The media industry relies on technology as much as any other. Whether it’s supporting journalists in capturing the story or media brands enhancing their online platforms, several gadgets have transformed the face of the media industry.

Let’s examine some of the staples that have altered the media industry, from journalism to entertainment and gaming.

Smartphones

No discussion on gadgets can be had without mentioning the essential role that smartphones have played in every media industry niche.

For example, the online gaming industry opened up an entirely new mobile gaming niche as phones became capable of playing highly advanced games. While the hardcore gaming market on mobile is dominated by Asian markets – such as India and China – they remain popular for other options in other parts of the world.

In particular, the boom of the online iGaming industry can absolutely be correlated with the rise of smartphone usage. According to a study by the UKGC, one of the world’s foremost gambling commissions, 50% of users accessed gambling through their smartphone in 2020 – rising to 75% for the 18 – 34 age group. These days, you can play casino slots from your phone without missing a beat.

It’s smartphones that have come to dominate the world of online casinos and traditional gaming.

But you cannot forget that traditional media, including the news, has been transformed by the presence of high-quality cameras. It means that nothing out of the ordinary happens without someone capturing and disseminating it to the masses.

In short, with 85% of Americans possessing smartphones, no gadget has become more essential to modern life.

Drones

Drones have created their fair share of controversy over the past decade due to concerns about privacy and their annoying, mosquito-like sound.

Despite the naysayers, drones have provided us with a brand-new perspective. Whether it’s news channels seeking aerial shots or filmmakers looking to create breathtaking footage, drones have become a staple of the media industry.

Moreover, they’re no longer reserved for people with deep pockets – highly advanced drones, like the Phantom 4 Pro, exist at various price points, democratizing their use.

GoPro cameras

GoPros are another example of a technology that has become affordable to all. Like drones, GoPro cameras provide brand-new perspectives previously unheard of.

Sports videography has allowed the media industry to capture the action like never before. Moreover, vloggers and adventure enthusiasts have acquired the ability to shoot the action as it happens, without lugging a full-scale film crew along with them.

360-degree cameras

360-degree cameras are the latest advancement on the classic GoPro. Gadgets like the Insta360 have opened up the possibility to create 360-degree video content.

Viewers can click on a still or a video and look around as if they were standing in the room. While this may not seem like a big deal, it’s also directly supporting the rise of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technology.

One might say that 360-degree cameras are the one type of gadget that can be genuinely described as “futuristic.”

Streaming devices

Ten years ago, streaming remained in its infancy. Most people hadn’t yet caught on to the idea of streaming content directly.

But products such as Apple TV and Roku have made what was once considered a niche technology into a mainstream one.

The real impact of dedicated streaming devices isn’t just the rapid delivery of content but the slow death of traditional cable TV. In other words, it’s streaming devices that have changed how the media industry entertains us.

VR headsets

VR isn’t a new technology. It has existed for well over 10 years, but due to the slow growth of technology in other areas, VR still hasn’t come to dominate the media industry.

Some of the most famous headsets include the original Oculus Rift and the later HTC Vive. In terms of what VR headsets have accomplished, they’ve unlocked new possibilities for creators.

Interactive, immersive storytelling and a new way to get your game on are just two of the uses for VR headsets. And unlike many of the other gadgets on this list, we’ve barely scratched the surface of what’s possible.

Livestreaming gear

Livestreaming today is as common as loading up Netflix to binge on a TV series. But a decade ago, livestreaming hadn’t yet become a thing.

Content creators were still relying on uploading videos to YouTube and using social media to interact with their followers. Today, the two have been combined by the introduction of high-quality, high-performance livestreaming gear.

And like drones, the price has come down as competition has increased, allowing even indie creators to get in on the action.

Conclusion

It’s hard to believe that the media industry has changed so much in just a decade, and yet here we are. Technological innovations have transformed the way we create and consume content, and further innovations are sure to make today’s world unrecognizable 10 years from now.

What’s the upcoming technology trend hitting the media industry that’s got you excited for the decade ahead?