HI there, 

WELCOME TO THE INAUGURAL ISSUE OF INNERCIRCLE!

Each month, we’ll present an easy-to-read glide through intriguing trends, highlights and news to keep you informed of everything that’s going on in the world of Smart (tech + life). And we’ll have a little fun along the way too.

WAIT A NEWSLETTER?

If you’re like us, you’re bombarded with content every day, yet you still want to stay in the know. We want to bring you a quick read on everything Smart. After all, we want to keep in touch with you, and deliver something of value as well. We know it may have been some time since we last spoke, so hopefully this is a great way to reconnect! 

FIRST, TIME TO TALK...COFFEE!

Let's ease into the first issue, shall we? It's winter, it's grey (at least where we are!) and right now (okay fine - always) we're finding a lot of comfort in coffee. With 164 billion cups consumed in America each year, clearly we are not alone.

In big moves, Starbucks announced it will push customers toward dairy alternatives as part of a wider effort to reduce its carbon footprint. The giant of joe seeks to slash its emissions, water use and waste in half by 2030. Yet milk alternatives raise their own environmental concerns, as does the proliferation of coffee convenience through apps... so consider the jury out on the impact we'll see. Still, one thing's clear: jonesing for the java isn't going away any time soon. After all, as Michael Pollan will tell you, it's changed the course of history.

How about lining up to get your fix? Whether you prefer mobile pick-up or 20 seconds of camaraderie with your local barista, there’s a science to those coffee shop lines too. Cafes can employ Smart technology like ours to serve you better by working in tandem teams, engaging you in lineups, and keeping those wait times short.

WALKING THE SIDE OF PRIVACY

Here in our hometown of Toronto, data privacy has been a huge talking point, as Sidewalk Labs' Smart City plans to reimagine what urban life could be. (Update: the proposal is still soliciting public input.)

Key to this conversation has been clarity on the collection and use of personal data. We have an opinion or two on what constitutes a reasonable exchange of personal information for the the value received in return. We think it's up to you on whether you'd like to save $5 on a purchase or support environmentally sustainable innovations.

As tech gets smarter and smarter, a privacy-by-design approach is a must to create sophisticated layers of data security guided by ethics. We take that approach here at InnerSpace, and follow the standards set by the respected EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

Privacy concerns will evolve, as will the global regulatory landscape, and it will be an important element of any business’s quest for smart innovation.

IN OUR SPACE

Quickly...

Our first patent's in the bag: Check out our now-patented approach to leveraging Leveraging LiDAR to create maps of indoor spaces.

We're geeking out over smart office stuff from CES. Self-heating lunchbox, anyone?

ICYMI: How many desks do employees actually need in a world of flex working? This ratio might help.

CATASTIC

As you know, we like to buck the trend of dog friendly tech startups in favour of our feline friends (though we welcome canine visitors to the office!). You'll often see furballs pop up in our branding in fun ways like these cute fellas fighting over a meeting room. Tag us in your favourite cat pics on Instagram. 

So... what'd you think?

THAT'S A WRAP THIS MONTH! IN COMING ISSUES, WE'LL DELIVER MORE UPDATES AND INSIGHTS. WE'D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU AND WHAT TOPICS YOU FIND MOST COMPELLING THESE DAYS. LET US KNOW AND WE'LL BE SURE TO WEDGE THEM IN.

Until next time,

YOUR TEAM AT INNERSPACE