Well Done!

Posted on July 15, 2011 by John

In light of Japan’s horrific disaster this past March; Google’s prompt and focused efforts have been a virtual-lifeline in the midst of such utter devastation (which by extension may have also assisted the firm with making in-roads into gaining greater market share).

In sum; for those who far too often argue that the prime-point of being in business is ‘economic determinism’ they would be well-served to reconsider this mindset (in particular due to the simple reality that an increase in quarter over quarter profits is not only unsustainable but that it is a contributing factor regarding why our planet is under such intense environmental duress).

From Mother Nature Network: http://goo.gl/oj0Gb

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Paradise Lost?

Posted on July 14, 2011 by John

If the rumors are true and Amazon releases their own tablet… the impact might be:

1) Greater tension between Amazon and Google. Why? Simply put: selling apps is one thing (as Android has experienced a substantial application development uptick post the launch of their App store… which has certainly helped Google gain greater market acceptance as well as accelerated the maturation of Android-enabled hardware; software improvements in features; functionality, etc.) However; does selling a piece of hardware equate to Amazon making a go at developing more in-house applications (versus just providing the distribution medium for them?) This point is a major variable within this entire exercise…

2) This move also potentially bodes well for Apple’s position as Amazon and Google both vie for greater market share – they would be forced to compete with an even greater direct source of friction (which as a result could dilute their collective power going up against the iPad).

3) Making a reader (i.e., the Kindle) is one thing; successfully designing a tablet (even if it is outsourced it must be managed correctly; beta-tested; launched / promoted properly, etc.) could also de-emphasize Amazon’s partnership with Google (as they grapple with successfully focusing expertise that they would in all probability essentially have to learn as they go).

4) Finally; a loss-leader strategy could also hurt Google directly (if Amazon comes out with a better tablet that’s lower in price with more bells and whistles, etc.) and/or that the firm is just willing to take this position on itself (independent of the capacity / quality of the tablet that they look to be releasing) as the company has shown a willingness to do this on more than one occasion (and, for an extended period of time) by artificially pricing a product / service for less to gain critical market penetration (and loyalty) among other factors.

Lots to consider (especially with what seems like a new tablet being released almost monthly by another ‘me-too’ company in this space).

From the Washington Post: http://goo.gl/KDD4J

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NFC (Now for a Change)

Posted on July 13, 2011 by John

PayPal’s mobile-to-mobile, ‘tap-to-pay’ debut just might go a long way towards breathing life into NFC; and, the American market for mobile banking / purchases / financial services, etc. (which at this juncture) is woefully behind Asia; the EU (and, belief it or not, even Africa in some respects).

Furthermore; if NFC takes off on Google’s Android OS, it might also force Apple’s hand – which could also result in a major push of this technology globally.

From CNET: http://goo.gl/U3RgV

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Magical Musical Motion.

Posted on July 12, 2011 by John

Making their debut at the TED Global Technology Conference; Imogen Heap show-pieced a pair of musical gloves (that were designed for her) allowing her to have greater control of her music / performance.

Obviously; these have the potential of being another harbinger for how humanity is incorporating (wearing in this instance) technology more closely whereas the lines between man and virtual reality is becoming more and more commonplace.

Just call her the, “Conductor-nator?”

From the BBC: http://goo.gl/fuLqm

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A (Pending) Seismic Shift.

Posted on July 11, 2011 by John

With the sale of Nortel’s trove of patents being approved (in both America and Canada) the fallout from this might be a major shift in the mobile landscape (in particular with Redmond’s insistence that royalties be paid for the licensing agreements that are in place which will impact Android’s OS).

The end-result could be that said hardware players (HTC; Samsung, Motorola, etc.) that have largely tied their futures against Apple to Google (within the mobile space) just might begin to second guess the wisdom of doing so. Granted; it might not happen overnight; however, Microsoft has got to feel good about this in that they just might be able to exert more pressure on any given number of hardware makers to move / work closer with Windows Phone 7 (and, by extension, Nokia too). Towards that end; with their alliance mostly being looked at as both a great unknown / two also-ran players trying to get back in the race: the simple reality of economic determinism might draw handset vendors closer to Microsoft as what they’re proposing with Nokia (currently) isn’t really anything to ‘write home about.’

