Canadian Online 'Black Friday'!

This past weekend, US citizens celebrated Black Friday. This one day of amazing deals has been claimed as the busiest shopping day of the year! Instead of Canada trying to cross boarders to set up new stores in the US to partake in Black Friday, they can instead partake in Online Black Friday. On this particular day, Canadian stores offer all kinds of online deals that mirror the discounting at US outlets. Customers will not have to travel to the US for a one day shopping trip. Online shopping is a more efficient and worry free method that customers prefer today. Individuals can order items online through various Canadian outlets at a discounted price. This can help boost sales for Canadian outlets, and increase awareness and generate revenues, especially during this economy. Canadians buying products within the country are also less likely to run into extra costs such as cross borders taxes, tariffs, etc. This will also decrease the worry of warranty and return policies.

The e-commerce industry is growing today and has a large impact on today's society. Shopping over the internet is an easy method for customers to utilize and helps company's generate extra revenue (Especially on special occasions like Black Friday). Most importantly, online shopping is only a click away!

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/economy/start-with-canadian-sites-experts-tell-online-shoppers/article2248445/

Google's Youtube and Walt Disney Partner Up!

This partnership was announce at the beginning of the month. Disney and Youtube are coming together in the effort to provide more original content to online users. Disney is working to re-launch their disney.com in the fall of 2012, and are looking forward to having youtube as a partner to expand the online audience that they already have. 

Disney’s videos and current programs will be available through their website, and youtube. This is a great move for youtube, because they have trying to keep their offerings of original content online.

Youtube and Disney plan to spend 10-15 million on providing their original video series content through online streaming to customers. Disney is aware that although their brand is very established, it is not strong enough to bring in enough kid audience who are looking for online videos. They are very excited about partnering up with youtube and the opportunities that this could bring to their business. They both believe that this will increase “viewership” and attract a lot of new advertisers.

They plan to have Walt Disney in charge of all producing, while youtube will form a “Disney Channel” on their website where the original content can be streamed from. Disney has been working hard over the years to make an online platform where kids - their target audience- can go to get their products. Both companies see this partnership as beneficial to them, youtube is looking forward to seeing new audiences come in once Disney is onboard. Disney will be splitting its revenue with youtube, and selling all advertisement inventory as well.

I think that this is an interesting partnership, and will in turn be successful. With the reputation that both of these companies hold, it will bring an interesting aspect to the online community for Disney. This is a great way for Disney to show that it is trying to always be evolving with  today’s society, and our technological advances that we bring to every industry.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/technology/tech-news/youtube-teams-with-disney-for-family-friendly-video-channel/article2228000/

http://www.yousaytoo.com/mmedia-biggies-disney-and-youtube-together-in-a-video-deal/1379107

Social Media Survey

Hey Guys,

I am doing my final report on whether or not social media is a positive force for social change.

If you have a moment any feedback would help, please fill out the survey by following the link below.

Social Media Survey

Thanks!

Jen

Man sentenced to 20 years for text msg insulting Thai queen

Government all over the world is becoming increasing strict on cyber and mobile phone bullying. There are more incidents in the news than ever about people committing suicide because they were victims of either cyber bullying or received harsh words through text messaging. Regulations worldwide have recently been put into place to help minimize the use of the technology available in a negative way.

I found this article on the Globe and Mail that discussed a 61-year- old man in Thailand who was recently sentenced to 20 years in prison for sending text messages that were offensive to the country's queen. The court stated this man sent offensive text messages in May 2010 to a personal secretary of then prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva. The 61-year-old man is charged with "Lese majeste" which is the crime of insulting a monarch.

This article demonstrates the seriousness of these offences, and I was shocked that words stated in a text message could result in 20 years in prison! Words are as serious as physical actions now a days.

Very important to always watch what you say and do because almost everything can be traced back to you.

Increasing Tuition in Canada, Good Idea?

