From Slow Starters to Global Phenomena

In the constantly changing world of technology, there are invariably innovations that are successes and those that fail to capture the imagination of the public. In this article, we're going to discuss three technologies from different spaces and look at how their slow beginnings were left behind to turn into technology that has transformed the industry in which they operate.

The Explosive Growth of Megaways

First of all, we're going to delve into the world of iGaming and discuss a relatively new technology. Megaways has been a revelation in the last few years, but this wasn't always the case. Initially introduced by Big Time Gaming, the slot game creates more than 117,000 ways to win, bringing with it dynamic reels that change with every spin, unlike traditional slot reels.

Although it is now viewed as a success, initially it was thought to be too complex to engage audiences as the mechanic puzzled players. However, developers began creating engaging storylines like that we can see in titles like Poseidon Adventures and Shamrock Holmes. Players now play the games for the impressive visuals and themes, which add another dimension to the mechanic. Megaways may not have been a hit right from the start, but there is no doubt it is here to stay now.

Video Conferencing

In the world of Zoom and Teams, technology the corporate world uses on a daily basis, it may be hard to believe that video conferencing wasn't adopted quickly on its release. In the early 2000s, it was expensive to implement, and varying internet speeds meant that it was just as difficult to use. However, fast forward two decades, and the industry is unrecognisable. Working from home wouldn't be a viable option if it wasn't for this tech, and it has revolutionised how businesses connect, as well as now being an option for the general public in their daily lives as a way to easily talk to family and friends. After a rocky start, video calls have reshaped daily routines for billions of people and are now indispensable in the corporate world.

Voice-Activated Assistants

The voice-activated assistant market is complete, with some of the largest companies in the world holding market share with Amazon, Google, and Apple fighting it out. Over time, these technologies have become increasingly advanced, helping with the improvement in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing. Today, these machines are part of the daily lives of many, helping with routine tasks in the house, phones, or even cars.

However, this hasn't always been the case, and some may be surprised that they are still around given the scepticism they were greeted with when initially released. Early versions had functionality that was limited and faced difficulty trying to understand different accents. They were seen as gimmicks then, but it's safe to say that general opinion has completely changed since then.

These three examples show that no matter the initial market reaction, there is still a chance to develop and convince audiences that there is space in the market for a product. Whether it's spinning reels or talking to someone on the other side of the world, if there is a need, then the technology can be improved to enrich lives.