Top 5 Trends Emerging For Today's Digital Families
From
ever-present smartphones to increasingly sophisticated gaming consoles to
on-the-go electronic devices, today’s families rely more heavily on technology
than ever before. Where families once functioned with essentially a desktop
computer and a gaming console, they now view technology as integral to their
daily lives and have incorporated a succession of computers, tablets, mobile
devices, apps, games, and social media platforms that allow them to work and
play in ways never imagined. On the heels of the 2012 Consumer Electronics Show
and through trendspotting in the Mom space, here’s our list of the Top 5 Trends
for Today’s Digital Families, along with some examples of hot new
products:
Power Up! As families become fully immersed in
today’s digital times, they’ve realized they can’t afford to let their
ever-present devices – phones, laptops, tablets, GPS, digital cameras, and more
– run out of power, either at home or on the go. From creating batteries and
power packs as slim as possible to getting more efficient power at home to
charging multiple devices while on the road, maintaining “Power-on-the-Run”
emerged as a key focus for innovators and consumers
alike.
- Highway Pro: Provides two USB ports for in-car charging
- Powerbag: A backpack that includes charging capabilities
- ZAGG Sparq 2.0: Offers on-the-go battery power
Break-Through Product
Protection. With families investing financial resources in buying,
maintaining, and updating electronic devices, significant interest surrounds
making sure these innovations stay protected – whether from the elements,
overall use, or worse. This year’s CES featured a whole host of products that
protect our digital tools from the inside to the
outside.
- HzO: Protects electronic devices internally from water
damage
- 3M Privacy Screen Protector: Provides privacy and
protection for iPhones
- LoJack for Laptops: Offers various levels of laptop
security and protection
Amplify with
Accessories. As much as families enjoy their electronic gadgets, they
can always be made better with the addition of accessories or apps that heighten
and enhance their effectiveness. From an app that turns our iPhones into a
postcard delivery system to a lens that clips onto a Smartphone, these
accessories serve to make electronic devices all the more
indispensible.
- Postcard on the Run: Transforms photos into custom
postcards
- Ollo Clip: Extends iPhone camera capabilities with three
lens options
- Steadicam Smoothee: Creates more precise Smartphone
videos through a stabilizing device
Smart Home
Evolution. New innovations continue to emerge that bring families
one step closer to the ultimate wired smart home. From high-tech locking devices
to enhanced in-home phone systems, homes continue to evolve for the
better.
- SimpliciKey: An electronic system offering three
different locking mechanisms
- Skype GE 31591: Brings Skype technology to existing
landline phones
Next-Generation
TV. For
most families, the television set remains a centerpiece of relaxation and
downtime, and parents and kids alike have marveled at its evolution. Despite
competition from an assortment of electronic gadgets, televisions continue to
advance with a never-ending stream of innovations, devices, and gaming options
that keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
- Slingbox Pro-HD: Allows families to tap into their home
TV via mobile devices