• by Charlene Weisler , Op-Ed Contributor, October 1, 2014

I have been fortunate this past year to attend many different types of consumer-oriented conferences bringing together a myriad of technology companies, showcasing everything from 3D printing to Ultra HD viewing, from home security systems that monitor even minor changes in our living space to wearables that showcase our Twitter feeds, from hardware that turns our iPhones into macro cameras to software that turns our iPads into sketchpads.

I’m not sure how much I want my medical information to be recorded on an ongoing basis. And I don’t know if I really need an Ultra HD large-screen television that sets off my vertigo. Nor would I choose to ride in a sustainable car that looks about as big as a coffin. But despite my reservations, there are millions of others who are giddy about many of these new innovations. As always, for me, I want to understand how all of this industriousness – and, in some cases, pure genius -- will impact the media industry.

Many of these inventions do seem to have the capacity to transform the media experience for consumers -- not just through large HD screens, but also via signal-capturing that can enhance TV on-demand, anywhere and everywhere. Media companies are also benefiting directly, for example from cameras that cost about $99 with such high quality and adaptability that even broadcast networks are using them. Rechargeable power pack cells that can fit into your pocket can be used to dramatically extend the life of your cell phone, tablet or computer. This can enable long-form video viewing in remote regions even without easy access to reliable electricity. 

And technology devised for one purpose can be adapted for a completely different one. Take for example companies that track your biometrics through a strapped-on medical device or via a personal garment. Could any of this biometric feedback data be adapted to neuroscience research for strategic use by the media industry? Sure.

Despite Aereo’s challenges this year, there was still enthusiasm for accessing over-the-air television content from anywhere -- even right from any exhibition floor. Just like the game of whack-a-mole, if you manage to stop one company from capturing over-the-air TV, there will be several others who pop up and take its place as a cord-cutters option. Once the technology is out of the tube, there is no reining it back in. (This link includes a short video about one of the companies that can offer over-the-air video capture.)

What will succeed and what will fade in the fast-paced, high-stakes consumer electronics world remains to be seen. One thing is sure: There are some great creative minds focused on maximizing the application of technology in our day-to-day lives. Some results might be overkill or even creepily intrusive. But many could enhance our lives, and change the face of media and the dynamics of our business. So get ready, folks.