We like to talk about how rapidly the world is progressing, and the truth is the past few decades have been truly remarkable. The world looks incredibly different today than it did even ten years ago. But one of the big differences is that we no longer seem to be dreaming as big.

Fifteen years ago, the smartphone did not exist, but we could imagine it. We could already see the benefits of having the internet on our phones. We could picture how easy it would be to have everything we needed in the palm of our hands. A camera, email, music, videos, and so on, would keep us occupied and allow us to do work from anywhere.

Today, when we think about upcoming smartphones, the biggest “advancements” are phones that fold for some reason, better cameras, and maybe even 3D photos. It’s more of the same.

There are, however, companies making the most of futuristic tech and people can actually get excited about them. For example:

Ancestry Testing

No matter what your opinion on ancestry DNA testing kits is, there’s no doubt they get people excited. You're finding out about your ancestors with nothing more than some spit. What could be more futuristic than that? DNA testing companies are changing the way we think about our place in the universe.

They can be a model for anyone looking for the next big thing in tech. Make use of the scientific advancements we’ve got! There are so many opportunities out there if you find a way to do so.

Healthy Virtual Reality

Virtual reality hasn’t really taken off yet. Google Cardboard is cool and cheap but pretty much useless. Oculus Rift is expensive and hasn’t got any particularly important use yet either. However, that is not where VR ends. There are companies taking advantage of the tech to do important things.

One of my favorite examples is the use of VR to help people who are suffering from PTSD. A soldier who comes back from active duty may struggle to come to terms with what they went through. Exposure therapy is known to work, but you can’t put the soldier in a warzone again!

Companies are using VR to provide exposure therapy to sufferers of PTSD. Soldiers can see the location of their flashbacks without any danger. People who have been in car accidents can go back to the location in VR before they feel able to do so in person. They can do it over and over again, until they have responded to the therapy.

VR has so many uses beyond the cool games and ideas that most people think about. And while we’re on the topic of healthcare…

Artificial Intelligence

You don’t need to read much sci-fi to know that humans are scared of AI. However, as things stand, a robot uprising looks unlikely. On the contrary, AI is helping people live longer and healthier lives. AI helps doctors diagnose illnesses. This is especially helpful when it comes to mental health. Individuals suffering from anxiety, depression, and other illnesses, can use AI to begin to understand their diagnosis, and even do some basic therapy which helps them in the moment.

Big money is in technology if you know where to tap the futuristic market!