Source: NBK website. Tap & Pay can be enabled on a watch which is then tapped on the payment terminal to deduct money from an NBK card account.
The National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) is offering its Tap & Pay wearables for KD12 instead of KD25 to give more customers an opportunity to experience the technology.
NBK Tap & Pay is a secure payment solution technology that allows small purchases to be made without signing or using a PIN. Instead, customers place a Tap & Pay wristband or Tap & Pay sticker on their mobile phone on the payment terminal to deduct the amount from their NBK credit, debit, or prepaid card. Tap & Pay accepts purchases of up to KD100.
More than 7,000 restaurants, shops, entertainment centres, coffee shops and lifestyle brands now accept the NBK Tap & Pay service in Kuwait, in addition to different locations around the world.
“We’ve launched this promotion, offering a discount on Tap & Pay wristbands and stickers, to give customers a chance to try it out and discover how much easier this stylish and innovative payment technology makes their lives. Tap & Pay technology is convenient to use, seamless and simple. It makes small payments easy and safe while enhancing the checkout experience,” said Naser Alduwaisan, Cards Products Officer, National Bank of Kuwait.
Details:
The offer is available at NBK branches at The Avenues, Grand Avenues, Surra, Qurain, KNPC, Al-Hamra and Mishref. Phone orders are accepted via the NBK Call Center at 1801 801.
Source: Apple. Apple Watch 3 includes phone capabilities.
Apple has introduced Apple Watch Series 3, adding built-in cellular to the smart watch. Apple Watch Series 3 with cellular allows users to stay connected, make calls, receive texts and more, even without an iPhone nearby.
The third-generation Apple Watch is billed as a health and fitness companion with intelligent coaching features, water resistance of up to 50m1 and a new barometric altimeter that measures relative elevation.
Apple Watch Series 3 comes in two models, one with GPS alone and one with both GPS and cellular. Both feature a 70% faster dual-core processor and new wireless chip.
“We believe the addition of cellular will transform the way people use Apple Watch, providing a new sense of freedom since they can stay connected with or without their iPhone,” said Jeff Williams, Apple’s COO. “Apple Watch Series 3 combined with the power of watchOS 4 is the ultimate device for a healthy life.”
The combination of cellular and watchOS 4 will allow Apple Music users to stream 40 million songs right from their wrist.
Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS + Cellular) features a full LTE and UMTS cellular radio that switches seamlessly to cellular when it is away from an iPhone. Customers have the ability to make cellular calls directly with Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS + Cellular) and, when paired with AirPods, enjoy a seamless and fully wireless experience. The watch shares the same number as the owner's iPhone. To help get customers started, participating carriers are also offering special introductory cellular plans at launch.
Apple also pioneered an antenna design that uses the display itself as both a transmitting and receiving element for LTE and UMTS, while introducing a built-in eSIM that is over one-hundredth the size of a traditional SIM card. This makes over-the-air activation possible without compromising on space2.
Powering Apple Watch Series 3 is the S3, Apple’s third-generation architecture featuring a faster dual-core processor, which allows for quicker app launch times and smoother graphics, and, for the first time, enables Siri to speak using the built-in speaker. Apple designed a new custom wireless chip called W2, making Wi-Fi 85% faster and Bluetooth and Wi-Fi 50% more power efficient, while still providing all-day battery life and keeping the size virtually the same as before. Apple Watch Series 3 also features a barometric altimeter that assists with tracking activity, flights climbed and outdoor workouts, including elevation gain.
WatchOS 4 features an updated Heart Rate app, giving more insights to heart rate, including measurements during resting, workout, recovery, walking and Breathe sessions. Customers can also choose to receive a notification when their heart rate is elevated above a specific threshold while inactive. Other watchOS 4 highlights include the proactive Siri watch face that displays the information users need most throughout the day, an enhanced Workout app with new interface, custom High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) workout type and auto-sets for pool swims. With GymKit, users will soon enjoy the ability to connect to their favourite cardio equipment and experience two-way synchronisation of data with just a tap3.
The redesigned Music app experience automatically syncs playlists like New Music Mix and Favourites Mix, along with the user’s most listened to music. Later this year, Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS + Cellular) will stream music, giving users access to any song from Apple Music, straight from the wrist. The new Radio app also enables listeners to access Beats 1 live or any Apple Music radio station while away from iPhone or Wi-Fi.
In addition to silver or space grey aluminium, Apple Watch Series 3 now comes in gold aluminium, along with silver or space black stainless steel cases. All pair with an assortment of new bands and styles. The Woven Nylon is updated with a new pattern and the lightweight Sport Loop effortlessly adjusts to fit wrists.
