We are experiencing a direction in technology in which gadgets and media tools are allowing us to segregate intimate communication more and more. From texting to Twitter, we seem to be getting further and further away from each other. Following that trend is the Drops Interface, which may be one of the most impersonal devices yet.
Similar to the idea of 'My 5,' the Drops Interface allows you to choose a network of your six closest contacts through these microchips. When you want to know you're thinking of that person or would like to contact them in the future, you simply "poke" the chip and it sends a glowing notification to their Drops Interface. Kind of weird, eh?
On the upside though, this may help to greatly reduce the amount of money we sink into communication devices each month.
Credit-Crunch Communication Devices
The Drops Interface Will Cut Your Mobile Bill in Half
Trend Themes
1. Intimate Communication Segregation - The trend of further limiting personal communication opportunities creates opportunities to find alternative ways to maintain personal connections.
2. Simplified Communication Networks - The trend of narrowing our social networks to a select few creates opportunities for devices that optimize communication between those individuals.
3. Innovative Device Interfaces - The trend of developing unconventional and impersonal interfaces creates opportunities to re-imagine the way we interact with technology.
Industry Implications
1. Mobile Devices - With the Drops Interface aiming to cut mobile bills in half, there are opportunities to provide more cost-effective communication options.
2. Network Providers - The development of communication devices like the Drops Interface can disrupt the traditional business models of network providers.
3. Consumer Electronics - With the emergence of more unconventional interfaces like the Drops Interface, there are opportunities to develop innovative and unique consumer electronic devices.