Skip to main content

Home/ Fabroa ICS2O/ Group items tagged Custom

Rss Feed Group items tagged

Anthony Mirabile

Apple's Biggest Blunders of the Post-Steve Jobs Era - 0 views

  •  
    In the recent weeks, it seems to be the societal trend to chastise Apple Inc. for their mistakes, the most recent of them being their native iOS 6 'Maps' application. Earlier in the week, CEO Tim Cook published a letter on the Apple website apologizing for the poor quality of the app, saying that "At Apple, we strive to make world-class products that deliver the best experience possible to our customers. With the launch of our new Maps last week, we fell short on this commitment." However, this is not a first for Apple admitting their mistakes and apologizing; one example is in June of 2012, Bob Mansfield (SVP) expressed remorse for Apple's withdrawal of the EPEAT rating system, which ensured the company met an eco-friendly standard. They later recanted their actions and went back on to the rating system. Many people attribute Apple's recent downfall to the shift of power from Steve Jobs to Tim Cook. Apple has also come to fire for their general decreasing of employees per Apple store to increase profitability, their standalone podcast app and ultimately the widely regarded inadequate 'Siri', supposedly improved in iOS6. This relates to the tag 'eLifestyle' because when Apple limits the users experience by introducing faulty software and refuses to adress things because of pride, evidently the customers suffer. This relates to 'Environment' because of Apple's debacle with the EPEAT, and society's increasing desire for products that are eco-friendly, and Apple's supposed "higher environmental standards" that they operate under. Legally, Apple has actively been taking and giving lawsuits over the past years, including Samsung and Adobe (a lawsuit directly following Steve Jobs' choice to abandon flash on iOS devices.) From an economics standpoint, Apple seems to be making all the wrong choices, being that they abandon things that work (e.g. Google Maps, third-party podcast apps, EPEAT) and tries to 'reinvent the wheel' and many people argue that without the direction o
Daniel Le

Jailbreaking now legal under DMCA for smartphones, but not tablets | Ars Technica - 0 views

  •  
    The Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) was passed to help protect digital rights, but allowed the Librarian of Congress to make exceptions to the act that would otherwise not follow the act. Today (October 28), four new exemptions to the DMCA were put into effect most notably the legalizing of jailbreaking on iPhones but not iPads. The other exemptions to the DMCA are the requirement of disabled people to own multiple devices in order to access e-books, the illegalizing of unlocking a cell phone purchased after January 2013 at a new carrier without permission from your old carrier, and the legalizing of ripping some content of a DVD only for specific purposes. The new exemptions put into effect could have a serious impact on the technology market. The number of e-book reader sold to disabled customers will decrease drastically since they will have to buy other devices so they can legally read e-books. Apple and app developers would also lose a lot of revenue from the App Store since more users will be motivated to jailbreak their iPhones and get pirated apps instead of actually buying apps since they can do so legally. The new exemptions could cause some providers to lose some money though not a significant amount should the provider refuse to unlock cell phones when consumers go to other countries since in the foreign country, consumers will be paying and using service from a local provider instead of their original provider causing them to miss out on some money. Finally, the DMCA exemptions could cause a decrease in DVD sales not just because they are losing popularity already but also because if someone wants to rip a part of a DVD, they can just borrow it from someone else instead of buying and ripping the needed content. I think these new exemptions are very silly and could end up being more harmful than useful. Making disabled customers buy multiple devices just to access e-books is very discouraging to potential e-book reader customers. I also wonder th
Dragos Penelea

First Windows 8 ad airs, provides a glimpse at Microsoft's marketing blitz | The Verge - 0 views

  •  
    The hugely anticipated Windows 8 operating system by Microsoft has aired its first ad today. Microsoft is reportedly spending a huge amount of money on advertising Windows 8 along with the new Microsoft Tablet, called the "Surface." Microsoft is holding a special media launch for Surface and Windows 8 on October 25. Furthermore, a number of stores will open at midnight October 26 to sell Windows 8 PCs and Tablets. I think that in order for the new tablet Microsoft is releasing to be successful and sell out to customers, they should start advertising it way more. I haven't even heard of it until reading this article, and with so many other tablets on the market, what makes this one so special? The fact that it runs on Windows 8 is simply not enough to sell the "Surface" in large amounts. Windows 8 will probably become very successful, as Microsoft is a trusted company when it comes to operating systems, and many people worldwide use different versions of Windows. In conclusion, i would focus more on advertising the new tablet rather than Windows 8, and airing these advertisements in as many places around the world as possible to attract worldwide customers.
Lynn Bui

