HORIZON 80s

ICT technologies began to develop primarily as a means of connecting at the local and global level, and became the main driver of innovations and key solution factor of economic, social and all other problems of the modern world. In combination with market deregulation, globalization and other actual trends, ICTs have influenced the creation of completely different technology ecosystem.
In the 1980s, technology advancements included the widespread adoption of personal computers, the development of the Internet and World Wide Web, the introduction of the first mobile phones, the popularization of video games consoles such as Atari, Nintendo and Sega. Compact Discs (CDs) and CD players also became widely available and popular during this decade, as well as the first home VCRs, which allowed people to record and watch TV shows and movies at home. Other significant technology from the 80s includes the first consumer camcorder, the launch of the first satellite for commercial TV transmission, the release of the first IBM PC, and the introduction of the first digital cameras. Additionally, the 80s saw the rise of the first laptop computers and the introduction of the first portable cassette players and walkman-style devices.
  • Personal computers: The 1980s saw the widespread adoption of personal computers, such as the IBM PC, which made computing more accessible to the general public.
  • Internet and World Wide Web: The development of the Internet and World Wide Web in the 1980s opened up new opportunities for communication and information sharing.
  • Mobile phones: The first mobile phones, such as the Motorola DynaTAC 8000X, were introduced in the 1980s, making it possible for people to make calls from anywhere.
  • Video games consoles: The 1980s saw the popularization of video games consoles such as Atari, Nintendo, and Sega, which revolutionized the gaming industry.
  • Camcorder: The first consumer camcorder, the Sony Betamovie BMC-100P, was introduced in the 1980s, allowing people to record and watch videos at home.
  • CD and CD players: Compact Discs (CDs) and CD players became widely available and popular during the 1980s, revolutionizing the music industry.
  • VCR: The first home VCRs, such as the Sony Betamax, allowed people to record and watch TV shows and movies at home.
  • Digital cameras: The first digital cameras were introduced in the 1980s, although they were not widely used until later.
  • Laptops: The first "laptop" computers, such as the IBM PC Convertible, were introduced in the 1980s.
  • Portable cassette players: The first portable cassette players, such as the Sony Walkman, were introduced in the 1980s, allowing people to listen to music on the go.
  • Satellites for commercial TV transmission: The first satellite for commercial TV transmission was launched in the 1980s, greatly expanding the reach of television programming.
  • IBM PC: The first IBM PC was released in the 1980s, becoming the most successful computer of its time.
  • LCD screens: The first LCD screens were introduced in the 1980s, but it wasn't until the 1990s and 2000s that they became widely used in laptops, monitors, and mobile devices.
  • Desktop publishing: The introduction of the Macintosh computer in the 1980s made desktop publishing possible, allowing anyone to create professional-looking documents.
  • Fiber-optic communication: The 1980s saw the development of fiber-optic communication, which greatly increased the speed and capacity of data transmission.
  • Genetic engineering: Genetic engineering became a reality in the 1980s with the development of recombinant DNA technology.
  • Digital audio players: The first digital audio players, such as the MP3, were introduced in the late 1980s.
  • Computer-aided design: Computer-aided design (CAD) software was developed in the 1980s, allowing architects, engineers, and designers to create detailed 3D models.
  • Flat-panel displays: Flat-panel displays were developed in the 1980s, but it wasn't until the 1990s and 2000s that they became widely used in televisions, monitors, and mobile devices.
  • Advanced Robotics: The 1980s saw the development of advanced robotics, which improved the precision and speed of manufacturing processes.
In the 1990s, technology advancements included the widespread adoption of the Internet and World Wide Web, the development of graphical web browsers such as Netscape Navigator and Internet Explorer, the introduction of the first DVD player and the launch of the first satellite-based GPS systems. The decade also saw the introduction of the first laptop computers with color displays, and the widespread adoption of personal digital assistants (PDAs) such as the Palm Pilot. The 90s also saw the introduction of the first video game consoles with 3D graphics, such as Sony PlayStation, Sega Saturn and the Nintendo 64. Additionally, the decade saw the widespread adoption of mobile phones, and the development of mobile internet technologies such as GPRS and EDGE. Also, the first digital audio players such as MP3 players were introduced and the first digital cameras with LCD screens were becoming more and more common. The 90s also saw the widespread use of television sets with flat screens and the introduction of digital television.