Apple has also got to be pleased about this outcome in and as far as that it essentially helps them to further flank their primary competition to their current market supremacy (in particular this could also be true due to how contentious their relationship has become with Google over the past year or so within the mobile space).

Finally; Google looks to be the ultimate loser (at this juncture anyway) within this space as they were the early leader of the bidding war that ensued over Nortel’s assets. And, it must also sting that a conglomerate of players rallied against them (with perhaps the oddest pairing of Apple and Microsoft joining sides to outbid the firm).

From the WSJ: http://goo.gl/a1ApA

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And They’re Off!

Posted on July 10, 2011 by John

In less than a year’s time; mobile trading has really taken off in India. Couple this with roughly 700 million end-users who are pushing the envelop regarding the nation’s expanding Middle Class; access to the ‘net on a handset; mobile applications and an interest in investing for today (with the hopes of securing an even-stronger economic future for tomorrow) and this makes for a dynamic environment with lots of growth opportunities for companies providing trading services; businesses being publicly traded and savvy investors themselves.

From the Business Standard: http://goo.gl/M5PfD

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When Dinosaurs Rule…

Posted on July 9, 2011 by John

Take a long-standing business (model) add an overdue, way past their prime expiration date… mix liberally with ‘histories greatest miss’ in going after Napster within the Recording Industry itself (sans the ‘visionary’ who decided not to sign The Beatles)… versus embracing this revolutionary idea… couple this with ample amounts of lobbying in Washington, DC and an inept ‘regulatory’ FCC…

The result is the newest idea (by the powers that be and their respective brain-trust; or lack thereof).

To highlight:

1) Losing ‘net access

2) The loss of time / the cost of responding

3) Wi-Fi hijacking / hi-jinx

4) Challenges with Fair Use Claims

And; in case you are wondering what the actual regulation being put forth is: a 6-strike plan whereas any given business can have their (US / EU) Internet access essentially cut-off if they’re deemed to be in violation of illegal file-sharing / downloading of copy-righted content (as per the latest vision of entertainment conglomerates)… brilliant…

From PC World: http://goo.gl/3f64s

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The End of an Error?

Posted on July 8, 2011 by John

Marking 30 years of triumph; tragedy; exploration and a waning public interest; America’s last Space Shuttle flight successfully blasted off today (for the final time).

From the Guardian: http://goo.gl/I07Cx

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The 2% Solution.

Posted on July 7, 2011 by John

Given that it took roughly 20 years to hit the first 1 billion subscribers; and, it’s projected that it will only be 15 months to reach the next 1 billion (which is estimated to be more than 6 billion total)… it’s clear that the Mobile Industry is here to stay (growing exponentially; creating endless opportunities regarding application development and innovation).

From Mobile Marketing: http://goo.gl/WidRU

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The ‘Highest’ Flattery.

Posted on July 6, 2011 by John

Apple’s latest move (against Samsung) is (filing) an injunction against them in order to attempt to ban their products from being imported into America…

Okay; let’s say that actually happened (which is highly unlikely) it still doesn’t stop the simple reality that there are countless products (by Samsung) already in the market and being used by who knows how many consumers (in the US and globally). Conversely with Samsung staking a public goal to become the largest handset maker (worldwide) within the next few years; should it really come as any surprise that they’d ‘model’ their products after the current industry leader?

Moreover; as it was once said, “imitation is the highest form of flattery” which ultimately means that regardless of the creator be it (Apple or Alta Vista) in technology and/or even with a product such as a guitar (in the examples of Fender or Gibson) whenever a first-mover redefines any given market it’s inevitable that others will follow-suit (and, in many instances, often copy outright).

Ideally, Apple will just keep pushing the envelop (as a way to both stay ahead of their competition as well as set a standard that others will be challenged to emulate) versus going the route of Microsoft (or a host of other technology firms): growth through acquisition whereas they’re not really innovating but further consolidating their respective industries (thereby actually hindering creativity, and, by extension, innovation).

From the WSJ: http://goo.gl/6lP6f

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