Google made some major announcements at its annual I/O conference. Android was the "star".

Just to boost my ego... I tipped the Google Auto some time ago.

Here is a good 2 minute summary of their announcements:

Leading tech analyst, Mary Meeker of Kleiner Perkins releases an annual review of Internet Trends, which is a must-read for anyone even remotely interested in the goings on in web.

While her full deck is below, I agree with SMH that the key observations she makes in 2014 are as follows:

• Data mining: We're only meaningfully analysing a tiny fraction (1 per cent) of available data. Tech start-ups are leading the way in both expanding and understanding data.

• Single-purpose apps: Applications are moving away from being catch-all toward stand-alone, such as Facebook's Messenger and Twitter's Vine.

• Selectivity: We are sharing more content with a narrower group of people, rather than broadcasting a little bit of information to all. Think Snapchat, which now accounts for 700 million daily photo shares.

• China: Ms Meeker lauds China as a leader in mobile commerce development. Through its messenger application WeChat, which has 400 million active mobile users, you can bank and invest, book restaurants and buy groceries. Didi Taxis generates 5 million daily rides by integration with WeChat.

• Cryptocurrencies: Ms Seeker keeps faith in Bitcoin despite its crash in value, arguing the 5 million Bitcoin wallets worldwide (an eight-fold increase year-on-year) shows "extraordinary interest".

• Declining costs: Computing, storage, bandwidth and handsets are all decreasing, though data costs can remain high. The average global smartphone price is now $US335 ($363), though we typically pay more in Australia.

• Mobile growth: Mobile usage now accounts for 25 per cent of all web traffic in 2014, up from 14 per cent a year ago. Asia and Africa represent a significant portion of that – developing nations "leap-frogged" the PC and laptop era, moving straight to smartphones.

• Videos: Mobile's share of online video plays is rising, and now accounts for 22 per cent. Consumers expect to watch TV on demand and on their own terms.

• Tablets: Unit shipments are growing faster than desktops or laptops ever did, but still have more room to grow at 6 per cent market penetration.

• Dual-screening: 84 per cent of American mobile users use their device while watching TV. We are seeing more content than ever, but it allows us to avoid commercials.

• Advertising: Global internet advertising grew 16 per cent this year, and mobile advertising grew by 47 per cent. The average revenue per user for Google, Facebook and Twitterremained stable.

Investing actively in tech (more specifically in web and mobile) for the last three years, means I'm no longer easily surprised.

Don't get me wrong... the hundreds of applications for investment we've received at KAYWEB Angels, and the innovations I follow on the web as an enthusiast, are certainly "very good" at times ... but just not too "surprising".

Therefore when something does surprise, it definitely leaves an impression. This post is about one such surprising innovation.

Last year, Durex came up with "Fundawear", what it called the "future of foreplay".

Now that I have your attention, watch this video:



As the video suggests, Durex is experimenting an underwear range that is remote controlled with a mobile application that allows you to "touch" someone remotely, regardless of how far you are from that person.

It seems Durex thought about the smaller world of frequent travellers that we currently live in, where Skype and Google+ Hangout has meant we can communicate with loved ones virtually. Being in the industry they are in, Durex thought about how they can extend this communication from just "video" and "talk" to ... "sex".

And this is what they came up with.

It is surprising, and quite brilliant.

Recently, I blogged about Target's applying existing technologies to their needs with "shoppable TV", and this Durex example is another example of a pre-web giant brand innovating by leveraging modern technologies.

I believe "Fundawear" will work for them! Just like "Shoppable TV" could be the future of retail advertising.

I hope this is a sign of things to come, and we see more well-resourced traditional powers innovating by using the ever-improving accessibility of web and mobile.

I have just posted a Blog on the KAYWEB website, collating some of the best data summaries of 2013 by internet giants Google, Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

It is an accurate look back at the year that was, showing what people cared about enough to search for it or share it. 

It is quite interesting, if I may say so myself :)

CLICK HERE TO READ

According to MIT, the 10 Breakthrough Technologies of 2013 include self-destructing social media (courtesy of Snapchat) and Smartwatches ...

See full list at http://www.technologyreview.com/lists/breakthrough-technologies/2013/

Late last year, retailer Target made its big online play by releasing a 'shoppable' Web TV series starring well-known Hollywood actors. I have since been wondering if they provided us an advanced view of the future of advertising.

'Falling For You' could pass as your typical TV show. It has actors Kristen Bell, Nia Long, and Zachary Abel. It has a script and storyline. It is set in Manhattan, New York.

The difference is that as you are watching the show at http://fallingforyou.target.com/ using your web browser, the right of your screen features a scrolling array of the clothing and accessories the stars are wearing during the specific scene.



Target's user interface allows you to add these goods to your 'favorites', which you can bring up later and buy direct from Target's website.

It is definitely visionary. But it is also entirely possible, as the worlds of TV and Online continue to amalgamate.

All major TV manufacturers, like Samsung, Sony, Panasonic and LG, are building all current and future sets with 'Smart' technology built-in, including Wi-Fi, web browsers and apps. Also, we have Google TV and Apple TV becoming more prevalent in homes, while Play Stations and similar gaming consules are web-enabled.

This opens the door for the Target 'shoppable' concept to be stretched onto series that are better known and already on TV.

I can only imagine how much fun my wife would have had if this was available during 'Sex and the City' days. I personally wouldn't mind adding one of Harvey Specter's ties to my 'favorites' while watching 'Suits'.

This opens up huge possibilities, and moreso, it could secure the future of TV advertising by answering its need to be more measurable. All clicks will naturally be tracked in 'shoppable' viewing and advertisers may begin paying for TV ads similar to how they pay for online ads - using an infinitely more measured 'pay per click' or 'pay per impression' system.

'Falling For You' was a great piece of visionary innovation by Target. I am very excited about where this can go as the worlds of TV and Online further amalgamate over coming years.