What Are the Latest eCommerce Technology Trends?

As the backbone of eCommerce, technology leads and eCommerce follows. When a new technology trend comes along, you can bet it’s going to create ripples that will, without a doubt, touch eCommerce.

After all, what is eCommerce but commerce with more of a technological component, marked by the ‘e’ that precedes it?

For example, when the world went mobile, all types of eCommerce, from fashion to technology, were quick to follow suit. When vendors noticed their sites were being accessed by more and more mobile users, those who didn’t react by optimizing their website for on-the-go users faced lower rankings, higher bounce rates, and fewer conversions.

When you pair this knowledge with the fact that global eCommerce sales grew by 24.8% in 2017, and that they’re expected to reach $4.5 trillion by 2021, up from $1.3 trillion in 2014, it’s clear that ignoring technology trends is a huge missed opportunity that can prove to be disastrous in the long-run.

Instead, what you want to do is keep an eye and an ear open for any technology trends that are likely to turn into eCommerce technology trends.

Case in point, the following three trends that all have a place in the most successful eCommerce business’ strategies.

1. AI and Personalization

Artificial intelligence (AI) is not just a technology trend, but a dominant technology trend that’s permeating more industries and breaking more barriers than any before it, or, as it seems likely, after it.

Specific to our discussion today, AI and machine learning are leading to intelligent algorithms that are vital for segmentation and personalization, two uses of eCommerce that help vendors identify their users’ preferences, and use them to recommend products that are likely to lead to conversions.



That is to say, instead of treating each user as part of a group, AI allows for them to be treated as an individual target segment, which allows for a much greater degree of personalization in what they see.

Along the same lines as personalization, AI is also impacting many eCommerce merchandising strategies, which revolve around how to present and display products and services in your online store.

For example, with AI, you can present only those products that are likely to be purchased, such as those based off of your users’ browsing and purchasing behaviors.

2. Conversational Commerce

Exemplifying just how far AI’s reach is, another of its recent impacts on eCommerce is conversational commerce.



For those who don’t know, talk of conversational commerce is the talk of chatbots, which are AI-enabled programs that can ‘talk’ with users. For example, when you land on a website and a chat bubble in the bottom pops up saying something along the lines of, “Hello! Is there anything I can help you with today?”

With that in mind, chatbots are helping eCommerce brands in many ways, which can be grouped into two major functionalities:

● Customer service representatives

● Sales representatives



On the former, a chatbot can function as a 24/7 customer service rep who’s always there for your users, ready to answer any queries or point them in the right direction. On the latter, a chatbot on a given landing page can take your users through the whole customer journey from a single chat window.



For example, take a look at the following exchange, which can take place after someone lands on a website with a chatbot:

● Bot: Hello! Is there anything I can help you with today? Are you looking for something specific?

● User: small jacket

● Bot: I can definitely help you find a small jacket to your liking. Are you looking for something specific, or do you already have something in mind?

● User: can you give me suggestions?

● Bot: Of course! Would you prefer something athletic, casual, formal, or something else?

● User: casual is fine

● Bot: Excellent. What about style? Do you like any of the following options: anorak, biker jacket, bomber jacket, parka, raglan sleeve, stand-up collar?

● User: bomber jacket

● Bot: What about special features like breathable, quick dry, reflective details, water resistant or wind resistant?

● User: No, that’s fine

● Bot: No problem. Do you have a price range?

● User: Under $150

● Bot: What about a color preference?

● User: Black or brown is good

● Bot: We’re almost there! What do you think of these?



Here, the chatbot would suggest a couple of products, and depending on whether the user likes one of them, would either question the further to narrow on something else, or proceed to checkout by asking for their shipping and payment information.

3. AR, VR and Product Visualization

One of the many benefits of eCommerce is the fact that it has such a large technological component, which leads to the third and final eCommerce technology trend we’re covering today: product visualization facilitated by virtual and augmented reality.



Before that, let’s do a quick overview of what these two technologies are.



While virtual reality (VR) places you in an imaginary world populated by digital elements, augmented reality (AR) superimposes those digital elements on the real world, in an amalgamation that makes the most of each.



Knowing that it’s clear to see how eCommerce benefits from these two technologies. After all, before them, product visualization was limited to 2D and maybe 3D images that could be slightly manipulated to see more of the product you’re looking at.



Additionally, lack of tactile information one of the biggest eCommerce drawbacks; you can only see the items on a screen, and neither touch them nor imagine how they would look like in your home.



Well, with VR apps like Buy+ from Alibaba, which allows users to select apparel and accessories with the help of a 360° panoramic view and assistance from a robotic shopping assistant, and AR apps like IKEA Place, which lets you virtually ‘place’ IKEA products in your space, those drawbacks are all but eliminated.

Let’s Take a Second Look

Because of what eCommerce inherently is, i.e. electronic commerce enabled by technology, technology, and eCommerce trends are often linked — when a new technology trend comes along, you can bet an eCommerce trend is on its way as well.



For example, what we covered today:

1. Artificial intelligence (AI) trends led to improved personalization and segmentation

2. AI trends also led to the emergence of conversational commerce, which refers to chatbots

3. Virtual and augmented reality (VR & AR) trends led to upgraded product visualization



Best of luck preparing for these and upcoming eCommerce technology trends!

