At CES 2011 in Las Vegas, the ng Connect Program, founded by Alcatel-Lucent, showcased six new retail-focused solutions that could leverage 4G/LTE networks. These include:
Virtual Personal Stylist — Alcatel-Lucent, HFMUS, Samsung, TelePresence Tech, [TC]2, Vidyo, and VisionMax showcase an enriched retail experience made possible by 3D telepresence, video conferencing, cloud computing and ultra-high bandwidth connectivity. These program members developed an augmented reality shopping experience providing consumers with professional, personalized styling advice based on the shopper’s online profile. Whether shopping in a store, at home on a PC or on-the-go with a Samsung Galaxy Tab, the online profile and avatar are always retrievable and provide accurate measurements. The demonstration shows how a shopper can visualize his or her look in the virtual reality “mirror” using virtual clothing based on AQUA apparel provided by upscale retail icon Bloomingdale’s, as well as receive recommendations from editors at the world’s #1 fashion brand ELLE, and beauty industry global leader L’Oréal USA, including cosmetics and skincare products. The solution concept illustrates how new technology and cloud-based processing enables retailers and brands to benefit from increased customer loyalty, reduced returns, and increased advertising effectiveness by providing innovative shopping experiences to consumers. The benefits also extend to service providers who can increase revenue and entry into new value chains through high bandwidth services and enablers like location-based services, next gen advertising, billing, and rating services.
Gametime Media Table — Alcatel-Lucent, Brass Monkey and MediaTile created a network-connected table which provides advertisements and media in a variety of retail and hospitality environments, enticing customers to “try before you buy” to encourage purchases. In this showcase demo at CES 2011, the user can play the Suzuki Kizashi™ Ring of Fire racing game using a smartphone as a controller, a feature which utilizes technology developed by Brass Monkey. Additionally, the demonstration will highlight how potential advertising opportunities can be integrated into the service with a featured Suzuki advertisement. A boat racing competition and Bit-101’s Falling Balls game will also be available with the option to simulate the purchase of the game allowing attendees to take the game on the road at CES via their mobile phone.
Global Bazaar — Alcatel-Lucent and TelePresence Tech worked together to develop an interactive virtual storefront which demonstrates how small producers and manufacturers from around the world can sell their products and extend their global reach through a shared digital retail kiosk in a mall, train station, entertainment venue, or other settings where retail space is not available but there could be interested shoppers. Customers select a location and vendor on the kiosk touchpad, and products appear in 3D on the kiosk allowing them to view before making a purchase. Customers can also see interactive videos, purchase items and arrange for shipment or make a donation to a sponsoring charity or organization.
Media Hotspot — Alcatel-Lucent, Atlantic Records and MediaTile developed a new digital age jukebox concept — perfect for hospitality or small retail environments — that allows consumers the opportunity to purchase their favourite music, movies and more via their mobile phone taking advantage of 4G/LTE connectivity. The Media Hotspot also provides Wi-Fi access to encourage patrons to purchase new media content and surf the web. They can listen to or view their chosen content later on any device.
Virtual Concierge — Alcatel-Lucent, Infrared5, MediaTile, and Samsung created an LTE-connected 2-way video interactive digital platform application providing information – directions, rules, events details or interactive pushed content – through access to a real person, in the language of a traveler’s choice. 4G/LTE connectivity enables placement in any location with a power outlet. Now travelers in airports, hotels and more can get instant answers to their most pressing questions answered immediately in a personalized manner.
Virtual Venue — Alcatel-Lucent has created a solution concept that allows a fan to experience the best of at-home viewing while in a stadium watching the big game or rock concert. In this demonstration, fans can purchase food and merchandise with a mobile device for delivery to their seat. Fans can access instant replays and live video camera feeds via LTE video support. Finding the bathrooms and concessions also just got easier with location mapping to venue facilities with a video link. The Virtual Venue also enables access to player stats and supports user-generated content and messaging. Businesses and service providers benefit from increased sales, entry into new value chains through high bandwidth services and increased customer loyalty.http://www.ngconnect.org