Nokia Falls - 0 views

  •  
    This article is about how Nokia is losing sales because of lack of demand.In an effort ot save the company, Nokia collaborated with Microsoft to create Nokia's Lumia Windows smartphone, the market for it's phones is still declining. There has been a 20 percent decline in quarterly sales resulting in a loss of 272 million euros. Although sales of the LUmia Windows smartphone has increased by 27% it is not enough to offset Nokia's losses. This article shows that Apple has created a niche market in which it dominates. Apple seems to be the only company that customers continually purchase phones from, without decline. With each new phone release Apple develops stronger customer loyalty, that keeps it as one of the top phone companies in the market.
Cindy Huang

Google will reportedly open its own retail stores starting this year | The Verge - 0 views

  •  
    With Google's new product, "Google Glass", the company must come up with a new way to promote the product to its customers. Since the device will be costly, most likely to be around $1500, the company has decided to expand into retail stores which will be open all around the world. This can make it easier for consumers to test out products before buying it, and Google is also promoting and expanding its market in this way. The launch of Google retails stores can create competition for other companies, like Apple or Microsoft, and is a risk to invest in such a large project. Google, however, think this idea makes sense if the company wants to expand its business, and they believe it will satisfy its customers. I think these stores can create easier access to electronic information and products, which can benefit the company's profits, and with the rapid expanding of new technology, Google stores can use this factor to benefit and change the way people buy products from the company.
Justin Hernandez

CEO Tim Cook apologizes for "falling short" on Apple Maps - Apple News, Tips and Reviews - 0 views

  •  
    Recently, problems have been occurring with the Apple company. That problems is about the upgrade to iOS6 in Apple's products and that they replaces the Google Maps app with their own new, Apple Maps app. Surprisingly, these maps were actually a downgrade from the Google maps since it has some bugs. One of those bugs is about how the map won't exactly pinpoint the location you want to find. The CEO Tim Cook apologizes for this downgrade but offers people to use other apps that can help replace this while it gets fixed and gets better. It's a good thing he said this since this map app isn't something their customers would expect from the Apple Company. This relates to portable computing since this maps app can be used also as a GPS although the map has bugs with pinpointing locations. Apple needs to step up their game to satisfy their customers
Jason Strassler

iPhone 5 Release Date 2012: Why Apple's Smartphone May Cost More for Verizon Users - In... - 0 views

  •  
    This article identifies a potential setback for various iPhone users. With all the hype of Apple's iPhone 5, some 4S iPhone owners may be out of luck in terms of upgrades from cellphone carriers. Rumors have said that the iPhone 5 will be seeing a summer or fall 2012 launch but the story here is owners with the iPhone 4S may not be eligible for an upgrade when Apple releases it's newest phone, this means essentially users that rely on contract upgrades are put at a disadvantage. In addition, Verizon customers are affected by the upgrade issue the most, and it will cost these users more if they choose to upgrade to a iPhone 5. This is huge news to anyone who owns a iPhone 4S, especially if they are a Verizon customer, and they plan to buy a iPhone 5. The additional cost may be too much for buyers and they may just stick with what they have until a hopefully near price drop. Apple on the other hand could also suffer because the more people who buy the 4S can reflect to less people who will be able to afford the iPhone 5. The Apple company as well as many other Apple users highly anticipate the iPhone 5, and it could be something like this little dilemma that can angry consumers and could also lead users to leave the upgrade and essentially pass on Apple's phone this time around.
Winnie Huang

Samsung to debut Gear 2 smartwatch with Tizen, not Android | Mobile - CNET News - 0 views

  •  
    Smartwatches are like the gateway to the future. With Samsung's first version of "Gear", customers were able to wear an Android powered watch which is able to hook up to your phone and provide you various services like to take quick pictures, text or call a contact using the voice control software and even access your media through the features installed in it. This time however in the new release of "Gear 2", instead of using Android, Samsung has decided to power the smartwatch on Tizen servers, making a clear message of wanting to be more independent of Android and ultimately Google. As Samsung has previously always been linked with Android, switching to Tizen is like a big change. Even though customers with untrained eyes may never see the difference between Gear (Android) and Gear 2 (Tizen) - myself included, having Tizen as an alternative to Android might be good for the company because now they are more in control of their future actions. Whether or not the software is different, the Gear 2 seems like a very useful piece of technology for someone who is in a rush and needs to take or leave quick messages. It is also efficient and not easy to lose because you are wearing it. With just a flick of the wrist, Samsung's smartwatch allows one to do many activities in a small amount of time.
codrin gherghel