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What Does the Future of Display Technology Hold?

source: Pexels.com

We first got our taste of display technology in the 1800s, when the cathode ray tube made its debut. Now, about 150 years later, we have things like touch screens, LCDs, OLEDs, Ultra HD, and so many others that make one thing clear: the evolution of display technology still continues.



From this evolution, the new display technologies of today give us better viewing angles and improved color spectrums with blacker blacks and brighter colors. On top of that, display technology is literally everywhere and has permeated our everyday lives; it’s on our televisions, computers, phones, tablets, refrigerators and a whole host of other devices.



As for the future, developments to display technology keep on coming that indicate that the screens of tomorrow will look and work like the futuristic displays we’ve seen in countless Sci-Fi movies and shows.

Let’s get started.

Display Technologies 2018 and Next Generation Display Technologies

Living in the tail-end of the 2010s means that a lot of the technology we use every day seemed like science fiction in the early 2000s. For example, touchscreen displays and screens that deliver pictures so clear they seem even more real than life.



We also have a lot variation in terms of displays; if you prize display ratio over other features, there’s a display for you; if you prefer color quality over other features, there’s a display for you.



The point is that the world of the display has rapidly evolved from its inception, and we now have so many options that range from LCD and OLED to electronic ink:

LCD (Liquid Crystal Display)

LCDs, unlike OLED displays that produce their own light, use a backlight or reflector to illuminate pixels — liquid crystals don’t emit light. As such, whereas OLEDs are called emissive because the produce their own light, LCDs are called transmissive for the opposite reason.



Keep in mind that some LCD displays use LEDs as their lighting source and are consequently called LEDs. Additionally, some LED LCD screens use “edge lighting” as opposed to a backlight, in which the LEDs are situated on the side.



And because they don’t use phosphors, LCDs aren’t plagued with burn-ins when an image is left on a screen for a long time. Instead, they may suffer from image persistence, but this is only temporary.



As to where you’ll find them, LCDs are commonly found in televisions and portable consumer devices like smartphones, smartwatches, and digital cameras.

OLED (Organic Light-Emitting-Diode)

As we just covered, OLEDs produce their own light and don’t require backlights, which allows them to be very thin.



What we didn’t cover was that this is done with organic materials that glow when introduced to an electric current, and that individual pixel can be turned off for darker blacks.



Additionally, because each individual pixel can act as an OLED, they come with large color variety and heightened contrast that produces high-resolution images, making them a crowd-favorite for televisions.

source: philips.co.uk

Curved Displays

Curved displays are gaining popularity because they improve immersion and add depth to whatever you’re watching. For instance, the curve makes the images appear to wrap around you, which functions to make you feel as if you’re seeing a wider image than a conventional display.

Flexible Displays

Flexible displays are similar to curved displays in the sense that they’re not exactly flat, but that’s about it. Whereas curved displays are just that — curved, flexible displays use malleable materials that can be reshaped into different configurations.



Due to their malleability, these displays are also pretty much shatterproof, which makes them an attractive option for future usage in technologies like smartphones and wearable devices.

E-Ink (Electronic Ink)

Widely used for eReaders like the Amazon Kindle, e-ink technology was created to replicate the way ink looks like on paper through a process called electrophoresis, which is a relatively new technology that uses clear fluid combined with black pigments and positively charged white pigments to create the lifelike ink display readers everywhere love.



Why do they love it? Because it produces high resolutions with sunlight readability, and very low power consumption due to the fact that eReaders utilizing e-ink only consume power when the ‘pages’ are being turned— the image is locked on the screen after the signal has been received, leading to longer battery life and less time charging.



As for the future, this display technology can expand beyond eReaders into:

● Other mobile devices like tablets and smartphones

● Electronic labels

● Traffic signs

● Billboards

Transparent Displays

Transparent displays are—somewhat—here, but predominantly in what’s called the concept stage. We have them, but major commercial use is still to come.

When off, these displays are transparent; when on, they show images in full HD by combining LCD technology with new transparent OLED (TOLED) technology.

Haptic Touch Screens

A display that’ll someday be everywhere, haptic touchscreens are touchscreen displays that touch you right back, hence the ‘haptic’ title. These use tactile feedback in the form of low electrical currents to produce sensations that let us ‘feel’ buttons and textures on screens.

For example, Tanvas partnered with Bonobos, an apparel company, to produce an application that showed two pairs of pants — one cotton and one corduroy — that can be ‘rubbed’ to differentiate each fabric’s feel.

Final Thoughts

Just like the display technology of yesterday is vastly different than today’s, the display technology of today will be vastly different than tomorrow. Whether it comes in the form of transparent car windows or flexible eReaders, one thing is certain: display technology is still evolving and will continue to evolve.

FIFA World Cup 2018: How Technology Is Impacting the World of Sports

source: theverge.com

Every time a new technological advancement comes our way, the world around us changes. Well, the same is true for the world of sports. Though the rules have remained relatively stable over the years, advancements and innovation have been injected into practically every sport to make them what they are today.

For example, when dimples were introduced to golf balls, balls were able to go farther than ever before. When radar speed guns were brought into the picture, baseball scouts were able to get a better idea on a pitcher’s abilities. When Kinesio taping made its debut, athletes were able to treat and prevent certain injuries without inhibiting their range of motion.

The Impact of Technology in Sports

Despite its name, new technology in sports isn’t new. Technological innovation is a revolving door in which one trend comes and replaces another. And as we saw above, sports technology advancements have served to improve whatever sport they’ve been introduced to. For example, seeing as how we’re currently in the thralls of the 2018 FIFA World Cup, let’s start there.

