T E C H

TAPTRENDS

ACROSS THE PLANET

01.13

T E C H

TAPTRENDS ACROSS THE PLANET

Welcome to Tech Tap 2013 - crammed full of technological innovations from across the globe. We’ve given you some of the latest key stats to have at your fingertips and also look at how the PIPA Touch iphone case is using biometric fingerprint readers so you’ll never need to ever remember your password again! Sony reveal that 4K phones might be on the way and Samsung gives us a glimpse of how they are joining TV, Tablet and Phone devices.

We also have the weird and the wonderful with Chinese e-commerce site Yihaodian pushing the limits of virtual shopping, German tech institute Fraunhofer shows us why keys may be a thing of the past and GrinOn Industries prove that that their new glass innovation means you’ll never pour your pint the same way again.

Finally – there is no hiding from Canadian firm Hyperstealth’s new army camouflage material that makes almost anyone and anything disappear. ‘Quantam Stealth’ sounds so good we’re off to hide ourselves away to eavesdrop on the next bunch of technology stories for our next edition. Enjoy!

TECHTAP’S mOST InTErESTInG dIGITAl STATISTICS

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Contents

TECH TAP // V01.13 COnTEnTS

In THE nEWS: POlArOId PlAnS rETAIl PHOTO BArS

In THE nEWS: SAmSunG TrAnSFOrmS HOmE EnTErTAInmEnT

mIAmI Ad SCHOOl CrEATES COCA COlA VEndInG mACHInE COnCEPT THAT TAKES COInS OF AnY CurrEnCY

A Fun WAY TO SAmPlE nEW PrOduCT FrOm AllEn SOllY

nEW ArmY CAmO mAKES TArGETS InVISIBlE

In THE nEWS SOnY: “WE mIGHT COnSIdEr” 4K PHOnES

BIOmETrIC IPHOnE CASE unlOCKS uSInG FInGErPrInTS

drAFT BEEr mACHInE FIllS GlASSES FrOm THE BOTTOm uP

CHInESE VIrTuAl rEAlITY STOrES Turn OPEn SPACES InTO A SuPErmArKET

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HOTEl FITnESS CEnTrE lETS GuESTS CHArGE THrOuGH PEdAl POWEr

nEW KIT TurnS 2d POrTrAITS InTO 3d PAPEr HEAdS

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dOOrS unlOCK WITH THE WAVE OF A PHOnE

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nEW KIT TurnS 2d POrTrAITS InTO 3d PAPEr HEAdS

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TECH TAP // 01.13 InFOGrAPHIC

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TechTap’s mosT inTeresTing digiTal sTaTs

iphone Us smart-phone market share

53.3%

$2.5 billion

movie goers buy only

in real goods.

$6 billion

social gamers will buy

in virtual goods by 2013

growth of instagram as of year-end 2012 since Facebook acquisition

1300%

4/10 emails are read on a mobile device

31%portion of

smart-phone users who

report mobile as preferred

shopping method

8 millionpeak concurrent

viewers of the red Bull stratos Jump

50% of americans can access the internet via a tablet

or smart-phone

of tablet owners shop on their tablet whilst watching TV

45% of smart- phone owners shop on their phone while watching TV

22%

30% growthof the use of TV

to stream video in 2012

$8.9 Billionexpected global social media ad spending in 2013

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TECH TAP // 01.13

in the newsPolaroid retail Photo Bars

In THE nEWS: POlArOId rETAIl PHOTO BArS

multinational electronics company Polaroid has announced plans to open 10 retail stores in the uS this year offering photo printing straight from consumers’ smartphones.

Visitors to Polaroid Fotobars will be able to upload photos from their cameras and smartphones wirelessly to in-store terminals. Once the images are uploaded, they can choose from a wide variety of printing and framing options, which are then produced and shipped worldwide within 72 hours. Gallery-style wall displays give consumers the ability to see and touch examples of artworks produced using these treatments.

According to Polaroid, the idea is for these shops to offer “a recreational entertainment destination in

addition to a place to shop” – a real-world testing ground where people can engage with the product.

meanwhile, specialist staff called ‘phototenders’ will also be on hand to touch up images, suggest treatments and guide customers through the process – a move that follows the growing predilection for sales associates with specialist skills.