Last class, we had a presentation on education, and part of the presentation covered free education, like the Khan Academy. I found an interesting video on the Globe and Mail that countered free education: increasing tuition across Canada. They believe that a higher tuition help and benefit less affluent students. How could this be? James Bradshaw, the education reporter for the Globe, claims that current tuition costs average around $6000 per term. This price is MUCH lower then private education offered in the states. Moreover, he says that affluent students have no problem paying this fee, which benefits them, and has no beneficial effect on less affluents students. The suggestion?

Doubling education tuition to around $12000 per term will still not harm those affluent students (they will still be able to afford their tuition with ease) however this will create a better income base financial aid system for less affluent students. With a better financial aid system, those students will be able to take out bigger student loans with ease and potentially increase the ability to pay that loan back quicker. Moreover, with a higher education tuition, the schools can take that extra income and invest in a higher quality education system in Canada.

Although there is large debate over whether this will be beneficial or simply create a larger burden for students. In order to determine whether this is a sound proposition, there are questions that must be research, evaluated and answered:

Does the Canadian education system need improvement?

Will the increase in tuition truly benefit less affluent students?

Will the university student rate decrease due to education fees doubling?

These are just a few of the questions, there are MANY more.

What do you guys think? Check out the video below!

VIDEO!!!!

Social Media Turns Government into a “Sideshow”

With the fast-pace changes in today’s technology people involved with governments across the world are realizing that social media and social networking are becoming more and more important to global affairs, sometimes over government’s.

The things that are said over the internet almost become more important to society in some ways then what actually happens in the traditional governmental places. Governments are now working to use social media to their advantage when trying to come back from “tragedy”. Iceland being one of the country’s that has embraced the changes in technology and how significant it has become in today’s society have seen an amazing turn around after a crisis in 2008. 

In today’s world, I think it’s important for government, or people in authority, to take advantage of what the internet brings to the workplace, and to embrace the influence that it has on today’s societies. As everything moves towards social media, and internet use it’s crucial that governments are able to effectively use these tools as these are one of the fastest ways that information travels.

http://www.cnn.com/2011/10/21/tech/innovation/iceland-president-social-media/index.html

$60 tablet aims to bring Internet to developing world

Brothers Raja Singh Tuli and Suneet Singh Tuli are Canadian-raised entrepreneurs who own a company called DataWind. The Indian-born brothers have created the world’s cheapest tablet computer, which will be released in India within weeks and is planned to launch in the U.S and U.K in 2012. The Android-based tablet is called UbiSlate which will allow users to get internet access using existing low-speed cellphone networks, and will cost $2 a month for unlimited internet access. UbiSlate is designed to allow people living in the smallest villages in India have the ability to access the Internet and be connected. This device will hopefully create a solution for the problem that exits in emerging markets like Africa and Southeast Asia, which is a lack infrastructure and affordable products to allow for web access.

How the device works: UbiSlate has the technology that reduces the amount of data required to go on the Internet by 30 times. The device is solar powered, and has a small solar panel that generates about two watts of power a day (the sun in India is strong enough to fully charge the device). UbiSlate has a seven-inch touch screen, an Android 2.2 operating system, ability to play HD video, a built in cellular modem and two USB ports.

Why UbiSlate is so inexpensive: The device is run on low-speed cell-phone networks that are available everywhere, which allows them to buy the bandwidth at a low-price and sell it at a low cost. The company is also very “vertically integrated” which decreases their costs as well.

I personally think this tablet is a great way to connect those in the developing world, and is one step closer towards allowing those less fortunate to access information that can enhance their lives.

View Article: http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/story/2011/11/21/technology-datawind-ubislate.html

Dr. Smartphone?

