The global IT corporation Microsoft has conducted a new survey of 13,200 users aged 16-64 years old from 13 countries —Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Russia, Spain, Sweden, the UAE, the UK and the US—to find out to what extent digital technology changes their life. The findings from the study «Digital Trends 2015» has been grouped into three categories, as follows:  trends, the «Performers,» and the «Explorers.»

Trends, trends, trends… With the new 2015 year on the doorstep, all marketing experts make their forecasts on what people would watch, do, eat, wear, etc. The London-based trends and insights agency SBC Partners, part of Havas Media Group, has shared some views on the future of dining, fashion, retail, home, travelling, lifestyle, and more.

With the rise of environmental education at all levels and social justice movements globally, we all strive to be ethical consumers and eliminate the feeling of guilt. However, many of us are too busy (or lazy) to change our lifestyle and «make the world a better place»—instead, we expect brands to do so, offering us some simple and easy-to-employ patterns of guilt-free consumption.

This is the most fascinating time of the year. One day we are reflecting on the year behind us, taking stock of what has been accomplished and enjoying a well-deserved break. And the very next day we are starting from zero. New dreams, new promises and new goals to reach. For the business world, it’s just like the first day of school. The best chance to purge, get organized and most importantly, think and act differently. 

Traditionally, at the end of each year the research firm JWT Intelligence releases the list of Top 100 Things to Watch for the coming 12 months. While in 2013 the most trending topics were the rise of «appcessories,» peer-to-peer partnerships, detoxification and mindful living, in 2014 we might witness the boom of haptic technology, so-called heads-up movement and development of edible packaging.