  • World Wide Web: The World Wide Web, which made the Internet more accessible and user-friendly, was developed in the 1990s.
  • Graphical web browsers: The development of graphical web browsers such as Netscape Navigator and Internet Explorer in the 1990s made it easier to navigate the Internet.
  • DVD player: The first DVD player was introduced in the 1990s, revolutionizing the way people watch movies and TV shows.
  • GPS systems: The first satellite-based GPS systems were launched in the 1990s, making it possible for people to navigate with precision from anywhere in the world.
  • Laptops with color displays: The first laptop computers with color displays were introduced in the 1990s, making them more versatile and user-friendly.
  • Personal digital assistants (PDAs): Personal digital assistants such as the Palm Pilot were introduced in the 1990s, allowing people to organize their schedule and contacts electronically.
  • Video game consoles with 3D graphics: The 1990s saw the introduction of video game consoles with 3D graphics, such as the Sony PlayStation, Sega Saturn and the Nintendo 64.
  • Mobile internet technologies: Mobile internet technologies such as GPRS and EDGE were developed in the 1990s, allowing people to access the Internet on their mobile phones.
  • Digital audio players: The first digital audio players, such as the MP3, were introduced in the late 1990s, revolutionizing the way people listen to music.
  • Digital cameras with LCD screens: Digital cameras with LCD screens were becoming more and more common in the 1990s, replacing film cameras.

Open standards are technical specifications that are publicly available and freely implementable. They provide a common set of rules and guidelines for how a technology should be developed and used, allowing for interoperability and compatibility among different products and systems.
  • Examples of open standards in the tech industry include HTTP, HTML, and SMTP for the web; Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and USB for wireless communication; and SSL/TLS for secure communication over the internet.
  • MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group is a working group of ISO/IEC that develops international standards for audio and video compression and transmission. In 1990, MPEG was established to develop a standard for digital audio and video compression, which later became known as MPEG-1. MPEG-1 was designed for efficient compression and decoding of video and audio signals for storage on compact discs (CDs) and digital versatile discs (DVDs). It was widely used for video and audio content on the early World Wide Web and remains a widely used video compression format to this day. MPEG has since developed many other compression standards, including MPEG-2, MPEG-4, AVC, HEVC, VVC, MPEG-I. All of these standards are open and freely implementable, providing a common set of rules for efficient compression and transmission of digital audio and video content.

Open-source software is a type of software whose source code is made available to the public, allowing anyone to inspect, modify, or distribute the code. Unlike proprietary software, which is owned by a single entity and typically distributed with restrictions on its use and modification, open-source software is developed and maintained by a community of contributors who collaborate to create and improve the software. The open-source model has been successful in fostering innovation and collaboration, and has resulted in the creation of many high-quality, reliable software programs that are widely used by individuals, organizations, and governments around the world. In the early 1990s, the concept of open-source software was in its infancy, but there were already a few notable examples. 
  • One of the earliest and most influential open-source projects was the GNU operating system, which was launched in 1983 by the Free Software Foundation. The GNU system was designed as a free, Unix-like operating system, and it provided the foundation for the Linux operating system, which was released in 1991. 
  • Another early example of open-source software from the 1990s was the Apache web server, which was first released in 1995 and quickly became the most widely used web server software on the internet. 
  • These and other early open-source projects laid the foundation for the thriving open-source software community (MySQL database management system, Python programming language) that exists today.
