What is the hottest topic in retail blogs for 2017? There is a fairly good reason for this, it's connected to the future of how consumers search, press buttons in apps to get stuff in the real world done and how we connect with services, goods, connected devices, fun experiences, and most of all with each other. Advances in computer vision and real-time NLP means AI is more actionable, and we are seeing this on the front lines of retail innovation. In 2017, even local merchants can upgrade their stores with exceptionally good foot traffic sensors, loyalty marketing retargeting that's basically automated and do ad-tech promos right at the POS basically for free. Perhaps as Tom Goodwin states, the future of retail pertains to everything being shoppable.

When we think forward to the future of retail and the use of technology, it can't continue its upwards adoption line forever. We often envision this Jetson-like end point, but there will always be a balance and a role for the human touch. The interesting conclusion, though, is where we are in terms of our present placement on that trajectory. I believe it's on the early side, say 10%, with far more we've yet to realize. The good news is that the predator never completely takes out the prey.

Amazon's latest consumer product is a $200 Echo Look that enables fashion lovers a new way to capture, compare and let machine learning into their wardrobe. Echo Look is an oval-shaped good looking devices with LED lights and the voice-controlled camera we'd expect. Echo Look is basically an upgraded Amazon Echo; but is also able to take full-body shots and videos to help you with "style check" features and a pocket fashion guide. Who needs Facebook; when you have your Look Book assistant right beside you. Gone are the days Alexa only helps you with the news and the weather; now before you run off to work (or school), there's a smart mirror in your room.

Editor's Note: This article reflects the opinions of the author and does not necessarily represent the view of Star Cloud Services. With 2017 nearly half over, we thought it would be a good idea to review some of the top retail trends we are seeing so far this year. Retail technology is featuring high on the list of what independent and local retailers can now do to improve their in-store offers. We provide mobile coupons, digital receipts and in the future customizable receipt promos with our unique cloud-connected printers. As such, we're on the leading edge of the intersection of retail and the Internet of Things, with a unique ability to turn the paper and digital receipts into loyalty-marketing and monetizable advertising that produces ROI.

In early February, Target stunned its employees when it announced it was shutting down it's store of the future, before it was even opened. With Amazon's December announcement of Amazon Go, new technology for their mini-grocery stores will require substantially less employees to run and automate check-out. Grab and go shopping really is the advent of the Internet of things in retail with a few twists. We can think of it as mobile-centric Just Walk Out Technology, as Amazon has branded it. So what makes it possible?

When we think forward to the future of retail and the use of technology, it can't continue its upwards adoption line forever. We often envision this Jetson-like end point, but there will always be a balance and a role for the human touch. The interesting conclusion, though, is where we are in terms of our present placement on that trajectory. I believe it's on the early side, say 10%, with far more we've yet to realize. The good news is that the predator never completely takes out the prey.

On the flight back to San Francisco, I could not help wondering, will retail ever be the same? The National Retail Federation is the cream of the crop of retail events and New York never seems to disappoint. A massive and immersive experience, NRF seems to find the golden mean between human interaction, thought leadership and the ultimate display of retail tech booths, including a great mix between both big and small exhibitors. To say that #nrf17 is a global event would be an understatement, as retail professionals from over 90 countries attend. Our team at Star Cloud noticed a lot of innovation in tech this year (emphasis on data & tech) that's shifting the retail industry quickly into the 21st century.

Amazon Echo ships for $179.99, and is a hands-free speaker you control with your voice. Echo connects to the Alexa voice service to offer you a wide range of activities and services. Play music Provide information, news, sports scores, weather and more -- instantly. Manage everyday tasks more easily Listen to a book or article Access and control devices related to automation hubs, such as Wink, Insteon, and SmartThings. Each has seven microphones and a beam-forming tech so it can hear you from across the room, even while playing music.