Tech Talks Central

Haakon Bryhni, CTO at Elliptic Labs and Guenael Strutt, VP, Product Development, two researchers with a clearly technical background, talk about the team’s research in the lab and how it led to a software technology that utilises ultrasounds for gesture recognition. Their patented ultrasound software technology can be as simple as opening a light with a gesture, up to permitting the replacement of the optical proximity hardware, on our mobile phones, with software. Something that actually brought strong funding and big business for the firm. Interviewed by Vicki Kolovou for Tech Talks Central.

We met Jeremy Copp at the Scottish Development International booth where he talked about their 3d mapping and visualization platform. Jeremy is the Chief Commercial Officer of eeGeo and he explained how data can produce amazing insights through visualisation and how it could be combined with other applications to improve the whole experience and enter the Smart Cities era. He also shared some interesting real case studies and future applications. Interviewed by Sakis Triantafyllakis for Tech Talks Central

Sean Huang, Global Head of Mobile at Quantcast and Amit Kotecha, Head of Mobile Marketing for Europe, discuss their findings from the survey they conducted in Europe, concerning mobile use. Amongst other trends they emphasize on how 64 per cent of consumers have been influenced to purchase by a mobile ad, a figure that rises to 80 per cent among millennials and how 76 per cent are more willing to accept relevant ads on their mobile device. Of course we did ask their thoughts on AdBlocking and what it means for advertisers. Listen to what they responded. Interviewed by Vicki Kolovou for Tech Talks Central.

Albert Forn, Associate Director at Mobile World Capital and Renee Jimenez, Manager at Mobile World Capital GSMA explain the purpose of the edu_Hack workshop coordinated by mSchools, the joint initiative by Mobile World Capital Barcelona and GSMA. Conducted during the weekend preceding MWC16, at the Arena in Plaza Espanya, they managed to bring together over 400 teachers from private and public schools to collaborate and develop ideas for integrating technology into schools. Although the audio was recorded under difficult conditions, the whole experience, watching these tutors use the business model canvas, was amazing. Interviewed by Vicki Kolovou & Yannis Rizopoulos for Tech Talks Central.

Kostas Sarafianos, Commercial Director at mPass explains how their new Internet of Things platform for retailers, Explor IT works. Although the concept is simple they hope to facilitate different retailers, who need something easy and manageable to enhance consumer experience. Interviewed by Vicki Kolovou for Tech Talks Central.

The CEO & Co-founder of CityCrop, Christos Raftogiannis, reveals what CityCrop is working on and how they make indoor farming automated. He highlights the value proposition of having a smart Internet of Things device for farming and what it can offer to every household. He goes on to explain why they attended 4YFN. Interviewed by Sakis Triantafyllakis for Tech Talks Central

Katre Kasmel, Head of Marketing & Communications e-Residency Team explains what the Esthonian e-Residency card entails, why they’re doing it and how developers can use their APIs to create software services. She talks about how entrepreneurs can open up their company in Esthonia, what the procedures are and emphasizes that by 2025 Esthonia wants to have 10 million e-residents. Interviewed by Vicki Kolovou for Tech Talks Central.

Prof. Kevin Curran, IEEE senior member & lecturer at Ulster Uni., Carl Uminski, Co-founder & COO at Somo Global, James Tagg, CIO at Truephone and Helen Keegan, Mobile marketing consultant & Sweedish Beers organiser gathered at a VIP meeting room at Mobile World Congress 2016 and discussed with us... Artificial Intelligence and how it will impact our lives, health and growth through our devices, smartphones and cars. They talked about the need for education of users; how education will change itself; mobile addiction and how decisions will be our own, despite being influenced by technology. An interesting conversation by key players in mobile technology and artificial technology. Coordinated by Vicki Kolovou for Tech Talks Central.

GETTING THE MOST OUT OF MWC

Insider survival guide

In less than 2 weeks from now, more than 90,000 people will be descending on Barcelona for Mobile World Congress aka MWC. TTC has been there & done that so @vicki-kolovou, @athanasios-triantafyllakis, @vagelis-antoniadis, @athanasios-triantafyllakis, and Yannis Rizopoulos wanted to share some inside info with you! So if this is your first time in MWC (or even if you are a seasoned attendee and you need some refreshing - especially this year, that there are some major changes, like the new metro line, for example), then this is definitely the only audio guide to listen. Learn all the tips and tricks to get the job done, meet people, avoid long queues and have such an amazing time that you can’t wait for next year’s MWC.

Additional links & info:

Prepare for MWC entrance: Good to Go https://www.mobileworldcongress.com/good-to-go/

If you are involved in any incident, whether onsite or out of it, in the entire city of Barcelona, you may call + 34 900 77 2016 / this is a free 24-hour Security Service for all those in need. The organizers have teams on motorcycles available to come as soon as possible and offer you personal assistance.

Check this guide to the 2016 Mobile World Congress parties and events calendar by our friends at Barcinno. Don’t forget that the parties and networking events start on Sunday, 21st Feb. http://www.barcinno.com/the-2016-mobile-world-congress-parties-and-events-guide-mwc16-parties-barcelona/

After, close to 2 years and 226 interviews with scientists, researchers and technologists, the time has come to turn the table on us. The TTC team sits behind the microphone and reviews latest experiences, trends and social economic issues that have affected us and the technology scene at large. We start with eHealth and how our interviewees responded to the question on whether we need medical software certification; we talk about the social economic impact of robotics co-existing with humans; Phil Zimmermann’s interview on data security issues and privacy and the first pan-European cyber-security law to be enacted.

So, do bare with our shortcomings and let us know your opinion and what we can improve. We will be travelling to different events in the coming months, interviewing stakeholders and hopefully reporting back, via our own podcast, on behind the scenes.

W/ @vagelis-antoniadis, @athanasios-triantafyllakis, @vicki-kolovou, Yannis Rizopoulos