The ubiquity of devices such as wearables, the Internet of Things and 3D printing are three of the top 10 technology trends of 2015, states Gartner. Visitors to the SXSW Interactive festival, which ran from March 13th to 17th at the Austin Convention Center had the opportunity to learn about all of these and more from some of today’s leading experts and innovators Drones, biohacking and other up-and-coming technology were also in the spotlight.
Wearables
With the imminent release of the Apple Watch, the software giant is displacing rival brands, such as Nike, from its stores to make room for its new product, reports Apple Insider. SXSW attendees were ahead of the curve, with nearly half a dozen events covering every aspect of wearable trends. For instance, experts from companies such as Jawbone and Disney and representatives for celebrities such as Britney Spears and Gwen Stefani will talked about the impact of wearables on fashion in a panel called The Emperor’s New Wearables. Additionally, representatives from Home Security’s Science and Technology Directorate hosted a workshop on how innovators can help make wearables more secure in order to save lives.
3-D Printing
Berkeley’s demonstration of how 3-D printed cement can revolutionize architecture is just the latest application of this exciting new technology. Engineer Matthew Fiedler hosted the 3-D Printing Meet Up to help orient beginners about this revolutionary field. Visitors also had fun checking out the Smithsonian’s presentation, where a representative discussed the national museum’s digitization program and how you can print your own three-dimensional replicas of dinosaur fossils and other exhibits.
Drones
NASA is working with private developers to test an air traffic control system for drones, Popular Science reports. SXSW attendees learned what the experts are saying about private drone safety at a panel presentation entitled, “Drones Take Flight? Are They Ready for Prime Time.” The Drone Meet Up provided an overall orientation to the state-of-the-art products as well as a who’s who in drone technology. Meanwhile, other discussions covered specialized applications of drone technology, ranging from practical uses of drones to drone-based children’s toys and educational projects to fashion designs.
Biohacking
Kaspersky Labs recently threw its weight behind the development of cyborg technology with its partnership with Swedish biohacking community company BioNyfiken. Visitors got acquainted with the American biohacking community at the SXSW Biohacker Meet Up. Other SXSW biohacker events covered topics such as synthetic biology, the use of biohacking in biotechnology education and biohacking-based art.
These selections represent just a few examples of the emerging technologies covered at the SXSW Interactive this year.
These selections represent just a few examples of the emerging technologies that will be covered at the SXSW Interactive this year. You can find more information about this year’s technology and entertainment at The DIG.
~ David
Just another way to be tracked and spied on.