Skype and other Voice over Internet Protocol phone services; Wii and the next-generation gaming systems; and the business of social networking--those are the top three trends products, services and
trends that will define the new year, according to a list released by ad agency JWT on Wednesday. "Trends are illustrated by the products and services that exemplify them," Marian Salzman, executive
vice president, chief marketing officer of JWT Worldwide, said in a statement. "By examining what resonates with consumers, we can identify the larger patterns that will shape our lives in the years
to come." Rounding out the top ten are: Installation-style pop-up stores, restaurants and bars; "shrinky dink" technology like flats TVs and disappearing iPods; nanotechnology, which can already
prevent clothing stains, among other works of magic; sustainable construction and environmentally sound "green" buildings; hydrogen fuel cell technology; "veggie-buses," or school buses running on
biodiesel fuel; and the extension of trans-fats. "As globalization continues to make our world seem smaller, localization will come to a head in 2007," Ann Mack, director of trendspotting at JWT, said
in a statement. "We'll put great emphasis on sourcing everything from food to textiles. Decadent and excessive consumption will fall to the wayside as we stress quality, minimal environmental impact
and support of local producers."
-- Gavin O'Malley