Apple Watch Nike+ has been popular, and this fall (roughly Q3 to Q4), the partnership continues with both models of Series 3 pairing with a new pure platinum/black Nike Sport Band or Sport Loop in exclusive grey. The Nike Run Club app has been updated to introduce new features such as Audio Guided Runs that deliver coaching and motivation from Nike’s elite coaches, athletes and entertainers, and Cheers which makes running more fun by allowing friends to send audio-based cheers as motivation. Just Do It Sundays continues to provide inspiration and rewards from participation in the world’s largest running community.
Apple Watch Hermès models come with built-in cellular and pair with a collection of new bands, including the Single Tour Rallye in perforated Gala calfskin, inspired by the classic Hermès driving glove, and the Single Tour Eperon d’Or, in printed Gala calfskin, inspired by the equestrian scarf pattern designed by Henri d’Origny in 1974. A new watch face, inspired by the Carrick Hermès watch, also designed by Henri d’Origny in 1993, completes the existing selection of Hermès watch faces.
Interested?
Apple Watch is available in two different case sizes, 38mm and 42mm. Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS + Cellular) will be available in gold, silver or space grey aluminium, or silver or space black stainless steel paired with a variety of bands. Featuring new upgrades like a faster dual-core processor and wireless chip, along with a barometric altimeter, Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS + Cellular) also debuts a special red Digital Crown and exclusive “Explorer” watch face that shows cellular connectivity through a unique design.
Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS) will be available in gold, silver or space grey aluminium cases with a Sport Band starting at S$498. Apple Watch Series 1 is available in silver or space grey aluminium cases paired with a Sport Band with a new starting price of S$378. Models will be available from apple.com/sg and Apple Stores, as well as select Apple Authorised Resellers and carriers (prices may vary). Check for Singapore availability. Apple Watch Nike+ starts at S$498.
Beginning September 15, Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS + Cellular) will be available to order in 10 countries and territories, and Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS) will be available to order in 28 countries and territories. Both models are available in stores starting September 22.
Customers in the Asia Pacific and Middle East regions can order Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS + Cellular) beginning September 15, with availability beginning September 22 in Australia, mainland China, and Japan. Other countries will follow next year. Check for carrier availability.
Customers will be able to order Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS) beginning September 15, with availability beginning September 22 in Australia, mainland China, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, and Taiwan. Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS) will be available beginning September 23 in UAE. Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS) will then be available beginning September 29 in Guam, India, Macau, Thailand and Turkey, followed by availability beginning September 30 in KSA, Kuwait, and Qatar.
Apple Watch Series 1 is available on apple.com/sg and anywhere Apple Watch is sold.
Apple Watch Nike+ will be available to order on apple.com/sg beginning September 15, with limited availability from October 5 in Australia, mainland China, Guam, Hong Kong, India, Japan, KSA, Kuwait, Macau, New Zealand, Qatar, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, and the UAE. Apple Watch Hermès will be available to order on apple.com/sg beginning September 15, with availability beginning September 22 in Australia, China, and Japan.
New Apple Watch bands are available today on apple.com/sg and will be available soon at Apple Stores, as well as select Apple Authorised Resellers and carriers in the US and over 35 countries and regions, including Australia, China, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, and the UAE.
Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS + Cellular) requires iPhone 6 or later running iOS 11 or later and Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS) requires iPhone 5S or later running iOS 11 or later. Some features are not available in all regions or all languages.
Customers who buy Apple Watch from Apple will be offered free Personal Setup in-store or online3 to help set up and personalise their new Apple Watch with calendars, notifications, apps and more.
Anyone who wants to start with the basics or go further with their new Apple Watch can sign up for free Today at Apple sessions.
1 Apple Watch Series 3 has a water resistance rating of 50 m under ISO standard 22810:2010. This means that it may be used for shallow-water activities like swimming in a pool or ocean. However, Apple Watch Series 3 should not be used for scuba diving, waterskiing or other activities involving high-velocity water or submersion below shallow depth. Stainless steel and leather bands are not water resistant. 2 Apple Watch and iPhone service provider must be the same. Not available with all service providers. Roaming is not available outside your carrier network coverage area. Wireless service plan required for cellular service. Contact your service provider for more details. Check apple.com/watch/cellular for participating wireless carriers and eligibility. 3 In most countries.
Actxa has released the Spur, an all-day activity tracker with continuous heart rate monitoring and heart rate zone indication markers. A convenient alternative to the traditional chest strap, the Spur intends to make training in the different heart rate zones accessible to everyone, not just athletes.
Fitness enthusiasts and professional athletes have, for decades, used their heart rate to determine the ideal intensity levels for their training. The more intense your workout, the higher your heart rate is.
The Spur measures resting heart rate with a built-in sensor at the wrist, and helps calculate and track Warm Up, Fat Burning, Cardio, Intense and Maximum heart rate zones, buzzing when the wearer has entered or exited each zone.
"It's great that many of us are walking 10,000 steps daily, but it's important to do it at a moderate intensity to improve our cardiovascular health," explains Joel Chin, CEO. "We also need to make sure our sessions aren't too intense on recovery days. With the Spur, you get the guidance and monitoring you wish for, to plan your training schedule, so your body gets both the workout and rest it needs for better health."