2018 FIFA World Cup

We’re well underway the 2018 World Cup and, from what we’ve seen so far, the role of technology in sports is clearly evident. Case in point, video assistant referees (VARs) that were written into the Laws of the Game by the International Football Association Board (IFAB) in 2018 to give referees additional support and information to make better calls by reviewing decisions (with a multimillion-dollar impact) made by the head referee.



Used in all 64 matches of the World Cup, VARs have access to all relevant broadcast cameras and two dedicated offside cameras, and can review four types of calls: goals and whether there was a violation during the buildup; penalty decisions; direct red card decisions (second yellow cards are not reviewable); and mistaken identity in awarding a yellow or red card. As to how they come into play, VARs can recommend to the referee that something worth reviewing has happened, or the referee himself can ask for help. After the incident has been reviewed by the VAR team, the referee is advised and can either make a decision or review video footage himself for better insights.



Apart from VARs, we also have goal-line technology that uses 14 high-speed cameras to signal within one second to the referees when the ball has crossed the goal line, helping referees catch whether or not a goal has been properly scored to create an even playing field. This type of technology actually supported the referees in three incidents at the last FIFA World Cup and a similar amount at the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Canada.

source: jabil.com

How Has Technology Improved Sports?

Apart from what we just saw and are seeing in the current World Cup, we also have the Adidas Smart Ball with integrated sensors that record strike point, speed, spin and trajectory when kicking ball for instant feedback to improve abilities, the Nike+ platform that tells athletes how high they’ve jumped and how fast they run, Under Armour’s E39 compression shirts with chest sensors to measure heart rate, anaerobic threshold, aerobic capacity, muscle heat and more, and a wide array of other technologies that are all improving sports.



However they come, these devices are collecting data and using it to create statistics that allow for detailed analysis of both team and individual player performance. For example, as we touched on earlier, sensors in balls and the field can recognize when a ball has gone out of bounds. Shoes in sensors can similarly determine if an offside has actually happened. Wearable technology, like Under Armour’s tech-enhanced shirts, can monitor vital signs and anomalies in heart rate, etc. to prevent or lessen the impact of heart attacks, and further warn coaches and club doctors when something’s amiss.



Apart from the game itself, sensors in stadiums can monitor the crowd and notify officials if they become unruly or if too many are crowding, preventing something like the Hillsborough disaster from happening again.

Technology in Sports: Good or Bad?

Even though it seems as though technology in sports is a good thing, those against it say that it will ruin the fun and charm of the game. Proponents, on the other hand, say no. After all, how charming is it if a player is rolling on the ground *cough* Neymar *cough* from the smallest incident? Additionally, isn’t it the mistakes that ruin the fun, such as Frank Lampard’s disallowed goal in the 2010 World Cup?



When it comes down to it, yes, it’s true that some things shouldn’t be replaced, such as umpires in baseball that have become a staple of the sport, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be enhanced with technology to make their calls fairer and truer.

Final Thoughts

Technology is revolutionizing sports — there’s no doubt about it. When paired with AI, it can catch and eliminate refereeing errors like some of these controversial World Cup refereeing decisions, or help athletes improve their playing and reach peak performance.

Enjoy watching!

The Top 3 Trends in Automation

source: techrepublic.com

Businesses everywhere, no matter their size or industry, are always looking for ways to save time, reduce costs and increase efficiency. On the spectrum of business sizes, those on the smaller end tend to lack the manpower and resources that bigger businesses have. Those on the larger end, on the other hand, have the manpower and resources, but lack the flexibility to react quickly to market changes and may end up wasting money in the confusion that comes with larger businesses. Fortunately, a solution for both comes in the form of automation.

What Is Automation?

When you get down to it and sift through all the technical jargon, automation is simply a process that’s performed without human assistance. An automation system could be anything from machines in a factory creating a product through an assembly line to a program sending automated emails every day at a set time, and today we’ll be focusing on automation in IT.



After years and years of incremental advances in automation, recent trends show us that we’re in the middle of an automation boon where business processes and workflows are switching from human to digital hands. Before we get to those trends, let’s focus on some of the advantages of automation.

The Many Benefits and Advantages of Automation

At its core, all types of automation take over processes that were previously done manually, freeing up workers to complete higher-level tasks that require a human touch. For example, instead of spending hours performing repetitive tasks, such as generating reports and extracting data from them, human workers can focus on analyzing that data and making sense of it.



Additionally, all the time employees spend working on those mundane tasks are paid for by the company. By assigning those tasks to machines, that money can be spent on tasks that are more deserving of compensation. And because we’re talking about machines that can be programmed to complete many tasks with a high degree of accuracy, not only is productivity improved, but also the quality and consistency of the work.



As you can see, automation comes with many benefits and advantages that can give your business the edge it needs to compete in today’s market. With that in mind, let’s get back to what we touched on earlier: the top 3 trends in automation.

1. Intelligent Automation

Most of the automation in IT revolves around artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, and in the coming years, the majority of advances in automation will be a direct response to advancements in AI. These ‘self-learning’ systems can make decisions that were previously decided by humans, such as validating business processes and recognizing shortcomings, identifying the best systems to execute certain processes, and providing additional resources wherever necessary before a human hand gets involved.