We live in a world obsessed with the convenience of technology and the unending availability of information. The generation of smart phones has been upgraded once again and I think that this new breakthrough will definitely make a significant impact. Apple has taken the iPhone to the next level by designing an app called Proloquo2go. It uses pictographs to help patients that experience difficulties communicating (ex. those who have suffered a stroke). Medical health apps don’t stop here however. There is Bant, an app targeted towards diabetic teens that tests their blood sugar levels and tells them whether or not they need to increase/decrease their next insulin dose. There is also apps such as Epocrates, Medscape, or Micromedex that offer clinicians to access drug dosing, medical calculators, and clinical guidelines.

With the constant stream of breakthroughs in both the medical and technological world, is anyone concerned that smart phones one day replace doctors? Or would this be a good thing? Dr. James Aw writes that “[these] tools that improve doctor patient communication and empower patients are fantastic. But I’m a little wary of the robo-doc reference programs that are bringing us to a Star Trek-like present. Machines help, but humans think. The most valuable tools for any doctor are education, clinical experience and good old rational human judgment”. What are your thoughts?

http://www.nationalpost.com/news/Paging+Smartphone/5672414/story.html

Google launches challenge to iTunes

This past Wednesday Google launched its digital music store, and will sell songs on the Andriod Market. This is the latest Google updated that helps them better compete with technology giant, Apple.  Google’s music store is offering 13 million tracks and the songs are priced very similar to the prices on iTunes, but Google is offering sharing of purchased songs through Google Plus. Once a song is downloaded it is uploaded into an “online locker” and friends will be able to listen to one another’s songs once for free. Google states that not only do they offer services that iTunes does not have, they offer cheaper services such as Google’s cloud storage service which is free, while Apple’s online song storage service costs users $25 a year.

 Do you think Google will be able to compete with Apple’s digital music store due to their special services such as “sharing music” with friends?

Are Ultrabooks the new Tablet?

In 2011, Tablets have been the talk of year. Do you think that 2012 can be the year for Ultrabooks? For those of you who do not know what an ultrabook is, it is an extremely lightweight laptop that is thin, long battery, and reasonably priced. Most are similar to the Mac Book Air laptop that is known for its lightweight and durability. Their popularity also comes from their pricing. Most average around $1000 which is what most consumers are expecting to pay where as most other laptops are around $1500.

In 2012, there is supposed to be 20-50 new models of ultrabooks coming out due to the exploding demand. As well, these new models will be sure to be faster, more reliable, and lighter then ever. Intel is also launching a new 'chip' that will be installed in all the ultrabooks that will reduce power consumption while improving performance. Some brands that have already debut their ultrabooks include Mac, Toshiba, Asus, Lenovo, and Acer.

However, despite the high rating of these computers, there has also been some negative media associated with them. Ultrabooks, like the MacBook Air are known not to last long and have a limited battery life.

What do you think? Are ultrabooks really the new tablet? The new Ipad?

Article: http://mashable.com/2011/11/18/ultrabooks-ces-2012/

SURVEY TIME

Hi GUYS!

I'm doing some market research for the individual project, so if you could do this survey it would be much appreciated!

THANKS!

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/T55WDNX

Blackberry To Unveil BBX

Shortly after Blackberry had major problems delivering their services to consumers all over the world, they have unveiled their next operating system, that they are hoping will make up for their loss of sales when revealing their Blackberry Playbook. BBX is considered a mix between Blackberry 7 and QNX OS, the operating system that is already running on the Playbook. Last time blackberry launched a new operating system, it was there most successful launch yet, and they have high hopes for the results once they launch BBX.

With all the problems blackberry has been facing, they have designed to come together as one company, and have aligned their whole company with one vision, based around the launch of BBX. Blackberry is attempting to “transform the tablet experience”. The president and CEO of Rim is stressing on the fact that BBX is presenting many opportunities that are made accessible for all consumers, including software development, game development, as well as everyday use.

Although blackberry has been having problems attracting consumers in recent months, developers are looking forward to using the first HTML 5 based WebGL. 

