Tech talk: LS:N Global toasts technology trends

In our best-attended Network Evening to date, expert speakers explored the key trends that will change the way in which consumers use devices in the future. And in a special LS:N Global giveaway, our in-house MakerBot 3D printer produced bracelets for delegates to take home.

Smart toy in action 

Guests were first introduced to Camilla Bottke, senior marketing manager for Lego Mindstorms. In a pre-recorded interview, Camilla presented the latest version of the Mindstorms EV3 series to a packed house. Due to be released in autumn 2013, this is designed to develop technology play further among children who are able to confidently navigate tablets and smartphones from an early age. 

Lab talk 

Michael Björn, head of research at Ericsson ConsumerLab, which focuses on consumer research, discussed the main themes for brands contained in Ericsson ConsumerLab’s 10 Hot Consumer Trends for 2013 forecast. This included reliance on the cloud, computing for the scattered mind, along with other trends such as mobile phone ownership among 9–18-year-olds. 

CES showcase 

Guests learned about the latest key trends from this year’s CES show in Las Vegas, including Samsung’s flexible screen debut, through LS:N Global senior journalist and technology correspondent Peter Firth. ‘In the future, there will be more depth of meaning from interfaces,’ he says. ‘They will not only flex, but respond to pressure, be wearable and foldable.’ 

Snap to it 

Jenny Griffiths showed guests Snap Fashion, her iPhone app and website that enable users to take a picture of any item of clothing and search for similar matches online, along with sharing choices and creating Wishlists. 

Google Lab 

Indy Saha, director of strategy at Google Creative Lab, explored how the company pilots its newest innovations and ideas in beta mode, drawing on his latest work with the Google Chrome Web Lab and the Google Science Fair. 

Wearing the technology 

Wearable technology was also the topic of conversation for Thomas Ugo Ermacora, urbanist, geographer and founder of Clear Village. He discussed his latest project on developing wearable technology and his work with musician Imogen Heap to bring new technology to the concert experience. For more information on forthcoming LS:N Global events, contact Alena Joyette or visit our Eventbrite page.