2. IoT and Automation

Apart from AI and machine learning, automation and the Internet of Things (IoT) are also working together to connect devices and applications throughout the enterprise so they can work concurrently with as little human assistance as possible. It comes down to the fact that at its core, IoT is about making connections between devices, and automation is the extra ingredient it needs to do so without human input.

3. Humans and Automation

Finally, a big misperception of automation is that it’s going to take over our jobs and leave us in the past. While it may take over some jobs, that mindset is harmful, especially when we consider that, ironically, automation’s true strength lies in it working in conjunction with humans. For starters, automation is more likely going to change roles and create new ones rather than completely take them over. In other words, strategies need to be created that align people, processes, and automation so they have a bigger impact together.

Final Thoughts and TL;DR

Automation is improving by the day and its capabilities expanding by the minute. Here’s the tl;dr version of what we covered today:

● Automation describes a process that’s performed without human assistance and can be anything from machines in a factory creating a product through an assembly line to a program sending automated emails every day at a set time.

● Businesses of all sizes can use automation to save time, reduce costs and increase efficiency.

● Automation can take over processes that were previously done manually, freeing up workers to complete higher-level tasks that require a human touch.

● Most of the automation in IT revolves around AI and machine learning, and in the coming years, the majority of advances in automation will be a direct response to advancements in AI.

● Apart from AI and machine learning, automation and IoT are also working together to connect devices and applications throughout the enterprise so they can work concurrently with as little human assistance as possible.

● A big misperception of automation is that it’s going to take over our jobs and leave us in the past — instead, it’s going to change roles and create new ones with strategies that align people, processes and automation.



Best of luck!

The Present and Future of Voice Technology in Cars

source: topautotools.com

10 years ago, people would have looked at you as if you were crazy if they saw you talking to an unknown woman named Siri on your phone, or Alexa on your speakers. Well, times change and today it’s the norm to ask Siri for directions and Alexa for a song. We’ve all pretty much been introduced to voice technology in one way or another, and as the time passes, it’s being integrated more and more into our lives. Before we get to that, what is voice technology? Or better yet, what is voice recognition and speech recognition?



Long story short, voice technology as we know it is comprised of two components: speech and voice recognition. Speech recognition converts spoken words into digital words, and voice recognition identifies speakers by different features of speech like intonation, pitch, and style. With that in mind, today we’ll be focusing on speech recognition as it relates to voice technology. Actually, it might be better to say as it relates to KITT if you’re a fan of 80s TV (Knight Rider!!!) because today we’re talking about voice technology in cars.

What Is Voice Technology in Cars?

Voice technology in cars is exactly what you think it is… maybe. If you’re thinking it’s like having a helper in the car with you, ready to control your music or give you directions when you’re lost, then you are correct. As for where it is, it’s gotten to the point that in-car speech recognition systems have become the standard in most new car models because, apart from being convenient, they’re safe. The thing is, whether it’s glancing at a text or looking up directions, we can’t help but take our eyes off the road every now and then. Well, with voice technology in tow, the days of driving while distracted are a thing of the past.

source: https://arstechnica.com

The Present of Voice Technology in Cars

Now you may be wondering how you can get your hands on one of these. Lucky for us, a plethora of car companies announced plenty of new and cool voice features their cars are equipped with during CES 2018. For starters, Toyota broke the news that it’s integrating Amazon Alexa into some of its 2018/19 models. “Voice services are rapidly becoming more popular and through our integration with Amazon Alexa,” said Zack Hicks, Senior VP, and CIO of Toyota Motor North America and CEO and President of Toyota Connected, “Toyota and Lexus customers will soon be able to easily speak to Alexa in their cars while on-the-go.” Along with a similar vein, Ford is actually already using Alexa to offer consumers the ability to access their car from home, and call up other features from their vehicle.



This means that Toyota, Lexus and Ford drivers will be able to ask Alexa to do things both in the car and at home, similar to how the Amazon Echo works. For example, they can ask Alexa for directions, to play a certain song, podcast or audiobook, and to control other Alexa smart home devices as well. In other words, they can control everything in their car AND adjust the temperature in their home so it’s ready as soon as they arrive, add groceries to their shopping list if they suddenly remember they need something, and so much more.

source: http://ajournalofmusicalthings.com

Moving to Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, they’re available on hundreds of car models. Like Alexa integration, Android Auto (with Google Assistant) and Apple CarPlay (with Siri) come with functionality to allow drivers to get directions, open other apps, get real-time traffic alerts, make calls, read and send messages, listen to audio, search along their route for nearby restaurants or gas stations, control smart home features directly from their car and much more — all without lifting a hand off the steering wheel.

The Future Uses of Voice Technology in Cars

And now, the future, which we’ll begin covering by saying that it looks good. For example, Nvidia and Mercedes-Benz announced a partnership for MBUX, a personalized AI feature available in 23 languages that learns and anticipates your needs. As NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang said, “I want to build the world’s most advanced cockpit of the future and it’s going to have amazing computer graphics but most important is that it will have artificial intelligence so it can revolutionize the user experience.” For us, this means a zero-lag touchscreen with 3D animations that is voice activated with the phrase, “Hey, Mercedes.”



