What Will New 5G Technology Enable?
Not surprisingly, the new 5G technology will enable us to utilize tech like never before. We’re talking about remote surgery, haptic feedback, home broadband, and more. Without a doubt, there are definitely drawbacks to the 4G successor, but we’ll get into those in a separate post in the coming weeks. For now, let’s dive into 5G!
Remote Surgery
First, 5G will eliminate lag observed with its 4G LTE predecessor. What does this mean for surgeons? Well, they might not need to even be in the same room as a patient. The photo above, borrowed from Cnet, features a man trying his hand at a virtual surgery - with no medical training required.
Haptic Feedback
Second, haptic feedback will be featured in more than just surgeon gloves. For example, Ericsson has a setup where you can feel (via the feedback in the chair) the car as it hit speed bumps and cones.
Home Broadband: Faster Internet for All
Large mobile companies Verizon and AT&T are running trials for 5G as a replacement for traditional internet in the United States. Of course, mobile phone services will improve, as well. Starlink is a promising new option for people who live in rural areas that have little or no broadband service.
Virtual Reality: The New Arcade?
Next, we expect new 5G technology to enhance the already-rich VR experience. Such features include real-time chat in live-streaming worlds. Further, Sprint's Chief Operating Officer said that he, "expects to see a return of game arcades...focused on virtual reality."
Self-Driving Cars: Making a Comeback
Though tech giants Google and Uber have been investing in self-driving cars for years now, will we see them run on 4G? Some think we'll have to wait for 5G before this is possible.
In Conclusion
In conclusion, the new 5G technology that’s being worked on is opening doors for a whole world of never-before as we flip the first page of the decade: 1+ year deep in the midst of a global pandemic.
Resources & Further Reading
Cheng, R. (2017, March 2). Not just speed: 7 incredible things you can do with 5G. CNET. https://www.cnet.com/news/5g-not-just-speed-fifth-generation-wireless-tech-lets-you-do-vr-self-driving-cars-drones-remote/.
Cooley, B. (2021, May 31). New 5G and satellite technologies offer more choices for home broadband. CNET. https://www.cnet.com/home/internet/new-5g-and-satellite-technologies-offer-more-choices-for-home-broadband/.
What is 5G: Everything You Need to Know About 5G: 5G FAQ. Qualcomm. (2021, May 13). https://www.qualcomm.com/5g/what-is-5g.