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.

Will iPad Magazine Subscriptions Work?

After reading an article about magazine companies issuing subscriptions on the iPad, I wonder if this idea can be successful. My intuition makes me believe that this will be successful. But then again, when I really think about the concept it seems flawed. With an iPad, most information is at your fingertips. If one wants entertaining news or data, it is normally a search away. I would not be willing to voluntarily sign up for magazine subscriptions on an iPad when entertaining information can be found on the Internet for free. Bloomberg Businessweek will begin selling subscriptions for $2.99 on the iPad. When you look at the business strategy behind this, it makes perfect sense for any magazine to use the iPad, regardless of my personal appeal for this idea. Magazines will have more exposure and a new revenue source. Also, they are adapting to their external environment, as paper becomes more and more obsolete. Overall, I do not personally like reading magazines or news on a device. Many enjoy the “real” newspaper or magazine, which is tangible and readers can feel. Yet, iPad magazine subscriptions are good ideas that bring many benefits. It seems as if there is little that can go wrong with this idea. But then again, we shall see.

Google Street View Map Invades Privacy

A recent court case in Switzerland concluded that Google's Street View Map is an invasion of privacy. The service allows users to virtually tour a street and see the surroundings, similar to a person driving down the street in a vehicle. I do not know how this can be considered a violation of privacy as it is a simple street view with little functionality or detail. However, I am not a lawyer and their obviously must be something intrusive about the service. I personally believe there must have been some form of bias in this case. Could it be that Switzerland is hostile towards the U.S. based company? Many Americans would argue that Google's service does not invade privacy. It is the same as driving your vehicle down a road and glancing out of the window. Yet, Switzerland's culture is different when compared to the United States. From this ruling, I can conclude that Switzerland cares deeply about the freedom of its citizens. However, if this service was outlawed in the United States I would be very disappointed. Google's Street View Map is useful at times and allows users to become familiar with a foreign area.

IBM Involved in Possible Health Care Industry Breakthrough

IBM recently announced it has developed a tiny drug that can combat dangerous viruses that are resistant to antibiotics. Researchers say the nanoparticle can discover and destroy antibiotic-resistant bacteria, such as the infamous MRSA that has caused a public outcry. James Hedrick, one of the IBM researchers, claims the nanoparticle is 50,000 times smaller than the thickness of a human hair. Why does all this matter? In my opinion, nanotechnology is the future. I believe large investments should be made in this industry. The benefit it offers to health care researchers is enormous. I have heard of other types of nanotechnology that allow particles to be entered into the blood stream to combat and clear clogged arteries. The fact that technology companies like IBM are involved in this research is important. Technology companies may be able to grow their revenue streams with new nanotechnology products by partnering with the health researchers. To find out the details of this technology, read the article by Winslow and Tibken at The Wall Street Journal Online. Sources: Winslow, Ron & Tibken, Shara. “The Wall Street Journal Online”. 4 April 2010 http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704587004576240603195333820.html?mod=WSJ_Tech_LEFTTopNews