Dispatch from an advertising future #48

https://www.warc.com/newsandopinion/news/eurosportbuildsbiometricbenchmarks/43318

The good thing about a conference in a cinema was the seats. They’d been designed for comfort: blockbuster, popcorn comfort. Cup holder on the left, emotion panel on the right. She settled in for the first of her boss’ two appearances that year. She knew what she had to do. She took a deep breath and touched the panel. The company’s mindfulness training clicked in and she visualised the metrics as her boss began to talk. After the session he didn’t look happy. She glanced at the live programme, his second talk had been bumped. She looked at her hand.

Dispatch from an Advertising Future #47

https://www.technologyreview.com/s/615302/how-coronavirus-turned-the-dystopian-joke-of-faceid-masks-into-a-reality/

Life was more difficult since the outbreak. She’d had to reprogramme the phone security apps and the algorithms were taking some time to recognise her muffled speech. But where she really noticed it was when she was out. She’d got used to being recognised. Knowing her coffee would be ready when she got to the counter… it was only seconds but it was the recognition. And having a shop hail you because it saw from your expression that you needed some retail therapy, well it was nice to be understood. Now though she was faceless. She put on her mask.

Dispatch from an Advertising Future #46

https://www.thedrum.com/news/2020/02/24/singapore-based-dark-kitchen-uses-ai-craft-menu-based-consumers-needs

https://adage.com/article/advertising/brands-line-respond-burger-kings-moldy-whopper-campaign/2238481

They called it a Dark Agency, but the screens and dataflows gave the container an eerie glow. When teams swapped shifts they blinked as their eyes adjusted. The Order came in on one screen. She turned to the Creative Intelligence (™) feed and read off datapoints. ‘Suggested’ CI (™) assets flowed onto her Canvas. Jokes; Memes by topicality. Language for time of day and audience; awards judges’ profiles. The customer’s Order time ticked down as the Origin(al) played on a loop. She finished arranging the assets. Clicked. Response. She sipped her energy drink and waited for the next Order.

Dispatch from an advertising future #45

https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2020/feb/16/ai-systems-claiming-to-read-emotions-pose-discrimination-risks

It had been hard work. Maths wasn’t like that when she was at school… but then again, her parents hadn’t helped her with homework. They’d stared at the problem and asked the video assistant for help. Sam had tried to explain but she’d just scowled, like when Sam had made a bad joke to distract her. Not angry, just concentrating, thoughtful. The camera’s light just blinked patiently. They’d managed it, clicked submit and Sam had gone to bed. She opened another window on the laptop. “You seem angry, Alex. Would you like to see our range of anger management oils?”

Dispatch from an Advertising Future #44

https://www.campaignlive.co.uk/article/adrian-holmes-partners-industry-veterans-launch-londons-oldest-agency/1673225

We put the band back together. In our industry, players move. Variety may be the spice of life but sometimes people just want the original lineup, the gig they remember. Here at Reunion (™) we make that gig happen. Our brands want the lineup they remember, the one that made the hits. Let us bring the band back together for one more gig. Join Reunion (™) we’ll find the original lineup and get you ready to play for one of our clients. Don’t worry if the original break-up was… difficult, our therapists will get you all playing in tune again.

Dispatch from an advertising future #43

https://voicebot.ai/2020/01/28/facebook-makes-new-99-99-ai-navigation-model-open-source/

The playlist filled the room as soon as the new soundbar found the network. The music swept around the room creating the sort of soundstage Alex’s father had needed endless speakers and wires to create. And he’d had to get up to ‘change the disc’. She smiled and said “TV” and as the music stopped the soundbar’s light swept once around the room making Miss Kyle jump, nearly knocking over the wine. PurrPet beat Drinks4U in the auction for the lead in Alex’s personal ad break: “Looks like her bowl is empty. Shall I add some catfood to your basket?”