Posts Tagged ‘google’
Thursday, March 25th, 2010
You Tube is a video sharing website that has been profoundly successful over the recent years. People and companies are able to upload videos as well as having the capability to share information on social media websites. They have recently created an automated captioning beta program to the public, for the purpose of helping the hearing-impaired. This feature is only accessible for videos that are in the English language. You Tube is planning on adding other languages and video up loaders can utilize this feature to translate captions in English into any 50 languages. A restriction or two on the auto captioning feature is that it won’t work on videos where there is a lot of background noise and muffled sounds. Ultimately, the auto-captioning feature might help YouTube monetize its videos.
Auto-Captioning works by combining translation algorithms with Google’s automatic speech recognition technology. Auto-captions generate a natural step utilizing speech recognition. Video owners are able to download auto captions for a video by signing into their account and looking for the “English Machine Transcription” track and then clicking on the download button. There are various functions that come with auto-captioning, some of which include helping people word search video content to translating into a person’s native language.
Tags: automatic speech recognition, beta program, captions, google, IT, machine transcription, native language, share information, Social media, speech recognition technology, Technology, translation, Video, video content, video sharing website
Posted in Gadgets, Information Technology | No Comments »
Thursday, March 11th, 2010
The Ipad was launched in January and Apple has been extremely excited about their latest inovation. However, it seems that the company is facing a new marketing challenge in the manner they are broadcasting their latest category of technology. If Apple fails to introduce their new product, they could be facing marketing challenges with their consumers in the future.
Apple has been lucid about certain information provided to the consumers. They know when the Ipad is expected to hit stores which is April 3rd, also what kinds of iPads will be available for purchase, which are the WiFi models. In addition, they know that consumers will be able to pre-order their iPad via online delivery or Apple Store pick up.
What is uncertain and unknown is how they can broadcast their message in a fun and grasping manner for their target market. Apple is aiming to establish a method to ensure that the significance of the iPad will successfully reflect the originality. Different from the Macbook, iPod and iPhone, this time Apple is launching a new device category to their existing consumers as well as a new market. It is a fact that certain consumers have already established their mindset on what they are expecting from the iPad. but with customers who are still undecided, if Apple does not execute the introduction of their product properly by establishing this new category in the consumers’ minds, the iPad may have a weak position relative to other products established in this category.
The IPad will enter the market to compete with the new wave of the mini computer, and will hope to introduce a new touch to a relatively new market. The trick is to find a way to differentiate the IPad to the customer. Apple is known for its unique touch with its devices, and to achieve the same success as it has with the past, it seems that the marketing efforts should focus on what’s unique and “Apple” about the IPad.
One way that Apple can deal with this situation is to position the iPad as an electronic media delivery device. Making a point out of the fact that people can connect with books, newspapers, magazines and online media as easily and effortlessly with the iPad.
- Apple iPad Commercial Debuts During Oscars (inquisitr.com)
- Apple iPad Will Be Available In April Per-Ordering Start From March 12th (techgenuine.com)
Tags: Computer, google, HR, ipad, iphone, ipod, IT, latest inovation, Mac, marketing, marketing challenges, marketing efforts, mini computer, Phone, target market, Technology
Posted in Gadgets | No Comments »
Sunday, March 7th, 2010
Hewlett Packard is one of the world’s most flourishing manufacturers of desktop computers, printers, servers, and laptops. With a strong and reputable consumer brand, the company has managed to grow its services and expand to provide services to a large number of businesses. During the first quarter of the company’s development, HP managed to establish a sales growth of 8%. On the other hand, HP has surprised analysts with their declining market performance with their hand-held products including the iPaq Smart Phone. Their sales have dropped $25 million in the first quarter while Apple had a $5.6 billion market growth with their iPhone.