In addition to monitoring your heart rate, the Spur also tracks step count, caloric expenditure, active duration time and distance travelled. Personal goals can be set and tracked with the Actxa App. The Spur also monitors the quality of a wearer's sleep.
"We want to make fitness attainable for everyone. A healthy lifestyle isn't just for the technologically adept or the elite athlete with their fancy equipment. It needs to be accessible for the regular person on the street," said Chin.
Interested?
The S$99 Spur is available in June 2017, and retails for S$99 online from Actxa, and at authorised retail partners. posted from Bloggeroid
FRED Technologies has launched a waterproof smart mirror, Mirror, designed to be a butler in the digital era. Features include:
* The Android-based Mirror is connected, so it can present the latest news and communicate with third-party lifestyle devices and applications.
* Two speakers built into its champagne gold brushed aluminium frame can broadcast music and accept voice commands.
* The smart display only turns on when a user steps towards it, and dims into a regular mirror when the user walks away.
* The Mirror keeps the environment fresh; with air purifying technology embedded.
Mirror is the signature model and first product by FRED Technologies, the brainchild of Jonathan Yuan, founder and Director, FRED Technologies. Yuan says Mirror is the result of his expertise in tiles and ceramics, and took off on looking for a way to create a mirror that is not prone mirror spots, the black spots on a mirror due to oxidation of the reflective mercury layer from excess moisture.
He adds, "Further, as the Mirror taps on the Android OS, the applications are limitless, and becomes very extensible to any smart appliances that are compatible with the OS. For example, the Mirror is perfect for the hospitality industry, where guests can harness the intelligence of the Mirror to check on local gifts to buy for families, city or suburban bus tours to book, and so on. And in the beauty and fashion industry, the Mirror can be applied to hairdressing and beauty salons to allow customers better use of waiting time while treatments are applied. I foresee the Mirror having literally a life on its own."
Source: Frednology. Mirror in action.
Interested?
Mirror is available online at S$2,700. It is a limited edition signature model, with only 500 pieces available worldwide.
· Dimensions: 800 x 500 x 18mm
· Screen: 15.6" (1,920 x 1,080 resolution)
· Weight: 9kg
· Colour: Champagne gold
· OS Version: Android 5.0
· Language: Multi-language
· RAM: 2GB DDR3
· ROM: 16GB eMMC FLASH
· Connectivity: Wi-Fi, 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0, USB 2.0
Garmin International has announced several new apps, data fields and watch faces available for Garmin users to download from its Connect IQ Store from companies including Uber, Trek, GU and Nuun.
Connect IQ, an open platform for third-party developers to create content for Garmin wearables, bike computers and outdoor handhelds, lets users customise their Garmin device to reflect their unique personalities and needs. Since its inception just two years ago, there have been more than 20 million Connect IQ downloads to the more than 3 million compatible devices that have shipped around the world.
“Connect IQ is a pillar of the Garmin wearables strategy which is centred on purpose-built devices for consumers who want to measure and enhance their active lifestyle pursuits, whether it’s running, cycling, swimming, golfing, boating, walking or simply being more active,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin VP of worldwide sales. “Just as each Garmin user is unique, so are all of the downloads available through Connect IQ. We’re excited to launch these new apps as we continue to integrate data from brands and developers and grow the Connect IQ store to make customising your Garmin device both useful and fun.”
One of the newest applications for Connect IQ is Uber ETA. Once a user has ordered a ride from the Uber app, Uber ETA will show the estimated time of the driver’s arrival directly on the Garmin wearable. Instead of going back and forth to the phone to see the status of the ride or key information about the driver, Uber ETA lets the user keep doing whatever they need to do while keeping track of their ride’s arrival on their wrist. Uber ETA will also provide the driver’s name, make and model of the car, license plate and guidance (direction and distance) to the pickup location.
Connect IQ downloads are also available for Garmin Edge GPS bike computers, including a new data field from Trek/Bontrager. Committed to cycling safety, the Connect IQ app from Garmin and Trek/Bontrager makes it easy for cyclists to get quick access to and control of their Bontrager headlights and tail lights without leaving the Edge activity during their ride. Cyclists see the battery level of multiple lights and control the light setting for each across automatic, daylight, nighttime and more.
Other new Connect IQ applications include a GU Energy Labs data field that reminds the cyclist Garmin Edge device when it’s time to fuel with GU Energy Gels while training and racing, as well as helping the athlete keep track of how many gels they should have eaten for optimal performance. Nuun Active Hydration users now have a new custom watch face to help them keep track of their step progress.
