French Cocorico !

Wearable technology, the Cricet bracelet

Innovative answer to tech-savvy business and event individuals looking for enhanced experience !

What is it ?

To use a wearable technology, first of all, you need a wearable mobile device, such as glasses, lences, a watch...

A wearable device is an electronic device that can be worn and that is capable to connect to the internet. Thus, the device can be connected to networks and interact thanks to data exchanges between the environment and the user.

Wearable technologies are different as they offer the user to make a really personnal use of hardware sensors and software apps.

Wearable technology get developed fastly thanks to the  fast expansion and growing popularity of mobile networks, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi hot spots, applications, and hyper connectivity of users.

All these factors drove the creation of smart watches, web-enabled glasses, intelligent clothes, enhanced-contact lenses..

But, the Google Glasses or the iWatch are already outdated ! Among all the wearable device, one is more interesting than the others.. Your skin ! Yes, in few years, you skin will be your new touchscreen with the Cicret Bracelet !

(Nota: projected images seen are mocked up)

What does it mean for the industry?

In our paper-free system, the Cicret bracelet does not aim to control your heartbeat or your sleeping time but to thrown your smartphone on your forearm.

A French company to change from American big innovators on the market !

At the end of December 2014, this project needed €850.000 to a million to create a prototype to show beginning 2016, for a price varying between  €199 and €399.

-      First of all, it means that the event industry is among the major industries that will encourage innovations in technology. Service related businesses are willing to introduce advanced technology in order to enhance the journey of visitors. But, it also means that our industry has to be proactive more than reactive in front of these evolutions. We think that wearable technologies are meaninfull for event organizers but they have to really understand how it works to make an efficient use of these “magic” tools. Moreover, the idea is not for event organizers  to wait for the technology to be developped but instead, to express their needs and make propositions to technologic corporations in order to develop the technological tools that will help them work more efficiently and provide a better experience to their clients.

As waterproof as your skin can be, it will represent opportunity to be connected at all time (when you wear the device, of course). Under the shower, during your thinking time, you will now be able to use this time efficiently to plan your future event, your future attendance to a venue, manage your guest list etc.

       For the event industry, this new interface is seen as a useful tool to enhance the visitor’s stay. It also improves the capability of event agencies and corporations to gather information about visitors, thus helping them connecting to the visitors and sending them direct and real-time relevant information about their stands, the coming conferences..

      

Wearable technologies are « hands free » technologies. This conveniency they provide to the user is a huge and powerfull argument. Visitors of a trade show or conference organisers need dematerialized information available easily and fastly, everywhere.

The device is also no longer a hinder of operations and natural social interactions. The conference organiser can follow the GPS on his arm and reach fastly and more easily the stand that called him because they did not received their flyers. The visitor can check information about the company he is visiting the stand, or receive push notifications to remind him his planned meetings with exibitors.

 

Wearable technology, hype or opportunity ?

Wearable technologies are not able to offer the same wide range of services as smart phones or tablets. If the visitors already carry one of these two mobile devices, will he be willing to wear another third one ? Not sure

• Hairs, sleeve tatoos, sleeve in clothes... How the device will handle the natural or added skin options ?
• Light bulb will have to be strong as hell to project under the sunlight but then skinburnt and cancer would have to be handled correctly
• How they will handle shadows ? When moving your fingers will avoid see the rest of the screen as the light is projected from one direction
• Can’t project black light
• Brace yourself, skin irritation is coming...
• People fear the company is using the donation to develop only the Cicret application (a safer Whatsapp), an independent app supposed to work with the bracelet but depend on the same donation funding.
• One person only to develop the product, one year to develop it whereas Google and Apple need several people and many years to work on it. The team is composed by a father and a son, Misters Pommier and Fabien Noblet, the supposed developer who has a music diploma
• Scam: with very little percentage of commitment in donation (you can only donate on the official website and not the usual crowdfunding platforms) and can’t stop saying it’s only a prototype lowering the trust of potential consumers

In overall, this Cicret is a very blurred project: financial aspect (donation), “it will comes out soon”, the very small team, the Musician developper, announced suppliers who claim not being part of the project... Let's see what the future holds !

References

http://www.investopedia.com/terms/w/wearable-technology.asp#ixzz47IYuLkNA

https://www.facebook.com/CicretAppandBracelet/

https://usattravel.wordpress.com/2015/07/31/travel-executive-voices-wearables/

https://www.tnooz.com/?s=wearable+technology

http://www.zone-numerique.com/cicret-bracelet-votre-smartphone-sur-votre-avant-bras.html
http://www.erenumerique.fr/le_bracelet_cicret_projette_votre_smartphone_sur_le_bras-article-11540-30.html

http://www.journaldugeek.com/2014/12/05/cicret-le-bracelet-qui-transforme-votre-bras-en-ecran/

http://www.latribune.fr/technos-medias/innovation-et-start-up/20141203trib4f3426608/pourquoi-le-cicret-bracelet-risque-de-ne-jamais-voir-le-jour.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9J7GpVQCfms

Australia wants to be the first country to trial Cloud Passport

Beside the fact that Australians are already able to travel around the world to some select destinations via biometric passports that store personal information, allowing them to travel effortlessly and quickly through a SmartGate, virtual technology and cloud-stored data technology are enabling the development of a cloud passport system that would make Australians' travel even easier and safer.