HP has realized that because of the iPhone, Apple has managed to build more intensive relationships with customers. They have accomplished more than three billion software applications through the store which is directed to the iPhone. Now, Apple is looking to repeat this with their latest invention which is the iPad, a tablet computer which was recently launched. Researchers at HP are using this as a motivation key for building the reputation of their hand-held products and have talked about developing software’s and services that will let people print easily from their phones as well as manage and communicate their photos and communications more efficiently with each other through mobile versions of social networks.
It is expected that HP is to offer a smart phone in the coming year that will utilize the latest mobile version of Windows. Already, there is a lot of competition in the cell phone industry and it is a good idea that HP has announced to dedicate more of their focus on other products on the side of the Smartphone category.
Tags: Business, Cell Phone, cell phone industry, Company, Computer, declining market, desktop computers, developing software, google, hand held products, hewlett packard, iphone, IT, laptop, laptops, latest invention, market performance, microsoft, mobile, mobile phone, mobile version, mobile versions, motivation key, network, server, smart phone, smart phones, Social network, social networks, Software, software applications, tablet computer, Windows
Posted in Business, Information Technology | No Comments »
Thursday, February 25th, 2010
Today, companies involve huge IT departments that are dedicated to storing and sharing extensive data. This means huge amounts of data and data servers being handled by companies who are at best minimally familiar with the ins and outs of computing. Presently there are more than 15 million computer servers operating globally. Every organization has to build its network for its peak demand leaving 80% of the running servers idle every day, which as you may imagine leads to huge waste of time and money for these companies.
There is an expansion of networks, computer storage and servers, and the growth has left companies wanting a new solution to their computing needs. “Data Utilities” will allow companies to discard their data storage infrastructure and hand off all their data storage and maintenance needs to third parties able to efficiently and responsibly manage them. These data utilities will allow sharing of servers to meet the peak needs of companies without requiring the company to pay for and maintain the server during its times of lower demand.
The concept of data utilities isn’t all that new, and we all use them everyday. For example, every time you share photos through services such as Facebook, snapfish, Shutterfly, Kodak, or Flicker, you are operating in the cloud and using a data utility. Similarly, the online software suite from Google Apps allows users to generate and access information and spreadsheets exclusively online. Users can create, edit, and share all sorts of files from any computer with Internet access.
Basically any kind of storage can be met by a data utility. It is estimated that the internet contains 5 million terabytes of data. That is just an initiating point since constant improvement will only increase storage demands. Data utilities will allow the collaboration of computing power, data storage, software applications, and other IT needs through a global network. It will permit businesses to concentrate on what to offer rather than technical know-how of how to offer the service.
At the time of great economic concern where cost efficiency is gold, the data utility trend has only hastened. IT decisions are being made based on economic reasoning as well as a technical viewpoint. Data utilities enable companies to utilize resources on demand and pay for them when needed.
Tags: Business, Company, Computer, computer servers, computer software, computer storage, computing power, data, data servers, data storage, Facebook, global network, google, HR, infrastructure, internet, IT, network, new solution, peak demand, server, snapfish, Software, software applications, software suite, storage demands, storage infrastructure, storage software, time and money
Posted in Business | No Comments »
Tuesday, February 16th, 2010
Image via Wikipedia
Cloud computing is a new technology which essentially utilizes the power of a cluster of servers to power a website by dynamically scaling resources such as processing power, memory and storage among others. Each server in the cluster can be thought of as hosting the website. If this is ambiguous to comprehend, then think of it as if your website resides on a super high powered server which never breaks down because this super high powered server actually is a combination of several servers working together.
It is a fact that maintaining a huge IT department is costly and a lot of corporations have no idea what networking and computer software involves. Cloud computing introduces strategies in which companies can send their files to people that can manage and handle them more effectively. With this facility, companies will be able to cloud into any kind of IT that they need including hardware, software, web hosting, networking, and etc. As a result, companies can focus on what to offer rather than technical details on how to offer their services.
