The interview with @desktop_matt, the ‘Inspector Gadget’ for promotional marketing.

What are the main upcoming technologies that are going to have an impact on promotional merchandise?

Key growth areas are App-driven gadgets, hardware, virtual reality and the growth of health and well-being devices. Look out for more wearable technology as well as wireless charging, subject to what Apple does with iPhone 7 and its wireless charging solution.

Despite developments in technology, will promotional merchandise still be dominated by non-tech items like mugs and pens?

No! The next generation of youngsters won’t be interested in this type of product – they won’t drink coffee! They’ve been brought up with tablets, touch screens, gadgets and accessories for the latest smart digital tools. Product life-cycles are changing rapidly. What was hot six months ago is often now out of vogue!

We hear much about 3-D printing but there’s lots of ‘one day we might see…’ What’s really possible do you reckon?

It’s great for proofing and proving an idea, or making a dream come alive, but I’m not sure if at current levels this technology will be up to mass production of business promotional products. But who knows… never say never!

What’s the ‘internet of things’? Is that Bluetooth by another name?

Bluetooth is one of the bridges of data sharing; internet of things (IOT) is the concept of interconnectivity of devices to work and communicate without, necessarily, the input of humans. It’s data sharing to move civilisation forward and make all our digital devices work smarter and in a more connected way.

Range has been an issue with Bluetooth. What’s on the horizon to improve the way people connect their devices?

Bluetooth is evolving and the next generation – Bluetooth 4.0 or Smart – looks to be a big step forward. This is what’s driving much of the IOT and health devices for better connectivity.

What about AI and robots? Will we find devices that’ll start doing things for us? Could we all become redundant?

Hopefully not! Let’s trust the world doesn’t follow the movie Terminator! Robots and especially driverless cars will be BIG in the coming two to three years. I’d guess by 2020 we’ll be jumping into a driverless UBER taxi and getting it to take us to work or home from the pub! An area to watch for sure….

Which technology’s the hot favourite for 2016 / 2017?

Wireless charging (depending on a true global adopted standard), health and well-being. Also wearable tech and App-driven hardware to keep our digital lifestyles connected and make life easier.

What will be the impact of 5G?

5G will aid our remote ‘nomad’ working speed and effectiveness, and will have an impact on movie/media streaming ability. It’ll allow us the freedom to work and play from anywhere!

What’s your favourite promotional item?

My personalised Squid MINI Power bank. My iPhone 6 has a rubbish battery and I need to stay connected with clients, friends and family when on the move.

If you could design a piece of technology, what would it do?

Time travel, of course! Or Teleporting to avoid long journeys!

Thanks, Matt.

Follow Matt on Twitter @desktop_matt.

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Jason Markwick

Having worked in Promotional Merchandise for the last 25 years I have been exposed to all aspects of the industry. Starting out as an account manager working with some of the worlds leading brands, I have learnt to understand the needs of a client, manufacturing processes, and what it takes to deliver a successful promotional campaign that is on brand, on time and within a given budget.