2019 is poised to be an influential year for technological advancements such as 5G, 3D printing, and traditional radio. As per Deloitte’s annual TMT Predictions, these sectors are expected to see significant growth and widespread adoption.
Now in its 18th year, the report highlights the transformative potential of these technologies over the coming months. From enhanced printing speeds to the advent of 5G-enabled devices, the predictions set the stage for a year of innovation and change.
3D Printing on the Rise
Deloitte forecasts that 3D printing sales by large public companies will exceed £2.1 billion in 2019 and £2.4 billion in 2020, growing by 12.5% year-on-year. This remarkable growth is driven by faster printing speeds, larger printing volumes, and a broader array of printable materials. Metal is anticipated to overtake plastics, constituting more than half of all 3D printing in the next two years.
In 2019, 3D printing is expected to significantly impact various industries. This technology is being used for more than rapid prototyping; it ensures cost-effective solutions, such as bionic prosthetic limbs for children. Traditionally expensive to manufacture, these limbs can now be produced for as little as £20 thanks to 3D printing. With plans for a multi-million-pound 3D printing facility in Cheshire, the outlook for this sector appears promising.
The Advent of 5G Technology
2019 will witness the initial phase of mass-market 5G-enabled handsets. Deloitte predicts that around 20 handset vendors will launch 5G devices, with the first available in Q2. By the end of the year, approximately one million 5G-enabled handsets are expected to be shipped globally, including around 50,000 in the UK.
The introduction of 5G handsets is reminiscent of the arrival of 4G phones in 2010. While there will be substantial noise from vendors initially, consumer adoption will be gradual. 5G is projected to be utilised in hotspot locations over the next two to three years, with broader adoption anticipated by 2025. Manchester and Liverpool are among the first cities to trial 5G connectivity, with service expected to commence within the year.
Smart Speakers Set for Growth
Smart speakers are predicted to be the fastest-growing connected device in 2019. Deloitte estimates that global sales will reach 164 million units, up from 98 million in 2018, marking a 63% year-on-year increase in revenue, totalling £5.6 billion. The global installed base is projected to hit a quarter of a billion by the year’s end.
As of mid-2018, 12% of UK adults had access to a smart speaker, compared to 22% in urban China and 19% in the USA. With 8% of global shipments directed to the UK, revenues in this market are expected to reach £44.8 million.
Paul Lee, global head of research for technology, media, and telecommunications at Deloitte, notes that the potential for smart speakers is immense. Their adoption has grown rapidly, and continual improvements could see demand eventually surpass that for smartphones. Future installations in homes, hotels, offices, schools, and hospitals worldwide could become commonplace.
Radio Remains Resilient
Despite the rise of on-demand media and streaming services, radio continues to hold a significant place in UK media consumption. Approximately 47 million people in the UK listen to the radio weekly. Globally, nearly three billion people will tune in weekly in 2019, with total radio revenues expected to reach £31.6 billion, a modest 1% increase from 2018.
Paul Lee asserts that radio’s influence is often underestimated. The perception that video or streaming services have overshadowed radio is inaccurate. From morning commutes to workplace listening, radio maintains a steady presence across all age groups. The UK ranks as the fifth-largest market globally for radio revenues, with the US leading the way, followed by Germany.
Technological Insights
Deloitte’s 2019 TMT Predictions are derived from extensive internal and external inputs, including thousands of client conversations, contributions from partners and managers specialising in technology, media, and telecommunications, and insights from industry analysts and executives worldwide. The report combines these elements with proprietary quantitative research.
The insights offered in this report provide a comprehensive overview of the trends shaping the technology, media, and telecommunications sectors. With a focus on 5G, 3D printing, smart speakers, and radio, the predictions underscore the dynamic nature of these industries and their potential for significant growth.
Conclusion
In conclusion, 2019 is set to be a transformative year for 5G, 3D printing, and radio. With rapid advancements and increasing adoption across these sectors, the upcoming months promise to bring substantial technological progress.
As industries continue to evolve and integrate these innovations, the impact on various aspects of daily life and business will undoubtedly be profound. The future looks bright for these technologies, and their development will be closely watched.
In summary, 2019 promises significant advancements in 5G technology, 3D printing, and radio. The developments in these sectors highlight a year of innovation and transformation.
As these technologies become more integrated into everyday life, their influence on industries and consumers will be substantial. The projected growth and adoption rates signify a positive trajectory for the coming years.