Best Buy To Offer Full Fleet Of iPhone Models | TechCrunch - 0 views

  •  
    Best Buy is preparing for the fleet of customers that will be coming in for the iPhone 4S. they have just recieved their order and are awaiting the mass of loyal apple customers that will be coming. But dont worry just in case you find the iPhone 4S a little pricey they still have made other large orders of iPhone 4 and iPhone 3GS. The iPhone 3GS is being offered for free, but of course there comes a pricey plan with this
anthony garisto

3D printed speakers give you a custom light show to go with your tunes (video) - 0 views

  •  
    Evan Atherton created a pair of speakers that provide a customized light show for the music that is being played out of them. The interesting part about these speakers is that they were made using a 3-D printer. He created each individual cube with a hard plastic and a flexible rubber. He also added an addressable RGB LED strip that is operated by a microcontroller from the company Lumigeek. The speakers will not be for sale since it costs around $2000 and over 60 hours to make. 
Marquise Swaby

Hackers attempt to access AT&T customer records, prompts millions to Rethink Passwords - 1 views

  •  
    A bunch of hackers got close to busting down AT&T's virtual equivalent. The hackers were hard at work, trying to access account information. The carrier discovered the attack and shut it down before they could breach.
Elezabeth Lee

RIM Offers Users Free Apps After BlackBerry Service Outage - 0 views

  •  
    Blackberry users are mad. And why shouldn't they be? RIM went down. RIM is what MAKES Blackberrys. The outage that lasted more than three days has now been resolved, and to make amends for it, RIM does not only apologize, but also offers 12 free apps. Woo hoo. But, there is also a month of free technical support. So, there is something to gain. Millions of customers worldwide were left without access to various apps, email, etc. Is this a big enough apology?
  •  
    After a BlackBerry service outage that lasted more than three days, RIM is trying to make fix their mistakes  by offering them a selection of premium apps for free, as well as one month of free technical support. The RIM service outage was the biggest one they have ever had, and alot of customers are starting to switch, but RIM ensures this will never happen again... yeah right...
  •  
    All Blackberry users including myself were all ticked off after the 3 day service outage. As an apology, RIM (company that makes Blackberrys) decided to offer 12 free apps for Blackberry users. (Bejeweled, Texas Hold'em Poker 2, Bubble Bash and Shazam Encore) On top of that RIM has given us one month of technical support. I admit that RIM is trying hard to get back on track but sadly this isn't going to keep customers from switching phones. :$
Dragos Penelea

Apple's iOS 6 Maps Gets Improvements » Geeky Gadgets - 0 views

  •  
    As you all probably know, the new Apple maps available on iOS 6 is failing to live up to many expectations and requirements. Since coming out, it has had a lot of criticism and many apple customers were disappointed. There has even been a public apology from Apple CEO Tim Cook, who promised that Apple were hard  at work improving Apple Maps. In my opinion, it is embarrassing when such a prestigious company such as Apple develops something that receives this much criticism. I also think that this can hurt Apple's reputation, and even cause users to switch over to rival companies such as Samsung for phones. The big question, however, is whether or not Apple can match or even improve on the previously incorporated with Apple products, "Google Maps." Some say this is unlikely, as Google has much more experience in make map apps, and as Apple still has a long way to go until they can improve Apple Maps to a level where it could be considered decent.
katrina dykun

Apple EarPods Teardown Reveals Durable Design - 0 views

  •  
    This article is about the comparison of the old apple earphones and the new EarPods. Apple claims that the new EarPods sound as powerful as the expensive earphones invented in the world (example: Beats by Drake.. if that's what they're called). These new EarPods are as powerful as a expensive pair of earphone, but cost only 29$ and if you purchase any apple device (iPhone, iPod touch, etc.) these earbuds are free.  I have watched the video below, and some people say they can't tell a difference from the old earphone, while other people say it's a big difference. I have never used the EarPods before, but in my opinion I do think it would make a difference because technology is improving and becoming more successful. One little piece of technology can make a big difference in the world. Also, the customers have commented that these EarPods are more comfortable to fit into your ears. These EarPods are not a great device to repair. However, they are a low price so once your EarPods break, you could buy a new pair.
Anthony Mirabile

