Ten hot consumer trends in the Internet of Senses, says Ericsson ConsumerLab
Consumers expect an array of beneficial services from connected technology interacting with our senses of sight, sound, taste, smell and touch to be a common reality by 2030. The consumer predictions about the Internet of Senses are among the expectations highlighted in the ninth edition of the Ericsson ConsumerLab Hot Consumer Trends report.
The Internet of Senses will be enabled by technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), 5G and automation. Consumers predict that by 2030 screen-based experiences will increasingly compete with multisensory ones that will be almost inseparable from reality.
Based on comprehensive research, the ConsumerLab Hot Consumer Trends 2030 report represents the expectations and predictions of 46 million early technology adopters.
Main drivers for the Internet of Senses include immersive entertainment and online shopping, the climate crisis and the corresponding need to minimise climate impact.
Dr. Pernilla Jonsson, head of Ericsson Consumer & IndustryLab and co-author of the report, says: “We’re talking about a shift from current smartphone-based internet connectivity to immersive experiences resulting from our senses being connected.”
“This report explores what that could mean for consumers, with Augmented Reality glasses as the entrance point. We did not expect the extent to which consumers already envisage vast changes to our daily lives driven by sensory connectivity through Artificial Intelligence (AI), Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), 5G and automation.”
Dr. Michael Björn, Head of Research Agenda, Ericsson Consumer & IndustryLab, and co-author of the report, says: “We often imagine the future as a linear development from today. But we already need to consider what opportunities and challenges a world where all human senses are digitalised will bring.
“For example, it could play a significant role in climate action and carbon footprint reduction. Many activities can be digitalised to reduce their climate impact. You could go to work, go on vacation, and travel the world, all from your home.
“Consumers expect concerns about individual privacy in the Internet of Senses to be addressed by the industry. For example, possible public concern that our senses could be manipulated to purchase items or services. People will expect necessary protections and guarantees to be put in place.”
The 10 Hot Consumer Trends for 2030 – Internet of Senses are:
1. Your brain is the user interface
59% of consumers believe that we will be able to see map routes on Virtual Reality glasses by simply thinking of a destination.
2. Sounds like me
Using a microphone, 67% believe they will be able to take on anyone’s voice realistically to fool even family members.
3. Any flavour you want
45% predict a device for your mouth that digitally enhances anything you eat, so that any food can taste like your favorite treat.
4. Digital aroma
Around 6 in 10 expect to be able to digitally visit forests or the countryside, including experiencing all the natural smells of those places.
5. Total touch
More than 6 in 10 expect smartphones with screens that convey the shape and texture of the digital icons and buttons they are pressing.
6. Merged reality
Virtual Reality game worlds are predicted by 7 in 10 to be indistinguishable from physical reality by 2030.
7. Verified as real
“Fake News” could be finished: half of respondents say news reporting services that feature extensive fact checks will be popular by 2030.
8. Post-privacy consumers
Half of respondents are “post-privacy consumers”: they expect privacy issues to be fully resolved so they can safely reap the benefits of a data-driven world.
9. Connected sustainability
Internet of senses-based services will make society more environmentally sustainable, according to 6 in
10. Sensational services
45% of consumers anticipate digital malls allowing them to use all five senses when shopping.
The report insights are based on Ericsson ConsumerLab’s global research activities spanning more than 24 years. It primarily draws on data from an online survey conducted during October 2019 of advanced internet users in 15 cities around the world. They are Bangkok, Delhi, Jakarta, Johannesburg, London, Mexico City, Moscow, New York, San Francisco, São Paulo, Shanghai, Singapore, Stockholm, Sydney and Tokyo.
Comment on this article below or via Twitter:
Recent Posts
- Managing Remote Teams in the Tech Industry: Best Practices
- The Importance of Data Privacy and How to Achieve It
- The Benefits of Digital Transformation for Small Businesses
- How 5G is Transforming Communication and Connectivity
- How to Improve Software Development Collaboration with DevOps
- The Top IoT Trends to Watch in 2024
Archives
- November 2024
- October 2024
- September 2024
- August 2024
- June 2024
- May 2024
- February 2022
- January 2022
- December 2021
- November 2021
- October 2021
- September 2021
- August 2021
- July 2021
- May 2021
- April 2021
- September 2020
- August 2020
- July 2020
- May 2020
- April 2020
- March 2020
- February 2020
- January 2020
- December 2019
- November 2019
- October 2019