Tencent Publishes Report on Top Ten Technology Trends for 2024

Tencent, a leading technology company in China, has recently released a detailed report outlining the top ten technology trends expected to shape the year 2024. The report, compiled by Tencent Research Institute, provides an extensive analysis of future technological advancements and their potential impact on various sectors. Let’s take a comprehensive look at the key trends highlighted in the report.

1. Quantum Computing and Quantum Processor Units (QPUs)

In December 2023, IBM unveiled the Quantum System Two, a quantum computer with a modular architecture capable of accommodating up to 10,000 qubits. This development signifies a new direction for quantum computers, emphasizing replicability and scalability. The focus has shifted from the sheer number of qubits to factors like error correction and scalability, indicating a maturation in QPU technology.

2. High-Performance Computing (HPC) and Its Cloud-Edge Collaboration

HPC is evolving towards a cooperative framework between cloud and edge computing. With single-point computing power reaching exascale levels, applications like autonomous driving and robotics are becoming increasingly feasible. Technologies such as neuromorphic and optoelectronic chips are also enhancing edge computing capabilities.

3. Diversified High-Performance Chips

Tech giants like Microsoft and Meta are developing high-performance CPUs and AI accelerators. Beyond traditional x86 architecture, other chip architectures are entering the HPC arena. The integration of Near-Memory Computing technologies by Intel, AMD, and Nvidia is addressing the “memory wall” bottleneck in chip performance.

4. The Rise of Cloud-Native Technologies

Cloud-native technologies are gaining popularity, with cloud platforms accelerating support for HPC services. This trend is expected to unleash the potential of HPC power.

5. A Surge in Scientific Computing and Simulation Applications

The expansion and upgrading of global HPC clusters, along with the application of cloud-native technologies, are making computing power more accessible. Scientific simulations, ranging from microscopic particle simulations to weather and geospatial simulations, are expected to see significant growth.

6. AI-Driven Industry Development

AI large models are emerging as a critical factor in industry upgrading and high-quality development. These models are expected to be applied first in digital-native enterprises and industries with high integration of digital and physical systems.

7. Sustainable High-Performance Computing

With the increasing power consumption of data centers, sustainable computing is becoming a priority. Companies like Intel and IBM are focusing on sustainable high-performance computing technologies.

8. IoT Era and Ubiquitous Computing

The proliferation of interconnected products like smart home devices and self-driving cars is driving the development of universal operating systems, simplifying management and control of these devices.

9. Cloud Computing Adapts to User Needs

The evolving complexity of cloud services is being shaped by technologies like AI, big data, and digital twins.

10. Spacetime AI for Urban Dynamics

Spacetime AI is being used for modeling various urban scenarios, aiding in efficient planning and management of cities.

11. Software-Defined Energy Networks (SDENs)

SDENs utilize software to manage and control the supply, distribution, and security of energy, facilitating the integration of renewable energy sources into the grid.

12. Web3 and Its Expanding Applications

Despite challenges, Web3 is evolving to accommodate more applications beyond cryptocurrency transactions, thanks to advances in transaction verification and privacy protection.

13. Robotics with Enhanced Tactile Perception

Advances in materials, electronics, and machine learning algorithms are improving the spatial resolution and accuracy of tactile sensors, benefiting various applications including remote operation of industrial robots and medical surgery robots.

14. Digital Humans for Interactive Applications

Digital humans are evolving from non-interactive entities to intelligent, interactive beings capable of complex interactions. This technology has the potential to extend beyond gaming to fields like tourism, sales, marketing, information, and education.

15. Digital Office for Enhanced Collaboration

The pandemic-induced shift to remote working is expected to continue, with major companies adopting remote or hybrid work models.

16. Integrated Industry Security

As digital technologies permeate various industries, there’s an increasing need for comprehensive security measures covering infrastructure, data, digital supply chains, and cybersecurity.

These trends reflect Tencent’s vision for the future of technology and its implications across industries and everyday life.