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Location , Location , Location
> Modern tech relies heavily on location-based services — and it ’ s spurring development of apps to amp up services . Consider Google Now , available on Android systems , that pushes important docs — like your boarding pass — to your device when you arrive at the airport . Depending on where you ’ re flying , you may encounter beacon apps in the airport , too . Beacon technology , or “ ambient context identification ,” uses Bluetooth to connect with a user or consumer through an app . While it ’ s not completely seamless yet — users have to have location services on , use the app and turn on permission for updates — beacon technology has inched into many industries , from tourism and real estate to education and retail . Wireless beacons placed throughout a store send
Sale ! users relevant updates . Context — and location — is everything . Hillshire Farms pushes coupons to users when they approach the section where products are sold in the grocery store . Stadiums and concert venues are using beacons to push seat upgrade notifications to fans .
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR BUSINESS Beacon technology is growing , and it ’ s growing rapidly . It represents a “ micro-marketing ” strategy , or one that targets a very specific , very tuned-in audience . Leverage these updated location-based services to better track , follow and pursue customers . If beacon tech doesn ’ t align with your business model , consider applying a micro-level strategy to a social media or other campaign .
INDUSTRY 4.0 .
> That ’ s the latest buzz word for the techdriven revolution currently underway . Consulting firm McKinsey says manufacturing will evolve to rely on in-factory sensors , increased use of analytics and data science , in-factory use of augmented reality like Google Glass ®, and increased use of 3D printing for the mass market . Industry 4.0 refers to the integration of sensors into factories . Industry 3.0 was automated manufacturing , Industry 2.0 was the rise of electricity , and Industry 1.0 was the
adoption of steam power . : The percentage of
40-50 % equipment in factories that will have to be replaced over the next decade to adapt to advances in technology , according to a report from McKinsey .
Connected in the City
City administrators in New York City are funding $ 70M in a push to expand access to highspeed broadband across the five boroughs . The move , announced in May , is part of a 10-year plan to bring affordable access to low-income homes , as well as boost public WiFi spots in the city .
In transit ? Use WiFi at 40 of the city ’ s subway stations , the second rollout of a $ 200M plan to provide data and cellular connectivity in all 277 stations by 2017 .
2 | SNB . COM // CONNECT TECHNOLOGY SUMMER 2015