What’s trending in tech this year?

In just a few short years, the number of transistors in a circuit will outnumber human brain cells. Perhaps in fewer than 300 years we’ll be able to communicate telepathically using the computer technology in our brains. To get there, IT is going to have to start with a few baby steps, like these trends to watch in 2015.

Smart homes get smarter

Want a disembodied voice filling you in on the day’s news–personal and otherwise–as soon as you walk into your home? We’re getting closer, according to Microsoft’s home of the future that boasts counter tops that can display recipes and compile grocery lists based on what’s in your cupboards and fridge with interactive walls. Basically, everything in the home is a digital device. It will be interesting to see what new technology will pop up and catch on to help make the smart home a little more genius in 2015.

Mobile technology becomes more intimate

It’s interesting that in response to mobile devices becoming increasingly intrusive, one organization is trying to solve the problem by displaying text messages directly on your skin. SkinDisplay text messages use advanced pielzoelectric technology that stiffens materials using electricity. Text messages would create raised letters that you could press your skin against creating a readable impression. As we become more tied to our mobile devices, technology will advance to make our mobile devices more tied to us.

Battery technology gains life

Want that device to stay charged longer, be it your electric car or your laptop? Better batteries are on the way. IBM is currently working on a lithium/air rechargeable battery that could run a car for 500 miles on one charge. As battery power improves for electric cars, making them an even more appealing option for some, keep your eyes on advances to the electric car as well. IMB has been working on the lithium/air rechargeable battery since 2009, and expect it in vehicles in the next 5 years.

Storage devices increase in size

Ready for a 250 terabyte hard drive? As electronic data increases, storage devices must also increase. The future for storage is huge. Competition between flash and hard disk-based storage will drive improvements in both. How we use storage devices and how they work will evolve a lot in the coming year and beyond.

In 2015, we might not be quite as technologically advanced as was predicted in Back to the Future, but we’re not far off either. Technology moves quickly and we’ll see a lot of advances in these 2015 tech trends before next year!

What tech trends in 2015 are you most excited about?