Some of Technology’s biggest names are leading the cloud computing system. Google’s internet based word processor and spreadsheet program are fighting to replace the desktop version of Microsoft’s Word and Excel. But perhaps, even a better way to jump in the present is through the more vague service providers. These businesses provide the physical servers, hosting space, and means to communicate with them. Well-known names include Equinix (EQIX), Rackspace (RAX), and Terremark Worldwide (TMRK).
I believe there will be a vast amount of consolidation in the production over the next decade. The largest tech names will gulp up the less relevant players as a cheap way to gain admittance to the most recent breakthroughs. The new IT attitude of outsourcing will provide companies with more effective support and will further allow them to focus on what they do best, instead of struggling with computer issues and constantly breaking servers and networks.
Tags: Business, Computer, computer software, data, google, Hardware, internet, IT, microsoft, network, new technology, outsourcing, physical servers, processing power, rackspace, RAM, relevant players, server, service providers, Software, software web, Support, Technology, terremark worldwide
Posted in Business | 2 Comments »
Monday, February 15th, 2010
Google claims it’s new, experimental ultra high-speed broadband network will serve as a playground for developers, giving them the bandwidth they need to dream up next generation, data hungry online apps. But, Google may have other motives for its speedy network as well.
The whole transition from dial up to broadband has brought so much innovation to the internet, and now Google plans to make the delivery process for new applications even more intriguing and deliverable.
There are already concerns with the limitations on Bandwidth as businesses and consumer become more internet dependent. Internet applications such as video conferencing and telephoning are becoming so popular and accordingly so is the demand for bandwidth . As more businesses adopt internet related practices, traffic jams may take place and could affect the net. Google’s new super network may address these bandwidth concerns. As of now, the super network is in an experimental phase as Google looks to see how smaller businesses, consumers and institutions as well as the local government will utilize this high speed access. While Google promises new enhanced applications to increase the technology system on the net, the super network may also be the answer to the bandwidth troubles that currently face already existing applications.
But Google may also have ulterior motives for its super network. Google has been a frontier in providing internet services to consumers and stealing away consumer from other carriers. The new internet based technology, some say, may allow Google the opportunity to take control of internet services in the market as well. This may be a bit skeptical, but there is no question that a faster-speed super network will displace other carriers, and cause a shift in internet service carriers.
As the idea is still at its inception, Google has not yet completely figured out how it will deal with information ownership and privacy issues. Additionally, Google may have to figure out a way to work through the conflicts its new idea may cause with other carriers and providers that form the backbone of internet services and data communication. Such issues might be determining factors on the success of the super network.
So while the new super highway might provide the promise of new applications, and added support for existing applications, it’s still unclear how Google will address certain issues, and how the new super highway will effect other competitors in the market. We all know that faster is better, but what will the cost be to the market and consumers is yet to be determined.
Tags: bandwidth, Business, data, google, high speed access, information ownership, internet, internet applications, internet service, internet services, IT, network, next generation, privacy issues, speed broadband, StoneHill's Website, Support, Technology, Video, video conferencing
Posted in Business | No Comments »
Wednesday, February 10th, 2010
“Above the fold” refers to the story printed at the top of the page. The term originates from the newspaper industry where the story on the front cover is the most important story. It is the most sought after spot because it is what readers see first.
The web design industry picked up the term and many professionals are still biased about how it works. In companies employees and teams look for prominent positions to place their contents, assuming that the content below the fold will be missed. I am not 100% influenced by the “above the fold” concept. There could be no clear fold line since monitors vary in sizes, tool bars use space and browsers may not necessarily be full screen.
However, there may be certain design squeezes that can make sure that viewers notice detailed areas. A perfect example is Google. They managed to increase Google Earth downloads because they altered the “Download” button upward by 100 pixels. It is a proven fact that Google likes to show the world their speed and accuracy, but now they have designed a way for other companies to follow their lead. Google has once again astonished us with their technical expertise coming up with an application called “Google Browser Tool” that will show website owners how the layout and design of their website influences user exposure.