Talk is cheap: Cell phones hit six billion worldwide | Ars Technica - 0 views

  •  
    The above article (by Cyrus Favriar) details various interesting facts about the concentration of cellphone subscriptions on the planet - over 6 billion. At first the idea of 85% of the global population having access to a mobile phone seems outrageous, but 6 billion subscriptions does not necessarily mean 6 billion individual mobile phone owners. Many people living in third world countries will have multiple phones in order to take advantage of cheap calls within the carrier to and from a specific other party. Another interesting fact detailed in the article is that over 1/3 of the world's cellphone subscriptions is attributed to China and India, with over 2 billion subscriptions combined. A study from Gartner predicts that 1 billion smartphones will ship worldwide in 2014, and data from Canalys showed that more smartphones were sold in 2011 than personal computers. Between July 2011 and June 2012, Americans used 1.1 billion GB (> 10 000 TB) of mobile data, and over the last year Americans collectively spent 2.321 trillion minutes on the phone and have sent 2.273 trillion text messages. So, why should we be interested in all of these arbitrary facts? We understand that as smartphone prices become exponentially less expensive and other parts of the world gain access to data services, mobile broadband continues to grow at a rapid pace. There is a global trend from fixed-broadband to mobile-broadband subscriptions, simply because it is more cost-effective. As global bandwidth increases we can supposedly pump an infinite amount of data to billions of customers around the world. This relates to eLifestyle because it shows that although we talk about poverty and oppression around the world, one thing unites us: technology. This relates to Economics because of the decreasing cost of smartphones and the accessibility of cheap subscriptions becoming more prominent. This relates to the ICS20 class because as most of us own mobile phones and have mobile plans with various car
Nikita Varabei

Which smartphone system is right for you? - CNN.com - 0 views

  •  
    All of us either own a phone or want one, but which one is the right pick for you? Well your in luck because this article talks just about that. It compares the three operating systems that are making it big right now: Android, IOS, and Windows. In this comparison There are many discussions but in the end it comes down to a few points. First off all, there is the android. This system is making a huge impression even though the others have been around for longer. Overall this seems to be a phone who know more about technology and are really into customizing, and controlling their phone. Then there's is the iphone. This phone is popular with a large quantity of people and is famous for its app store. This phone is for those that want a simple phone that is used often for entertainment. Last but not least there is the Windows phone. Windows has been a computing big-shot for a long time and is growing even bigger with its new Windows 8 platform. Whats neat is that both the PC and the smartphone from windows will be running the same OS, which will really make things easier for those interested in connecting the 2 and etc. This phone is for those who are using windows and want their systems to connect, and for those who want a simple interface or those who often use Microsoft Office. In the end, all these systems are amazing and it's really up to your personal needs and preferences.
Adrian Ma

BMW's Performance sport steering wheel brings vehicle data right to your finger tips (v... - 0 views

  •  
    Introducing the all new BMW's very own M Performance sport steering wheel. This steering wheel offers a whole bunch of data and information while letting you concentrate on the road. What makes this steering wheel unique from other steering wheel is that high grip material and the small OLED display located 12 o'clock of the wheel. Within this small display it shows you many features of the car. For example, average fuel consumption, speed, oil and water temperature, lap times, G- force, and more. On each side of the display, there are LED's that glow and flashes to indicate the end of the current gear. So you do not have to look down at the dashboard to see your current RPM. There are also three readout modes: Efficient Dynamic, Sport, and Race. Depending of which mode is currently active, it gives you new information of the vehicle.  So you are probably all wondering the price of this wonderful steering wheel. The price is $1700. To me, I think it is worth it for those who wants to monitor their vehicle and see their lap times etc. The wheel looks absolutely gorgeous and it will attract many BMW customers. 
Maurizio Pellegrino

