At the beginning of every year, people begin to think about what the next 12 fresh months could have in store for society. Especially when it comes to the IT industry, the giant sector is full of development and innovation, that’s worth paying attention to. Let’s take a look at the major tech trends to keep an eye on as we start a highly anticipated new year, 2021.

Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence

Although AI is not a new technology and has been in development for quite some time, this year specifically is expected to present entirely fresh ways of revolutionising various sectors, including healthcare. Factors such as advanced data collection will heavily benefit hospitals across the world as these smart machines continue to learn tailored algorithms that will help speed up healthcare processes. As the technology continues to forge ahead, AI may also be able to personally select medicine for patients based on data concerning each person’s care plan and needs.

As far as the business world is concerned, 2021 will see a shift in more companies investing their time and money into understanding and developing the technology for use within their systems. Since people are occupying the online sphere now more than ever, whether that be while working from home or E-learning, AI will continue to analyze digital behavior in a more sophisticated way.

Caption: Thanks to 5G technology, browsing the internet, playing games, or paying bills online is faster than ever before

The rise of 5G and the possibility of 6G planning

Currently, many telecommunication companies throughout the world are already operating on a 5G network. The mobile service that was first introduced in April of 2019 has quickly revolutionized the way society interacts with the internet. More and more carriers are beginning to offer 5G to their customers as its predecessors, 3G and 4G, become a thing of the past.

Because 5G is capable of performing at such a high level, delivering search and load speeds up to 20 times faster than previous networks, users are seeking it out as a first option. This is because now, more than ever, people are looking for digital entertainment outlets whether that be in the form of online casinos, first-person shooter games, movie streaming services, and much more.

For example, with the help of 5G, engaging in a multi or single-player live roulette session in the virtual realm or watching your favorite series or film on Netflix is not only extremely secure and accessible, but also efficient and quick as lightning. This high-quality, real-time access is completely invaluable for users in the modern day as live streaming and video content become predominant around the globe.

In fact, 5G has not only enhanced internet speeds but also allowed for Augmented and Virtual Reality to thrive. In addition, cloud-based gaming services such as Google Stadia and Nvidia GeForce Now are given a platform to grow rapidly with the help of 5G. So just what should society expect as connectivity continues to expand? Although South Korea, the U.S., and China contain the most 5G network development and offerings, the service is set to expand further in 2021 and the coming years with 5G reaching an estimated 65% of the global population in the next five years.

6G is also an exciting possibility for the future and definitely something to keep an eye on this year. Experts in the industry have predicted the sixth-generation network will appear sometime in the latter part of the decade, but that the planning process for it may take shape in 2021. One thing is for sure: users are benefiting from these technological advancements, whether that be for professional purposes like work or leisure reasons like gaming.

Cloud Computing and Gaming

Information stored within “the cloud” is commonplace nowadays. Accessing your email from any device may seem like it was always very easy, but before big cloud points like Google and Microsoft, the task wasn’t so simple. In 2021, we’ll see heavy reliance on cloud computing for businesses that wish to further incorporate a data centered lifecycle management system. AI will partner with these companies to ensure more and more people are adequately trained in working with cloud computing.

When it comes to gaming, cloud computing is also benefiting the industry and its users in a big way. Nowadays, both Google and Microsoft each have their own cloud gaming system and have proven to uncomplicate many situations that users face during gameplay. This digitalisation of information both in the business and leisure is invaluable for society and because of this, the cloud is expected to transform each industry even more in the coming year.

With recent events causing many people to stay at home, there has been something of a concerted effort by all UK based gambling companies to actively promote their responsible gambling tools, and in turn doing something positive to address problem gambling. In UK there is the GamStop scheme that helped many players give up gambling.

The main problem with the GamStop service is that it is only offered to UK licensed casino and gambling sites, and as such those sites that are located elsewhere outside of UK Gambling Commission jurisdiction are not required to become part of that scheme.

Therefore, it will be worth your time and effort looking for websites that offer information about available non GamStop casino sites, and then spending as much time as is needed self-excluding yourself from each of those sites.

In fact, you only have to look at some of the advertisements on TV to see just how they are going about doing just that. Instead of showing slot machine reels and Roulette wheels spinning, and Dealers dealing out playing cards on those adverts, they are showcasing their responsible gambling settings that customers can make use of.

They include things such as being able to set a deposit limit, putting in place a loss limit and even giving players information on how they can use the take a break option if someone wants to stop gambling at such sites for a period of time.

That really is a refreshing change it does have to be said, for there has been something of an increase over the last few months regarding the number of people reporting they are experiencing gambling related problems due to lockdowns and being stuck and home with nothing to do.

Whether those adverts are going to reduce the number of people reporting gambling problems from rising, does of course remaining to be seen, but at least gambling companies are doing something positive to address that ever present problem. 

GamStop Helping Many People Give Up Gambling

There is no getting away from the simple fact that it is extremely easy to gamble online, and if you are one of the many people each day that have finally admitted to yourself that you do have a gambling problem and would like to set about something to address that problem you do have plenty of help and support available to you.

One thing that you should immediately do however, is to ensure that you take all steps necessary to stop gambling online, and one of those steps if to sign up to the GamStop scheme.

What that organisation offers everybody with a gambling problem is a simple self-exclusion register, and by adding your name onto that register your details are then shared with all UK licensed gambling site operators who are then required to close down any accounts you have with them quickly.

Not only that but each of the sites that are part of the scheme, which for reference are all those licensed in the UK are also going to be legally required to block you from opening a real money account with them.

