Recently I was reading
Motor Trend who asked key automotive
industry executives what would appeal to the younger generations as they buy a
first car.
Jack Hollis, Vice President
of Scion in the US (perhaps the only automotive brand that is solely youth
focussed) said something very insightful :
"There's no question that kids do care (about cars). However, when I was their
age, when I was 16, 17, 18, my priority was car first, then everything else
second. Today, not so much. Today it's a lot more focused on whether I have my
Android or iPhone, my iPad, my digital device, because they can have an entire
social life and community of friends without having to drive to see them. So is
there still a desire? Yes. Is there still a want? Yes. Is there still a focus
in our company to pursue them? Absolutely. But as priorities go, it's just not
as high or as stressed of a priority in their life, but I still think so many
of them who want to get into a car, Scion's positioning to go get them."
If auto
makers have a tough time focusing today’s youth on purchasing their products,
that leaves almost everything but a smart phone as a tough sell. This got me thinking. Today, most phones have a camera, but what if
a camera had a phone? You may think I am
saying the same thing, but for me the emphasis is on camera first, then phone.
Imagine
a small camera with an APS-C or four
thirds sensor with a retractable lens that was the size of a Sony NEX body (or
smaller); and on the screen it had full smart phone capabilities. It would be pocketable enough to take anywhere,
yet the lens/sensor combination would make for outstanding photos. You could then instantly upload your shots to
your favourite social media sites, like Facebook or Twitter, as well as saving
the photos to a flash card.
People
take their phones everywhere, so you would never miss a shot, and you could
share it as you live your life.
A trend
for the future? I hope so.
 |
| Sony NEX 3 with Voigtlander 21mm f4 Color Skopar |
