News 18.08.2020

Need to Know

Apple elevates smartphone storytelling, Google rolls out virtual business cards in India and holidaymakers are showing renewed confidence in Airbnb.

Apple’s new campaign celebrates smartphone cinema

The Stunt Double by Damien Chazelle for Apple, global

Global – For Apple’s Shot on iPhone campaign, Oscar-winning director Damien Chazelle has created a short film shot entirely on an iPhone 11 Pro.

The Stunt Double is a nine-minute vertical short film that reframes cinema for the smartphone age, while using iPhone 11 Pro’s upgraded video functions such as 4K, video stabilisation, the extended dynamic range tool and the ultra-wide lens mode. The campaign was conceived by TBWA\Media Arts Lab.

With the aim of inspiring iPhone users to create their own short films, the genre-spanning blockbuster takes the spectator on a nostalgic journey through cinema history. In a making-of film, Chazelle says that he hopes the short film 'throws out a few ideas that people can play with literally on their own, at home or in their backyards’.

Traditional cinema is slowly adapting to the social media-inspired way of storytelling. In our interview with youth film-making collective Pickpocket, explore the importance of crafting stories in a way that relates to the digital generation.

A cooking kit that re-imagines self-sufficient dining

Portable Cooking Kit by Jisun Kim, Seoul Portable Cooking Kit by Jisun Kim, Seoul
Portable Cooking Kit by Jisun Kim, Seoul Portable Cooking Kit by Jisun Kim, Seoul

Seoul – Designer Jisun Kim re-imagines portable dining with a conceptual kit for self-sufficient, on-the-go cooking.

The kit features powdered supplements, dehydrated vegetables and compact equipment to enable people to visit remote destinations without the need to access traditional cooking tools and ingredients. Ensuring personalisation, each package is tailored to the user’s individual health needs. A supporting app also helps travellers source seasonal ingredients from local areas to be combined with elements already included in the kit.

It also features a portable solar panel to power the set’s small induction hob, allowing users to cook without external energy sources. ‘I foresee that the consumption of synthetic foods will grow in the future, and I believe customised supplements will improve personalised diets,’ explains Jisun Kim, designer of the portable cooking kit.

As outdoor experiences become more popular, the trend for the Elevated Outdoors is evolving, with consumers looking to brands to allow them to be self-sufficient.

Google’s people cards empower entrepreneurs

India – Google has launched a new search feature in India to make it easier to find information about everyday people.

Google’s new people cards aim to empower ‘the millions of influencers, entrepreneurs, prospective employees, self-employed individuals, freelancers, or anyone else out there who wants to be discovered’. By adding their personal data, a description and their websites to their people cards, individuals gain agency over the information that appears when people search for their name online.

Through this feature Google enables people to build their online presence without the need of an additional external website. ‘Our goal with Search is to always make sure people can find helpful and reliable information, so we have a variety of protections and controls in place to maintain the quality of information on people cards,’ explains Google.

The launch shows the increasing need for new tools and services that reflect the evolving workforce. In our dedicated Workplace series, we track ideas and innovations that will shape the future of work.

People cards by Google, India

Stat: Travellers are more confident about booking trips away

Amangiri, US Amangiri, US

Data from Airbnb indicates that people are feeling more confident about booking both local and international stays.

On 8 July, guests booked more than 1m nights’ worth of future stays at Airbnb listings around the world – the most since before lockdown. Guests booked stays in destinations in over 175 countries and regions, including Togo, Angola, Bahrain, Svalbard and Kyrgyzstan.

But while booking rates have gone up, most guests are planning local trips, with about half of reservations made for destinations within 300 miles. And many of these trips are to rural areas, allowing urbanites to reconnect with nature.

We initially identified the trend for Staycations as a result of carbon emissions, but increased emphasis on hygiene is now a key driver for local trips.

Previous News Articles
Tencent’s AI model generates virtual worlds from a single text prompt

News

Tencent’s AI model generates virtual worlds from a single text prompt

Tencent has launched an open-source AI model, Hunyuan3D World Model 1.0, that allows users to generate complex 3D environments from a single text p...
VR : AI : Technology
Rare Beauty launches debut fragrance and customisable layering balms

News

Rare Beauty launches debut fragrance and customisable layering balms

Rare Beauty has entered the fragrance market with a debut scent that reflects its feel-good ethos.
Beauty : Fragrance : Rare Beauty
Stat: Luxury and online retail fuel men’s skincare boom

News

Stat: Luxury and online retail fuel men’s skincare boom

The men’s skincare market is projected to be worth £21.05bn ($27.99bn, €24.20bn) by 2031, according to a report by Research and Mark...
Beauty : Mens Grooming : Skincare
Sporty & Rich re-imagines wellness hospitality with first residency

News

Sporty & Rich re-imagines wellness hospitality with first residency

Popular lifestyle brand Sporty & Rich is launching its first hotel residency, in partnership with The Pridwin Hotel & Cottages on New York’...
Fashion : Travel & Hospitality : Luxury
Dubai Mallathon re-imagines shopping centres as climate-controlled fitness spaces

News

Dubai Mallathon re-imagines shopping centres as climate-controlled fitness spaces

A new Dubai Mallathon initiative will see seven malls being used as indoor walking and running tracks throughout August 2025 under the patronage of...
Dubai : Dubai Malls : Mallathon
Stat: Shoplifting soars to record high in England and Wales amid retail crime surge

News

Stat: Shoplifting soars to record high in England and Wales amid retail crime surge

Shoplifting offences in England and Wales have hit their highest level in more than two decades, with recorded incidents rising by 20% to 530,643, ...
Retail : Stat : Statistic
Cash App taps Timothée Chalamet for youth-friendly money talk

News

Cash App taps Timothée Chalamet for youth-friendly money talk

Cash App has launched an integrated brand campaign featuring Academy Award-nominated actor Timothée Chalamet which aims to foster intergenerational...
Finance : Gen Z : Youth
Foresight Friday: Rose Coffey, senior foresight analyst

News

Foresight Friday: Rose Coffey, senior foresight analyst

Every Friday, The Future Laboratory team offers an end-of-week wrap-up of the topics, issues, ideas and virals we’re all talking about. This week, ...
Beauty : The Synthocene Era : Virtual Beauty
Stat: Southeast Asia is TikTok’s largest advertising audience

News

Stat: Southeast Asia is TikTok’s largest advertising audience

Southeast Asia now accounts for nearly a quarter of TikTok’s global advertising audience, according to the Digital 2025: July Statshot report.
Statistic : Stat : Southeast Asia
Spktrl’s AI diamond ring aims to cut screen time

News

Spktrl’s AI diamond ring aims to cut screen time

Parisian start-up Spktrl is reimagining wearable technology with the launch of its AI-powered Light Ring, a piece of high jewellery designed to cur...
Wellness : Augmented Human : The Synthocene Era
You have 2 free News articles remaining. Sign up to LS:N Global to get unlimited access to all articles.
BECOME A MEMBER
SIGN IN