Ruby McKenzie
A recent McKinsey consumer survey found that 37 percent of consumers are willing to switch vehicle brands to achieve better connectivity features. Like any emerging technology which helps the daily lives of people improve.
Connected Cars
The connected car is one of the most important emerging technologies for automotive OEMs.
Embedded systems are built into the vehicle to provide internet connectivity, GPS navigation, entertainment, and diagnostic sensors. Tethered systems rely on smartphones or other devices to connect to the car and access data remotely, and they’re becoming especially popular with EVs.
Both types enable cars to communicate with other vehicles, road infrastructure, and the driver to improve safety, efficiency, and entertainment. For example, cars can share information about nearby pedestrians or hazards to alert other drivers and help them avoid collisions. Traffic can also be managed more effectively with smart signal phases and real-time congestion information shared between vehicles and traffic lights. This could allow a driver to find a parking space quicker or to reach their destination with less stress and wasted fuel.
Smart Homes
As anyone who’s heard of Amazon’s (AMZN) Alexa or Google Home knows, smart homes are closer to reality than the Jetsons world ever was. Smart home devices such as room-activated speakers can manage many aspects of household operation, including entertainment systems, lighting, heating and cooling, and security systems.
These devices can also reduce electricity use through energy management and give homeowners a more detailed breakdown of their utility bills. Some even offer a feature that alerts occupants if someone approaches the front door.
Other smart home products help older people live more independently and safely in their homes rather than moving into a nursing facility. These technologies may include robot vacuums, which can navigate the house and avoid furniture. Or smart home lighting controls by companies can allow occupants to change the mood of a space from relaxing to entertaining with the touch of a button.
Connected Health
From Fitbits to smartwatches, fitness devices are a staple for many consumers. But tech companies are now designing solutions for the home that help people monitor their health at a more personal level.
These devices are designed to send medical data via a wireless connection to a remote interface, such as a web-based platform or application programming interface. Patients or healthcare providers, such as physicians or caregivers, can then access that information to track long-term patient trends or send out alerts about specific events, such as a fall detected by a wearable pendant or an unexpected change in heart rate.
Connected health technologies are transforming traditional healthcare models enabling families to monitor their loved ones’ vital signs remotely and providing doctors with more comprehensive information to diagnose and treat. However, designers must consider how these devices might affect a user’s sense of privacy and quality of life.
Shoppable Video
Shoppable video is a relatively new technology that allows viewers to see products in action, learn more about them, and instantly buy them. This eliminates the many steps consumers must take in traditional e-commerce to complete their purchases and boosts conversion rates.
As the online digital sphere continues evolving into a more immersive shopping experience, brands must keep up and offer their consumers the easiest path to buy. Shoppable video enables companies to make that happen and is simple enough for most small businesses to implement into their marketing strategy.