That is a start to your journey to give up gambling of course, but by adding your name on to that register you will at the very least not be tempted to gamble at any sites located and licensed in Great Britain that you may already have an account at or may be tempted to sign up to at a later date, so keep that in mind.

Circumventing the GamStop Self Exclusion Register

Whilst it is true to say that GamStop has helped many UK based gamblers give up gambling via their self-exclusion register, there are ways that many people have managed to circumvent their bans from casino sites, and as such you need to know how they have done so as that will stop you trying to do so if you want to give up gambling.

That way whilst you are recovering from any type of gambling related problem you will never be tempted to sign up to such sites, which sadly is way too easy to do if you have not asked to self-exclude yourself from any of them.

It may take quite some time admittedly contacting each of those casinos individually, but in the long run that time will have been spent effectively as you will then never be permitted to sign up and gamble at any of them at a later date, so please do make sure that is something you set about doing.

Who doesn’t enjoy winding down after a long day with a nice warm cup of tea? The aromatic and soothing beverage is the top pick for many who want to end their day feeling warm and fuzzy. Many varieties of tea are available in the world today. Unlike coffee, which can be extracted from various seeds and plants, tea is made directly from crushed tea leaves. Of course, not all tea is authentic tea. This means that as many manufacturers of tea are present worldwide, the extracted tea undergoes many processes to add unique flavors.

The first traces of tea are found to be in China where several varieties of it were used for different purposes. From medicinal uses to caffeine boost, tea served all. Perhaps it is due to its roots that tea is a staple food for every household in all of Asia.

Since then, many different kinds of tea can be found in the market. Let’s explore the different types of tea with Ido Fishman, an expert in all fields of culinary.

Basic Varieties of Tea

Black tea

Extracted from the Camellia Sinensis plant, also called the tree plant, the black tree is one of the most popular tea types. It has the highest caffeine ratio amongst all tea types, however, it is not as high as in coffee. Black tea is known for providing many health benefits such as reducing inflammation from the body. This is because this tea type is highly oxidized and contains plenty of antioxidants.

In addition to the health benefits of this tea, it also has a pleasant flavor. Ido Fishman explains that the extract collected from the Camellia Sinensis plant is mixed with other herbs and plants to create a variety of flavors.

Green tea

This is yet another kind of tea that is extracted from the tree plant, Camellia Sinensis. While the plant source for black and green teas are the same, they do not have any other similarities. One of the main differences lies in the fact that green tea is a non-oxidized tea. It has a milder flavor and a lower caffeine ratio than black tea.

The leaves for green tea are heated soon after the harvest which majorly reduces the level of antioxidants present in the leaves. Due to its almost-zero calorie count, it is a popular beverage for weight-reducing diets. Green tea is also very popular among tea sommeliers. Many tea manufacturers produce different kinds of green tea. The trademark of green tea is its pale yellowish-green shade and light and grassy taste.  

White tea

While tea originated from China, tea plantations have spread to many other parts of the world. The authentic taste of white tea, however, can only be experienced from the tea plantations in China. The tea leaves are treated with extreme care because they have to be harvested at a specific time. Instead of crushed leaves, white tea is made from baby leaves and immature buds of the plant. This tea undergoes the least number of processes to reach its final form.

White tea is regarded as a delicate tea because of its light taste, texture, and oxidizing properties. Contrary to what the name suggests, this tea has a light yellow color when brewed. It is a naturally aromatic and flavored tea that holds a mixed tang of flowers, honey, vanilla, citrus fruits, and some herbs. Taking into account all the properties of this tea, it is one of the most expensive teas in the world.

Oolong tea

Oolong tea, also sometimes spelled as Wulong, is a semi-oxidized tea. So, the tea leaves are left to settle for a few hours before being heated for treatment. Oolong tea has the most varieties available in the market. You can find many different flavors at relatively cheaper prices. However, the authentic Oolong tea may leave a small dent in your wallet.

This tea is also called the black dragon tea which can be attributed to the appearance of the tea leaves after they have been processed. From the rigorous process, the final appearance of the tea leaves is of rolled up darkened leaves from the center. This tea lies between the states of being fermented and unfermented because it is neither of those.   

Pu’erh tea

Now, unlike other teas, Pu’erh tea can only be obtained from Yunnan in China. No other tea plantations of the world have been able to replicate the unique earthy flavor of this tea. This tea is one of the purest of trees and is often considered a tea of luxury. The tea leaves for Pu’erh are collected from wild bushes as opposed to the carefully planted bushes of other teas. It is usually available in the form of bricks or dried leaves.

Pu’erh tea is a highly fermented tea, so you can age this tea similar to wine. The fermentation of this tea takes place after it has been treated for oxidization. So, the more you allow the tea leaves to age, the more of its distinct flavor you will be able to brew. The quality of this tea depends on its aging and the different stages can be referred to as young raw Pu’erh, aged raw Pu’erh, and ripe Pu’erh. Furthermore, the tea has a relatively high caffeine ratio, so it works as a great replacement for coffee. The antioxidant properties of this tea are also beneficial for skin health.

The Bottom Line

And there you have it, your introduction to the wonderful and calming world of teas. If you enjoy exploring different kinds of tea, then try out these top five picks by Ido Fishman and see which one you enjoy the most. You may have noticed that the main factors that differentiate these tea varieties from each other are their oxidization levels and harvesting processes.

Tea manufacturing companies provide many different varieties and flavors of tea which you can find at any local supermarket. You can also add your personal touches to the teas to suit your tastes better. For instance, many people take their black tea with tea whiteners and sugar while others enjoy adding some lemon drops to their green tea. There are endless possibilities of adjusting these tease to your preferences.