The first store is set to open in delray Beach, Florida next month, with locations in new York, las Vegas and Boston among those also planned for 2013. One special feature at the delray Beach flagship will be a multi-purpose room called The Studio, which will host photography classes, private parties and a portrait service.

Best known for its iconic instant film cameras, Polaroid has struggled to stay relevant since the advent of digital photography and has filed for bankruptcy twice since 2001. The appointment of uS pop star lady Gaga as its creative director in 2010 is among its recent efforts to reinvent itself.

It may well have struck gold with its sociable experiential store environment, bearing in mind 1.5 billion photos are reportedly taken every day.

VIEW

With a large share of electronics sales shifting online, retailers are using customer service to attract consumers instore, in order to differentiate themselves and build a strong brand name.

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TECH TAP // 01.13

in the newssamsung transforms home entertainment

In THE nEWS: SAmSunG TrAnSFOrmS HOmE EnTErTAInmEnT

Samsung have created the ultimate lean back experience with first-of-its kind Smart features, larger screens, and breakthrough picture quality. Samsung’s 2013 Smart TVs allow consumers to enjoy a seamless, integrated and immersive entertainment experience. They’re also expanding the number of models available in 60 inches and above, in addition to the world’s largest commercial uHd TV at 110 inches.

Highlights of the 2013 features include:

Samsung Smart Hub: Five intuitive panels help consumers manage and navigate different types of

content, which are displayed as thumbnail images for the first time so it’s even easier to select the content on the big screen. With a light hand gesture (flipping), you can discover five totally different experiences in Smart Hub, as if you have five new TV sets.

S-recommendation: Quickly search for TV programs, video-on-demand, apps, social content and locally-stored content on personal devices. The special recommendation engine also offers customised content recommendations for the most personal TV experience ever.

Smart Interaction: use language and gestures to find

content or command and control the TV.

Content and device convergence with multi-screen: Samsung’s Smart View allows users to move their content between devices in real-time and connect the TV to compatible mobile devices and home appliances wirelessly to create a smart center for media. users can also mirror their TV content on their Samsung Galaxy tablets and smart phones.

Evolution Kit: Owners of flagship Samsung 2012 TVs will be able to update their TVs with the latest Smart TV features simply by slotting in this Evolution Kit without having to buy a new TV.

VIEW

Consumers are looking for new, exciting ways to experience converged content. Samsung lead the way with a TV that offers more intuitive features.

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in the newssony: “we might Consider” 4K Phones

In THE nEWS: SOnY “WE mIGHT COnSIdEr” 4K PHOnES

raj Talluri (Qualcomm’s Product management VP), belives one day we will see phone resolutions higher than 1080p. Plus Sony’s uK managing director Pierre Perron, says it’s something Sony would back if enough people showed interest.

Perron is quoted as saying “We might consider it. We can now see the 4K (or ultraHd) technology being deployed across different screen sizes, but as a smartphone manufacturer we always need to balance the technology with cost, and other factors. If it doesn’t bring any consumer value, I don’t think we need to follow it.”

referring to the Xperia S, which was outed at last year’s CES, Perron explained that Sony “only went for quad-core now because we weren’t sure the technology was there last year. Consumer experience is always the driver for what we do, not keeping up with other manufacturers.”

TECH TAP // 01.13

VIEW

Super sharp screens better than 1080p, may well be coming your way.

05

miami ad sChool Creates CoCa Cola vending maChine that taKes Coins of any CurrenCy

mIAmI Ad SCHOOl CrEATES COCA COlA VEndInG mACHInE TAKES COInS OF AnY CurrEnCY

While experimental Coca-Cola vending machines have recently accepted non-monetary currencies such as hugs and songs in exchange for beverages, students at the miami Ad School madrid have proposed a concept for a multiple currency Coca-Cola vending machine called “The Worldwide machine.”

Accepting all types of global bills and coins, the vending machine would be programmed to detect genuine bills, as well as determine the correct amount required of any currency (or currency combination) to purchase a Coca-Cola.