Garmin users will also benefit from other recently-released Connect IQ applications, including a widget from JOIN for cyclists that makes it easier to take part in group rides. In addition, various data fields are also available from Xert Advanced Power Analytics, including Maximal Power Available, Time to Exhaustion/Recovery, Fat/Carb Utilization, Strain Score and more. For runners, the Stryd IQ app displays data from a Stryd foot-mounted power meter onto a Garmin wearable to help improve running efficiency and longevity.
The Strava Live Suffer Score app is also available for both Garmin bike computers and wearables, analysing how much time the user spends in different heart rate zones, and measuring total activity effort with a simple rating. Also available for both wearables and bike computers, an update to the AccuWeather Edge MinuteCast Minute-by-Minute app that provides user with the most accurate hyper-local, by-the-minute precipitation forecasts for their active lifestyle.
Interested?
Connect IQ is available on a wide range of Garmin products across of all of the markets the company serves, and each app, widget, watch face and data field can be downloaded at no charge to the user. The Connect IQ Store can be found at apps.garmin.com or in the device tab of Garmin Connect. It can also be found in the device page of Garmin Express, or the More section of Garmin Connect Mobile
Local availability and pricing will be announced on a later date
· Survey reveals that 80% of consumers will likely shop online this year
· While 85% of consumers start using connected devices within the first day of receiving it, only 45% claim they take the proper security measures
· Consumers know it’s important to secure their devices, but nearly half (46%) are uncertain whether they are taking the proper security steps to do so
Intel Security has announced its second annual McAfee Most Hackable Holiday Gifts list to identify potential security risks associated with hot-ticket items this holiday season. The No. 1 most hackable gift category included laptops and PCs, followed by smartphones and tablets, media players and streaming sticks, smart home automation devices and apps, and finally, drones.
A recent distributed denial of service (DDoS) attack that crippled websites like Twitter, Reddit and Spotify was carried out by a botnet made up of unsecured webcams and other Internet of things (IoT) devices, and crippled many popular websites connected to the Dyn domain. Consumers can help fight these attacks by ensuring that their devices are updated and patched. Intel Security stresses that users have to understand
the risks associated with even the most unassuming of devices.
“Unsurprisingly, connected devices remain high on holiday wish lists this year. What is alarming is that consumers remain unaware of what behaviours pose a security risk when it comes to new devices,” said Gary Davis, Chief Consumer Security Evangelist at Intel Security. “Consumers are often eager to use their new gadget as soon as they get it and forgo ensuring that their device is properly secured. Cybercriminals could use this lack of attention as an inroad to gather personal consumer data, exposing consumers to malware or identity theft or even use unsecured devices to launch DDoS attacks as in the recent Dyn attack.”
To accompany the list, Intel Security conducted a survey to identify the
risky behaviours consumers are engaging in during the holiday season. While a majority of consumers are aware of the vulnerabilities in older connected devices like laptops (73%), mobile phones (70%) and tablets (69%), they lack awareness about the potential risks associated with emerging connected devices, such as drones (20%), children’s toys (21%), virtual reality technology (18%), and pet gifts (11%).
The year’s most hackable holiday gifts include:
1. Laptops and PCs – malicious apps targeting PCs are unfortunately common, and are not just limited to Windows-based devices.
2. Smartphones and tablets – Survey results revealed that 64% of consumers plan to purchase either a smartphone or tablet this holiday season. Just like PCs and laptops, malware could result in personal and financial information being stolen.
3. Media players and streaming sticks – users can unknowingly invite a cybercriminal into their living room by failing to update their device.
4. Smart home automation devices and apps – Today’s connected home devices and apps give users the power to control their homes from their smartphone. Unfortunately, hackers have demonstrated techniques that could be used to compromise Bluetooth powered door locks and other home automation devices.
5. Drones – Drone sales are expected to grow to more than US$20 billion by 2022. They can provide unique perspectives when it comes to shooting video and photos. However, not properly securing the device could allow hackers to disrupt the GPS signal, or hijack the drone through its smartphone app.
While 75% of consumers believe it is very important to secure their
online identities and connected devices, nearly half are uncertain if
they are taking the proper security steps. To stay protected for a happier and safer holiday season, Intel Security has the following tips:
· Secure your device. Make sure you have comprehensive security software installed.
· Only use secure Wi-Fi. Using devices such as smart home appliances on public Wi-Fi could leave users open to risk.
· Keep software is up-to-date. Apply patches as they are released from the manufacturer so that the device is protected from the latest known threats.
· Use a strong password or PIN. If the device supports it, use multifactor authentication (MFA) as it can include factors like a trusted device, your face, fingerprint, etc. to make your login more secure.
· Check before you click. Be suspicious of links from people you do not know and always use Internet security software to stay protected. Hover over the link to find a full URL of the link’s destination in the lower corner of the browser.
SHFT, a Red Dot Award 2016 winner, is a virtual running coach from Denmark from SHFT.
