New media trends dominate news coverage as well as the millions of square feet of exhibit space at CES each January at the Las Vegas Convention Center. There’s no telling what effect tariffs—real and imagined—may have on European and Asian companies craft exponential displays and interactivity designed to generate more usage—not to mention, buzz.
It is hard for me to go to Vegas (Austin is similar in many respects) and not get caught up in the tsunami of new gadgetry, bold innovations, and unparalleled efforts to change the world via technology.
To that end, trying to determine what, in fact, will be “the next big thing,” or even how newer technologies like AI, autonomous cars, and smart glasses will evolve in 2026.
But strangely, while the parade of new continues to roll out, there continues to be a repeated emphasis on old media formats, platforms, and gadgets that compel us to pay attention. Cassettes, turntables, iPods, and other relics from the past century or less that transformed from mass appeal to bargain basement to virtual extinction.
Jacobs Media has consistently walked the walk in the digital space, providing insights and guidance through its well-read national Techsurveys.
In 2008, jacapps was launched - a mobile apps company that has designed and built more than 1,300 apps for both the Apple and Android platforms. In 2013, the DASH Conference was created - a mashup of radio and automotive, designed to foster better understanding of the "connected car" and its impact.
Along with providing the creative and intellectual direction for the company, Fred consults many of Jacobs Media's commercial and public radio clients, in addition to media brands looking to thrive in the rapidly changing tech environment.
Fred was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 2018.
- Yet Another Spicy Meatball From Techsurvey 2026: Mind The Digital Gap - April 17, 2026
- In Big Tech, We (Don’t) Trust - April 16, 2026
- Who Are Your Station’s MVPs? - April 15, 2026
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