We’ve identified three tech trends that have taken centre stage as a result of the pandemic.
TECH ENHANCED SPECTATORSHIP
The introduction of 5G networks will completely change what’s possible for both at home virtual experiences and live events, infusing both with new and exciting opportunities. The pandemic has sped up immersive tech gaining appeal and entering the mainstream and the advances mean that:
- Virtual audiences can now not only be brought closer to the real thing than ever before, but they can also have increasingly more and more experiences that they could never have in person. 5G enables unique VR settings, special effects and interaction on an unprecedented scale
- Live event audiences are able to design their own experiences. A great example of this is Verizon’s 5G Super Stadium Experience in partnership with the NFL that enables viewers to choose their preferred camera angles and engage more closely with the players and performers through AR virtual players with layered stats – https://www.verizon.com/about/news/verizon-and-nfl-innovation-partnership
DIGITAL HEALTH
Attitudes towards personal health and wellbeing have shifted significantly since the onset of the pandemic. According to a Summer 2020 study by GSK Consumer Healthcare and Ipsos, 65% of Europeans are more likely to make everyday decisions based on their health, while 75% consider it important to take health matters into their own hands to relieve pressure on healthcare systems.
The tech industry has turned its attention to the following:
- Transforming homes – the pandemic has shifted major activities to the home, and this has resulted in a focus on turning homes themselves into smart wellness havens – https://thegadgetflow.com/blog/careos-themis-smart-mirror/
- Allowing consumers to take charge of their own health – the need for remote healthcare has been identified and companies are focusing on smart products that allow consumers to take control – https://www.medgadget.com/2021/01/ces-2020-omron-vitalsight-remote-patient-monitoring.html
- Developing new wearable tech – people are now more plugged into their personal data than ever before and are learning how they can improve themselves using their own data production. The category is growing as a result with increasingly more devices offering increased ways of quantifying data for self-understanding and self-betterment – https://www.nurvv.com/en-gb/
While the pandemic will pass, well-being will remain a priority due to consumers keenness to take more control over their own health and being able to use their own personal health data for self-improvement.
UNTETHERED LIVING
The last year has meant there has been a huge upheaval in how we live, work, learn and connect. All of which has untethered consumers from their previous work and living structures. Following on from what was discussed in trend 2, do you really need to visit a doctor’s surgery for a medical examination?
If location is freed, so is the technology, a massive opportunity for augmented reality wearables and devices that will allow consumers to enjoy experiences uniquely tailored to them. For example, when shopping consumers will have new ways to engage with the retailers they buy from, and when they do, they will be looking for personalised experiences and products.
We have also got used to doing a lot more at home (working, exercising, eating, learning, playing… the list goes on!) and a lot of these activities will continue to happen in the home as new tech solutions have made this possible and people have adapted and started to enjoy the ease of their new routines.
Some behaviours may revert post pandemic, but the overall mindset will remain. This means seamless connectivity (enabled by 5G) and experiences need to be present wherever the consumer flows through.