The wearable tracks and analyses
full body running data and statistics via two intelligent pods. The
running data is translated into easy-to-follow and real-time
coaching instructions. SHFT expects the device to help runners perfect
their personal technique, reduce injuries and correct bad habits through
the instructions.
The pods
fit most shoes without obstructing the laces.
The Red Dot Award is one of the largest and most prestigious design awards in the world. In
2016, the award received a record 5,200 innovations from 57 nations. A
jury panel of 41 international experts debated in Germany over three days to
select the product designs that represent the best of design today.
Interested?
Starting 1 August 2016, the Red Dot Museum in Singapore will present a collection of
products which have been named in Red Dot Award: Product Design
2016. The museum is at 28 Maxwell Road, Red Dot Traffic Building,
Singapore 069120. It is open Monday to Sunday from 11am to 8pm.
Plantronics has announced Plantronics Manager Pro v3.8 and the new Asset Analysis suite. Plantronics Manager Pro is a software subscription service that customers and partners can use to manage audio communications devices, enabling them to gain insights into their business communications processes, how to streamline them, and generate more positive outcomes such as increased first call resolution.
The Plantronics Manager Pro Asset Analysis suite allows users to:
• Track device deployment and configurations, reconfigurations, and firmware updates
• Find non-standard firmware, software, softphone, and communications client deployments
• Use user personas to define standard device settings that ensure an optimal user experience and comply with workplace security, health, and safety policies.
When analytics are built directly into business processes, it helps reduce human and financial resource expenditure. Plantronics Manager Pro with Asset Analysis enables the IT manager to quickly run an inventory report to see who has particular headsets, their operational status, and to which softphones they are connected.
One of the greatest values is seen by customers deploying new unified communications. Customers can identify user personas throughout their organisation and match the right headset to their communication styles. With Plantronics Manager Pro, they can subsequently establish the right mix of system-defined and user-defined settings and push them out to the headsets, so that on first use, everybody’s experience is customised to their requirements. This service can help speed user adoption through reports showing if and how the headsets are being used, and can ensure valid configurations. It also lets IT know things like who may benefit from additional training or configuration changes.
Plantronics Manager Pro with Asset Analysis allows contact centre managers to equip customer service representatives (CSRs) with the right tools to provide the best customer experiences. The service allows the contact centre manager to create standard configurations for the CSR workspace that foster the best customer and CSR experience, and lock them in place.
Interested?
Plantronics Manager Pro and Asset Analysis suite are available under an annual subscription from Plantronics Approved Resellers in Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore for the Asia Pacific region. The offer will be expanded globally in the coming months.
Source: Broadcast Wear website. Control what's on the shirt with an app.
Broadcast Wear has launched a touch-enabled programmable t-shirt, heralding new applications for marketing.
The Hyderabad-based company’s brainchild features a flexible, washable LED screen integrated into clothing that can be paired with the Broadcast Wear smartphone app to instantly display any text or design. The t shirt can be tapped once to switch the screen on, and then again to switch itself off.
The same t shirt could be used for different marketing campaigns, standing out well especially at night. “Broadcast Wear is the future of self-expression. It’s your digital canvas to communicate with the world. The microcontroller and Bluetooth chip in the programmable t-shirt connect wirelessly to your smartphone, so that the LEDs display anything you type,” said Broadcast Wear Founder Ayyappa Nagubandi.
Samsonite has introduced the Track&Go suitcase that is likely to reduce luggage theft by ensuring the suitcase can always be identified, similar to the way prank calls disappeared after caller ID was introduced.
The suitcase contains a Bluetooth beacon which uses Eddystone Ephemeral Identifiers (EIDs), an open privacy/security protocol by Google. Designed and manufactured by Accent Systems, the beacon enables the Track&Go suitcase. It has to be registered by the owner through the Travlr by Samsonite app, which is available free of charge. The app was launched in September 2015 to offer flight tracking, tips and reminders when travelling.
The new Track&Go feature will soon be built into the existing app, allowing users to easily check the location of the suitcase within a distance of 70m, and also be notified if it is being moved closer or further away from the user. Should the suitcase go missing, the owner can easily flag it as lost in the app. Once flagged as 'lost', the app leverages its user base to help the suitcase's owner find it. Should anyone else, using the app, pass within 70 m of a lost suitcase, an EID-based signal is picked up and triggers a notification with location and time details of the suitcase to be sent out to the owner.
According to Accent's web page, its Bluetooth low energy beacons can last up to about 100 months depending on the model and what it is used for.
"We're excited to work with Google on this project to make sure that our beacons support Eddystone EIDs. Missing or permanently lost luggage is the nightmare of every traveller. As the world's largest luggage manufacturer, we wanted to find a way to make this issue a thing of the past," says Ramesh Tainwala, CEO of Samsonite. "As Samsonite is known for its innovative and reliable luggage and bags, we also wanted to work with an equally as innovative and reliable technology partner.By leveraging Google's robust, secure and cross-platform approach, we feel confident that our customers will welcome this new solution."
