The iMic is a USB sound device for Macs and PCs – like an external sound card.
It provides better sound quality than the rather poor onboard sound that the Mac Mini comes with, and also provides a microphone/line-in socket which the Mac Mini lacks altogether. This isn’t really core to the media centre but it will form part of the finished project. Learn More.
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.
Twitter is a social networking website that shares what is happening with you, and what you are doing on a daily basis that others may find interesting and some can relate to. You can also follow others that you find interesting, for example: your favorite DJ, Singer, and Actress. It is a great way to see what is going on with your Friends /Family members without feeling the need to contact them if you are short on time for conversation.
With technology improving Twitter has announced that it will be introducing “@anywhere” which is a new podium that will allow partner websites such as Amazon, Bing, Citysearch, Digg and eBay to link to Twitter. This service will give the access to twitter users to send and receive messages while they are browsing through these websites. This means that users will be able to follow related tweets without leaving the site and basically this will allow partners to communicate in a more efficient manner in their conversations and their product positioning with Twitter. @ anywhere can be employed with a few lines of JavaScript code.
@anywhere is going to decrease communication obstacles across different social media websites and portals. It will allow conversations to flow rather than having to manage so many different characteristics to engage around content. Right now people can make different comments on each site but they have to repost on twitter. @ anywhere will make it simple for people to share contents and dialogues.
I think this is a fantastic idea. This service will also help marketers in building their brand reputation and promoting their products. It is a tactic for people to involve themselves in conversations that will make them talk about a product or service that they might not even be aware of. A fact is that consumers tend to purchase products that they find out through word of mouth or that are recommended by others. Reading tweets about a product review that links to the actual page, such as Amazon would enable sales of the product.
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.
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.
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.
About three weeks ago I sat down in front of my laptop to do my homework and a screen that looks like the one below popped up telling me I had serious threats/viruses on my computer. Looks legitimate right?
WRONG!!!! This anti-virus “software” was the virus. However, I didn’t think anything of it until I was suddenly locked out of the sites I frequent, such as my school, my Gmail, my bank, etc. I may not be Miss Techie, but I do know enough to recognize that this wasn’t normal. So, in casual conversation with Zach, who is a Mr. Techie, regarding the strange behavior of my computer, before I was even half way done he said, “You have a virus”. Those dreaded words rang in my ears as I began to see the dollars falling from my wallet. Luckily, I work for the best IT company on earth and Zach was able to remove the virus within one day and install legitimate firewalls and virus protections.
Ironically, that same evening I was watching the nightly news where they were featuring a story on “New Organized Crime Rings”…HACKERS. Apparently, technology is not only transforming the way we do business, it has transformed theft as well. The newest trend amongst thieves is to send out these nasty little parasites, disguised as helpful software, that infect your computer allowing the hacker to track your key strokes, thus gaining access to all of your personal passwords and information. A local OC business man was recently taken for $1,000,000 due to this type of scam. OUCH!
Two days ago, I was out sick and received an email from Zach saying three clients in the past week had been hit with the same thing and decided that YOU need to be aware of what is out there!!!! He sent me this really informative article: Take a look, it could save you a lot of time, money & heart ache!
Beware fake anti-virus programs
Let’s face it, 2009 was a difficult year for many businesses. While some did experience profit and growth, for most it has been a year of consolidation and survival. As we move into a New Year and new decade it lends hope that we are leaving the devastation of the recession behind, and according to Jan Hatzius, Chief U.S. Economist at Goldman Sachs, we just may be! He made the recent statement “The recession is most likely over as it appears the economy has stopped shrinking, posting modest growth over the last quarter.”
At the start of every period of growth, experts always identify a series of trends that businesses will move toward. After extensive research I have determined the top two trends that will immediately impact your businesses growth are green practices and digital technology.
Going Green:
Thanks to government incentives and changing public sentiment, clean energy’s popularity has risen to new heights.In 2009 the positive impacts of energy efficiency became a hot topic and awareness about the importance of Going Green spread globally. President Obama’s vision of energy efficiency creating jobs and healing our economy created a stimulus plan that poured billions into renewable energy. Energy efficiency was a central component of every one of the climate bills debated in Congress in 2009.
Not only is the Government allocating huge amounts to the movement, but according to Cleantech Group, an industry research firm, venture capital investment in clean technology–including solar, biofuels, batteries and the smart grid–overtook IT and biotech for the biggest piece of the VC pie. The sector swiped 27 percent of all investment dollars in the third quarter–that’s $1.6 billion!
Green issues will continue to dominate political and business agendas now and in the future; your business can largely benefit from this. I am not suggesting you change your existing infrastructure, or start selling Green products, but by being an environmentally-conscientious business, you will set yourself apart from your competition – people feel better when they can take the “green” option without sacrificing quality and service.