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2394879,00.asp#fbid=QkeOQX8Xv7e

Germany to sue Facebook over facial recognition

Earlier in the semester, I posted a blog post titled “Facebook’s Small Changes that Affects your Privacy”. The blog discussed Facebook’s new tagging features and the 3 dialogue box steps users now have to face when trying to un-tag a photo of them on Facebook. The blog also mentioned Facebook’s “facial- recognition system”, which recognizes faces of your friends and does the work for you. This system has not been implemented in Canada because Privacy Commissioner of Ontario is extremely against them system, along with other groups.

I wanted to share with you an article I came across today that was titled “Germany to sue Facebook over facial recognition”. Just like everyone probably expected this system has already spurred lawsuits. German data protection laws require companies to clearly inform users about how their personal information is being used. The Hamburg Data Protection Authority says Facebook did not inform it’s users when it began using facial recognition technology.

Facebook stated they would introduce a checkbox for users to accept terms and conditions about this system, and Facebook does not agree with the German authority because they state the tag suggestion feature is compliant with the E.U data protection laws. However, the checkbox would only be available for new users, which Germany felt was not a solution and is still looking into fining Facebook $407,000.

It will be interesting to see how this lawsuit turns out.

How would you feel if your face was recognized by this technology, and a photo you did not want tagged of yourself was tagged for everyone to see?

Full article: http://www.infoworld.com/d/the-industry-standard/germany-sue-facebook-over-facial-recognition-178787

Abuse of Personal Information

Last week we were talking about personal information management and I was able to find two interesting articles regarding this topic of interest. The first article talks about how companies can find out personal information regarding any individual on the internet. Joel Stein who had applied for a particular job received a call from the company who read his social security number to him. Not only did the company find out what his social security number was, but also found out what songs he likes, what magazines he subscribes to, his car warranty information, and much more. Through Google ads preferences, you can find out what type of individual Joel is, his age, height, weight, where he lives, how much money he makes, etc.

On another article I was reading, by spending 30 mins searching on Google, you can find out personal information on Google’s CEO Eric Schmidt. This destruction and readily available personal information would make anyone uncomfortable. If someone had access to the Google database, they could find out what people write in their personal emails and collect private information about anyone. This is how personal hackers get a hold of celebrity’s personal information and abuse that information.
Have you tried to search your own name on Google? What personal information have you found regarding yourself?

Articles:
http://news.cnet.com/2100-1032_3-5787483.html
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,2058205,00.html

The Most Pirated Movies on the Internet

Recently in class we have discussed pirating movies, and downloading music on the internet. Students in class talked about the ways in which they purchased their music and movies, and whether they downloaded illegally, or purchase on Itunes. Torrent was the downloading service that seemed to be the most popular among the students in our class.

I found an interesting article that listed the most pirated movies on the internet and was surprised to see some of the movies on the list:

1. Avatar: 21 million downloads

2. The Dark Knight: 19 million downloads

3. Transformers: 19 million downloads

4. Inception: 18 million downloads

5. The Hangover: 17 million downloads

6. Star Trek: 16 million downloads

7. Kick-Ass: 15 million downloads

8. The Departed: 14 million downloads

9. The Incredible Hulk: 14 million downloads

10. Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End: 14 million downloads

This report was created by TorrentFreak a blog that tracks the downloads on the leading downloading site BitTorrent. It is clear that box-office hits are the movies that are most frequently downloaded, but I was shocked by some of the movies on this list such as The Hangover. I personally believe The Hangover is a movie targeted towards a particular demographic and was surprised to see that it was the 5th most pirated movie.

Could you imagine the increase in profits directors such as James Cameron would receive if the 21 million downloads, was instead 21 million purchases?

