Technology is part of every aspect of our lives. But amongst the innovation, there are questions about what exactly we’re trading in for these advancements. Do smartphones actually disconnect us? Has Google made us stupid? And is making friends with robots messing up our kids?

Networked screens are now present in nearly every aspect of our lives – they’re in our pockets, in cars and, increasingly, on our wrists and home appliances. But does everything really need a digital display? Is there a better, more human way to interact with tech than prodding at a visual interface?

The number of people using messaging apps is set to hit two billion by 2018, so it’s no wonder brands want to get in on the action. Major tech players are touting chatbots as the next big thing, but can they really revolutionise online interactions, or are they just part of an industry-driven pipe dream?

The rise of messaging apps has changed how people want to communicate with brands, and while some companies are taking to social networks and chatbots, their offerings leave much to be desired. Enter Hero, an app that wants to make messaging brands as easy as chatting with friends.