BLOGGER REVIEW OF SLASHGEAR: http://www.slashgear.com/
SlashGear is a professional technology blog that is devoted to bringing the most recent and innovative forms of personal technology to light. This blog provides information about the plans of big corporations who will impact our daily lives with their new inventions and merger acquisitions. It covers the latest cutting edge technology and trends in our current digital age. SlashGear provides reviews of technological products and services. However, they also allow the public to make commentary in order to provide a sense of community where individuals can express their dissatisfaction or satisfaction regarding products/services from certain companies. SlashGear is run and operated by R3 Media LLC, and a crew of nine members who keep the blog running and alive (http://www.slashgear.com/about/)
http://www.slashgear.com/microsoft-could-make-2-5b-by-releasing-office-on-ipad-27271748/
This blog post from SlashGear discusses a potential big tme billion dollar deal between Microsoft and Apple, two of the biggest competitors and providers of operating system services and software applications. The deal at hand was to have Microsoft release its software on the iPad, a $2.5 billion deal as stated by analyst Adam Holt from Morgan Stanley. However, Microsoft turned down this deal, but with good reason. This deal did not include the commission (revenue, profit) that Apple would be making after purchasing the software and selling it in the Office Apps in its App Store (http://www.slashgear.com/microsoft-could-make-2-5b-by-releasing-office-on-ipad-27271748/). In other words, after releasing the software Microsoft would not be recieving any kind of percentage of the revenue that Apple would be recieving after releasing their own software. Also, releasing this software to the iPad would take the essence out of the Microsoft Surface tablets. The iPad would just become the Apple version of the Microsoft Surface tablets, and make better sales.
Overall the bloggers have an amazing style. They kept the information brief and understandable so that the message was relayed, along with graphics and images in between so that it is just not text. I also noticed some advertisements for other products. Followers of the blog provide useful input on what they read from the articles or what they might have heard that relate to it. This is definitely a type of format that I should follow. Adding images and graphics always makes the page more alive, entertaining, and more readers would be attracted to it and remain interested.
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Sunday, February 24, 2013
LECTURE POST- 2/24/13
Lecture Post- Photoshop and Cloud Computing
The Metro Card Finder is an app designed to help find lost or stolen Metro Cards. With today's current technology, I am looking for different alternatives to finding your stolen/lost metrocard. One method of finding it is to scan/enter the code on the back of your metrocard into the computer or phone via the MTA website. Another method is to have an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), a tracking device) chip on the back of the card. Once you realize that it is stolen, call and report it to the authorities immediately. They will deactivate the card temporarily and locate the card by detecting the radio wave signals.
The concept of photoshop can be incorporated into my entrepreneurship idea in an important way. Photoshop enables you to create images or improvise already existing images. Through the various techniques on Adobe Photoshop, such as color balance adjustments and "the lasso", you can alter an image or even create one that was never there. You can make a man look like a woman and vice versa because photoshop allows you to add, take away, and create. For example, for the lab for this week we altered an image of a football game that took place at the Carrier Dome here in SU. We were assigned to fill up the section of the audience that looked empty, to make it look like the event was full house. We also had to put our name on the football field so it looks like we own it. This was done through photoshopping (using the lasso, copying and pasting sections of the crowd to a less filled section, adjusting the color balance so that nothing looks out of place).
My entrepreneurship idea has not been set forth into action, it is not real yet. What photoshop will allow me to do is make my dream a reality. When people hear about an idea, they have to see it to believe it. Otherwise it is just a gimmick. They want an image that will allow them to see where the idea will go, and whether or not it might just work. I can get an image of a MetroCard and add an RFID chip to a place where it would fit best. This way consumers/customers will have an idea of how the invention looks and they can spread the word that this might just work because it looks believable. In no way would I be tricking anyone, I would just give them an image of what the prototype would look like.
