Forget smartwatches – in just five years, the upcoming generation of British teenagers could be fully immersed in AI-powered wearable technology, as indicated by a recent report.
Andrew Grill, a scientist and prominent futurist, suggests that connected apparel will enable shoes to communicate with each other and gather fashion insights from fellow pedestrians.
Envisioned within trainers is the integration of a 5G-enabled chip, facilitating communication with passersby. These shoes will store data concerning your unique style, preferences, budget, and lifestyle while gathering intelligence on trending fashion choices among similar shoppers.
According to Mr. Grill, the expansion of standalone 5G connectivity allows for the interconnection of numerous devices, not limited to smartphones but extending to various everyday items.
Furthermore, he proposes the integration of small, coin-sized devices into a wide array of products beyond footwear.
Collaborating with Vodafone, the futurist shares his projections on how 5G technologies, particularly 5G Standalone (5G SA), could revolutionize the UK landscape.
Apart from enhanced speeds, prolonged battery life, and increased connectivity options, the transformative potential of 5G extends to sectors like retail, entertainment, and sports, as per Mr. Grill.
These advancements are set to fuel a personalized AI fashion guide leveraging the predictive capabilities of platforms like ChatGPT, recommending new styles, brands, designers, and products for users to explore.
Drawing parallels to the concept of air tags, Mr. Grill envisions a future where independent, miniature Airtags inform and enhance individual style decisions without the need for direct interaction.
The prospect of diverse applications utilizing this technology in the future is vast, with a strong emphasis on informed fashion choices and sustainability.
Moreover, standalone 5G holds the promise of revolutionizing other facets of daily life, including entertainment and sports.
In the beauty industry, the convergence of 5G, 3D printing, and AI technologies could pave the way for personalized, on-demand cosmetics, reducing waste through tailored production based on digital requests.
These sustainable practices aim to minimize excess inventory by aligning production with consumer demand, fostering a more eco-conscious approach to manufacturing.
Additionally, the transformative potential of 5G SA extends to the realm of entertainment, offering viewers interactive experiences with their favorite TV shows.
For instance, shows like ITV’s Love Island could leverage 5G SA to enable viewers to influence storyline outcomes through real-time choices, blending real-life footage with AI-generated scenarios for a personalized viewing experience.
As technology advances, handheld devices may project images and videos onto various surfaces, enhancing on-the-go entertainment accessibility.
In the realm of sports, the integration of SA-powered chips in equipment and playing fields, coupled with multiple camera angles accessible via smartphones, could revolutionize decision-making processes, potentially rendering VAR obsolete.
The imminent rollout of a nationwide 5G SA network is poised to usher in a new era of innovation, transforming leisure activities and societal interactions across the UK.
Vodafone UK’s CEO, Ahmed Essam, underscores the necessity of 5G SA infrastructure, emphasizing the company’s commitment to delivering widespread 5G SA coverage to enhance connectivity and drive technological advancement in the UK.
