The Future Is Us - Why the Open Source and Hobbyist Community Drive Consumer Products

Explore the impact of the open-source hardware and hobbyist community on the consumer electronics industry in this 32-minute talk by Jen Costillo at Hackaday. Trace the evolution of the maker movement from the 1990s to the present, examining how it has revolutionized prototyping, tools, media, and training. Discover the reasons behind the community's influence, its role in driving innovation, and its potential future. Learn about new business models, venture capital investments, and the effect on hiring practices in the tech sector. Gain insights into the community's contributions to the economy and hear predictions for its continued influence. Understand the importance of staying adaptable to avoid obsolescence in a rapidly changing technological landscape.