It’s about that time of year for predictions and trends. Ericsson has some for the next 5 years:

• They say early adopters no longer matter for communication technologies, because new ones achieve mass market status so fast.
• “Artificial Intelligence (AI) will enable interaction with objects without the need for a smartphone screen…Smartphone users believe AI will take over many common activities, such as searching the net, getting travel guidance and as personal assistants. These are areas already being addressed by current generation AI interfaces in smartphones. But the desire to use AI for more advanced purposes is apparent. 44 percent think an AI system would be good as a teacher and one third would like an AI interface to keep them company. Furthermore, a third would even rather trust the fidelity of an AI interface than a human for sensitive matters. 29 percent agree they would feel more comfortable discussing their medical condition with an AI system.”
• Virtual reality will start to come into its own for tech support, sports, dating, and shopping.
• ” sensors could be integrated into bricks and mortar in your house, literally connecting your home from the ground up. “
• “Judging by consumer interest, the next generation of body-monitoring technology may not be worn, but may instead be found within the human body. These ‘internables’ will initially have a similar focus to the current external body monitoring devices. Half of all smartphone users believe internal sensors will give updates on their health and wellbeing in three years.”