A new wave of technological advancements is making it easier than ever to plug into a techno-utopian automated lifestyle, as people increasingly expect to exchange minimum input for maximum output.

Brands want people to interact with their products and services - because interaction can take on value as an alternative to traditional currencies - and they're constantly searching for the best exchange rate. But what's in it for consumers?

People are willing to show support for social causes – provided they don't have to do much - and brands are finding new ways to tap into the strength of the herd. By re-engineering menial actions – from buying body lotion to having sex – there are ways to reward everyone.

A Samsung-powered Android alarm app helps researchers at the University of Vienna find cures for diseases. It harnesses your phone's processing power at night while charging to crunch protein calculations and send them to the researchers via Wi-Fi.