The "Cloud" is the world wide web, otherwise known as the internet. Cloud computing is basically software applications on the web that can be accessed anywhere and any time. Most of the time it is free, unlike the actual software that you have to purchase for high prices. One downside of cloud computing is that it requires an internet connection; so if your internet is down you can not access the necessary software. Whereas the purchased version of the software doesn't require internet and is more stable. Examples of Cloud Computing are Google Docs, Google's version of excel, ZOHO, and Dropbox. Now cloud computing also enables cloud storage which is "an internet service that provides storage to computer users" (From the Textbook for IST195: "Discovering Computers: Shelly Cashman Series) ie, individuals, home businesses, and enterprises. When there is not enough space to store information, cloud storage services are made available. Examples of Cloud Storage Services are Amazon EC2 and Amazon S3; these websites provide enterprise level storage, web services, and data center services. In other words, these websites enable you to manage and store your data at a cost of course. For my entrepreneurship idea, since there will be many customers I'm hoping, all of their information pertaining to them needs to be managed (personal info, metrocard info, images, services, accessing tutorial videos, etc).
The Metro Card Finder is an app designed to help find lost or stolen Metro Cards. With today's current technology, I am looking for different alternatives to finding your stolen/lost metrocard. One method of finding it is to scan/enter the code on the back of your metrocard into the computer or phone via the MTA website. Another method is to have an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), a tracking device) chip on the back of the card. Once you realize that it is stolen, call and report it to the authorities immediately. They will deactivate the card temporarily and locate the card by detecting the radio wave signals.
The concept of photoshop can be incorporated into my entrepreneurship idea in an important way. Photoshop enables you to create images or improvise already existing images. Through the various techniques on Adobe Photoshop, such as color balance adjustments and "the lasso", you can alter an image or even create one that was never there. You can make a man look like a woman and vice versa because photoshop allows you to add, take away, and create. For example, for the lab for this week we altered an image of a football game that took place at the Carrier Dome here in SU. We were assigned to fill up the section of the audience that looked empty, to make it look like the event was full house. We also had to put our name on the football field so it looks like we own it. This was done through photoshopping (using the lasso, copying and pasting sections of the crowd to a less filled section, adjusting the color balance so that nothing looks out of place).
My entrepreneurship idea has not been set forth into action, it is not real yet. What photoshop will allow me to do is make my dream a reality. When people hear about an idea, they have to see it to believe it. Otherwise it is just a gimmick. They want an image that will allow them to see where the idea will go, and whether or not it might just work. I can get an image of a MetroCard and add an RFID chip to a place where it would fit best. This way consumers/customers will have an idea of how the invention looks and they can spread the word that this might just work because it looks believable. In no way would I be tricking anyone, I would just give them an image of what the prototype would look like.
The "Cloud" is the world wide web, otherwise known as the internet. Cloud computing is basically software applications on the web that can be accessed anywhere and any time. Most of the time it is free, unlike the actual software that you have to purchase for high prices. One downside of cloud computing is that it requires an internet connection; so if your internet is down you can not access the necessary software. Whereas the purchased version of the software doesn't require internet and is more stable. Examples of Cloud Computing are Google Docs, Google's version of excel, ZOHO, and Dropbox. Now cloud computing also enables cloud storage which is "an internet service that provides storage to computer users" (From the Textbook for IST195: "Discovering Computers: Shelly Cashman Series) ie, individuals, home businesses, and enterprises. When there is not enough space to store information, cloud storage services are made available. Examples of Cloud Storage Services are Amazon EC2 and Amazon S3; these websites provide enterprise level storage, web services, and data center services. In other words, these websites enable you to manage and store your data at a cost of course. For my entrepreneurship idea, since there will be many customers I'm hoping, all of their information pertaining to them needs to be managed (personal info, metrocard info, images, services, accessing tutorial videos, etc).
Sunday, February 17, 2013
Competitive Analysis- 2/17/13
The Metro Card Finder is an app designed to help find lost or stolen Metro Cards. With today's current technology, I am looking for different alternatives to finding your stolen/lost metrocard. One method of finding it is to scan/enter the code on the back of your metrocard into the computer or phone via the MTA website. Another method is to have an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), a tracking device) chip on the back of the card. Once you realize that it is stolen, call and report it to the authorities immediately. They will deactivate the card temporarily and locate the card by detecting the radio wave signals.
RFID Chip:
The top 2 competitors of this idea are the services of the MTA itself.
