Ericsson ConsumerLab just released its annual "10 Hot Consumer Trends for 2018" report, providing insight on the biggest consumer tech trends for the coming year. The report hits on underlying shifts behind automation and the creation of a leisure society, social media echo chambers, augmented hearing, and other trends. Michael Bjorn, Head of Research at Ericsson and author of the report, sat down with us to discuss the biggest trends to watch out for.
Bjorn fills us in on what he believes is the most surprising trend. He says we used to have to know how to use the devices, but now the devices know how to use us. As an example, Bjorn highlights face recognition technology and says it could help use your mood or expressions to know how to react.
Emerging tech is scary and alluring at the same time, says Bjorn. One of the scary parts uncovered from his research is that half of the people said they'd be spooked if they couldn’t tell whether communication was coming from a bot or a human. Concerns that privacy is at risk have been rising, but he predicts we’ll see more of a demand for services that protect us as well.
Nicola Mendelsohn, vice president of the global business group at the newly-christened Meta, joined Cheddar to discuss what went into the re-branding of Facebook's parent company. Regarding criticism that the name change might be a way for the company to deflect from news of its role in allegedly undermining child safety, growing political strife, and spreading vaccine disinformation, she noted that the process began even earlier. "Something like this takes a long time to pull together," Mendelsohn said.
Proptech startup Juno recently raised $20 million in a Series A funding round. The company says the funds will be used to further its mission of building sustainable and affordable apartment buildings across the United States. Juno Co-Founder and CEO Jonathan Sherr joined Cheddar News' Closing Bell to discuss.
The CEO at Activision Blizzard Bobby Kotick apologized to employees after the company had been rocked by the public airing of sexual harassment claims that went unchecked. Kotick also asked that his compensation of more than $150 million be slashed to just over $62,000.
Stacey Stevens, President of iCAD, joins 'Cheddar Innovates' to discuss how 'Profound A.I. Risk' works as a short-term breast cancer risk estimation for women.
On this episode of 'Cheddar Innovates': President of iCAD breaks down how its technology is being used as a short-term breast cancer risk estimation for women; A look at Curiosity Stream's 'The Science of Thrills.'