A cloud passport could be compared with a e-passport that contains personal information such as biometric data, a digital photo, and other identification. It will eliminate travellers' need of carrying real passports with them, at the mean time reduce the risk of missing or stolen passports. Statistics from the DFAT show that 38,718 passports were reported lost or stolen in 2014-15 in Australia. (http://www.gq.com.au)

Below are few points travellers may want to know about cloud passports.

1. What does it mean?
The implementation of cloud passport system will be limited for the travel between Australia and New Zealand at the beginning, Australians will be able to have passport-less travel when flying to New Zealand. It does have the potential to go globally in the future.

2. How does it work?
The system will save your information in a cloud. Your biometric and identity information will be stored online, the so called cloud passport will replace the physical passport you normally carry with you.

3. The security of passport details.
Being expected as a really safe and convenient system for travellers, the safety of cloud passport system itself is important. Appropriate security requirements are to be put in place before the implementation of the system.

4. Where does the idea come from?
To solve the problem of missing and stolen passports, which counts for 38,718 in 2014-15, the Australia government wants to move from hard copy passports to digital ones. The idea came out in the InnovationXchange project designed by Ms Bishop as a way to 'support innovation across the Australian aid program'.

Source:

http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/tech-trends-shaping-the-future-of-travel/

http://www.australiannationalreview.com/australia-country-trial-passportfree-travel/

http://www.gq.com.au/entertainment/tech/7+facts+you+need+to+know+about+the+cloud+passport,39973

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3294127/Australia-world-s-country-trial-travel-without-PASSPORT-Julie-Bishop-says-global.html

THE TAKE OFF OF SPACE TOURISM

Since the first space flights from the Cold War, the space industry was dominated by international agencies such as NASA for professional astronauts.

However, since the 21th century, the development of rockets brought interests for private companies and Tourism Industry.

The space tourism site “Spaceport America” has investigated for flight tours targeting very rich people in order to innovate and exploit the “New Space Industry”.

Virgin Galactic, a spin off from Richard Branson’s Virgin group, is building a new copy of the Space Ship Two (SS2) and invested in the last technology to ensure safety and best experience for passengers.

Regarding the space travel, SS2 will light its hybrid rocket engine and zoom to an altitude of more than 100 kilometres, where passengers will experience “Several minutes” of weightlessness before strapping back into their seats for the ride back to Earth.

For the moment, trips will be limited to people who are both wealthy and healthy, but as Space Tourism grows the experience will be affordable by the broad middle class. In 50 years, thanks to the advanced technology of spaceships, travelling in the space will look like visiting neighbours areas.

Human space flights is no longer hold by the only governments and private sectors are already sharing the cake. Investments brings by the private sectors surely bump the human spaceflights industry however risk management will definitely be impacted by all the money which have been invested in those projects. "Private individuals are willing to take risks that government [agencies] can't take," explained Howard McCurdy, a space historian and professor of public affairs at American University in Washington, D.C (T.Malik, 2004).

The real question that people should ask themselves is how much they are ready to pay for a joy space ride? 

An artist's concept of Spaceport America, a suborbital spaceport under construction in New Mexico.

Credit: Spaceport America Conceptual Images URS/Foster + Partners

Sources :

 http://www.space.com/19258-spaceport-america.html#sthash.hCosBc5W.dpuf

Reference: Spaceport America: Space Tourism Launch Site

By Elizabeth Howell, Space.com Contributor | March 21, 2016 10:57pm ET

http://observer.com/2015/09/2016-could-be-the-year-space-tourism-takes-off/

Tarik Malik, Going Private: the Promise and Danger of Space Travel, 2004 retrieved from http://www.space.com/386-private-promise-danger-space-travel.html

HOW will SMART WATCHES IMPACT EVENTS

As the electronic device constantly emerges out of the old at an amazing pace of development, the smart watch is becoming one of the most popular smart products at present known as its portability, concise but beautiful design, exquisiteness and intelligence. With the release of Apple Watch last April followed by much updated system allowing technicians to design apps dedicated to the smart watch, event marketers are thinking of the app integration on-site at events.

How smart watch being applied in events?