TECH TAP // 01.13

VIEW

Ideal for airports! We really like this idea, and recently have seen some very cool campaigns using vending machines.

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VIEW

This is a great example of how online still maintain’s a presence in public spaces.

Chinese virtual reality storesturn oPen sPaCes into a suPermarKet

CHInESE VIrTuAl rEAlITY STOrES Turn OPEn SPACES InTO A SuPErmArKET

Chinese e-commerce site Yihaodian has launched its augmented reality stores, where customers get the impression of a physical store whilst browsing online.

In certain locations, such as public squares, smartphone owners will be able to use an augmented reality app to project a virtual store – branded as unlimited Yihaodian – over the top of their surroundings. using the phone’s accelerometer, customers will be able to move around digital rooms, displaying products available on Yihaodian’s site, reports suggest. Account holders can then order items for delivery as they would if they were using the browser version.

The virtual stores give consumers the feeling of using a traditional bricks-and-mortar store while they are away from home, without the business costs and environmental factors that go into maintaining a physical outlet.

TECH TAP // 01.13

we ♥ this!

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VIEW

We love the James Bond element of this one, but hope it will be more reliable than some of the other finger print recognition devices we’ve seen.

BiometriC iPhone Case unloCKs using fingerPrints

BIOmETrIC IPHOnE CASE unlOCKS uSInG FInGErPrInTS

PIPA Touch is an iPhone case that replaces the need for a passcode on your phone. The case has a biometric fingerprint reader on the back which will only unlock the phone when the finger pressing it matches its owners.

The technology is similar to one already in use on computers, where a finger swipe can replace a password. This application is focused on helping to improve mobile security but also solves the common problem of forgetting our passwords.

TECH TAP // 01.13

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TECH TAP // 01.13

a fun way to samPle new ProduCt from allen solly

A Fun WAY TO SAmPlE nEW PrOduCT FrOm AllEn SOllY

Here is a neat twitter powered billboard. Created to launch a new clothing collection (Allen Solly Shirts).

The billboard houses about 60 shirts, each rigged with a solenoid and the new collection graphic behind it, and with every tweet, a random solenoid would inch forward, helping to randomly punch the shirts from the billboard, revealing the new collection whilst rewarding the tweeter who knocked it off the wall with a sample…

View Video

VIEW

A fun example of how digital meets sampling.

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draft Beer maChine fills glasses from the Bottom uP

drAFT BEEr mACHInE FIllS GlASSES FrOm THE BOTTOm uP

Thanks to GrinOn Industries, you can wave goodbye to waiting in long bar queue’s at events and concerts.

The Bottoms up draft Beer dispensing System is an innovative machine that allows the beer cups to be filled from the bottom faster than a standard tap.

The proprietary cups have a magnet-ring seal along a hole in the bottom. The cup is pushed down onto the dispensing tap, which can accommodate up to 4 beers at a time, and the magnet is lifted while the cup is filled, hands-free. Once the cup reaches capacity, thanks to automatic valves that switch off based on a volume input, the cup can then be lifted away from the machine and the magnet is pulled back in place, sealing the bottom of the cup.

The proprietary cups have a magnet-ring seal along a hole in the bottom. The cup is pushed onto the special designed dispensing tap, which can

accommodate up to 4 beers, and the magnet is lifted while the cup is filled, hands-free. Once the cup reaches capacity, thanks to automatic valves that switch off based on a volume input, the cup can then be lifted away from the machine and the magnet is pulled back in place, sealing the bottom of the cup.

As someone who has waited in those long beer lines, this sounds like the best thing since sliced bread or the invention of beer. Check out the video below, and also their site for further videos and information.

View Video

TECH TAP // 01.13

VIEW

Technology meets heavy bar queues. A really clever way of getting pints out quickly.

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new army CamomaKes targets invisiBle

nEW ArmY CAmO mAKES TArGETS InVISIBlE

A new high-tech material from Canadian camouflage design company Hyperstealth makes the target completely invisible. This is a growing and promising field, as researchers from duke university unveiled a similar technology earlier this month.

