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We have sifted through the myriad of trend reports for 2018 to come up with a must-read list for public service broadcasters.

Written by experts from a variety of fields, the reports explore trends from different angles. However, we do see some recurrent themes cropping up including:

Artificial Intelligence and/or Machine Learning, whether presented as a general trend or as a means to enable more specific developments
Immersive experiences with a strong focus on Augmented Reality, sometimes taken one step further into reality computing / mixed reality
Voice interfaces, speech recognition and natural language processing
Visual search and computer vision, including features such as embedded smart cameras and facial recognition
Data privacy, increased awareness from both a business and a user perspective

Below is an overview of our 9 favourite reads. All the reports are free to access although some require registration.

As an EBU Member, do you want to further exchange thoughts on current developments and future trends? Don’t hesitate to get in touch with our Digital Media, Technology & Innovation or Media Intelligence Service teams.

	Activate - Tech & Media Outlook 2018 What we like about this report: Activate offers a strategic and data-informed analysis of past and predicted developments in the US media landscape. Key trends covered: Smart Speakers, Reality Computing, Premium Video Also read about: Podcasting Prediction highlight: “Targeting Super Users will be critical to the growth strategies of all tech and media companies.” Download here
	Deloitte - TMT Predictions 2018 What we like about this report: Deloitte does not solely focus on disruptive technology trends but also explores future developments in more traditional media consumption behaviours. Key trends covered: AR, smartphone usage, media consumption, subscription media Also read about: Mobile-data only users, In-flight Connectivity Prediction highlight: “We predict that in 2018 a fifth of adults in developed countries will pay for or have access to at least five paid-for online media subscriptions, and by the end of 2020, they will have 10.” Download here
	Ericsson - 10 Hot Consumer Trends 2018 What we like about this report: Ericsson draws a futuristic picture of society, based on expectations of early tech adopters. Key trends covered: Zero UI Also read about: Augmented Hearing, Smart Batteries Prediction highlight: “Today you have to know all the devices. But tomorrow all the devices will have to know you.” Download here
	Fjord - Trends 2018 report What we like about this report: Fjord ties various developments together in a coherent selection of trends and offers concrete recommendations for organizations. Key trends covered: Digital Saturation, Computer Vision, Algorithmic Recommendations Also read about: Blockchain Prediction highlight: “Eye capture linked to Artificial Intelligence and machine learning will generate data containing more powerful insight than ever before, and designers will have to figure out how best to unlock it and utilize it to create compelling new products and services.” Download here
	Future Today Institute - 2018 Tech Trends for Journalism and Media What we like about this report: Specifically designed for news organizations, this report offers a well-structured and succinct introduction for a very comprehensive list of trends. Key trends covered: AI, Mixed Reality, Data Privacy Also read about: Audio Search Engines, One-To-Few Publishing, Computational Journalism Prediction highlight: “In 2018, a critical mass of emerging technologies will converge, finding advanced uses beyond initial testing and applied research.” Download here
	Gartner - Top 10 Strategic Technology Trends for 2018 What we like about this report: Gartner conceptualises disruptive technology trends for a readership of enterprise architecture and technology innovation leaders. Key trends covered: AI, Immersive Experiences, Conversational Platforms, Blockchain Also read about: Augmented Analytics, Digital Twins Prediction highlight: “Creating systems that learn, adapt and potentially act autonomously will be a major battleground for technology vendors through at least 2020. The ability to use AI to enhance decision making, reinvent business models and ecosystems, and remake the customer experience will drive the payoff for digital initiatives through 2025.” Download here
	J. Walter Thompson - The Future 100 What we like about this report: The Future 100 touches upon a wide variety of topics, including tech but also travel, food and health. Key trends covered: AR, Internet of Eyes, Internet of Ears Also read about: Brandlessness, Experiential audio, Kid influencers Prediction highlight: “Smart computing is moving from the Internet of Things to the Internet of Eyes, as more and more everyday objects become outfitted with smart cameras and the latest in visual recognition technology.” Download here
	Mindshare - Trends 2018 What we like about this report: Mindshare offers in-depth coverage of 5 key trends, informed by extensive consumer research, illustrated by industry examples and translated into key recommendations for brands. Key trends covered: Image Recognition, AR, AI, Data Privacy Also read about: Seamless user experiences Prediction highlight: “We can expect to see the data exchange being made much more explicit for many consumers as awareness and knowledge around the trade increases.” Download here
	Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism – Journalism, Media and Technology Trends and Predictions 2018 What we like about this report: Fuelled by the results of a survey among digital leaders and news executives, this report builds a thorough picture of challenges and future scenarios in the news industry. Key trends covered: Fake News, AI, Voice Interfaces, AR, Data Privacy Also read about: dependence on 3^rd party platforms, Lockscreen Congestion Prediction highlight: “Investigations into misinformation and the role of platforms intensify, but lead to little concrete action in most countries beyond new rules for election-based advertising.” Download here