Breaking the MBUX down, it can be compared to an in-car infotainment system with AI capabilities to switch up how drivers and passengers interact with their vehicles. For example, MBUX will be able to understand the context of colloquial questions. That is to say that instead of the general “check weather in New York” to know whether or not you can wear your new sandals, a simple “Hey, Mercedes, can I wear my sandals on Saturday?” will do just fine. Additionally, MBUX will be able to save and suggest your favorite music as you drive, track your destinations and anticipate where you’re planning on going, and even track eye and head movement and arm gestures to know whether you’re looking at the road or not, or which window you’re pointing at when you tell it to open it.

source: www.cnet.com

BONUS: We already mentioned that Ford comes packed with Alexa, but did you know that they’re looking to launch a “vehicle-to-everything” communication system? In essence, it’ll be a cloud network of cars that act as a ‘supercomputing assistant’ that sends traffic data directly to you so you can avoid jams and get to your desired destination as fast as possible. Therefore, instead of asking for assistance, Ford’s solution would be for their cars to anticipate your needs and use the data of cars around you to give you the knowledge you need while you drive.

Final Thoughts

Voice technology is quickly being integrated into all parts of our lives, and it’s making especially big strides in the automotive industry. For now, we can pretty much control everything in our cars and a lot in our homes. And from the look of things, the future looks like we’ll be able to do even more. From asking our cars to check the tire pressure or how many miles we have left until we need a gas refill, to asking it to drive us home when we’re too tired to keep our eyes open, the future of voice technology in cars looks bright.

What Are Chatbots and How Can They Benefit Businesses?

source: https://blog.drift.com/chatbots-infographic/

Advancements in technology, specifically in the realm of artificial intelligence (AI), have spurred business growth in various sectors. For example, we have automation software that takes over menial and time-consuming tasks while humans focus on work that requires higher cognitive thinking. Along the same lines, we also have chatbots that enable automation while going beyond by improving customer support, creating better user experiences and optimizing strategies with personalized content.

What Is a Chatbot?

Chatbots are computer programs that act as virtual agents who interact with users on websites or applications. Thanks to AI, they can simulate human-like interactions as they converse with people, keeping them entertained and informed longer than without. Because of this AI-connection, chatbots can also continuously improve with learning algorithms that allow them to meet evolving demands. In other words, the more that chatbots work and interact with people, the better they get at these interactions.



According to a report by Business Insider, 80% of businesses also want a chatbot by 2020. They know that there are many chatbot business benefits and chatbot uses they can make use of, and here’s why you should want an AI chatbot as well.

The Many Benefits and Uses of Chatbots

There are many chatbots uses and benefits your business can make use of. For example and as we covered earlier, they make it possible to automate communication between your brand and its users, which functions to improve customer support, create better UX and optimize marketing strategies.



Let’s go over these chatbots business benefits in more detail.



1: Improved Customer Support



The customer always comes first because there can’t be a business without any customers. For this reason, having an AI chatbot that treats and serves all customers as equal, irrespective of behavior, will be a huge advantage for businesses who don’t have the manpower to service all visitors individually. After all, a chatbot can act as a 24/7 customer service rep who’s always on your site, ready to help out whenever a need arises.

source: www.liveworld.com

And, because they’re programs, multiple users can be served at the same time as well. For instance, a chatbot can greet every site visitor as soon as they land and lend an extra helping hand if they’re looking for something specific. Chatbots can also take over a website’s search and navigation features, creating a single place where users can find all they need and eliminating the need for them to familiarize themselves with the site’s layout.



2: Better User Experience



Like customer support, chatbots can create better experiences for users as well. For one, they’re fun to use — there’s just something about interacting with a program that acts like a real person that makes experiences even better. Second, they can be enriched with relevant content on a regular basis, creating better interactions that leave users happy. For example, if there’s a sale going on, a chatbot can pop up with a message saying, “Hey? Did you know that we’re currently running a sale with 50% OFF EVERYTHING and an additional 25% OFF SELECT ITEMS?” In doing so, you’re letting your users know that they have opportunities to save money. And as we all know, not many things make us happier than saving money.



3: Optimized Strategies



Finally, chatbots can also lead to optimized strategies thanks to personalization. For example, as they interact with users, they can gather relevant information needed to create valuable, personalized experiences your business can use to guide users down the sales funnel. It’s as simple as taking note of the products your users are searching for the most, and then recommending similar products they may be interested in. You can also offer them those same products with a slight discount, smoothing the customer journey even more while increasing the likelihood of a conversion.

Final Thoughts

Chatbots are scalable solutions for businesses everywhere that can interact with users to improve their experience on websites and applications alike. Backed by AI, they use every single interaction as a training block that facilitates future exchanges and improves the customer experience as a whole.

As we covered today, an AI chatbot can:



1. Improve customer support by acting as a 24/7 customer service rep who’s always ready to lend a helping hand.

2. Create better user experiences by streamlining interactions with relevant information.

3. Optimize marketing strategies with personalized content that opens the door to more conversions.



Best of luck honing in on the best chatbot uses that will serve your business best!

Everything You Need to Know About 3D Printing

source: 3dinsider.com

Imagine being able to bring an antique car back into commission, even though its parts are no longer manufactured and spares cost more than the car itself. Imagine being able to create a prosthetic limb at a fraction of the price that buying one entails. Imagine designing something you thought of all by yourself, and then seeing it come to life before your very own eyes.

That, ladies and gentlemen, is 3D printing.

What Is 3D Printing?