Interested?
Samsonite aims to launch the first suitcases featuring the Track&Go solution in the European market at the end of 2016, followed by other international markets.
Consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies must fully embrace digital commerce or risk losing out to newer industry players in the battle for an estimated US$340 billion worth of market growth in Asia Pacific, according to Accenture.
In a new report, The future is now: understanding the new Asian consumer, Accenture estimates that the consumer goods and services industry will grow by as much as US$700 billion globally by 2020, with nearly 50%, or US$340 billion, of this growth coming from Asia—specifically China, Indonesia, India, Singapore and Thailand. China alone is expected to account for approximately US$200 billion, or 60%, of the growth in Asia.
“If CPG companies don't take action now, they risk losing out on the new generation of consumers. These companies must couple traditional models with new ones where consumer engagement is digital and one2one, social influence is perceived to be the trustworthy source and shopping is one click away,” said Fabio Vacirca, Senior MD in Accenture’s Products operating group in Asia Pacific. “The entire sales and marketing ecosystem is changing dramatically on the back of the new generation of consumers and pervasive digital technologies. In Asian markets, the change is faster and in many cases it means leapfrogging the traditional models.”
The report estimates that retail sales across Asia Pacific’s booming consumer markets are on course to top US$10 trillion by 2018, with approximately one-quarter of that amount coming from digital commerce. Yet despite the heavy influence from e-tailers and online marketplaces, the digital commerce market in Asia Pacific remains under-penetrated for CPG companies, particularly in the grocery-product category.
In addition, using knowledge of consumer preferences and their evolving demands, leading disruptors in the market, such as Alibaba, have been adapting by reinventing and tailoring offerings to redefine the value chain and make the consumer their focal point. The report identifies a number of steps that established CPG companies could take to seize growth opportunities and counter the threat of the new players:
Partnering with e-commerce platforms to reach new consumers/markets
Maximise value from cross-border e-commerce
Investing in brand building, with integrated marketing initiatives spanning online/offline
Adopting a ‘mobile first’ approach
Integrating e-commerce initiatives with social platforms to engage consumers and build trust
Investigating opportunities for product testing and product development through crowd-sourcing
Leveraging insights from big data to enhance and finetune customer interactions across multiple touchpoints.
The digital commerce opportunity for CPG
"The new Asian consumer expects a seamless shopping experience that saves time and makes life easier," said Mohammed Sirajuddeen, MD - Digital, Products, ASEAN, Accenture. Accenture researchers lived with respondents in China, India, Singapore to delve deeper into their thought processes when they bought online.
Despite the market seeing some digital transformation by CPG companies, Accenture’s research shows that consumers are not satisfied with their purchase journeys. Today’s top ‘ask,’ according to the report, is for a single platform where they can enjoy unique experiences that delight and enable their impulse decisions, receive tailored product recommendations that meet their desires immediately and where they are always connected to their favourite brands. "Time is very precious," observed Sirajuddeen. "(They say) 'I want digital to make my life much easier'. These expectations create huge opportunities for CPG companies."
Attitudes will evolve from 'give me what I want, when I want it' in 2016 to 'give me what I want when I need it' in 2020, Accenture said, and thereafter to 'give me what I want before I need it'. "Shopping will be fully integrated into 'life's moments'. Respondents want a smart digital assistant," explained Sirajuddeen.
This represents an outstanding opportunity for traditional CPG companies to capture the next wave of growth. By focussing on providing stronger digital commerce they can bridge existing gaps in consumers’ purchase journeys and provide the seamless shopping experiences they’re looking for.
“Technology will continue to evolve and influence how consumers shop in the future,” said Vacirca. “By better using digital technologies, CPG companies can engage with consumers on a real-time basis, allowing the companies to provide the maximum value within the minimum time. This will, in turn, create opportunities for CPG companies to control the consumer buying experience of tomorrow.”
Accenture Internet of Things Centre of Excellence
The research was launched at the Accenture Internet of Things (IoT) Centre of Excellence in Singapore. Accenture has called Singapore a "living lab" for e-commerce in the region, with its extremely cosmopolitan population, excellent logistics and deep mobile connectivity. The Centre brings market expertise, industry-leading practices, leading-edge technologies, and consumer research together to create an experience that empowers businesses to think differently about the future, and had been set up to showcase consumer IoT use cases on the day of the launch.
Vacirca noted that consumers in Europe and America are still more comfortable with physical stores and showrooms, whereas digital channels are embraced in the Asia Pacific region. " It's very important to show to our clients how new technology will change the way they will engage with their consumers. Asia (has an edge) on the rest of world in e-commerce in terms of speed and scale," he said.
