Motorola’s top tech predictions for 2021

With 2020 behind us, 2021 is looking to be an exciting year filled with a number of new trends, technologies and innovations. Consumer behavior continues to evolve, and tech companies have reevaluated their focus for the year ahead. And if you ask Dan Dery, Motorola’s VP of Global Product, here’s what you can expect for 2021 and beyond:

PREDICTION #1: Smartphones will become more than just smartphones, interacting even more with the world around us

Human behavior changed significantly in 2020 – and now more than ever, the desire for connectivity and accessibility has never been more apparent. As OEMs, we are already refocusing our product, marketing and overall business strategies to align with this new normal. But looking ahead, it is also an opportunity for a new wave of innovation to take center stage. In 2021 and beyond, we think this change in consumer behavior will be a catalyst for smartphone innovation - one that goes beyond the traditional capabilities of a smartphone. With improved connectivity and speed - thanks to things like 5G and more responsive processors - our smartphones will start to play a more central role in keeping us connected. Connectivity improvements will enable our smartphone to better, and more efficiently interact with the devices around us - transforming our smartphones into things like game consoles or extensions of our desktops. And as people of all ages embrace technology during this era of remote connectivity, we will also start to see how the smartphone will not only help us more efficiently complete tasks that are now a part of this new normal - like working in a remote environment or educating children from home - but also help us to collaborate, learn, educate and connect with the world around us.

PREDICTION #2: In 2021, We’ll See An Increased Demand in Technologies That Deliver A Specific Experience

As consumers continue to demand products that not only keep up with their busy lifestyles but also solve their specific pain points and needs, we’ll start to see an increased focus from OEMs on bringing devices to market that can cater to all types of consumers. For example, over the past two years, we’ve already seen a strong focus among several tech giants on gaming devices. Whether it be a PC with impeccable gaming specs like the Lenovo Legion 7i or a smartphone that provides gamers with an impressive audio experience, immersive display and the fastest speeds on the market* like the motorola edge+, we’ll see this theme continue into 2021. In the next year, we believe this will go beyond gaming and into segments of consumers with other specific needs like professional-grade photography features for the social media guru, durability and convenience specs for the more active consumer, and even more portable and flexible devices. For example, in 2021, consumers will continue to seek technology solutions that offer portability but that do not compromise on the intelligence and functionality that comes with a larger display. Despite less travel this year, consumers now more than ever need tech solutions that are flexible and portable enough to keep up with their ever-evolving lifestyles. These days we’re carrying less around with us than we have in the past, as our commutes now consist of walking up and down the stairs to our basement, kitchen counter or parents’ living room. And as we lug around our laptops, chargers, and notebooks, having a foldable device that can offer portability and functionality all in one will be the solution.

PREDICTION #3: Virtual & Augmented Reality Will Expand to Shopping

In 2021, virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) solutions will expand beyond gaming and education use cases and into the shopping segment. This year, consumers across the globe took a step back from in-person shopping, mostly as a result of the mandatory distancing due to COVID-19. But we don’t believe this new trend will change any time soon. With 5G device volumes expected to have reached 190 million units in 2020 alone, we’ll start to see consumers use VR/AR to test out products, try on a new outfit or even design their living spaces all from the comfort of their homes. Shopping or testing out a potential new product will no longer require having to physically touch the products – and manufacturers will need to find ways to make their experiences as realistic as possible, which will largely be made possible by the advancements and widespread adoption of 5G.
To read more about Motorola’s & Lenovo’s tech predictions for 2021 and beyond, please visit the LenovoStory Hub.

Legal Disclaimers

MOTOROLA, the Stylized M Logo, MOTO and the MOTO family of marks are trademarks of Motorola Trademark Holdings, LLC. LENOVO and LENOVO LEGION are trademarks of Lenovo. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. © Lenovo 2021. All rights reserved.

*Based on combination of Qualcomm X55 modem and connectivity to 5G technology; requires 5G service plan and 5G network coverage (available in certain areas in 2020, expanding after that -- see carrier for details).