3D printing is exactly what it sounds like — printing three-dimensional objects, simple as that. Whether you know it as 3D printing or additive manufacturing, it’s more technical name, 3D printing builds objects layer-by-layer. In this regard, 3D printing is different from alternative processes like subtractive manufacturing because it builds on layers instead of cutting and drilling larger blocks of material to carve out the final product.



The process begins with objects being designed as 3D models, which are then sent to the printer for printing. This, coupled with the layer-by-layer building process, allows 3D printers to produce intricate designs with complex internal structures. As for the raw materials, 3D printers can use, the list is quite extensive and includes a wide range of plastics, metals, woods, foods and yes, even human cells.

source: engadget.com

3D Printers and 3D Printing Technology

As with many things in life, 3D printers come in different varieties that range from size to printing methods and technology. The four most common types you’ll encounter are Stereolithography (SLA), Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), Focused Deposition Modeling (FDM) and MultiJet Modeling (MJM), and here’s a little something about each.

1. Stereolithography (SLA)

SLA is considered by most to be the pioneer of 3D printing. It uses a vat of liquid photopolymer resin that is cured by a UV laser, solidifying the resin layer-by-layer to create smooth finished products.

2. Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)

Out of these four 3D printer types, SLS is the one you’ll most likely encounter as you delve into the 3D printing world. It uses a high-power laser to fuse together tiny particles of raw material (powder), and the laser is controlled by a computer that traces a cross-section of the object onto the powder. The heat of the laser is equal to or slightly lower than the boiling point of the powder, and as soon as the initial layer is formed, the platform lowers a tiny amount — no more than 0.1mm — layer-by-layer until the product is finished.

3. Focused Deposition Modeling (FDM)

FDM is used for modeling, prototyping and product applications. As with the previous printers, FDM uses layer-by-layer printing, but instead of powder, it heats a thermoplastic material to a semi-liquid state. Raw materials are supplied from the printer’s bays and the printer head moves based on X and Y coordinates, only moving vertically (Z-axis) once a layer has been completed.

4. MultiJet Modeling (MJM)

MJM is similar to your typical inkjet printer and is sometimes referred to as thermojet printing. It’s a rapid prototyping process that can create wax-like plastic models with linear nozzles that spray a colored glue-like material onto a resin powder, and because it has fewer limitations than other printers, can create extremely detailed objects with a thickness of 16-microns.

Uses of 3D Printing

With all these printer types, 3D printing is revolutionizing every single industry it touches. As company executives face mounting pressure to cut costs and increase efficiency, they’re finding 3D printing technology to be the answer to their pleas.



For example, the automotive industry is printing lightweight parts that increase mileage and reduce emissions; the aerospace industry is doing the same for parts and tooling, jigs and fixtures; architects are leveraging 3D printing for structure verification and reverse-structure engineering; the construction industry is going above and beyond by printing entire homes; medical officials are printing prosthetics and even actual organs; chefs are printing eye-catching desserts; and much much more.

source: mashable.com

The Future

3D printing was introduced in the 1980s but didn’t gain mainstream attention until the 90s. Today, the possibilities are endless — literally. Not only is 3D printing technology constantly improving, but as we covered on the uses of 3D printing, it can print everything from food delicacies to entire homes. The only real limitations we have today come from the materials that can work with the printers, and the list keeps growing year after year.

Wireless Charging Is Going to Be the Next Big Thing

The days of Nikola Tesla may be long gone, but his legacy continues in many of the devices we use every day. From alternating currents to remote controls, it seems that Tesla is, at least in part, responsible for many of the advancements that led to the birth of our favorite gadgets. Well, today we’ll be discussing something Tesla envisioned and nearly made possible: wireless charging.

Why So Much Charging?

Before we get into the specifics of wireless charging, let’s answer why so much charging? Simple, we live in a digital age dominated by electronic devices that need electricity to run. As for the charging aspect, we also live in a mobile world that doesn’t like to be hampered down by wires. Wires are quickly becoming obsolete and we’re opting for wireless alternatives that can be charged and recharged for use. In other words, instead of being tied down to a wire, we prefer an alternative option that allows for mobility. That being said, let’s move onto something that evolved out of our affinity for wireless life: wireless charging.

What Is Wireless Charging?

Wireless charging is exactly what it sounds like — a way to charge your devices without wires. In terms of a wireless phone charger, which is what we’re focusing on today, it means placing your phone face up on a special charging mat and letting the energy flow. Some phones like the iPhone 8 and iPhone X support wireless charging from the get-go, but for others, you’ll need an accessory, such as a case, that supports wireless charging. As for the how, you’ll need a charging mat that’ll serve as your phone’s new home away from home (AKA your pocket).

source: robotshop.com

Delving deeper, energy is transferred from the charger to the receiver through electromagnetic induction. For example, the Qi wireless charging standard from the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC), one of the most popular wireless charging standards today, works through inductive power transfer in which a base station and device have transmitter and receiver coils, respectively. In use, the transmitter coil generates an electromagnetic field that induces a current on the receiver’s coil.

