Thalasar Ventures

New York, NY (PRWEB) January 03, 2015

Living in Digital Times, a series of conferences and exhibits at the 2015 International CES®, brings together the newest innovations and leading lifestyle technology experts with over 200 exhibitors and over 300 conference speakers this year. From kids that code, to high tech education, to family entertainment and tools, fitness and health and the growing senior dependency on technology, it’s clear that this year’s most innovative products at CES target consumers wanting a more digital lifestyle.

LIDT asked some top conference speakers to weigh in on the future of technology posing this question: What is the greatest impact technology will have on your field in 2015?

Advances in Technology

“Everyone in America will either have their own start up or they’ll be replaced by robots and just spend 2015 on the beach. Seriously, we can expect more collaborative maker environments and more startups doing great things. I also expect an upswing in brick and mortar stores because people are hungry for physical experiences, not just clicking. The electronic wallet and alternative forms or payment will begin to go mainstream and 2015 will be remembered as the year of the wearable.” – Robin Raskin, founder and president of Living in Digital Times

“The International CES will continue to be the place where companies big and small and from all facets of technology come together to share a common bond, a belief in innovation to help make the world a better place. In 2015, we’ll see gadgets coalesce into ecosystems to ensure even greater connectivity. Whether it’s your car, your home, or your mobile life, all of the various technologies you own will talk to each other to make our lives seamless, integrated and safer. We’ll see a new generation of products that just work.” – Gary Shapiro, president and CEO, Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) ®

Advances in Kids Tech

“2015 will be ‘more more more’ especially more apps made by small, smart, extremely motivated publishers. They’ll help Apple further dominate the multi-touch space, further crowding out video game and toy options. The great screen debate will mature in 2015, shifting from ‘no screens’ to ‘which apps’ and the effort to help children become coders and makers will be made easier thanks to more DIY robots and various types of kits. The hype surrounding 3D printing will shift to something worth getting excited about in 2015 — 3D Goggles.” – Warren Buckleitner, editor, Children’s Technology Review; Moderator, FamilyTech

“The toy Industry looks to technology predominantly for trends. These trends typically filter down to children over time. The toy industry also looks to technology to execute new and old features in less expensive and more exciting ways. However, I believe that the greatest impact technology has on our industry is the competition that comes from it, which ultimately takes away from the sales of traditional toys. That’s why it’s important for the toy industry to remember that, as much as technology changes, advances and continues to blow our minds, we need to not lose sight of the fact that a child still needs to feel that there’s a beating heart. I believe that the toy Industry understands this in profound ways that are unique to children.” – Ben Vardi, executive vice president, SpinMaster; Panelist, FamilyTech

Advances in Education

“In a word: results. When we apply the science of learning with personalized technology that engages students and meets their needs, we can better prepare them for success in college and subsequently in the workforce. And by developing technology that supports the digital ecosystems that our schools and universities are cultivating, we can make life easier and efficient for educators, as well.” – David Levin, president and CEO, McGraw-Hill Education; Speaker, TransformingEDU

“Now that higher education has fully recovered from the Spice Girls-esque phenomenon of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), colleges and universities are focusing on using technology to improve the affordability and efficacy of their programs that students and employers actually care about: degrees. Accredited universities are utilizing online delivery to enable competency-based learning, a much more cost effective way to deliver higher education, allowing students to earn degrees for as little as $ 5,000. Other universities are employing adaptive learning and gamification, which promise to significantly improve student outcomes.” – Ryan Craig, managing director, University Ventures; Panelist, TransformingEDU

“In 2015 we will see tremendous strides made in personalized learning. The birth of the ‘adaptive MOOC’ and more ‘Open MOOCs’ will kick start the Webification of education. The Web is the most robust publisher of learning content in the world. The problem is getting that information into a learning environment that’s malleable and supportive of content of all kinds. We’re not there yet, but when it happens it might be the most transformative moment in education in the last 100 years. Publishers will thrive when this happens, too. They will be able to move beyond teaching institutional knowledge and double down on specialty content that only publishers can create, thus building a bigger moat around their business model. In addition, we will see a focus on the personalized learning experience more than the underlying technology. Many have built personalized learning solutions, but where they have failed is making them modular, adaptable, enjoyable experiences. That’s gonna chance and for the better in the coming 12 months.” – Andrew Smith Lewis, founder and executive chairman, Cerego; Panelist, TransformingEDU

Advances in Fitness and Health

“When it comes to social fitness there are three types of consumers. Those who share everything with everyone, those who share directly within their fitness community and those who track fitness data solely for personal development. To truly develop an ecosystem that provides useful information for all three of these audiences will be the challenge in 2015. Keeping existing athletes motivated and encouraging them to expand their social networks to those just starting their fitness journey is the real opportunity for growth.” – Robin Thurston, SVP Digital, Under Armour; Presenter, FitnessTech Summit