CEMA’s event app synced to an Apple Watch app, which gave attendees access to their personal schedules as well as push notifications. With a glance view of watch, delegates could see the important information to them instantly with the schedule for the next event. The view will shift alongside the day progress. Attendees will see all of their chosen tracks in different color code by shifting the view. And delegates can also edit their schedules when the view of watch updated in real-time.

How will the wrist-based devices impact the events?

1. Good way for network

It’s deemed to be impolite and rude when talking with someone by watching your watch from time to time. However with the second screen, you can share the information, register the valuable information even can connect someone by shaking hand or a quick flick of the wrist when applying some mode of matching people by using some incredible apps. The biggest advantage will be looking at time will no longer be considered a social faux pas.

2. Doing more and Tracking more

With the latest update system IOS 9 in last September, Apple rolled out the new serie Apple Watch SDK which allows developers to design the specific apps for the watch. This makes event marketers consider how involve the event delegates in the event via an event app on the smart watch. Marketers used to fail to tell the use of schedule was from the smart watch or the smart phone when attendees used the scheduling functions on an event app.

3. Integration with other technologies

When it comes to the integration of smart watch in the event space, it’s no doubtful an innovative way of experience. Keep paperless idea in mind and expect more combination and application experience with QR code, bar code, check-in & check-out and lead retrieval from the device. According to some reports, Apple watch will have a better battery life which is longer than that of Iphone.

4. Customization will be everywhere

The rise of the smart watch means the spring up of creating the personalized digital event experience. With the release of event apps, delegates could dig inside and start to personalize their experience before their arrival. They can choose all different kinds of mode, background and functions to realize the personalization.

5. Simplification and gamification

Subject to the limited screen size, it forces the event apps more concise with much icons and less words. It will be also a new visual experience and user experience. And gamification will be widely used in the event apps. During the conference and meetings, delegates are easy to get tired. Therefore, gamification not only can help attendees to get rid of the fatigue but also can reach the certain using effects.

Source:

1. http://www.eventmarketer.com/article/apple-watch-road-test-five-predictions-on-how-smart-watches-will-impact-events/?platform=hootsuite

2. http://www.eventmarketer.com/category/b-to-b-events/

3. http://www.eventmarketer.com/category/technology/

The Event Pro Revolution!

EventPro Software has implemented its software EventPro16. This program is a real important tool for event companies to schedule and to organize its events.

First, The goal of this program is to give its clients a major tool in order to manage its event from the requests for proposal to the satisfaction mark. It takes into consideration every actor invested in an event: exhibitors, caterers, speakers, attendees… and takes in charge the archive of all the previous events done wit the suppliers. It is a real revolution in the event industry because it also organise the staff schedule, the retro planning and so on. As well, it includes a booking process entirely adaptable to each client. 

In a second time, this solution offers its clients the possibility to gather in one software, every element composing one event. This allows the users to have a global overview of the progress and not only for the managers but also for all the members of the staff. This affords the good follow-up of the event planning without the managers having to affect tasks on every step of the planning. Thanks to EventPro16 everyone knows what to do and when. The device provides updated reports to the staff that allows giving concreted and updated feedbacks during the organization progress.

The main advantage of this implementation pis to provide the client a totally personalized for an industry that needs to answer to very specific demands.

Emma LEMAITRE & Madeleine SOULA

Key words:

#revolution #eventpro #event industry

Sources:

http://www.eventindustrynews.co.uk/event-technology-news/venue-event-catering-management-eventpro-software/

-       http://www.eventpro.net/index.htm 

Travel and use your fingerprint as currency

In general, tourists can’t travel without credit card. However, it may cause the security problem——lost or stealing .In the nearly future, you won’t have to worry about this kind of problems. You may be able to touch to buy.

Japan as one of the most technologically advanced and innovative countries in the world is developing a new system of currency and is planning to test this fingerprint system in the summer. The payment method will be transformed from precious metals to paper to plastic to flesh. The government hopes to increase the number of foreign tourists by using the system to prevent crime and relieve them from the necessity of carrying cash or credit cards , especially at the tourist population booms in the 2020 Olympics, which will be held in Tokyo. 

The idea is similar to Apple Pay or other mobile payment systems that utilize fingerprint scanning. In order to implement, tourists would have to register their fingerprint and connect them with valuable data, like credit card information, at airports and other official locations. Then, consumers would be able to buy products or pay for services by simply placing two fingers on special devices scattered throughout the country.

Source: http://the-japan-news.com/news/article/0002859676

Currently, nearly 300 places of commerce (including stores, restaurants, hotels )are signed up to participate in the initial testing of the payment system , what means people will be able to pay for items in at least 300 shops and hotels just using their fingerprints. Of course, More will be added as the system expands.

Furthermore, this system has already been tested in Huis Ten Bosch theme park in Sasebo, where customers were able to pay via fingerprint in 30 different stores and restaurants. It seems , this system achieved a great success.As a park official noting, “The system has been well received by customers, including those with children, since it saves them the trouble of taking their wallets out.”