Wireless Charging with the Apple AirPower

A perfect example of Qi charging, Apple is rolling out the AirPower wireless charging pad soon. It can natively charge the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone X, but with accessories that allow other phones or devices to charge wirelessly, it works as a general charging pad. The difference comes in the fact that you can charge up to three devices at once, which is a big win for those of us who have the latest gadgets as soon as they come out.

source: wccftech.com

Wireless Charging with Vehicles

Electric cars are becoming more and more popular, and now some big car makers like Ford and Audi are going to start selling electric cars that can be charged wirelessly. As the Economist explains, how it works is similar to a wireless phone charger:



The wizardry requires two coils made of copper and ferrite, a magnetic compound. One coil sits in a case that resembles a manhole cover and which is placed on, or in, the ground. The other is fixed to an EV’s undercarriage. When the vehicle is stopped so the two coils are roughly aligned, electricity fed to the bottom one generates an electromagnetic field in the air above, which the upper coil absorbs. This alternating current is converted by a rectifier into direct current that charges the vehicle’s battery.



A big benefit of this model is that cars can charge as they move. Take South Korea, for instance. There are currently three sites in which trams and buses can charge as they drive over embedded coils that are flooded with electric pulses as the vehicle passes over it.

Is Wireless Charging Technology Better Than Wired?

Whether wireless charging is better than its wired counterpart depends on the consumer. For example, wireless charging is currently slower than wired, but it’s also an easier and simpler way to charge our devices. Let’s take a look at some more pros and cons of wireless charging:



Pros

Up first come the pros:

No Plugging wires

● You simply have to drop your device on the charging mat — something that comes in handy if you’ve had a wild night of debaucheries and can’t seem to successfully plug the charging cable

Less wear and tear on devices

● Over time, your devices will show wear and tear in the form of scratches from months or years of unsuccessful attempts to plug the charging cable

No accidental takedowns

● At some point, you’ll inevitably receive a text or call that prompts you to just reach over and grab your phone while it’s still plugged in. Unfortunately, this will lead to fallen objects as you pull everything attached to the cable

More resistant to water and dust

● No wires mean no charging port where water and dust can come in

Safety and Security

● Faulty chargers can cause fires and some cables can contain malware

Multiple devices can be charged at once

● As with the Apple AirPower, a charging pad means that multiple devices can be charged at once

Cons

And now come the cons:

Slower charging

● Wired charging currently works faster than wireless

More expensive

● Charging pads are more expensive than single charging wires

Less mobility

● Ironically, for wireless charging distance is an issue because the phone has to stay on the pad. Wired charging, on the other hand, has as much mobility as the cable allows.

Final Thoughts

Wireless charging is here and we better get used to it. It’s an alternative to wired charging that takes the hassle of wires out of the equation and, even though it’s a slower method of charging, offers many more pros in the long run. Don’t take my word for it though, feel free to get one for yourself to see which charging alternative truly is best.

Digital Centralization: Technology for a Smarter Living

source: makeuseof.com

Wherever we go, we’re surrounded by smart devices. Whether it’s the latest smartphone with a digital assistant in tow, a smart TV that allows you to stream from Netflix and Hulu, or smart appliances that can be controlled remotely from anywhere in the world, smart devices and smart technology are everywhere. In fact, one-fourth of US households have smart home devices, with an average of seven per household, and one-third have smart home services.



These devices are coming together in something called digital centralization, which is a way of saying that they’re converging to form a convenient way of managing everything. In other words, we’re embracing technology and digital centralization for a smarter way of living.

How Digital Centralization is Creating a Smarter Living

Digital centralization is creating a smarter living by virtue of seamlessly connecting our devices so they work in sync, allowing us to manage everything with as few devices as possible. For example, take a look at the following scenario:



● You leave your home in the morning, maybe going to the movies, a coffee shop, the grocery shop, anywhere

● You’re pretty scatterbrained, so you fall prey to the belief that you left your front door unlocked

● You pull out your smartphone, check your smart lock app and find that you did indeed leave the front door unlocked

● You remotely lock your door and go back to your day

● As your day winds down and you head home, you notice that the temperature dropped and you start feeling pretty cold

● You (again) pull out your smartphone, but instead of checking the status of your front door you open another app that controls the smart thermostat in your apartment

● You turn on your heater and head home with a smile because you know that you’ll come home to a warm home



As we can see, smart technology and digital centralization are coming together to create smart devices that are paving the path for the smart home. And it’s not just about comfort, as we saw with the smart lock, it’s about peace of mind. For example, if you’re on vacation in another city, state, country, or even continent, you always have peace of mind with a smart security system that alerts you when something’s amiss. Apart from alerts, you can also check in with cameras installed in and around your home, and if you worry about burglars taking advantage of your empty house, you can remotely turn your lights on or off to create the illusion that someone’s home.

How Digital Centralization is Creating a Smarter Workplace

source: tealmama.com

Apart from smarter living, smart technology is also creating a smarter workplace by allowing us to work from home, something that in many cases leads to increased productivity. For example, with our smartphones and tablets we can:

● Call anyone from around the world

● Video conference with anyone

● Schedule virtual meetings

● Respond to emails

● Do anything that is usually done in an office space



Apart from that, from the very beginning of the day, no time is lost commuting to work. You can start working as soon as you get out of bed. In a similar vein, you have your kitchen right there, meaning that you don’t have to go out to buy food.

Final Thoughts and TL;DR

Smart technology creates smart devices, which in turn come together to create the smart home with the use of digital centralization, and the end result is a smarter way of living and working. Here’s the Tl;dr version of what we covered today:

● Whether it’s a smartphone, a smart TV, or smart appliances, smart devices are everywhere

● These devices are coming together in something called digital centralization, meaning that they’re coming together to form a convenient way of managing everything

● It’s creating a smarter living by virtue of seamlessly connecting our devices so they work in sync

● Apart from smarter living, smart technology is also creating a smarter workplace by allowing us to work from home

● For example, smartphones and tablets allow us to perform the same tasks we would otherwise perform in an office

Enjoy making use of digital centralization!

