Apple SmartWatch

Sources from China have leaked a possible rumor that Apple and Intel are working together to create a Bluetooth equipped smartwatch for a first quarter release in 2013. The news has not been confirmed by either Apple or Intel as of yet.

The rumors state it will have a 1.5 inch OLED touchscreen display, will pair to your phone (or other iOS device) via Bluetooth 4.0, will integrate Siri, can make voice calls, send and receive texts and show your Facebook-Twitter-Google+ updates.

Demand for such a device increased with watchband accessories for the iPod Nano, and exploded with the Pebble smartwatch campaign (which is the most successful Kiskstarter project ever).

Evidence supporting this project lie within some of Apple's most recent moves:

- The redesigned iPod Nano no longer works with watch accessories.

- Apple was claimed to pay the Swiss Federal Railway $21 million for use of their watch face design in iOS devices. This is a very large agreement for something Apple could create themselves.

- The insurgence of the Nike Fuelband, Jawbone UP, Pebble smartwatch design, and the old watchband accessories for the iPod Nano tells us that wearable computing devices are becoming staples instead of fads.

- All Apple product lines have Bluetooth 4.0. It comes with BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) which aims at low power and low-latency apps for short range wireless devices.

- Intel is updating its manufacturing tech, which keeps it on track to launch a new generation of 'mobile' chips for smartphones and tablets.

There are no proven markets for smartwatches yet, but speculation focuses on the notion that Apple may be trying to displace would-be competitors.

This could be the ultimate affordable iPhone accessory. A small computer on your wrist that connects to your iPhone and supports Siri's voice control. This is the stuff of our SciFi dreams! It is just a rumor, but definitely one of the most popular rumors since the iPhone 5 (which mainly came true).

UPDATE: NYT reported that Apple is experimenting with devices that sport curved glass. Apples expertise is manufacturing and design will amplify the ability to create a curved glass smartwatch.

Technology during an Apocalypse: Power plants

The world has not ended. The Mayan prediction has failed and we continue to live our lives as we had the day before. There was no mega virus, nuclear war, metaphysical calling, alien invasion or zombie apocalypse. However, the pale event leads me to question what would happen with our technology and communications if there was an apocalyptic situation? After all is said and done, would the remaining survivors know how to survive? Would they figure out how to communicate with each other?

We are so dependent on technology, that we may have forgotten how to live without it. For those survivors that would be left, they may flock to areas with sustained power. They may hang on to the last remnants of their previous lifestyles as long as they can. Besides food, clothing and shelter; the survivors will next look for power, telecommunications, and news. They will be looking for other survivors, weather conditions, natural disaster reports and news of their loved ones.

The one thing that will enable you to converse and gather information will be telecommunications equipment. This gear comes in many forms: Smartphones, cell phones, digital and analog phones, computers, routers, antennae, towers,  etc. There is one thing that all of these need before you start to set up a network though...power. Without power stations, you really have nothing. Here is some information you may not have known:

1. Without human intervention, a power plant will not continue production. These power plants are chained together so that if one fails, the rest may fail. Unless you can conceal one to work separately and have continuous fuel, a chain reaction will shut down most of the plants in a grid.

2. There 4 main power plants: Coal, Natural Gas, Nuclear, and Hydroelectric. These are the most common power stations and each one runs differently.

  a. Coal Plant: a continuous feed of coal must be provided. Unattended the plant would automatically shut down within 12-18 hours
  b. Natural Gas: Pressured gas is pumped through pipelines to turbines which in turn generate elecricity (mainly for jump starts and emergency power). The pressure must be maintained; otherwise within 1-3 days it will subside and power will be lost.
  c. Nuclear: These can operate for over a year without needing to be refueled. However, these plants require consistent maintenance and without intervention they will only last a few days to a week.
  d. Hydroelectric: Most plants would last days or weeks unattended. Unless the Dam broke or there was an unusual equipment failure the Hydroelectric plant will maintain itself for a longer period of time than any of the rest.

3. Wind and Solar power panels would be your best option once you have settled into your new lifestyle. They provide energy for your immediate area and have a seemingly endless supply of fuel.

4. Load up with gasoline generators, find a tanker truck of gas and use sparingly. If you have a small community this could last you all for years before you need to find more.

5. If you have no other options you can always revert back to Waterwheels and steam engines.

Most power plants will only last a few days to a few weeks in an apocalyptic situation. Barring plant explosions and nuclear meltdowns, you will sustain enough power to get you out of a situation or communicate on a rendezvous. After a week, you better hope you and your loved ones have arrived at your destination.

Now you must decide on a stable area to build your solar/wind farm. Once completion of your sustained power grid is accomplished, it will be useful to find the nearest communications tower. Cell towers have back-up generators that allow service even in times of blackout. Those generators can only last for so long until they need to be refueled though. Once you have finished that, move to the next and so on. Eventually you will rebuild a service network for advanced communications.