“The connected health revolution is transforming our habits by putting us at the front and center of our own health management. In order for technology to truly serve its purpose beyond early adopters, it must be invisible. Wearable needs to become truly wearable with genuine fusion between fashion and technology. Stationary sensors need to be embodied into beautiful hardware that does not come in the way of our daily routine. Upon achieving these principles, connected health devices and the technology inside of them can become true lifelong companions for better health and wellness.” – Cedric Hutchings, CEO, Withings; Speaker, Digital Health Summit

“Within the headphone category and sports headphones in particular you will see a lot more convergence with other wearable technologies. This will not only simplify the daily routine of bringing these health and fitness devices into one’s life but also make for a better value proposition encouraging more to do so.” – Bruce Borenstein, president & CEO, AfterShokz; Panelist, FitnessTech Summit

“2015 will be the year in fitness tech where the conversation moves beyond the latest whiz bang device and evolves beyond the simple reverence for more data. We will and we must start talking in terms of information and advice and acknowledge the role that coaches and trainers, be it virtual or in person, play in the larger equation.” – Michael Yang, managing director, Comcast Ventures; Moderator and Panelist, FitnessTech Summit

“The transformative changes happening across the healthcare landscape, which are being fueled by new players, products, business models, and record amounts of venture capital, have elevated the dialogue about being and staying healthy. Our job in 2015 will be to leverage technology to make health information more understandable and actionable, to improve access and the quality of care, and to help people be better healthcare consumers so they can live healthier lives.” – David Schlanger, chief executive officer, WebMD; Special Guest, Digital Health Summit

Advances in Wearables

“There will be a greater pull for highly functioning – yet aesthetically beautiful – wearables that enable a deeper connection to ourselves, our environment, and each other. Well-designed brain sensors will markedly disrupt the field of wearable technology by democratizing access to inner workings of the brain and behavior, allowing people to do more with their mind than they ever thought possible.” – Ariel Garten, CEO and co-founder of InteraXon; Panelist, FamilyTech

Advances for Seniors and Baby Boomers

“Technology can bring independence and connectedness, which can result in happier lives and offer real possibilities for people as they age. AARP recognizes that Americans 50+ are ready, willing and able to take advantage of emerging technology in 2015. These new technology products will utilize sensors that are more sensitive and less intrusive. Wearables, such as designer-quality connected watches, will surface that easily respond to voice command and address multiple needs around health and fitness, medication management, and emergency response – and also tell time. Products with greater interoperability for the connected home will be among new options. We will also see a growing number of technologies for older adults that link in their caregivers, as well as a growing number of products designed for younger age groups being bought and used by older age groups where ease of use, and plug-and-play, are the standard.” – Jody Holtzman, senior vice president, Thought Leadership, AARP; Speaker, Lifelong Tech Summit

“2015 will see two key transitions. First, the adoption of consumer technologies will play an increasingly important role in connected healthcare due to the efficiency gains through using consumer devices and bring-your-own-device models. Secondly, cost and quality accountability will continue to be a focus for healthcare institutions. These two trends together will drive a transition for connected healthcare as institutions transition from ‘pilotitis’ to ‘standard of care’ for the on-going management of those with chronic conditions and post-acute transitions. This combination, coupled with proven financial sustainability of these models, will help grow these care models in scale.” – Marcus Grindstaff, vice president, US Sales and Global Market Development, Intel-GE Care Innovations™; Speaker, Lifelong Tech Summit

For a complete list of speakers and conference agendas, go to http://www.LivinginDigitalTimes.com.

Owned and produced by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)®, the 2015 International CES will occur January 6-9, 2015 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

About Living in Digital Times:

Founded by veteran technology journalist Robin Raskin, Living in Digital Times brings together the most knowledgeable leaders and the latest innovations impacting both technology and lifestyle. It helps companies identify and act on emerging trends, create compelling company narratives, and do better business through strong network connections. Living in Digital Times produces technology conferences, exhibits and events at the International CES and other locations throughout the year by lifestyle verticals. Core brands include Digital Health Summit, FitnessTech Summit, Lifelong Tech, Kids@Play Summit, Family Tech Summit, TransformingEDU, MommyTech TV, Wearables and FashionWare runway show, Mobile Apps Showdown, Last Gadget Standing, Battle of the Bands, and the KAPi Awards. The company also works with various foundations and manages the Appreneur Scholar awards program for budding mobile entrepreneurs. For more information, visit http://www.LivinginDigitalTimes.com and keep up with our latest news on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook.

About CES:

The International CES is the world’s gathering place for all who thrive on the business of consumer technologies. It has served as the proving ground for innovators and breakthrough technologies for more than 40 years—the global stage where next-generation innovations are introduced to the marketplace. As the largest hands-on event of its kind, CES features all aspects of the industry. And because it is owned and produced by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA), the technology trade association representing the $ 211 billion U.S. consumer electronics industry, it attracts the world’s business leaders and pioneering thinkers to a forum where the industry’s most relevant issues are addressed. Follow CES online at CESweb.org and through social media: cesweb.org/social.

Media Contacts:

Linda Krebs/Sarah Gartner

LKPR, Inc. for Living in Digital Times

LK@LKPublicRelations.com/Sarah@LkPublicRelations.com

646-484-4539/631-327-6307