Top Offerings of CES 2018

CES 2018 has introduced some world-class tech gadgets whose technological innovations are far beyond our imagination. Tech companies are not leaving a single chance to surprise us and to show-off their skills in the world’s biggest Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas in 2018.



As the Electronics show has just come to an end, its high time to know about the world’s most advanced and exquisite tech devices that have currently become a rage in the industry.

So, let’s start with some of the best devices shown in the CES 2018.

Televisions

Samsung The Wall

source: samsung.com

Samsung has shown what is going to be the next big thing after LCD and OLED screens, and it is called the MicroLEDs. Instead of a single light emitting diode (LED), MicroLEDs is a collection of millions of light emitting diodes arranged in an array.



Wall possess a huge screen size of 146 inches and pixel size of 0.8 millimeters for creating an ultimate viewing experience. The company has truly set the standard for future screen technology.

The company is also ready to showcase the world’s first QLED TV with 8K AI technology in the second half of 2018.

Smartphones

CES 2018 has noticed an immense advancement in different smartphones technologies. But, a few that creates a lasting impression are:

Honor View 10

source: xda-developers.com

Honor View 10 is a 6-inch phone that possesses an AI-enabled processor and camera to enhance the overall experience. The phone is having tons of storage capacity and also fits well in the budget smartphone segment. The phone has raised the bar for features of budget smartphones.

Vivo In-Display Fingerprint Sensor

source: cnet.com

Another technology that became successful in grabbing everyone’s attention is the in-display fingerprint sensor from Vivo. Now, there is no need to incorporate a home button, touching the screen only from a specific location will help to unlock the mobile. This technology will surely make its way to the smartphones of different brands in 2018.

Cars

Fisker’s EMotion

source: pcmag.com

Fisker’s new Emotion electric sedan is a thing not worth missing. If you are an admirer of technology and beauty, Emotion will surely take your breath away with its stunning looks inside-out. The car comes with level 4 autonomous driving system which means that it can drive itself in almost all the situations. Its Carbon fiber body makes the car strong and light.

Its fast charging battery has the capability to run the car at the top speed of 160 miles per hour, and its futuristic butterfly doors are enough to take your heart away. Overall, a stunner that is here to give a tough fight to electric cars.

Laptops

Acer Swift 7

source: cnet.com

Acer Swift 7 debuted as the world’s thinnest laptop with only 0.39-inch thickness and 2.48 pounds of weight. The laptop not only feels great but looks equally good. Acer has also given some great looks to Swift 7 with its clean and sturdy finish.

The laptop will be available with a price tag of $1,699 packed with an HD touch display, 4G LTE connectivity, and Intel Core i7 processor.

Convertible Laptops

Dell XPS 15 2-in-1

source: laptopmag.com

Dell XPS range is popular for its amazing laptops with great looks and working processors, and Dell XPS 15 is another addition in the range of convertible laptops. Though it seems that a 15-inch display is pretty impractical to be carried as a tablet, its thin bezel and lightweight body make it a delight to work on it as a tablet.

Smart Wearable

Matrix PowerWatch X

source: newatlas.com

Matrix Powerwatch X is a smart wearable watch that has the capability to get charged from the user’s body heat. The thermometric energy converter converts body heat into battery power and it is the first smartwatch in the world that comes loaded with the technology.

Also, there is 200m water resistance and it comes with a nearly indestructible rubber strap.

Misfit Path

source: ultimatepocket.com

Misfit Path is a beautiful thin watch that looks more like an analog watch but highly accurate in tracking steps, keeping track of calories burned, distance, and sleeps and also for receiving calls, text messages, app notifications from phone etc.

Above all, the watch is water resistant, stylish, and affordable. Also, it’s pretty impossible to recognize that it is a smartwatch to track fitness so it can be easily carried to formal parties or outings.

Robots

Sony Aibo 

source: theverge.com

Sony Aibo is the most attention-grabbing robot in CES 2018. Aibo can look and recognize you, it can give some adorable expressions to you, it responds to your actions and instructions just like an original puppy. It can learn from its environment, remember 5 people at a time – it means a complete family, it can also stream video through its nose and nuzzle your hand. Aibo is also the sweetest looking robot made to date.

Foldimate Laundry Folding Robot

source: mashable.com

Wouldn’t it be great if you get all the help for folding the laundry at home from a robot? Just put your clothes in and the machine will help you in folding all the clothes and dispense them into a neat pile.

Smart Home Devices

JBL Link View

source: 9to5google.com

Almost all the big tech giants are in the race of making your home a smarter place and thus enabling voice commands in different smart home devices. The one that grabbed our attention is JBL Link View from Harman international.

It comes with a 5.9 inches HD touchscreen display. The device comes with two front-facing 10W speakers and rear facing passive radiator for deeper bass. It also has a chrome cast for multi-room playback. Users can view pictures, stream audio and video, ask questions, scan recipes, and video call with family and friends. It can be said that has every capability to make your home a smarter place.



Though there were a large number of gadgets and devices, I have brought for you some that have created a lasting impact in the world of technology. Read the full review of CES 2018 here: The CES 2018.