In the 2000s, technology advancements included the widespread adoption of high-speed Internet and the development of social media platforms such as Facebook, MySpace, and YouTube. The decade also saw the introduction of smartphones, with the launch of the first iPhone in 2007, and the widespread adoption of mobile internet technologies such as 3G and 4G. The 2000s also saw the introduction of cloud computing, which allowed for the storage and access of data and applications over the Internet. Additionally, the decade saw the widespread adoption of digital cameras, which quickly replaced film cameras, and the popularization of digital music players such as the iPod. The 2000s also saw the emergence of e-commerce and online marketplaces such as Amazon and eBay, and the rise of streaming services such as Netflix and Spotify. The decade also saw the advent of high-definition televisions, the rise of digital video recorders such as TiVo, and the emergence of GPS navigation devices. The use of laptops and tablet computers also became more common.
  • High-speed internet: The widespread adoption of high-speed internet in the 2000s made it possible for people to access the Internet more quickly and efficiently.
  • Social media: The development of social media platforms such as Facebook, MySpace, and YouTube in the 2000s revolutionized the way people interact and share information online.
  • Smartphones: The launch of the first iPhone in 2007 marked the beginning of the smartphone era, which greatly changed the way people access and use the Internet.
  • Mobile internet technologies: Mobile internet technologies such as 3G and 4G were introduced in the 2000s, allowing people to access the Internet on their mobile phones more quickly and efficiently.
  • Cloud computing: The advent of cloud computing in the 2000s allowed for the storage and access of data and applications over the Internet.
  • Digital cameras: Digital cameras became widely available in the 2000s, quickly replacing film cameras.
  • Digital music players: Digital music players such as the iPod became popular in the 2000s, revolutionizing the way people listen to music.
  • E-commerce and online marketplaces: The rise of e-commerce and online marketplaces such as Amazon and eBay in the 2000s changed the way people shop and buy goods.
  • Streaming services: Streaming services such as Netflix and Spotify emerged in the 2000s, changing the way people consume media.
  • High-definition televisions: High-definition televisions (HDTVs) became widely available in the 2000s, providing a superior viewing experience.
In the 2010s, technology advancements included the widespread adoption of smartphones, mobile devices and apps, as well as the increase in mobile internet usage. The decade also saw the popularization of streaming services such as Netflix, Spotify, Hulu, and others. Social media platforms continued to evolve, with the emergence of platforms such as Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and others. The 2010s also saw the widespread use of cloud computing for storage and data management, and the emergence of big data analytics and the Internet of Things (IoT) with the integration of smart technologies into everyday devices such as smart home appliances, thermostats, security systems and wearables. The decade also saw the development of artificial intelligence and machine learning, as well as the rise of virtual and augmented reality technologies. The use of digital payment methods, such as contactless payments, mobile payments, and cryptocurrencies also became more popular. Additionally, the 2010s saw the advent of 5G networks, which enabled faster data transfer and improved connectivity, and the growth of edge computing. The decade also saw the development of more powerful personal computers, laptops and servers, and the widespread use of online tools and platforms for communication, collaboration, and productivity.
  • Smartphones and mobile apps: The widespread adoption of smartphones and the development of mobile apps in the 2010s greatly increased the capabilities and usage of mobile devices.
  • Tablets: The introduction of tablets such as the iPad in the 2010s marked a shift away from traditional personal computers.
  • Streaming services: The popularization of streaming services such as Netflix and Spotify in the 2010s revolutionized the way people consume and access entertainment.
  • Social media platforms: The emergence of social media platforms such as Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok in the 2010s expanded the ways people communicate and share information online.
  • Cloud computing: The continued use of cloud computing for storage and data management became increasingly popular in the 2010s.
  • Big data analytics and the Internet of Things (IoT): The emergence of big data analytics and the Internet of Things (IoT) in the 2010s allowed for the integration of smart technologies into everyday devices such as smart home appliances, thermostats, and security systems.
  • Artificial intelligence and machine learning: The development of artificial intelligence and machine learning in the 2010s greatly expanded the capabilities of technology and increased its use in various industries.
  • Virtual and augmented reality: The rise of virtual and augmented reality technologies in the 2010s greatly expanded the capabilities of digital entertainment and visualization.