“The next generation of digital commerce is here, and consumer empowerment enabled by smarter technologies will change how we shop and make purchases,” said Vacirca. “From the virtual reality room to its next-generation experience space, the Accenture IoT Centre of Excellence in Singapore helps businesses take advantage of the unprecedented opportunities that exist in the rapidly evolving digital marketplace.”
Accenture has worked with customers to conceptualise various ways of providing customer delight. One possibility is an 'always on' artificially intelligent device that can understand different languages and accents without training. Such a device, placed in a home, could order groceries or favourite foods when spoken to. Intelligent voice-activated devices worn by the user or placed in a store could provide additional information on products. Smart assistants on websites can go beyond scripts to offer more contextual responses such as recipe suggestions.
'Micromoments' are one possibility, small touches that make the shopping experience more seamless. Micromoments can be realised through using a handheld device as a portable shopping list, interacting with barcodes to identify products and enable purchases. Alternatively, pictures of a product taken on a mobile device can link straight to stores which sell that product. Mobile apps can also be used to control equipment and forecast how much food or drink might be required for a party.
Yet another concept is about the immersive store experience and virtual commerce. Virtual reality goggles allow people to shop together remotely, for example. Gamification through virtual or augmented reality can provide interactivity that provides discount coupons, adding an element of excitement to the shopping experience.
Royal Philips and Xiaomi, the Internet-driven smartphone company, have launched the Philips EyeCare connected desk lamp - designed to deliver optimal eye comfort as you read or work*.
By collecting and processing light signals through a light sensor and the smartphone camera on the Xiaomi smartphone, the Philips EyeCare connected desk lamp can calibrate the light to deliver the optimised light intensity for maximum comfort.
“We have teamed up with Xiaomi, China’s largest and one of the world’s top five manufacturers of smartphones, to deliver this exciting innovation,” says Olivia Qiu, Head of Innovation at Philips Lighting. “Philips recognises the benefit of combining expertise and skills to deliver country specific innovations that really impact people’s lives. The Philips EyeCare connected desk lamp is a great example of this in China.”
Liu De, Co-Founder and Vice President of Xiaomi, said, “We’re glad to collaborate with Philips, the world’s leader in lighting, who launched this innovative connected desk lamp in the online store of Xiaomi. This lamp can seamlessly connect with Xiaomi’s smart home ecosystem, creating a superb experience for our users. We believe this collaboration between the two strong companies is sure to improve the attraction of Xiaomi’s smart home platform, as well as its user experience.”
By using Philips Advanced Optical Lens Technology, the Philips EyeCare connected desk lamp reduces glare; and by using the Xiaomi Smart Home app users can adjust to the correct level of illumination needed, preventing unnecessary eye strain. It also eliminates light shining directly into the eyes with even light distribution. The result is less eye strain without any compromise on light quality.
Furthermore, the Philips EyeCare connected desk lamp can connect with other Xiaomi smart home devices through the cloud. The Philips EyeCare connected desk lamp can connect to Xiaomi door sensors and body sensors to deliver dynamic new lighting experiences at home.
Interested?
Philips EyeCare connected desk lamp will be available via Xiaomi's online retailing platform Mi Store from January 2016. It supports smartphones operating on Android 4.0 and iOS 7.0 and their upgraded versions.
*2012 Fudan University ENT Hospital on best light recipes for young adults.
HP Fortify has discovered that a full 100% of tested smartwatches exhibit security flaws. As part of an ongoing series looking at Internet of Things (IoT) security, HP today unveiled results of an assessment confirming that smartwatches with network and communication functionality represent a new and open frontier for cyberattack.
As they become more mainstream, smartwatches will increasingly store more sensitive information such as health data, and through connectivity with mobile apps may soon enable physical access functions including unlocking cars and homes.
“Smartwatches have only just started to become a part of our lives, but they deliver a new level of functionality that could potentially open the door to new threats to sensitive information and activities,” said Jeffrey Neo, Regional Director, Southeast Asia, HP Enterprise Security Products. “As the adoption of smartwatches accelerates, the platform will become vastly more attractive to those who would abuse that access, making it critical that we take precautions when transmitting personal data or connecting smartwatches into corporate networks.”
The study*, conducted by HP Fortify, questions whether smartwatches should store and protect sensitive data. HP leveraged HP Fortify on Demand to assess 10 smartwatches, along with their Android and iOS cloud and mobile application components, uncovering numerous security concerns**:
Insufficient user authentication/authorisation
Every smartwatch tested made it easy for third parties to gain access. For example, the watches did not support two-factor authentication, such as using a PIN from a separate device, and did not lock out accounts after three to five failed password attempts.
Lack of strong transport encryption
Data was sent in scrambled form as it is moved in the cloud, preventing it from being read easily, but 40% of the connections are open to attack.
