Homes are increasingly controlled by voice tech, but people have been slower to turn to it for purchases, especially for high-value items. How is low consumer trust and the user experience delaying mass adoption? And how can brands get ahead before it becomes a mainstream payment method?

What’s the least awkward way to online date during a pandemic? The String app is betting on voice notes. Less invasive than video chatting and more intimate than texting, sending audio snippets gives singletons the control they crave while letting them express their personality in a natural way.

The easing of lockdown measures is leaving people in a bind. Though many remain wary of contracting COVID-19, there’s a common desire for physical interaction after months of social isolation. So, how can shops, restaurants, and leisure spaces create experiences that keep us safe and connected?

With safety concerns high, the drive-through bank has had a resurgence in the US as a hygienic way for people to interact with tellers. Brands often turn to tech to replace avenues for human interaction, but in some circumstances, automation pales in comparison to the human touch.