Listen "Tech Evolution 2025: How Brands and Consumers Blend Digital Innovation with Real World Experiences"
Episode Synopsis
Beyond the Screen: IRL Tech Talk has emerged in 2025 as a central space for listeners to explore the dynamic convergence of digital technologies with real-life experiences and applications. Recent trends in technology point to a growing dissatisfaction with the limitations of purely online interactions. According to insights from Quad’s “Return of Touch Report,” nearly 79 percent of consumers feel that online shopping lacks the spontaneity and excitement of in-person discovery, and demand more authentic, multisensory engagement from brands. Heidi Waldusky, Quad’s VP of brand marketing, explains that people are not just seeking transactions but memorable experiences that evoke feelings of belonging and delight. This shift has led to a resurgence in tactile engagement, such as print catalogs and immersive in-store activations, resonating especially strongly with Gen Z and millennials, who see shopping at hyped pop-ups as a cultural event rather than just an errand.In the broader tech landscape, physical and digital integration is shaping new forms of consumer engagement. Augmented reality packaging, loyalty apps that enhance live retail visits, and Instagram-worthy unboxing experiences are some of the cutting-edge ways brands seek deeper connections. For marketers, combining data-driven digital targeting with real-world experiences is driving stronger customer recall and loyalty. As listeners may notice, this is not a retreat from digital but an evolution towards richer, more human-centered tech interactions.In New York, the spirit of blending digital know-how with face-to-face connection is reflected in local events like the Tisch School of the Arts’ monthly IRL pop-ups at 370 Jay Street, where students and staff foster career conversations and get resume feedback directly, moving beyond traditional online networking. These occasions exemplify how educational and professional communities are adapting to listeners' desires for meaningful, in-person engagement while leveraging digital platforms for broader reach and accessibility.The innovation does not stop at events—2025 has seen major advancements in tech service delivery. Netrio’s recent launch of their AI-powered platform “NetrioNow” reimagines managed service providers by merging human expertise with machine learning, putting customers in direct control and accelerating outcomes. Gina Murphy, Netrio’s president and chief transformation officer, notes that customer adoption of their human-led AI platform is evidence of the demand for transparent, efficient, and personalized tech services that break the mold of traditional, slower models.As AI-driven platforms and hybrid physical-digital experiences take hold, Beyond the Screen: IRL Tech Talk continues to unpack these trends, bringing listeners up-to-date expert insights right as the evolution happens. Whether discussing brand loyalty, immersive events, or next-gen enterprise technology, the show keeps the conversation real, relevant, and forward-thinking.Thanks for tuning in, and make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.Some great Deals https://amzn.to/49SJ3QsFor more check out http://www.quietplease.aiThis content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI
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