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Sleevenote taps into demand for distraction-free tech

Sleevenote, UK

UK – Musician Tom Vek has launched Sleevenote, a compact touchscreen music player designed to restore a sense of ownership and intention to digital music at a time when streaming dominates listening habits.

The single-purpose device plays only purchased and downloaded MP3s, deliberately excluding streaming platforms, notifications and algorithmic recommendations. Artists can package releases with extended artwork, lyrics and contextual material, positioning digital albums as curated objects rather than frictionless content.

By placing artwork and narrative at the centre of the listening experience, Sleevenote encourages slower, more deliberate engagement and re-introduces rituals traditionally associated with physical formats such as vinyl and CDs. The launch reflects a broader shift towards dedicated devices that offer an alternative to smartphone-led consumption.

As explored in The Future Laboratory's ADHD and the Attention Economy report, growing awareness of attention fatigue is driving demand for technologies that reduce cognitive load rather than compete for it.

Strategic opportunity

Music, art or media brands could package their offerings with enhanced storytelling, visuals or interactivity that rewards focus rather than scroll-driven consumption

How Hyrox is moving from mass participation races to wellness tourism

Global – Indoor fitness race company Hyrox has announced the launch of Hyrox Experiences, a new travel-focused category positioning the brand within the fast-growing wellness tourism market.

Its first outing, the Hyrox Cruise, will run from 21 to 25 October 2026 and is being positioned as an adult-only fitness break for its global racing community.

Departing from Palma de Mallorca aboard Mein Schiff 4, the cruise will include stops in Marseille and Barcelona, alongside a day at sea. While the ship offers spa facilities, restaurants and expansive decks, the itinerary centres on performance and community. Guests can join five to six structured training sessions, alongside clinics, panel talks and meet-and-greet sessions with special guests. Hyrox will also stage a live race format unlike anything the brand has previously delivered.

As explored in our Brand Innovation Debrief: Hyrox report, in a hyper-individualistic, performance-driven world, Hyrox offers challenge, social currency and fitness for longevity – a new model that is being replicated by branded fitness competitions around the world.

Mein Schiff, Germany

Strategic opportunity

Think beyond spa retreats when it comes to wellness tourism. Build hospitality experiences that integrate workouts, coaching and communal recovery to meet guests’ desire for fitness travel and socially charged wellness

Stat: AI optimism outpaces daily use as employee motivation hinges on trust and skills

Photography by Fauxels

Global – Workers are increasingly optimistic about AI, yet daily usage remains low, according to PwC’s Global Workforce Hopes and Fears Survey 2025. The study of nearly 50,000 employees across 28 sectors in 48 economies found that while nearly 70% of employees believe they have a large or moderate amount of control over the way technology will affect their work during the next three years, only 10% say they have no control.

The report notes that those who turn to generative AI daily are the most bullish. Nine in 10 of these power users say they’ve experienced productivity gains and expect further benefits.

PwC highlights how motivation, trust and clarity are critical in harnessing AI’s potential. Workers who trust managers are up to 72% more motivated, while employees with access to skills development and meaningful work see substantial engagement gains. Entry-level staff remain the most uncertain, with nearly a third expressing concern about AI’s impact on future roles.

The survey underlines how leaders can boost motivation and innovation by creating skill pathways, promoting psychological safety and addressing financial security, essential levers in a rapidly evolving workplace shaped by AI.

For further insight into future attitudes to AI, explore our The Synthocene Era Future:Poll report, which examines optimism, ethical concerns and evolving human-technology interactions.

Strategic opportunity

Design and implement AI experimentation programmes and upskilling initiatives that build generative and agentic AI competencies, boosting employee productivity, value creation and career growth