The year 2024 has been one for the books in the tech world. It’s been all about game-changing innovations in AI, AR, VR, and multimedia technologies. These developments are not just big news — they’re reshaping how we build software, test it, and create better experiences for users across industries. Whether you’re a developer, a creator, or just someone who loves tech, this year has delivered plenty of breakthroughs that are setting the stage for the future.

So, here’s our breakdown of the trends and advancements that made 2024 a year to remember.

Development Trends

AI: The Superstar of Software Development

Artificial intelligence continues to dominate the scene in 2024, completely changing how software is created, managed, and improved.

GitHub Copilot Gets Smarter

GitHub Copilot has leveled up in a big way this year. The introduction of Copilot Chat means developers can now troubleshoot issues in real time without jumping between tools. Pair that with smarter search features, and navigating massive codebases is easier than ever.

But that’s not all — GitHub now lets developers choose their AI engine. Whether it’s OpenAI’s GPT-4, Google’s Gemini, or Anthropic’s Claude 3.5, you can tailor the AI to match your project’s needs. For non-coders or anyone new to software development, GitHub Spark takes things a step further, allowing apps to be built using just natural language. This opens up software creation to a whole new group of people, making AI an indispensable tool for developers at every level.

ChatGPT and Whisper APIs: Cheaper, Faster, Better

OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Whisper APIs have hit new highs in 2024. With costs dropping by a massive 90%, these tools are more accessible than ever. Faster processing and upgraded speech-to-text features mean developers can build smarter, more intuitive apps with ease.

Dedicated servers now offer even more control, making these APIs perfect for large-scale, high-performance projects. Companies like Snap and Shopify are already leading the charge, using these tools to innovate and improve user experiences.

PostgreSQL: The Go-To Database

PostgreSQL has solidified its place as one of the most versatile databases out there. Its ability to handle everything from standard data management to AI-friendly data types makes it a favorite for projects big and small.

Whether you’re experimenting with AI or running an enterprise-level system, PostgreSQL’s speed and flexibility make it a reliable choice. Developers love how it keeps up with cutting-edge needs while staying dependable for everyday use.

Python 3.13 Brings Big Updates

Python 3.13 has arrived, and it’s packed with features designed to make developers’ lives easier. A revamped interactive interpreter makes editing multi-line code a breeze, while experimental support for disabling the Global Interpreter Lock (GIL) unlocks the full power of multi-core processors.

On top of that, the new Just-In-Time (JIT) compiler speeds up code execution, and updates to random functions and locals() improve usability. Python continues to prove why it’s one of the most popular programming languages out there. 

Testing Trends

AI has become a real MVP in software testing this year. By automating repetitive tasks and speeding up release cycles, it’s helping teams focus on what really matters: building better software.

AI-Driven Testing: Your New Sidekick

Platforms like Testim and Mabl are stepping up their game, offering automation tools that feel like having a smart assistant on call. These tools don’t just take the grunt work off your plate; they’re bridging the gap between manual and automated testing like a tech version of peanut butter and jelly. 

And then there are test management systems like TestRail and Qase, rolling out AI-powered test case generators as well. Just toss in your requirements, and boom — you’ve got a set of test cases ready to go. Sure, they need a bit of tweaking, but it’s like AI handing you a rough draft of an essay — it’s a head start that saves time and headaches.

Accessibility Testing Gets an Upgrade with Cypress

Cypress Accessibility has made a big splash this year, offering a seamless way to ensure digital inclusivity. With its 2024 updates, the tool now detects accessibility issues in real time using full-page HTML and CSS snapshots. There’s no need for extra code or plugins, making it incredibly user-friendly.

Cypress has also released a bunch of helpful guides and shared their own accessibility testing reports, setting an example and making it easier for teams to adopt these practices. Looking ahead, they’re planning even more automation features to make accessibility testing an integral part of every development pipeline.

Trends in Multimedia

Opus 1.5: The New Standard for Audio

The Opus 1.5 codec has raised the bar for audio quality in streaming and calls. Using advanced tech like Packet Loss Masking (PLC) and Deep Redundancy (DRED), it ensures smooth playback even when network connections aren’t great.

This makes it a great fit for platforms like YouTube or WebRTC, where audio quality can make or break the experience. Plus, it’s fully backward-compatible, so upgrading to Opus 1.5 doesn’t mean losing support for older systems.

The AR/VR Race Heats Up

Augmented and virtual reality are having a big year, with major players making bold moves. Meta has strengthened its position with the Quest 3, offering better performance and even more immersive features.

Apple made waves with its Vision Pro headset, marking its first foray into the AR/VR world. While it’s not revolutionary, it’s a solid first step that hints at more to come.

Meanwhile, Google and Samsung teamed up to launch Android XR, an operating system designed for AR and VR devices. Initially rolling out on Samsung hardware, it’s expected to reach other manufacturers soon, broadening accessibility and compatibility.

With these developments, the AR/VR space is gearing up for explosive growth in the coming years.

Tech in 2024
Tech in 2024

Wrapping It Up: Tech in 2024

2024 has been a landmark year for technology. From AI revolutionizing software development and testing to breakthroughs in multimedia and AR/VR, this year has shown us just how quickly the digital world is evolving.

Developers have more powerful tools than ever, businesses have more opportunities to innovate, and users can look forward to better, smarter, and more immersive experiences. As these trends continue to grow, 2024 will be remembered as the year that set the stage for what’s next in tech. So buckle up — it’s only going to get wilder from here!

  • Technologies