‘Quantum Stealth’ bends light and removes the targets visual, infrared, and thermal signatures, as well as shadows. It also works against military Ir scopes and Thermal Optics. Hyperstealth claims the only way to find a person hiding beneath the material is to literally trip over them.

Command groups within the u.S. military and Canadian military, plus the Federal Emergency response Team (Counter Terrorism) have viewed demonstrations of the material. It works without cameras, batteries, lights or mirrors, and is both lightweight and inexpensive.

TECH TAP // 01.13

VIEW

Like a prop from Harry Potter, this amazing technology is almost unbelievable.

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hotel fitness Centre lets guestsCharge deviCes through Pedal Power

HOTEl FITnESS CEnTEr lETS GuESTS CHArGE dEVICES THrOuGH PEdAl POWEr

At Element Hotels, guests can now get a workout and charge their devices at the same time. Each of its ten hotels’ fitness centres, which are well-equipped and open 24 hours, now has a stationary bike with a pedal-powered generator. Guests can pedal their way to a fully charged smartphone or tablet with a cycling workout at one of the charging stations. Brian mcGuinness, Senior Vice President of speciality select brands for Starwood, said:

The Element brand was founded on an innovative, balanced-living approach to hospitality. not only do our pedal-powered bikes add an element of fun to a workout, but they also encourage our guests to think creatively about sourcing the energy we all depend on to fuel our daily lives.

TECH TAP // 01.13

VIEW

Makes guests “think creatively about sourcing the energy we all depend on”.

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new Kit turns 2d Portraits into 3d PaPer heads

nEW KIT TurnS 2d POrTrAITS InTO 3d PAPEr HEAdS

If you’re not content with seeing your own picture as just a flat representation of yourself, Paper-Kit will help you turn any 2d portrait into a 3d paper model.

The online app requires you to photograph your head from the front, left, and right sides and then upload these photos to the ‘head modeler.’

As PetaPixel notes, these will then be used to form a digital 3d model of your head, which can be saved as a PdF kit and printed out.

To create a paper version of your head, carefully cut out all of the pieces and fold along the dashed lines, then assemble the parts with glue.

View Video

TECH TAP // 01.13

VIEW

From 3D heads to 3D sculptures of your child’s drawings. We think 3D printed sculptures will be a big hit in 2013.

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doors unloCK with the wave of a Phone

Will keys soon become obsolete? ShareKey is an app that enables doors to be unlocked with a smartphone and access can be shared at certain times to let others in, like a friend or maintenance worker.

The solution will be demonstrated by researchers from the Fraunhofer Institute for Secure Information Technology in Germany at the CeBIT trade fair in march.

It works using nFC and to open a door, you simply need to hold your phone close to the lock. Electronic keys are sent to the user’s mobile in the form of a Qr code attached to an email or mmS. Alexandra dmitrienko from the SIT said:

In essence, ShareKey offers two new functions: users can issue digital keys remotely and assign these keys certain user permissions. For instance, I can grant the building superintendent access to my apartment for a short period so that he can open the door for the gas meter to be read while I’m at work. The solution is built around modern security technologies and can be easily integrated into existing access control systems.

Electronic keys are protected on the smartphone

dOOrS unlOCK WITH THE WAVE OF A PHOnE

from malware and unauthorized access by leveraging advanced technologies that keep sensitive information separate from other data and apps. Also, opening a door requires information contained both in the encrypted token sent to the user and in the app installed on their smartphone. ShareKey has potential applications for parcel or locker compartments, hotels, and car-sharing schemes.View Video

TECH TAP // 01.13

VIEW

“Potential applications for parcel or locker compartments, hotels and car-sharing schemes.” We think this is something to keep an eye out for.

we ♥ this!

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Sources: return Path, Kantar Worldpanel Comtech, Yume, nielson Social media report 2012, ComScore, Pew Internet research, Forbes, mashable, Hightable.com, Appdata, deep Focus, deep Focus, Emarketer, Socialnomics, Stylus, BusinessWire, Gizmodo, PSFK, Springwise

TECH TAP // 01.13