The program has identified three themes that it believes will drive innovation in 2011, according to Chris Carfagnini, executive director of the emerging technology and media group at Alcatel-Lucent.
One theme is to develop ways to transform the retail experience by using a variety of technologies, such as LTE-connected kiosks, cloud services, and video chat to facilitate conversations between consumers and brand personnel. These types of applications, some demonstrated by ng Connect partners in 2010, are expected to enter commercial use in 2011, and when they do so they will push the notion of digital signage into new realms.
"There is high interest in this next generation of signage," Carfagnini said. "It is not a digital billboard. It is a two-way interactive portal. And because of LTE, you can place it anywhere there is a power plug."
A second focus area for 2011 will be to develop universal media creation and consumption applications that companies can offer to promote connectivity on the network and drive revenues. To give an example of the types of applications ng Connect members are pursuing, Carfagnini described a LTE-connected camera that will be able to quickly upload photos or stream video to the cloud in real time as the user takes pictures. The camera could also be used with an adaptor to give users an option to connect to Wi-Fi networks when desired.
The third area of development for 2011 is to develop intelligent applications for machine-to-machine services that can work automatically, without user involvement. A blood pressure monitor that can automatically notify a doctor if a patient's condition exceeds certain parameters is one example of the type of intelligent machine applications ng Connect members are pursuing. Members are also developing smart meter and smart grid applications for the utility industry and home automation applications to help consumers with child care and housecleaning activities.
Carfagnini attributes the ng Connect program's growth and success so far to its unique partnership formula, which considers technology, business as well as consumer perspectives in all of its work.
"This model is so overarching that it attaches itself to multiple industries," he said. "The whole idea is to make things happen.
Source: Fiercewireless
No comments:
Post a Comment