Competitor 1: http://www.mta.info/metrocard/problems.htm#lost
For this service, the MTA will deactivate and replace Metrocards that were stolen or lost, but only certain kinds. These include: 30-Day Unlimited Ride MetroCard, 7-Day Express Bus MetroCard, EasyPay Xpress and Reduced-Fare EasyPay option Metrocards. Also, if you purchased your metro card with a Credit/Debit card at an ATM Machine there is the guarantee of getting a full refund (http://becomeanewyorker.com/lost-your-metrocard-getting-your-money-back-is-easier-than-you-think/). This service does not include Pay-Per-Ride MetroCards. According to the website these cards must be "Treated like cash." In other words, once its gone it is gone and can not be redeemed. My idea differs from this service because it includes all Metro Cards and you don't have to personally call the authorities. It can be done on a computer or a smart phone app, and is a much quicker process.
Competitor 2: http://secondavenuesagas.com/2011/06/14/an-online-solution-for-lost-or-damaged-metrocards/
For the issue of lost/stolen Metro Cards, the MTA has put up something new called the Metro Card Efix Website. When a customer has a problem with his/her Metro Card, he/she can fill out an online form and try to resolve the problems digitally. The types of problems are separated into six categories: lost or stolen reduced fare cards; Select Bus Service errors; MetroCard not returned from the bus farebox; MetroCard Vending Machine problem; or a transfer problem (http://secondavenuesagas.com/2011/06/14/an-online-solution-for-lost-or-damaged-metrocards/ ). This is similar to my idea because it can also be done digitally through a computer, or anything that has internet on it. The difference is that it will still take a good amount of time to solve the issues, and that this solution is more general and does not just stand for one issue but for many. My idea is more efficient and quicker and really stands to solve one pressing issue rather than several.
Summary: My two competitors are from the MTA, one is a service that will refund certain kinds of cards, and the other is a website dedicated to several issues. I believe that with more research on RFIDs I can incorporate it to my idea. This will provide a much faster and efficient solution to various customers using all kinds of Metro Cards.
RFID Chip:
The top 2 competitors of this idea are the services of the MTA itself.
Competitor 1: http://www.mta.info/metrocard/problems.htm#lost
For this service, the MTA will deactivate and replace Metrocards that were stolen or lost, but only certain kinds. These include: 30-Day Unlimited Ride MetroCard, 7-Day Express Bus MetroCard, EasyPay Xpress and Reduced-Fare EasyPay option Metrocards. Also, if you purchased your metro card with a Credit/Debit card at an ATM Machine there is the guarantee of getting a full refund (http://becomeanewyorker.com/lost-your-metrocard-getting-your-money-back-is-easier-than-you-think/). This service does not include Pay-Per-Ride MetroCards. According to the website these cards must be "Treated like cash." In other words, once its gone it is gone and can not be redeemed. My idea differs from this service because it includes all Metro Cards and you don't have to personally call the authorities. It can be done on a computer or a smart phone app, and is a much quicker process.
Competitor 2: http://secondavenuesagas.com/2011/06/14/an-online-solution-for-lost-or-damaged-metrocards/
For the issue of lost/stolen Metro Cards, the MTA has put up something new called the Metro Card Efix Website. When a customer has a problem with his/her Metro Card, he/she can fill out an online form and try to resolve the problems digitally. The types of problems are separated into six categories: lost or stolen reduced fare cards; Select Bus Service errors; MetroCard not returned from the bus farebox; MetroCard Vending Machine problem; or a transfer problem (http://secondavenuesagas.com/2011/06/14/an-online-solution-for-lost-or-damaged-metrocards/ ). This is similar to my idea because it can also be done digitally through a computer, or anything that has internet on it. The difference is that it will still take a good amount of time to solve the issues, and that this solution is more general and does not just stand for one issue but for many. My idea is more efficient and quicker and really stands to solve one pressing issue rather than several.
Summary: My two competitors are from the MTA, one is a service that will refund certain kinds of cards, and the other is a website dedicated to several issues. I believe that with more research on RFIDs I can incorporate it to my idea. This will provide a much faster and efficient solution to various customers using all kinds of Metro Cards.