Insecure interfaces
Thirty percent of the tested smartwatches used cloud-based web interfaces, all of which exhibited account enumeration concerns. In a separate test, 30% also exhibited account enumeration concerns with their mobile applications. Account enumeration refers to the practice of telling a user that the account name is correct but the password is wrong, allowing a list of valid user names to be harvested, and of confirming that an email address for resetting passwords is valid.
Insecure software/firmware
Seven in 10 of the smartwatches were found to have concerns with protection of firmware updates, including transmitting firmware updates without encryption and without encrypting the update files.
Privacy concerns
All smartwatches collected some form of personal information, such as name, address, date of birth, weight, gender, heart rate and other health information. Given the account enumeration issues and use of weak passwords on some products, exposure of this personal information is a concern.
As manufacturers work to incorporate necessary security measures into smartwatches, consumers are urged to consider security when choosing to use a smartwatch. It is recommended that users do not enable sensitive access control functions such as car or home access unless strong authorisation is offered. In addition, enabling passcode functionality, ensuring strong passwords and instituting two-factor authentication will help prevent unauthorised access to data. These security measures are not only important to protecting personal data, but are critical as smartwatches are introduced to the workplace and connected to corporate networks.
Interested?
Additional guidelines for secure smartwatch use are in the full report
*Conducted by HP Fortify, the HP Smartwatch Security Study used the HP Fortify on Demand IoT testing methodology which combined manual testing along with the use of automated tools. Devices and their components were assessed based on the OWASP Internet of Things Top 10 and the specific vulnerabilities associated with each top 10 category. All data and percentages for this study were drawn from the 10 smartwatches tested during this study. While there are certainly a fair number of smartwatch devices already on the market, and that number continues to grow, HP believes the similarity in results of the 10 smartwatches provides a good indicator of the current security posture of smartwatch devices. **HP Internet of Things Security Report: Smartwatches, HP, July 2015
MIT Technology Review’s EmTech Singapore event, has been conceptualised to discuss the convergence of technology, business, and culture. It is a showcase for the technologies that matter and how they’ll change the face of business and drive the new global economy. To be held 27-28 January 2015 at the Sands Expo and Convention Center, the event has opened for delegate registration.
The key themes for EmTech Singapore for 2015 are:
Digital Life
The Internet of Things (IoT), which marks a revolution in technological advancement, will be discussed alongside emerging platforms and a new era of computing. Topics also include wearable technology and the latest frontline innovation; how robotics is moving well beyond the factory; and how drones are interacting with humans and industry in new ways (agriculture, healthcare, and more).
Scott Farquhar, Co-founder and Co-CEO of Atlassian headlines this session alongside Marita Cheng, CEO, 2Mar Robotics Founder of Robogals; Jean-Christophe Baillie, Founder & President of Novaquark and Sonny Vu, Co-Founder of Misfit Wearables.
Healthcare & Life Sciences
Sessions under Healthcare & Life Sciences will examine the advancements that have occurred in the field of neuro-engineering; the future of genomics and medtech innovations that deliver cheaper, faster, more efficient patient care.
Speakers include Daniela Schiller, Assistant Professor, Neuroscience, Mount Sinai Hospital; Robert Nicol, Director of Sequencing Operations, The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard; and Alex Dickinson, Senior Vice President of Strategic Initiatives, Illumina.
Space 3.0
Speakers for Space 3.0 will examine how satellite technology can impact everyday life; whether space tourism is a near future reality; and how Space 3.0 will exploit commercial applications.
Steve Isakowitz, President, Virgin Galactic, Chris Boshuize, Co-Founder and CTO of Planet Labs Inc; Bonnie Dunbar, Director, UH STEM Centerm, University of Houston and Kay Soon Low, Director, Satellite Research Centre – Nanyang Technological University are speakers here.
Sustainable Innovations
EmTech Singapore 2015 will examine how sustainable innovations are addressing real world challenges. These include responding to changing demands for renewables and low carbon technology; integrating emerging technology to feed a growing global population; plus next generation urban development and sensible cities.
Speakers for Sustainable Innovations include Leslie Dewan, Co-founder & Chief Science Officer, Transatomic Power; Carlo Ratti, Director, SENSEable City Laboratory, MIT; and Daniel Hastings, Chief Executive Officer and Director Singapore MIT Alliance for Research and Technology.
Associated with the EmTech conference is the hunt for 10 regional Innovators under 35 who exemplify the spirit of innovation in business and technology. Organised by MIT Technology Review since 1999, Innovators Under 35 competition has honoured Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg, JB Straubel of Tesla, Silicon Valley veteran investor Marc Andreessen and Nobel laureate Konstantin Novoselov.
Nominations close 19 September 2014. Nominations for young researchers and entrepreneurs who are using technology to come up with creative and inspirational projects to provide solutions to global problems are encouraged. The 10 honourees are recognised not only for their advances in a field of research, but also for their capacity to make an impact on society as a whole, and to lead the future of technology. For details, visit the EmTech site. *Pictures from EmTech.