It is really a good news for those who live in fear of losing the wallet. All you need to bring is yourself.

Reference: 

http://www.digitaltrends.com/cool-tech/japan-fingerprint-currency/
http://the-japan-news.com/news/article/0002859676
http://news.discovery.com/tech/biotechnology/fingerprints-could-pay-for-everything-in-japan-160414.htm

Jiang yimin & Hu Sha 

Tourism, Virtual Reality and Other Realities

   

                                                                                                                                                     © Samsung [6]

                                                                                                                      

    With the advent of the Oculus Rift’s first prototype in 2013, virtual reality technology (VR) was quickly welcomed into the international market. Three years later, VR now is reality as many companies now provide their own version of VR headgear in order to compete in this new market. Thus, consequently, building and improving the technology and its many applications. With VR’s immersive 360-degree experience it can be adapted for the all facets of the tourism industry. VR gives the tourism industry an unique opportunity for a new marketing tool and as a way to enhance the customer experience.

    Destination BC was one of the first North American DMOs to invest in VR technology, in order to take advantage as this new marketing channel to market the province. In 2014, they spent $500,000 Canadian to create a VR immersive video of a BC boat tour, giving viewers a chance to get up close and personal with sea lions. Their next project, according to Destination BC CEO Marsha Walden, is to create a virtual experience of skiing in Whistler. Walden comments that Destination BC will only spend $100,000 Canadian on this project as the cost of the equipment has significantly dropped from two years ago. The current video is shown to consumer at trade shows, though it is also available on YouTube, as YouTube supports 360-degree VR video. All the viewer does is put their mobile device in the VR headgear and they are taken away to British Columbia [Business Vancouver; 1]

    The DMO for Vancouver, Tourism Vancouver, has also seen the value of investing in VR technology for marketing. They have sent VR headsets to British and Germany travel agencies in order to show potential customers British Columbia and Vancouver. [Business Vancouver; 1]

    At Facebook’s annual developers’ conference a few weeks ago, chief technology officer Mike Schroepfer, gave his insights to the future of tourism and VR. Wearing an Oculus VR headset, he and another Oculus wearer were able to immerse themselves in London. They both had a chance to explore a 360-degree view London, even taking a selfie with a selfie-stick. The video demo was showed “the potential for a local tour guides to give virtual reality tours to users all over the world, without having to leave their homes”. [Globalnews; 2]

    Augmented reality (AR) technology has provided another outlet for customer experience and marketing in the tourism industry. AR does not give you a 360-degree experience, it adds layers onto what the viewer is seeing. In our opinion AR is more useful for the tourism industry at this point in time, at least from the point of the tourist. AR apps are already more abundant than VR and AR does not require expensive equipment, only one’s mobile device and a corresponding app. Something as simple as an AR city guide that gives directions and detailed information about sites, which one can access on their mobile device, is very efficient for the tourist on the go. An example of this is the Google translate app, which uses AR to scan sentences in 90 languages and translate them in real time, on your mobile device [Tom’s Guide; 3]. Where VR is about immersive promotion/marketing, AR is greatly affective for aiding/informing the customer, both enhance the customer experience in different ways.

    The newest reality idea, which was fully launched a few days ago, is the mixed reality (MR). Magic Leap, owned by Google, announced its new gear – sort of like a Google glass – earlier this week. Where VR blocks out the world to immerse you in a new one, the MR keeps the world as it is and brings the virtual reality into the real one [Business Design+Construction; 4]. The wearer will see the MR through the Magic Leap glass where the visuals become an almost real time hologram. [DailyMail; 5] Though still a young technology, MR brings a new opportunity for the tourism industry in the future, by further immersing people into the product. Potential future application for MR could be used to show customers hotel rooms or rearrange them to their liking before booking, or allowing clients to experience being surrounded by tropical fish before experiencing the real thing and deciding if they should in fact do that snorkel tour.

                                                                                                    - Contributed by Alexa Bailey and Sakshi Bheda

Sources

[1] https://www.biv.com/article/2016/4/virtual-reality-poised-transform-tourism-marketing/

[2] http://globalnews.ca/news/2638463/from-messenger-chatbots-to-virtual-reality-tourism-everything-facebook-announced-at-f8/

[3] http://www.tomsguide.com/us/pictures-story/657-best-augmented-reality-apps.html

[4] http://www.bdcnetwork.com/mixed-reality-more-exciting-prospect-virtual-reality-movie-director-peter-jackson-thinks-so

[5] http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-3548343/Watch-Magic-Leap-s-mysterious-mixed-reality-action-Google-backed-firm-s-latest-demo-gives-new-clues-secretive-technology.html

[6] http://www.samsung.com/uk/consumer/mobile-devices/wearables/gear/SM-R322NZWABTU