Most exciting technology around digital innovation

Recently I have joined IBM Watson Research in NY and one of my first tasks was to (as a millennial) present some of the latest cool/hot/exciting technology around digital innovation and customer experience. Here are the top things we have presented with some of my colleagues:

1. DAQRI – Augmented Reality

DAQRI‘s disruptive technology empowers you to visualize and interact with data in a completely new way, bridging physical and digital worlds with revolutionary 4D experiences.

Other video available here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aGFAJP9YuyM

2. Skylight Project – Smart Glasses Software Platform

Skylight by APX-Labs is a software platform that companies use to create smart glasses applications. Skylight is for business scenarios where you need hands-free, in-context, real time information right where work is getting done.

3. PayPal Beacon – Automatic Hands-free Mobile Payments

PayPal Beacon is a Bluetooth Low Energy device to connect to a customer’s PayPal app when they enter a store. With one vibration or sound on your phone, you’ll know you’re checked in. And when you’re ready to make a purchase, all you have to do is say you’re paying with PayPal and the transaction is automatically completed: no cash, cards, taps, or signatures required—all hands free.

PayPal Beacon will connect consumers to enhanced shopping experiences such as automatically ordering your favorite dish at your usual lunch spot, or getting personalized service at your favorite clothing store. In addition, you can choose to accept messages from stores that you walk into, so that you can take advantage of special offers in the produce aisle.

4. Occipital Structure – Depth-Sensing Camera

The Structure is the easiest way to digitize the world. The iPad-mountable 3-D scanner uses diffracted laser light to create a depth map, which it can merge with an image from the tablet’s camera to create 3-D renderings of objects. Three apps currently work with the Structure—one scans objects, one maps rooms, and one is an augmented-reality game—but Occipital also released an SDK to developers, so they can make even more applications

5. Myo Armband – Gesture Control

Myo armband by Thalmic Labs senses gesture and motion control to seamlessly interpret what your hands and fingers are doing, and transmits that information over Bluetooth to communicate with your favourite digital devices.

6. Leap Motion – 3D Motion Control

The Leap Motion Controller senses how you naturally move your hands and lets you use your computer in a whole new way. Point, wave, reach, grab. Pick something up and move it. Do things you never dreamed possible.

7. Donna – Personal Assistant

Donna takes care of the little things so you can stop worrying. Ever find yourself late because you forgot to consider traffic, how long it takes to park, or how you’re getting there? Donna pays attention for you so you can focus your time on the people you’re with. She’ll let you know when it’s time to go—and even phone you if you want.

8. SmartThings – Smart & Connected Home

The SmartThings app and Hub will instantly connect to different sensors, locks, light switches, outlets, thermostats, and other compatible devices in your home. These devices can then communicate with you and each other to offer you security, peace of mind, savings, and limitless possibilities.

9. Level – Mobile Money Meter

Level Money automatically updates spendable cash as you make purchases each day, providing a simple, real-time picture of how you’re doing in order to stay in the black. Draw a straight line from everyday decisions to larger achievements and accomplish the things that matter.

10. Nest – Learning Thermostat

Most people leave the house at one temperature and forget to change it. So the Nest Learning Thermostat learns your schedule, programs itself and can be controlled from your phone. Teach it well and the Nest Thermostat can lower your heating and cooling bills up to 20%.