Barcelona is humming as thousands of technophiles descend upon the historic Catalonian capital for Mobile World Congress. Products showcased at the event this year will set the stage for technology–and the way the world approaches it–until the Congress meets again in 2016.
This year, the connected consumer is top of mind. In the first days of the event, the most innovative brands have showcased smart products that connect humans with mobile technology to simplify usability and experience. Related to the interest in intelligent products, companies and speakers are addressing the increase in consumption and skepticism surrounding privacy, access and the issues that arise as a new order of data prioritization leads brands to jockey for information.
With so much chatter happening about the event and popular topics, People Pattern simplifies the first two days by analyzing themes shared by the top 25 influencers within the #MWC15 conversation.
1. Consumption
People are consuming products and information at a faster rate today than any period before. Brands will see faster adoption, and will have the ability to collect more info about their customers, provided the brand is able to sort through the data for actionable insights.
2. Smart Products
The rise in popularity of smart products has encouraged brands to create more aesthetic options. Early pioneers in the space were criticized for unsightly inventions that, despite being technologically sound and helpful, were not usable due to a debilitating lack of style. That has changed this year, with brands unveiling high tech versions of traditional style pieces.
3. Privacy
The increase in adoption and subsequent deluge of data has consumers concerned with the volume of information available about them to brands. This year, companies have responded to concerns by creating products and announcing partnerships aimed at assuaging consumer fears.
Some were optimistic:
While others were more skeptical:
4. New Order
Customer data is high in volume but limited in depth or accessibility. Brands are beginning to struggle with establishing priority of access to customer data. The notion of “data-hoarding” was top of mind, especially with changes in policy in South Africa.
5. Access
The internet has provided a gateway to the rest of the world for billions of users. More people have access to the internet today than ever before. As trends in device usage shift towards mobile, developing inexpensive smart phones will become more interesting–and more lucrative, a fact that was not lost on brands this year.
Mobile World Congress represents the most innovative products and technology in the world. We look forward to uncovering themes that emerge from the event as the week goes on.
Recent Comments