Different from the act of sitting down at your computer, logging into skype and calling one of your contacts, the Connbox is intended to be used more like one would use a baby monitor. The contraption comprises a removable webcam and a compact screen that displays the images of people on both ends when they're connected from two different locations.
Intended to work with Google Chat and Google Voice, the BERG prototype's entire purpose is to link two distant spaces in a casual manner. Both parties can have a conversation or go about their usual business at home with the Connbox on, in the office or on vacation, both experiencing the comforting illusion that they're close together.
What's Driving This Trend
- Continuous Webcamming
- The trend of continuous webcamming devices allows for ongoing connections between two people, similar to a baby monitor.
- Casual Remote Communication
- The trend of casual remote communication devices like the Connbox offers a more relaxed and informal way to stay connected over long distances.
- Virtual Proximity
- The trend of virtual proximity devices, like the Connbox, creates the illusion of being physically close together even when in different locations.
Who This Affects Most
- Telecommunications
- The continuous webcamming trend presents disruptive innovation opportunities for the telecommunications industry to develop new devices and services for remote communication.
- Home Automation
- The casual remote communication trend opens up opportunities for the home automation industry to integrate devices like the Connbox into smart home systems for seamless connectivity.
- Travel and Tourism
- The virtual proximity trend offers disruptive innovation opportunities for the travel and tourism industry to enhance the remote travel experience and create a sense of presence for travelers.
