tackle the challenges created by overburdened workforces and stress levels. One example is the use of chatbots that can perform basic customer service tasks without requiring human intervention.
AI has the potential to substantially enhance and hasten business operations, making it a desirable resource for organisations. Unlike human beings, AI is not prone to errors and is immune to illnesses such as COVID-19. Moreover, it does not necessitate paid leave or days off, rendering it a cost-effective option. Its usage is predicted to rise significantly in the forthcoming years.
Top Wearable Devices
Wearable devices, including the Apple Watch and Fitbit, have become more ubiquitous in recent times. Nonetheless, there are many other gadgets that can furnish helpful and hassle-free techniques for recording and overseeing data pertinent to one’s health and wellness.
Smart jewellery items, such as the Oura ring, can be employed for tracking sleep, heart rate and physical activity levels. Additionally, implantable devices, such as tablets, can offer even more thorough insights by gauging blood pressure levels from within the body.
The prevalence of wearable devices was already surging prior to the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, with some administrations employing contact-tracing apps to supervise the spread of the virus. While privacy concerns are undeniably significant, wearable technology may potentially be utilised to track individuals who have been exposed to the virus going forward.
E-Commerce
Given the current limitations on mobility, it is probable that you are unable to go out of your house as frequently as before. Thankfully, modern technology has made it effortless to obtain goods and services with the ease of online shopping. You can come across an extensive assortment of commodities, ranging from clothing and furniture to toiletries and even food items that can be brought directly to your doorstep.
As a result of the repercussions of COVID-19, the global e-commerce market has experienced an extraordinary surge. In Brazil, for instance, e-commerce witnessed a hike of 66% in the same year. This trend is not confined to Brazil, however, and the progression of online commerce has been substantial on a global level and shows no indications of decelerating. Given that consumers have realised the expedience and extra security that this approach offers when compared to traditional stores, it is probable that this industry will continue to grow even beyond the pandemic.
Media Players and Streaming Programs for Home Use
The continuous pandemic has resulted in the suspension of live performances. This marks the lengthiest period in the history of Broadway without any productions being staged. Numerous cinemas are also yet to showcase films, and concerts are predominantly being held in virtual settings.
The recent upsurge in the reputation of streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, HBO Now, Hulu, YouTube and numerous others offers an unprecedented chance for viewers at home. With the proliferation of electronic gadgets like TVs, computers, tablets and smartphones, people are progressively resorting to these services to fulfill their TV and movie viewing requirements, and this tendency is expected to persist in the imminent future.
The Internet of Things (IoT)
The notion of the Internet of Things is no longer a fresh concept. Its flourishing incidence has served as a driving force for the creation of internet-connected “smart” residences, “smart” metropolises, and other connected advances. The effect of the COVID-19 pandemic has additionally hastened this process, rendering the Internet of Things more widespread than ever.
Smart factories and other computerized methods of production decrease the possibility of the spread of an outbreak. Workers can remotely control machinery using their personal electronic devices.
The Internet of Things is facilitating the monitoring of susceptible groups, without necessitating direct human interaction. BeClose, for instance, is an exemplar of this technology, which employs sensors to trail elderly individuals living alone and forwards notifications to caregivers in the event of possible issues.
A New Dimension: The Augmented Reality (AR)
The ramifications of Augmented Reality (AR) transcend the domains of the tourism and entertainment sectors. With this technology, users can have simulated experiences of actual, real-life settings without actually having to visit them physically.
As we recover from the pandemic, establishments of all magnitudes and kinds will have to contemplate whether to reinstate their employees into the workplace or persist with remote work. Augmented Reality will play a momentous role in educating workers on managing diverse situations and duties.
It is apparent that these technologies have already undergone noteworthy advancements following the pandemic, with tools for remote work such as Zoom becoming a regular feature for conducting remote business operations. Moreover, it is probable that telehealth, wearable technology, augmented reality, and other such innovations will continue to be a part of our daily lives in the long-run, while others might be more provisional until life returns to a more conventional state.
