We’ll be more focused on our smartphones than ever in 2017.  As the Internet of Things (IoT) continues to evolve, the media will focus on how connected technology will be delivered right to our phones, helping them to seamlessly communicate with other devices, according to Racepoint Global’s latest InMedia report.

Racepoint Global's InMedia Report on Technology

Security concerns surrounding wireless connections and cloud transactions will also dominate tech stories in the media.

While autonomous cars are still not quite a reality, there are an increasing number of semi-autonomous safety features trickling down from luxury brands into mainstream cars such as lane assist and adaptive cruise control.  Expect there to be more discussion on how to bring full autonomous vehicles to the road.

Other findings from Racepoint’s analysis of consumer tech and business publications include:

Shopping will become social and immersive: Look for stories that position the phone as your shopping buddy, even actively helping you shop while you’re in the store.

Virtual and augmented reality will start to converge: Media outlets will delve into the issue of content and discuss user-generated VR/AR content.

Apps will be “lite” and integrated: New apps will give users the same functionality as conventional apps without having to install and maintain them.  Also, look for apps to synch up with each other such as being able to use WeChat and Snapchat at the same time, through the same interface.

Memory will be an issue: Changes in workloads and new usage models will result in stories addressing the demands of networking and data center applications.

Smartphones will need more processing power: Augmented and mixed reality devices and 4K displays will put more demands on the core configurations of our phones.

Bluetooth low energy (BLE) will become the new standard: Major smartphone manufacturers will adopt wireless charging technology because of the growth of wearables and hearables markets.

5G will usher in the next wave of connectivity: Watch for stories around how 5G will increase the connectivity to smartphones, connected cars and home networking.