On many hardware, software, architecture, technology, etc. products, you have surely seen the label “Next-Gen” or Next Generation , you only have to go through this page to realize it . Well, here we explain what this means, and if it is just pure marketing to get you to spend money on a new product, making the previous generation obsolete, or if it is really worth it.
What Does Next Generation Mean in Computing?
Next-gen or next generation is a term commonly used in the technology industry to refer to the next version or update of a product or technology. In general, it is used to indicate a significant leap in the capabilities, performance, or features of a product compared to its predecessor.
Improvement or marketing?
The term next-gen generates expectations about significant advances and improvements in products and technologies. However, it is important to analyze whether these promises are fulfilled or if it is just a marketing strategy . To do so, you should consider a few things:
- Innovation vs. incremental improvements: Before you go for a next-gen product, you have to evaluate whether it is really worth it. If it is an innovation or revolution, then it will mean significant leaps from the current generation we have. On the other hand, if it is only an incremental improvement, it will not be worth it, since the changes will be slight. In other words, you will have a significant expense and possibly the needs you have do not deserve this investment, since it will not bring you anything.
- Do I really need it?It is a question we should also ask ourselves. Our current product, which we are already used to, may be more than sufficient for the work we do, so why change it?
- Marketing strategy and planned obsolescence: sometimes, next-gen is about making the previous generation obsolete, but still able to function without problems. In addition, many manufacturers use this next-gen label as a marketing strategy, rather than to show significant improvements…
- Compatibility and ecosystem: If you already use a technology that works, don’t be fooled by the next-gen, as it may mean a major change that is not compatible with what you have now, or that involves changes in support in its ecosystem (software, hardware accessories, ports,…).
For all these reasons, it is important that before buying a next-gen you do a little research to see if it is really worth the change, that you do not fall for advertising and marketing strategies that often make exaggerated or false promises, and if you like that next-gen, you can always wait a little and be patient, so that you can get it in the future cheaper than the price it will have at launch, given how new it is…