This is not a hard task to undertake. Look for green alternatives in every area of your business: For example, implementing Virtualization into your IT infrastructure will save space and energy. Avoid sending paper invoices through the mail and opt for paperless email, pay all of your bills online to avoid the use of paper, any paper you do use recycle. Businesses that make a genuine commitment to going green often find that the cost savings and personal reward of contributing to the health of our planet are as great as the positive PR their business will receive.
Check out these green trends and boost your bottom line.
*As a side note there are a lot of little things we can do as individuals to lighten our carbon footprint, MSNBC has a great article that provides easy tips to make a difference.
Digital Technology:
I write about the significance of technology in today’s world a lot and the amount of research I do on this subject always has a consistent tone: It is MOST CRUCIAL component of your business! It is important you identify the technology you need to strengthen and grow your business.
The internet is and will continue to provide the biggest opportunities for businesses. No other location or Marketing strategy has ever made it possible for a business to reach so many targeted customers.
If you are or were looking into entering into the Industry, apps are the way to go. More and more people are relying on their mobile devices and the as the web continues to move to wireless, this industry is there for the taking. Innovative ideas that bring technologies together will dominate in 2010. To help with this, Microsoft, Apple and Google have all launched third-party mobile app markets – so there really is money to be made here. You don’t need to be a computer developer to create an app. If you have an innovative idea there are plenty of freelance programmers out there who you can contract to do the work for you. Apps are only one thing to capitalize on out of the many upcoming digital trends.
In the last 15 years the wealth of Americans increased four-fold. The number of Millionaires are destined to double in the next 10 years. With Entrepreneurship on the rise the trends have shifted tremendously; the predicted growth is staggering beyond what anyone anticipated. There are currently two areas of exploding growth; technology and internet marketing. Internet marketing has caused a major shift in the Industry becoming a multi-billion dollar industry.
Studies show that a combination of technology and internet marketing translates into the ultimate opportunity and the fastest way to wealth.
By expanding into global markets the Entrepreneur will expedite their growth and secure a successful International business. As each country catches this wave of interest the evolving entrepreneur will use technology to insure that they capture the most influential leaders from each country to promote their business. By developing a network of this magnitude the entrepreneur gains the ability to form powerful strategic partnerships all over the planet. There business will grow exponentially; like positioning oneself at the top of the ladder, so to speak.
The Entrepreneur will use technology to generate interest with blogs, forums, web sites, article linking, page ranking, traffic generation, search engine optimization, etc. A technologically savvy entrepreneur will leverage the internet to achieve 100 to 1000 times the financial results of the “old school” way of prospecting.
The open minded, forward thinking entrepreneur will generate interest, find a couple of leaders in an expanding country and utilize those partnerships to pre-position themselves in numerous other countries. After two or three countries have been opened the evolving entrepreneur will make thousands or tens of thousands a month; whether he chooses to get out of bed in the morning or not. This will be a gold mine for those sharp entrepreneurs who have the foresight to see the opportunity 4-5 steps ahead and leverage their time with technology.
The Net Generation, commonly referred to as the Net Gen, is a generation of young people who have never known life without the internet. Information Technology is a way of life for this generation. Exposure to IT begins very young; children age six or younger spend an average of two hours each day using screen media (TV, videos, computers, video games), which nearly equals the amount of time they spend playing outside. Over two million American children six to seventeen have their own Web site.
With Technology at their fingertips allowing them to access people, information, products and ideas from across the globe; the Net Generation is the new face of American business. Entrepreneurialism is on the rise and has become a trend amongst this generation and the many to follow. In a survey conducted by the Kauffman Foundation of 2,400 young people, 4 out of ten said they wanted to start their own business. In another survey of 2,000 Americans, nearly 80 percent of respondents said that entrepreneurs are critically important to job creation. The Net Gen is predicted to integrate technology innovation and entrepreneurialism that will enable solutions to create new jobs and markets, pulling businesses out of the current economic crisis.
Technology is imbedded in our society and evolves more and more everyday producing endless amounts of opportunity to build an enterprise. The Net Generation is at the forefront of this revolution, but the generations to follow will assist in the transformation of commerce. Disney has joined the movement by partnering with the Kauffman Foundation in the development of the award winning Internet simulation game that gives millions of children the chance to run a business in Opportunity City at Disney.com. Our economy may be caught in the storm, but as the world embraces technology and encourages the entrepreneur; our youth will capitalize on their ideas and widespread access to technology, there is sure to be a rainbow in sight.
By: Amber Bowker
