The pandemic highlighted tech innovations that gained prominence due to the situation. These technologies kept people safe from the virus, which affected more than 33 million Americans across the country.
These innovative solutions also allowed many businesses to weather the storm that caused the economy to pause. Industry watchers expect people to continue using these technological innovations in the years to come. Here are some of these innovations that came into the limelight during the health crisis.
Telehealth
At the height of the pandemic started, healthcare professionals had their hands full as cases continued to rise. Non-Covid patients had to find others ways to consult their doctors since hospitals needed to focus on triaging while keeping other patients safe from the virus.
The situation led to the increasing use of telehealth services where patients can consult their doctors over the internet. Aside from keeping patients safe, the technology also allowed clinics and medical facilities to practice social distancing as patients did not need to see their doctors in person.
On-Demand Service Apps
The shelter-in-place directives compelled people to stay home as cases of the virus went up. The situation resulted in the closures of many businesses across the country. Restaurants offering in-house delivery services continued their operations as they took orders from customers over the phone or online.
On the other hand, restaurants without their delivery services relied on delivery service apps that connected them with their customers through the internet. These on-demand service apps served as the bridge between businesses and their customers. Aside from food delivery, they also offered grocery and pharmacy deliveries.
Video Conferencing Software
The concept of video conferencing has existed for a long time already. While it was already in use before the pandemic, the health crisis highlighted its importance after companies asked their employees to work from home to avoid getting infected.
Video conferencing software allowed managers to meet with their employees even if they stayed in different locations. It also allowed managers to discuss important details about projects they had to complete during the pandemic.
Additionally, the software facilitated online group training for organizations and companies. Since social distancing became the norm at the start of the pandemic, training was conducted online as companies had to familiarize new employees with their system.
Cybersecurity Companies
With the increasing use of technology and the internet, many companies became vulnerable to cybercriminals. They focused on work-from-home employees who were unfamiliar with cybersecurity practices since they did not have to deal with them when they worked in the office. They used distributed malware, used phishing schemes, and attacked the newly established teleworking infrastructure of businesses.
With this, cybersecurity companies started offering their services to businesses that needed to secure their infrastructure. They provided software and tools to allow these businesses to protect their assets. These cybersecurity companies also provided similar tools for the mobile devices and laptops used by the employees of these businesses.
Home Broadband
Another tech innovation that the pandemic highlighted was home broadband. With many people working from home, they needed home broadband capacities and speeds that meet the bandwidth requirements. In addition to work, families also needed additional bandwidth to facilitate the homeschooling of the children.
Due to this, telecommunications companies had their hands full as demand for internet services increased overnight with a surge in work-from-home arrangements among many businesses. Even as many states have lifted restrictions, some businesses still allow their employees to work from home. With this, the demand for better home broadband services will continue.
Video Streaming Services
The closure of theaters and cinemas forced many people to watch movies at home. This increased streaming service subscriptions as film production companies focused on releasing movies online. The pandemic also saw the debut of new streaming services as companies aimed to connect with their customers.
These streaming services provided film production companies with a specific revenue from subscriptions, which allowed them to earn and see if their movies performed well in the market. Additionally, consumers supported the business model as they did not have to spend extra on food while watching their favorite movies at home.
Fitness Apps
Fitness apps also saw more users as people started to work out at home. With gyms and fitness centers closed, people had to find ways to keep themselves fit and healthy. Fitness apps guided them as they exercised in their homes. These apps also allowed people to monitor their progress as they performed their workout routines.
The pandemic highlighted the importance of some innovative technologies in everyday life. Industry watchers expect people to continue using these technologies in the future.
