With 2020 here, we thought it would be fun to look back at some of the most influential or game-changing technological innovations of the last decade. Since we are an Internet service provider, we thought it would be appropriate to include a list of items that all rely on or have something to do with the Internet.

1.    Smartphones

The conception and adoption of smartphones like iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, and more have undoubtedly changed the way we live our daily lives. Smartphones have consolidated so many devices and functions into one interface that fits in one’s pocket, including a detailed GPS, Internet browser, gaming system, video recorder, a cell phone, and so much more. According to statista.com, the number of smartphone users in the United States grew from 62.6 million in 2010 to 265.9 million in 2019.

2.    Social media

In just the United States alone, Facebook had 130 million users in 2010 and had grown to 247 million users in 2019. That’s approximately 75 percent of the country’s population. Social media sites have changed the way people interact, how advertisers reach potential customers, and make up a massive amount of Internet traffic.

3.    Streaming video services

TV has also changed quite a bit in the last ten years. Just over a decade ago, people still had to update their Netflix queue and have DVDs physically mailed to their home in order to watch them. Now, Netflix has over 158 million users worldwide and is responsible for about 15 percent of all Internet traffic. In 2020, Netflix is just one of a plethora of streaming video providers that all offer a unique programming experience and that require an Internet connection to work. BCT offers a unique app-based video service, EZVideo, powered by your home Internet connection and saves subscribers an average of $360 per year in fees when compared to traditional cable TV.  

4.    Voice assistants

The days of typing a question into Google, manually turning on the living room lights, or going to the store for groceries are just about over. The voice assistant (also known as smart speakers) phenomenon has become so big that nearly one-quarter of U.S. adults owns one. With the convenience and low prices of voice assistants like Amazon’s Alexa, Apple’s Siri, and Google Assistant, all one has to do is give a voice command and that device’s respective software will work to fulfill the request. Ask Alexa who won the Super Bowl in 2018, for example, and she’ll respond in seconds with the Philadelphia Eagles. Of course, you’ll need to connect the device to WiFi to utilize its full capabilities, like play games, hear news briefings, get your day’s schedule, and more.