Nintendo Wii U review -- Engadget - 0 views

  •  
    The new Wii U review came out today. The Wii U is longer than the old one and looks sleeker. Also it's lovely fingerprint black. It has an HDMI port (cord is included), other USB ports, and a SD card slot. It runs on an IBM Power-based multi-core processor and an AMD Radeon custom high-def GPU. It comes in 8GB of internal flash memory for $300 and for $350 you get 32GB of memory. The Gamepad is pretty much all your Nintendo devices in one. It comes with a camera. The battery life is about 3.5 hours with everything turned down. If your parents are watching TV you can still play on the gamepad. The pro controller is small copy of the PS3 and Xbox 360's controller. The battery life is 6-10 hours. Overall there are many interactive games and the family will love playing together. eLifestyle because this will become the new trend. Many people will want to get it. Sunday nights the family will get together and play all night. Economics because the Wii U is going to be big competition for the other companies because they don't have a gamepad and you can play while dad is watching CFL playoffs. 
Allison Concepcion

Custom Google Background for Chrome Personalizes Your Google Searches - 0 views

  •  
    Last November, Google has removed the feature and option of people personalizing their backgrounds when they use the search engine on Goggle. But now personalized backgrounds are back! You can do this by just simply specifying that you want a certain picture to be your background.  This feature makes Google feel like your own and it's fun to do. Plus it adds a bit of flare onto the page instead of looking at a boring Google search page. You can also upload a photo if you chose for it to be your personalized background. 
vahanos needsnolastname

ABI: With 58% Market Share, Android Will Top iOS In Smartphone App Downloads This Year,... - 0 views

  • There are a number of ways to measure a mobile platform’s relative success, but if you’re looking at the number of mobile app downloads as the metric of choice, then the analysts at ABI Research have just predicted that Android will win it in 2013. According to the firm’s latest forecasts, 58 percent of smartphone app downloads this year will be Android apps, while iOS will come in at just 33 percent. But those numbers look very different when you include tablet app downloads in the forecast. ABI says that smartphone apps will be downloaded 56 billion times in 2013, and the majority of these will be either iOS or Android-based, reflecting the duopoly that still has the majority of smartphone market share worldwide. Earlier this year, ABI said that Google’s Android platform would take a 57 percent share of the global smartphone market this year, with iOS grabbing just around 21 percent. Combined, that 78 percent chunk was notably down from the 92 percent figure that competitor Strategy Analytics’ pegged in Q4 2012, though, hinting that there may be a little room for second-tier players. Though the numbers from rival houses tend to vary, what the firms can seem to agree on in general terms is that Android has a bigger piece of the overall smartphone market worldwide, and they’re expecting that trend to continue this year. Realistically, it’s probably too soon to call the numbers for 2013, given that China is still very much in play this year, as smartphone adoption is now surging in that country. Just this February, for example, China passed the U.S. to become the world’s top country for active Android and iOS smartphones and tablets. And Apple is certainly not ignoring China either, with CEO Tim Cook stating that China would become Apple’s most important market. There have been ongoing rumors of differently priced devices for China’s newest smartphone customers, and Apple recently added options that allow Chinese customers to buy Apple devices on credit. That being said, Android’s traction in the low-cost smartphone space can’t be discounted, either. However, ABI also predicts that Android’s gains will encourage more developers to go the Android-first route this year, and that’s not as likely a conclusion. Though Android may see more raw downloads due to its market share figures, studies show that Apple is still the revenue leader when it comes to how developers are monetizing their applications both as paid apps, as well as through in-app purchases, upgrades and virtual goods. It’s hard for new developers to make money as it is, so they’re still gravitating towards the Apple App Store when it comes to their revenue-generation efforts. ABI also says today that iOS has the lead in tablet app downloads – another reason why the Android-first predication seems a little shaky. Of the around 14 billion tablet apps it’s expecting in 2013, 75 percent will be for the iPad, with Android (excluding the Kindle Fire) accounting for just 17 percent. Amazon will see around 4 percent market share here, and Windows tablets will barely eke out 2 percent, the firm claims.
  •  
    andriod bets apple in the # of downloads that will happen this year. Almost 58 percent of downloads will be from andriod , and only 33 percent will be from apple. There are more peope downloading apps from andriod mainly because most of tier apps are free and thee apps that are the app store that usually cost mony are free on the andriod google store. China has the most andriod and apple users and most of the apps are downloaded from china. ABI says that apps will be downloaded 56 billion times in 2013. 2013 may be the yea forr apps as there are more andriod and apple user tosay to have the app store and play store open to them in the palm of ther hand.
1 - 20 of 56 Next › Last »
Showing 20 items per page