The age of mass electric motoring is here. But is the world ready? The upgrade had been worth it. That throaty roar of a V8 reminded him of Top Gear in its heyday. But he missed other things: the petrol station shop. He missed the snacks and cans of Red Bull; the chamois leathers; the … [Read more…]
https://www.technologyreview.com/2020/05/14/1001716/ai-chatbots-take-call-center-jobs-during-coronavirus-pandemic/ “Mr Smith, of course, let me put you through…” “John, good to hear from you… It’s going well, very well… Research is showing that the idea will get real cut-through… Latest figures? Of course I’ll send them through… Let me put you onto creative…” “John, good to hear from you… It’s going well, very … [Read more…]
https://www.theweek.com/speedreads/913593/terrifying-mechanical-dog-now-stalking-singapore-park-make-sure-people-stay-properly-distant Her dog backed away, ran back to the bench. It followed, bounding in an ‘uncanny valley” sort of way. The “stay alert” jingle at a pitch designed to gently annoy. She put the lid back on her coffee and stood to leave. The panel on the creature’s side lit up, first the familiar blue … [Read more…]
https://www.thedrum.com/news/2020/05/04/esports-prepared-the-coming-influx-freed-up-marketing-spend Home schooling had been going a lot better since the move to vocational. There was no doubt Chris was putting the hours in. Networked with her group she threw herself into every session. The Academy watched as Chris’ results were updated. Its ‘brand partner’ would be delighted. Chris’ class was on track for great … [Read more…]
https://www.campaignlive.co.uk/article/skills-going-demand-ad-industry-recovers/1680802 Helen. I disagree, I think she’s just what we need. You’re right to think of the team. Our studio has long been a creative hub. Remember that Champagne feature about our fussball table? Happy days. Our guys bantering, bouncing off each other. The pranks. Late nights. We never needed team-building days. We agree she … [Read more…]
https://www.warc.com/newsandopinion/news/during-covid-19-brand-purpose-demands-solutions/43431 The Doctor had a moment before it all began again to check messages. Before all this, she was used to drugs companies’ offers of all-expenses-paid trips. Messages from spin doctors wanting to set up photo-ops for politicians of all stripes. She’d felt good at how quickly she could diagnose and dispatch. Delete. Delete. Delete. … [Read more…]
https://www.warc.com/newsandopinion/news/theageofthedigitalpitchishereandadagenciessaytheyreready/43448 Don shared his screen and began: “Technology is a glittering lure…” The other windows fell silent apart from the occasional toddler’s cry in the background. Across the city, laptop screens lit the faces of the men and women in corner ‘offices’ claimed from spouses and home schooling children. Slide wipes and sounds echoed the … [Read more…]
https://www.thedrum.com/news/2020/03/27/bbc-rejigs-thick-it-alan-partridge-and-mighty-boosh-clips-with-stay-home-message He’d never been the most popular person in the office, until now. A bit of a geek. He’d never been at the top of the email chain when it came to socialising. He was never sure whether they’d ever really noticed he was there, until he wasn’t and neither were they. And most importantly, … [Read more…]
https://www.thedrum.com/news/2020/03/20/even-better-the-real-thing-meet-the-virtual-influencers-taking-over-your-feeds He was glad the lockdown was still in place. It meant he couldn’t go out and so didn’t need to put on a disguise just to leave his flat. He could just sit at home and work. His face was more popular than ever as his followers whiled away time being ‘influenced’ by him. … [Read more…]
https://www.thedrum.com/opinion/2020/03/13/mental-wellbeing-within-agencies-flexibility-and-stability It popped up in the lower right corner. Two googly eyes on an animated clip. “Hello there!” Cheery chirruped, “just checking in.” It raised an animated eyebrow and nodded at the time. “Now you’ve finished with the client, let’s Cheerypause (™),” it said. She sighed. Since home had become office, the laptop had become … [Read more…]