The iWipe App

I was recently reading an article by Yukari Kane in The Wall Street Journal Online. The article mentioned an interesting new application for iPhone users called iWipe. It is geared towards protecting iPhone users’ location privacies, due to a bug in the iPhone that causes location history to be stored in a database. The company that created the app is in the dating service industry and apparently made the app so “swingers” would not get caught in their tracks.

I think this is a great idea and a direct portrayal of the creativity of American companies. An application that can protect an individual from cheating on their significant other is remarkable. I do not condone the action that would make this application necessary. Yet, there is definitely demand and a market for this application for certain individuals. Once the word gets around about what the iWipe is for, many will be suspicious as to why their significant other has this application downloaded. But then again, the app does meet the needs of those seeking greater privacy.

Sources: Yukari, Kane. “The Wall Street Journal Online”. http://blogs.wsj.com/digits/2011/05/03/new-app-aims-to-erase-swingers-online-tracks/?mod=yahoo_hs

Taxi of Tomorrow

Nissan has won the “Taxi of Tomorrow” bid. I have never heard of this competition, but apparently it is used to decide on the future taxi cabs used in New York City. Nissans will be used in 2013 and forward. They also mention a fully electric version of the Nissan taxi, which will be released in 2017.

The new taxis will have mobile device charging stations and GPS systems. Once again, technology is permeating all aspects of life, even in a cab. When you think about it, the taxi system in NYC is rather dated. Old Ford Crown Victorias are everywhere with their gas-guzzling engines and there is very little technology available in the current taxis. The experience is horrible and I prefer to walk reasonable distances. Overall, I welcome the integration of new technology in the taxi system, but there are many other opportunities to integrate technology in taxis that are not being utilized. Tablet devices could be available for passengers and mounted in the taxis, of course for an extra fee. But then again, this may be a bad idea based on the driving habits of certain employees. Additionally, it is possible that cab users do not care about the cab experience. Most are just in a hurry to get somewhere. These upgrades to the taxis could be meaningless.

Sources: http://media.il.edmunds-media.com/nissan/ns/nissan_f34_ns_111710_717.jpg

RFID in Humans

I keep hearing the claim that RFID chips implanted in humans would be beneficial. I would have to agree with that claim. The benefits of a technology that would be able to track humans and store valuable information are numerous. An individual could have credit card information, driver’s license and medical information all stored in that one chip. It would most likely increase efficiency in healthcare settings and have a “green” effect by reducing the amount of paper and plastic used in many settings.

Yes, these are all great benefits. However, RFID in humans comes with many negatives. I would never want an RFID chip implanted in my body. Access to where I am and what I am doing would be granted to anyone who can hack the system. I would assume my feelings of RFID are similar to many others. Although this technology offers numerous benefits, the privacy issues are overwhelming. These privacy concerns explain why this technology has been only adopted on a small scale. Also, technology changes and becomes more improved every year, which may mean the chip becomes obsolete. Are we supposed to remove the chip from our body and update it every few years?

Source: http://theonlinedisciple.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/chipdees.jpg

Where is Netflix’s Share Price Heading?

Netflix (NFLX) first quarter earnings were recently announced and very promising. The company saw an 87% increase in earnings. There is said to be a gain of 3.6 million subscribers over the past quarter. The company is dedicated to providing online video-streaming. I personally enjoy the services Netflix offers and plan on joining the Netflix community. I expect there to be much growth in the future for this company. As the prices of basic television service continue to rise, I believe more people will adopt Netflix. Netflix allows users to view almost any movie or television show on command. Netflix meets the needs of consumers in an immediate fashion. There is no need to be limited to the shows or movies aired on basic television networks.

So, where is the stock headed? I believe there will be tremendous growth in earnings for Netflix in the near future. I also think it will exceed analyst estimates. The company’s stock is currently trading at $251.67. Although Netflix’s price earnings ratio is rather high at 85, I believe the growth this company will experience will exceed estimates and drive the stock higher. The majority of the investment community believes Netflix is overvalued at its current price, but I disagree.

Source: http://www.unplggd.com/unplggd/news/news-usps-sticks-it-to-netflix-038258

Are QR Codes Here to Stay?

Quick Response or QR codes are similar to a two-dimensional barcode. They serve many purposes in the advertising industry. Smartphone users can capture the QR code and their Smartphone will take them to the website specific to that QR code. They can be seen in Times Square, New York and in many other advertising settings. I have seen QR codes appearing more frequently, but have yet to actual partake in its function.

What do QR codes mean for business? QR codes serve a great purpose and are very creative. However, I do not think they will last very long. They must be complemented by a true advertisement, if not consumers will have no incentive to capture the QR code. The physical space the QR code takes up in an advertisement may also be used for better advertising purposes. The main issue is, QR codes do not advertise on impulse, companies are banking on consumers actually interacting with the advertisement. It seems to me that few people have the time to do so. However, many consumers want information in a hurry and by having a QR code, advertisers are satisfying that demand. The QR code is interesting, but it appears to be a trendy type of advertising creation that will surely fade.

Image Source: http://www.chipchick.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/qr_code_moftb.jpg

Apple Claims Samsung Copied Design

If you have not heard already, Apple plans to sue Samsung alleging that the company violated Apple’s patents and trademarks. The main dispute is between the iPhone and Samsung’s smart phone called Galaxy S i9000. The two phones are pictured at left with the Samsung device on the left and the Apple device on the right. It is easy to confuse the two.

When you look at the two products, the “copying” of the iPhone is apparent. In my opinion, what Samsung did was clearly wrong. It appears that designers at Samsung drew up an iPhone “knock-off”. The designers knew the iPhone was a hit, so they figured they would make their own model. That is a great idea and there is nothing wrong with following great ideas, but Samsung should do so with some creativity and save their dignity by not designing a carbon copy of the iPhone. Yes, ideas are only new for so long, but corporations should be courageous and try to make their own innovations, instead of blatantly using others. However, the court case turns out, I hope Samsung does not make another decision like this, because it is destroying their reputation.

Sources: ZOMC ITSCJ. http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4099/4795989856_5d1680f0a2.jpg

Who Else Believes They Own Facebook?

As many of us already know, Mark Zuckerberg, the creator of Facebook has been battling lawsuits concerning the equity stake in his corporation. Certain individuals who went to college with Zuckerberg believe they are entitled to a percentage of Facebook’s equity. Their claim is that they had business dealings with Zuckerberg in the past and invested in his company.

In my opinion, their entitlement claims are silly and hollow. It appears that there are some bitter and greedy individuals, and lawyers, looking to make a quick score off of Zuckerberg’s success. One man has the audacity to claim he was entitled to 84% of Facebook’s equity. These individuals should try a different scheme to make money. Their arguments have no value and border on pure greediness, for both the attorneys and the plaintiffs.