Sunday, February 10, 2013
Lecture Post- computer forensics/hardware/the system unit
MetroCard Finder is an app that is designed to help find lost/stolen Metro Cards and it can be accessed from a personal computer or a smartphone. In collaboration with Google Maps, The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), and the input and feedback of viewers like you, this project will be completed. It can become developed so that it will not only work for Metrocards but for other more general items and valuables such as Credit cards, Debit cards, and even vehicles. Many aspects of technology would have to be applied for this idea to be in motion and successful.
I would like to add on to my entrepreneurship idea the tracking device in the form of a Nano chip. The Nano chip would be attached to the MetroCard so that if a customer lost it underground, it could be detected through a wireless range. Many customers lose these valuables in the train which will eventually go underground. This would make it hard for them to track the item with their phone or computer since there would be no detectable signal. It would even be hard for the MTA to track their own cards without a signal. With this nanotechnology, it would be really convenient to track the card because of the unlimited wireless range even underground. One major aspect of technology that would need to be deeply considered is Hardware.
Hardware is the tools, machinery, wiring, and other physical characteristics that are necessary in order to keep a machine/system running. A part of hardware to be considered in this situation is nanotechnology, which is the study of manipulating materials on an atomic or molecular level especially to build microscopic devices (as robots, or even making microscopic chips). Microscopic Chips would have to be attached to the valuable items. Once the item is reported lost, they system would try to track down it down even in difficult underground spots thanks to the micro chip that would work with a wireless range. A GPS system is also required to help make the tracking process quicker.
Customers would also have the option of scanning the receipt for purchase of the item and then upload the image via pc or smart phone/tablet. The image would be uploaded into the system's database. This way the invoice #, reference #, amount added into the card would be in the database, along with a possible facial recognition of the customer.
Sunday, February 3, 2013
Lecture Post- Social Media
The Metro Card Finder app allows you to capture an image of the numbers with your phone or other mobile device, so that it can be recorded into the system. So when you do lose your Metro Card (hopefully that does not happen), the app will tell you where the exact location of where the card is after you enter the number in. One would also be able to do this online; since the picture of the number is already taken he/she would just have to refer to the image in order to crunch in the identification number. You can report it to the authorities and give them the identification number. Then, authorities would put the card on hold so that it can’t be used by anyone else, and the person who does attempt to use it for their own purposes will be caught red-handed. This plan would have to work by being in a partnership with Google Maps (our source for finding the location of the Metro Card), and the MTA (the authorities who would put the card on hold and let you know that your card has been found so that you can pick it up).
Social Media plays a vital role in our daily lives, and in any entrepreneurship idea. We are in an era where the world runs on social media. Websites such as Facebook, Twitter, HootSuite, Foursquare, Instagram, Blogger, and Wordpress are examples of social media. Information is spread faster in social media, and it is received first in social media as well. We hear about the death or birth of something important before the news can even tell us. Information finds us, rather than us looking for it. People are so absorbed into social media because they rely on the opinions and experiences of others when it comes to purchasing or pursuing anything. This is one of the reasons why Social Media is so pivotal to any entrepreneurship idea. For example, before buying a product/service we look at other customer ratings and reviews for the product to help us judge if the product/service is worth it. Jenny might be looking at a Dell computer, but she is not sure whether it is worth it. So, she asks her friend who has purchased a laptop from the same company, and looks online for other customer ratings to see how satisfied they were with the product. Depending on the good or bad reviews, Jenny will decide whether or not to purchase the product.
Social Media is important because you can release an idea before it becomes something material. This is a way for promoting and improvising on the product plan simultaneously. It would be a way for promoting a product/service by letting the public know what solutions can be available to any problem they can be experiencing. If one person likes the product, he/she surely will tell family and friends and spread the word. When it comes to selling and advertising, it is all about the word of mouth nowadays; Social Media becomes psychology in a way, because it helps entrepreneurs and businesses understand the mind of consumers.
It becomes a means for improvising the idea for a product/service because it allows potential consumers to add in suggestions for making the product better. When consumers are allowed to comment on the ideas, they add their input of what they think will improve the product/service. In other words, what things we can add or subtract from our idea to make them buy it. This relates to my entrepreneurship idea completely because my classmates were allowed to comment on my blog post for the MetroCard Finder App. From their comments, I know how to better improve my product/service, so that it can appeal to consumers and so that it can be more sellable. I can do additional research and development based on their suggestions, and incorporate it into my entrepreneurship idea.
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