The company created “Browser Size,” a new tool from Google Labs that indicates how many people see certain areas on your webpage. The illustration is calculated from browser height and width information gathered at Google.com. A given point in the browser, the tool will tell you what percentage of users can see it. For example, if an important button is in the 80% region it means that 20% of users have to scroll in order to see it. If you’re a web designer, Browser Size can be utilized to minimize scrolling and to highlight the essential parts of the page that are always important to your viewers. This is a good tool to make websites better and making the web improved for everyone.
Links:
Google Labs Browser Size tool
Google Blog announcement – Browser Size: a tool to see how others view your website.
The new tool aims to help website owners figure out how the layout and design of their website should be made in order to attract more followers. Isn’t that great? The tool may not be perfect, but it appears that it’s worth a try, and offers an easy to see way of figuring out if your content is seen by your users the way you intend it to be.
Tags: Company, downloads, google, google labs, Help, IT, technical expertise, tool bars, web design industry, web designer
Posted in Tips | No Comments »
Tuesday, July 7th, 2009
Not yet official but leaking through the press is that Google plans to take Microsoft head on with a new operating system designed for PC’s (read more). Will this turn out to be a good thing or just another money pit for Google? It seems as though Google has lost sight of what it does well. Let me rephrase that, Google has lost sight of what they used to do well.
Once the cutting edge of search engine technology Google dominated the market. However, over the past few years they have tried their hands in email, spam filtering, hosted word processing and video hosted just to name a few. The problem is many are complaining Google’s bread and butter search technology is “broken” and they have not made any advancement in its technology in years.
So, what do you think google should be focusing on? Do you think Google plans for a new operating system is a good proposition?
Tags: google, google operating system, google os, microsoft, microsoft os, operating system, search engine
Posted in Business | No Comments »
Tuesday, June 30th, 2009
One of the most common internet related questions we get at StoneHill, is “Which sites are dangerous?” or “How do I know if a site has spyware or viruses?” It’s a tough question and one that may never have a complete answer. That being said, we have found some the most dangerous search terms in the entire internet. By far the most dangerous search terms you could use would be “free music downloads.” Searching for that phrase seems to put around 20% of web surfers into the hands of websites that distribute malicious software, also known as “malware.” We all love free things but searching for the anything coupled with the word “free” is also one of the most dangerous searches in terms of malicious results.
The study that our researchers found examined 2,600 popular keywords on five major search engines — Google, Yahoo, Live, AOL and Ask — and analyzed 413,000 Web pages. The categories that had the highest risk of run-ins with malware: screen savers, free games, work from home, Olympics, videos, celebrities, music and news. The riskiest specific terms are: word unscrambler, lyrics, myspace, free music downloads, phelps, game cheats, printable fill-in puzzles, free ringtones and solitaire.
When we saw the results of the study, we all scratched our heads and noticed those terms and categories that were the riskiest were definitely not risque. This certainly points to the level of sophistication and social engineering that is going into luring users to these malicious sites. It may explain how your grandma got that virus; she searched for “word unscrambler.”
Tags: bing, dangerous search terms, dangerouse site, google, internet, malware, risky search terms, search terms, spyware, virus, yahoo
Posted in Tips | 1 Comment »
Thursday, June 25th, 2009
Bing now has another feather in their cap. According to Efficient Frontier’s latest report, Bing’s share of paid clicks increased to 13% from 8% prior to its launch two weeks ago. If this trend continues Google will have something to really worry about.
This is in addition to other positive indicators we’ve observed over the last few weeks such as Bing getting the number two spot in search market share for a day. The fact that Bing is showing some positive performance in the search industry is a good thing for all of us. This industry has needed some competition for years to force research and development in all search engines. The consumer will be the one to win in this competition.
This is all simply preliminary data which may turn out to be nothing at all.
What do you think of all this?
Tags: bing, bing.com, google, pay per click, ppc, search engine, sem
Posted in Gadgets | No Comments »