  • Digital payment methods: The use of digital payment methods such as contactless payments, mobile payments, and cryptocurrencies became increasingly popular in the 2010s.
In the 2020s, technology advancements include the continued widespread adoption of smartphones, mobile devices, and apps, as well as the increase in mobile internet usage and the growing popularity of 5G networks. The decade also saw the popularization of streaming services such as Netflix, Spotify, Hulu, and others, as well as the emergence of new streaming services like Disney+, Peacock, and Apple TV+. Social media platforms continued to evolve, with the emergence of platforms such as TikTok, and the growing use of video conferencing and collaboration tools due to remote work and learning caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2020s also saw the continued use of cloud computing for storage and data management, as well as the growth of edge computing. The decade also saw the growing use of artificial intelligence and machine learning in various industries, as well as the rise of new technologies like quantum computing and blockchain. The use of digital payment methods, such as contactless payments, mobile payments, and cryptocurrencies also became more popular. Additionally, the 2020s saw the advent of more advanced and sophisticated technologies like autonomous vehicles, drones, and biometrics and the development of technologies like IoT and smart cities. The decade also saw the rise of AI-powered virtual assistants and chatbots and the development of new technologies such as extended reality (XR) - virtual, augmented and mixed reality.
  • 5G networks: The widespread adoption of 5G networks in the 2020s greatly improved the speed and capabilities of mobile internet access.
  • Artificial intelligence and machine learning: The continued growth of artificial intelligence and machine learning in the 2020s greatly expanded the capabilities of technology and increased its use in various industries.
  • Cloud computing and edge computing: The continued use of cloud computing for storage and data management and the growth of edge computing became increasingly popular in the 2020s.
  • Internet of Things (IoT) and smart devices: The continued development of the Internet of Things (IoT) and the integration of smart technologies into everyday devices such as smart home appliances, thermostats, and security systems became more prevalent in the 2020s.
  • Streaming services: The continued popularity of streaming services such as Netflix, Spotify, Hulu, and the emergence of new streaming services like Disney+, Peacock, and Apple TV+ in the 2020s revolutionized the way people consume and access entertainment.
  • Social media platforms: The continued evolution of social media platforms such as TikTok and the growing use of video conferencing and collaboration tools became prevalent in the 2020s.
  • Virtual and augmented reality: The continued development of virtual and augmented reality technologies in the 2020s greatly expanded the capabilities of digital entertainment and visualization.
  • Digital payment methods: The use of digital payment methods such as contactless payments, mobile payments, and cryptocurrencies became even more popular in the 2020s.
  • Biometrics, Drones and Autonomous vehicles: The advent of more advanced and sophisticated technologies like biometrics, drones, and autonomous vehicles in the 2020s.
  • Quantum computing and Blockchain: The emergence of new technologies like quantum computing and blockchain in the 2020s.
Smart products generally refers to products that are connected to the internet or other networks and have advanced computing capabilities, allowing them to collect and analyze data, communicate with other devices, and respond to user inputs in real-time. In 2010, some examples of smart products that were available at the time included smart phones, smart TVs, and wearable fitness trackers. These products represented the early stages of the Internet of Things (IoT) and laid the foundation for the widespread adoption of connected devices in homes and businesses. In 2020, the market for smart products continued to grow and expand, with a wider range of devices becoming available and more households and businesses integrating them into their daily lives. Some of the most common types of smart products available in 2020 included:
  • Smart home devices, such as smart thermostats, security systems, and smart lighting systems.
  • Wearable technology, including smartwatches, fitness trackers, and health monitors.
  • Smart speakers, such as Amazon Echo and Google Home, that allow users to control other smart devices, play music, and access information using voice commands.
  • Smart appliances, such as refrigerators, ovens, and washing machines that can be controlled and monitored using a smartphone app.
  • Automated vehicles, such as self-driving cars, which use advanced sensors and computing systems to navigate roads and highways.
Overall, the trend in 2020 was toward making more everyday devices and appliances smart and interconnected, with a focus on making homes, workplaces, and cities more efficient, secure, and convenient.