So what’s actually getting made out there? Next-level technology might bring to mind virtual reality, self-driving cars, or even teleportation. But while those first two are nascent technologies working through bugs like motion sickness and the third is still a pipe dream, The New York Times writes that voice command home assistants, network security, and 5G networks are the next big things worth paying attention to — already poised to have a huge impact on our lives.

Internet of things: With Amazon and Google connecting their home assistants to everything from thermostats to home alarm systems to microwaves, investing in network security seems like good sense. Think antivirus software but for every internet-connected device. And get excited for 5G, the superfast upgrade to mobile network infrastructure set to transform the pace at which we live, work and experience the world.