Trying before Buying

With virtual reality usage and advertisement expanding at an unprecedented rate, companies are now developing technology that allows users to "experience" their products and services before clicking the purchase button.  The travel giant Expedia is working with and developing VR products to help users examine their hotel room, cruise, or other travel booking in closer detail than ever before.  This technology will change the booking game as users can even interact with the experience in ways like sliding doors and stepping onto balconies.  Through this technology, Expedia is flexing its muscles in innovation with >$1 billion in technology investments last year alone.  It will be intriguing going forward to see how much of an effect that VR will have on our travel booking decisions.

The Future of Job Applications?

Recently, McDonald's in Australia launched "Snaplications", a Snapchat filter showing the user wearing an employee uniform.  After the user sends the snap to the McDonald's account, they are redirected to a link to fill out a more complete application.  Since attitude and enthusiasm are crucial for a first-time employment opportunity like McDonald's, this quick snapshot allows the stores to gather a first impression from a fun photo versus a dry resume.

I think that this technology has an opportunity to revolutionize the entry-level employment process but certainly has its limits.  An entire application shouldn't be based off of a simple photo but it also offers the candidate a chance to put a face to their resume and highlight the personality that they can bring to the job.