18 September 2015
At SparkOptimus, we try to highlight the most important news and background stories in digital, e-commerce and retail. Here is our selection of last week’s news:
We are all aware of the refugee problem and everyone is trying to do one’s bit to aid the people in need. Our own Managing Partner joined the ’24 hours unbounded’ initiative along other key persons in business last week, talking about how technology could help. We see a lot of technological advances helping refugees, especially smartphones appear to be a vital survival tool. Facebook groups offer critical advice for those thinking of fleeing or for whom are already on the road, there is an app offering step-by-step guidance to fill out government forms, while Whatsapp provides a critical link to friends and family left behind. Meanwhile, solar-powered chargers are handed out and, for about $100, volunteers can turn themselves into walking Wi-Fi beacons by picking up ready to use Wi-Fi hotspots, called: “Free Wi-Fi, please no YouTube”. There is an Airbnb for refugees, and also blockchain technology proves to be of great help for refugees in Europe by allowing refugees to create a digital identity.
Prediction is that we will hear more from blockchain technology, a technology that goes beyond the bitcoin. Nine of the world’s biggest investment banks have partnered up with the start-up R3CEV to make a widely accepted coin happen. However, another raveling (or should we say revealing?) initiative in the payment industry has been launched, where you can pay by showing certain body parts.
Oh and by the way, #IStandWithAhmed.