Analyst firm Gartner has released its 2010 Hype Cycle Report, identifying those technologies it thinks have reached the “Peak of Inflated Expectations” as well as those languishing in the “Trough of Disillusionment.”
Activity streams, cloud computing, and 3D flat-panel TVs and displays are among those at that peak. Gartner defines this as a “phrase of overenthusiasm and unrealistic projections.” And although according to Gartner’s map, it means these technologies may be on their way to mainstream, the next stop is one of disillusionment because those technologies failed to live up to expectations.
And at that low point of disillusionment currently stands public virtual worlds, according to Gartner.
Gartner’s report examines 1800 technologies as well as trends in 75 industry and topic areas. These reports are meant to provide a snapshot into emerging technologies. as well as estimates in the time until these technologies become mainstream. Cloud computing and e-readers, according to the report will be mainstream in less than 5 years, but we have to look beyond the five year mark for mainstream 3D printing and robots.
Gartner identifies several themes from the Hype Cycle report, including the importance of UI, data-driven decision-making, and cloud computing.
