The crystal ball certainly won’t be making an appearance anytime soon, so it’s time to start preparing for the far more realistic technology trends of the coming year. Investing in the right technology could be the thing that sets you apart from your competitors in the coming year, and all it takes is a little research and education.

Android Things is the latest Google operating system. It is designed to be used in devices for what is known as the "internet of things," and will compete with similar platforms offered by other companies for their different devices. However, many business owners and consumers alike are scratching their heads wondering how this latest Google operating system manifestation will impact them.

The owner of a small business has enough to worry about without adding online security to the mix. But with the proliferation of smart devices that come in everything from Fit Bits to smoke alarms, hackers are now able to access sensitive information.

Have you seen folks wandering around downtown, staring at their phone like it was a map pointing them to a pot of gold? Or ordering pizza over a Facebook chat conversation with an awkward cashier? With some creative marketing and structuring, your SMB could be on the other side of those people’s phones.