Article: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/technology/digital-culture/social-networking/the-most-pirated-movies-on-the-internet/article2209239/ 

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E-Book Industry

I was reading over Julia's Post of Google entering the e-book industry in Canada and I found some interesting stats on the e-book industry on the globe and mail. Digital readers are changing the traditional system of going to borrow books from their local library. Today, there is a wait list (Almost 50 ppl!) for several bestseller books from the Vancouver public library, in the e-version. Although several libraries have had e-version of books for nearly 10 yrs, it has recently became very popular. Although there are still online book websites like Amazon and public libraries, I think that Google's move to enter the Canadian e-book industry was very smart.

Although Google charges more then competitors, I don't think this will be a huge setback. I think because google is the largest search engine, I think that people who are searching for books, an e-version available to purchase will pop up automatically which will entice consumers to purchase a google e-book over searching for another e-book which can be time consuming. Take a look at youtube. After Google purchased youtube, searching topics on google would include results from youtube which helps individuals find exactly what they are looking for. Youtube has grown substantially over the last few years with the help and support of Google.

The e-book industry in Canada is booming, and I think that Google will be able to gain a large percent of the market.

View of the article:

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/british-columbia/digital-readers-are-changing-the-traditional-library-system/article2136000/

How to respond to the challenges of a networked world?

As previously discussed in my last blog, cybercrime has hit the internet with full force. Unsuspecting users are finding themselves victims of identity theft, monetary robbery, and stolen intellectual property.

Today the London Conference on Cyberspace is wrapping up its discussion about how the networked world is impacting our society. British Foreign Secretary, William Hague, had invited internet users across the globe to join in the debate and come to some sort of international consensus. Hague hopes to leave the conference with a “set agenda that will allow the world to enjoy the full benefits of a safe and secure cyberspace for generations to come”.

In the article posted on the Globe and Mail online, he is very adamant about discussing all of the significant benefits that the internet has introduced to our society, saying, “The Web fosters innovation and creativity, as well as educating whole generations, not least by granting rapid access to information and ideas”. He continues on mentioning several more positive aspects of the internet, however, he is concerned that some countries do not place enough emphasis on the negatives associated with the internet. He warns that, “Cyber provides opportunities for criminals, who use it to steal identities and ideas, defraud governments and businesses, as well as exploit the most vulnerable in our societies. The financial cost of cybercrime is substantial, as much as $1-trillion a year globally. The human cost is far greater. Terrorists use the Internet to plan murderous attacks and flood chat rooms with their poisonous ideology to recruit the next generation”.

Hague believes that “this is one of the great challenges of our time, [but also that it is an opportunity]”. At the conference he hopes to solidify the message that “Nobody controls the Internet, and we can’t leave its future to chance. We… [can] secure a bold and innovative future, but we also face the risk that the Internet is used as a force for harm. We must start to act now if we are to protect and preserve the tremendous opportunities that the development of cyberspace offers us all.”

Read the article from The Globe and Mail at:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/opinions/opinion/how-to-respond-to-the-challenges-of-a-networked-world/article2220142/

“Google jumps into Canadian e-book business”

On Tuesday Google entered the Canadian e-book market, launching an online store that will have hundreds of thousands of titles available for purchase. They will be competing against tough competitors like Amazon and Kobo. Google states that they have a competitive advantage over their competitors because the titles purchased on its new e-books store can be stored online and accessed on a wide variety of devices, such as, Andriod, Apple tablets, smart phones, and PCs and the Amazon Kindle will not be compatible with the titles bought at Google’s e-book store.

Another great advantage to Google’s e-book is that you have access to the global Google cloud, allowing you to access your book wherever you are.

When the store was launched on Tuesday critics claimed that Google’s prices were much more than competitors and that it will be tough for them to compete in the market. Google came back with a statement saying that because of their massive catalogue of books and broad range of compatible reading devices they believe consumers will choose to purchase their e-books over competitors.

Do you think that Google will be able to successfully compete in the Canadian e-book market against giants like Amazon?

To view Article: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/arts/books/google-jumps-into-canadian-e-book-business/article2221606/