Consumer Tech Trends: The AI Horizon with the BBC’s Blue Room
Many predict that Artificial Intelligence will transform content creation, but what does an AI-optimised future hold for consumers? Join us for an engaging session with colleagues from the Blue Room team – BBC R&D’s consumer technology research and demo lab – to explore how Generative AI will shape the future of how media is discovered, presented, and experienced.
We'll be joined by Laura Ellis, Colin Warhurst, and Natasha Westland, who will reflect on their learnings from CES 2024 in Las Vegas and the AI Summit in London and look ahead to the future. How will some of the big AI innovations presented at these events affect the world of consumers? How can content producers adapt to keep up with these changes? What do we need to know to prepare for the future?
Featuring the latest insights and live demos, if you're looking for help in choosing a technological direction or currently work across the digital product space, this is something you won't want to miss!
Speakers
Colin Warhurst is a highly experienced and multi-skilled creative technologist with a strong background in broadcast, business analysis, data visualization, and filmmaking. He currently works in BBC R&D’s Blue Room, “translating technology concepts into simple stories.”
Colin's role in the Blue Room showcases his ability to bridge the gap between technology and people, through insightful analysis and compelling storytelling. His expertise lies in researching and analysing both Consumer Technology trends and wider Industry-Wide technology innovation, providing analysis, data, live demonstrations, and strategic recommendations as to how the BBC can respond to best serve.
Natasha Westland is a technology demonstrator and researcher with the Blue Room, part of the BBC’s R&D department. She has a background in physics and an interest in environmentally sustainable technology - having worked on reducing emissions associated with data centres, software development and web hosting.
Since November 2022 Natasha has been a member of the Blue Room team, researching and demonstrating the latest in consumer technology: from Generative AI to Smart Homes. In February 2024 she joined the EBU’s Think Tank, an advisory group to the Technical Committee, focussing on what broadcasting will look like for future generations.
Laura Ellis is a journalist and technologist with a focus on emerging technology, machine learning, disinformation and data. She has worked on news teams in radio, TV, and online as a reporter, producer and Editor. She has led two of BBC the BBC’s Regional News and Current Affairs teams, establishing the corporation’s first end-to-end digital newsroom.
In her current role she focuses on ensuring the BBC is best placed to take advantage of emerging technology and also takes a particular interest in technology ethics, personalised and automated journalism and generative AI.