Not everyone is a technician or engineer; so how would you build these solar farms and utilize the energy? My best advice is to study ahead of time. Since we probably will not do that...find your generators and get your tanker truck. Then stop by the library (if it's still there) and read. With any luck, you will figure out how to maintain an energy grid before the gasoline runs dry. If you can't figure it out by then, I hope you know how to build a fire.

Aspects of Business: Increasing Company Reputation

Reputation management is a daily concern. Your company’s reputation will be the deciding factor for the consumer who places importance on the perception of your brand. Without a widely known or respectable reputation your company could be compared to a scam artist or irresponsible vendor. As a company employee/manager/owner, it is your job to affirmatively build your company’s reputation. Every employee plays a part in the company’s directive of building a respectable brand.

Below are staples and examples of how you can accomplish this:

Community:  It begins at the local level. Get involved in community events and contribute to the social and economic development of your community. Local customers will greatly appreciate the efforts, and it will increase relationships within the community.

Foster Growth and Innovation: If your industry becomes more popular and successful, you will too! Establish a trusted partnership with suppliers and influencers to perpetuate growth.

Honesty and Responsibility: A company’s name is only as good as its reputation. Dishonesty spoils it. Admit your mistakes and do whatever you have to, to set it right. Be forthright and honest; if you promise something, then you have to deliver.

Financially transparent: Present all available information with no surprises. The customer will be appreciative and loyal. Hidden fees and unexpected costs will have your customers crying foul. Grant them total cost and analysis. It will make them feel like they have all the information and will not be cheated.

Customer service: One of the biggest factors in determining a company’s reputation. Holding employees to high standards of customer service is one of the least expensive and more powerful tools to enhance reputation and grow business. A customer’s decision can be greatly impacted by the way they perceive they will be treated in the sales process. Knowledge and sincere enthusiasm for your products are the most important characteristics in customer service.

Website Design: Make your website easy to navigate. Consumers make an immediate decision about a company’s reputation based mainly on their website. Showcase your products and services in the most professional manner possible. Sales can be lost if the website is confusing.

Online: Many customers will Google your business, so it’s important for you to do the same and see what they see.  You’re company is being discussed online if you are listening or not. If you truly want to improve your company’s reputation it only makes sense to listen and participate. Check review sites, social media, search and articles to respond and participate.

Promotion: Write informative articles and offer valuable tips or solutions in industry forums at no cost. This will get your website noticed and people will appreciate your free expert advice.

Blog: A blog will help with search, reputation, establishing your expertise and more. It also allows people to get to know your company better, which can build loyalty and diminish animosity. In addition, a blog can take up more of those search engine results and advertise your company more.

All of these tools can help to vitalize your company reputation. Without a firm and consistent hand it will all mean nothing. Company training programs for customer service are available, and you can find much information online. Just remember, that whatever company you work for: you are constantly representing that company and adding or subtracting to its reputation. If you want to have a great company reputation, then it starts with your employees. Build up their service knowledge and commit them to being enthusiastic and honest. It can only help.

Aspect of Business: Customer Service

The business world today is wrought with self-acclaimed expert customers. The internet has provided them with all the intelligence they need to ascertain products at a low price. Their web savvy research has given them advanced negotiating skills that burdens a sales rep's enthusiasm. The days of exclusive products and choice pricing are coming to an end.

How then, can a sales representative combat this new wave of intelligent shoppers and abundant resources? Company reputation? Increased Marketing? Personality? These will be articles for future blogs, but today we focus on 'customer service'. This is the aspect your customer will judge you on. Without excelled customer service, the client will not buy and will not return.

A lead may be generated through marketing tactics (email, specials, advertisements), but the representative that quotes, places, delivers, and follows up on the order is what will deter or drive the customer back. They could buy product anywhere,  but you persuade them by selling your service. If you provide an ambitious, responsive and diligent service during and after an order; the client will reward you with loyalty and more sales. Here are some customer service staples:

- Empathize with the customers need (repeat what they are inquiring about, and add to it. That way they know that you are listening to them and understand their request(s).
- Quote your honest prices (telling your customer an honest analysis of your cost and their price shows them respect. That respect will be reciprocated).
- Follow up on the quote (your customer will appreciate your concern for their need and may have additional questions. Do not be too ambitious here. One follow up to a quote will be all you need, unless you are re-quoting for more/different products/services)
 - Show gratitude for an order! (Once they give you an order thank them for it! You may be providing them with a need, but they chose to buy from you. Respect that decision.)
- Notify them of Shipment (once the product(s) has been shipped, let them know its on the way and give them an ETA so they can expect its arrival and plan accordingly.)
- Track their shipment ( Keep on top of the shipping service to ensure there were no exceptions and that delivery was followed through. If there is an issue, let them know that you were surveying their order and have noticed a default in shipping . At this point offer them replacements or ask them how they want you to handle it.
- Once delivered, wait 1 day (When the item is delivered, you need to give them a day or two to receive and implement the product. Then call them to ensure quality.)
- Contact a week after delivery ( contact them once more to confirm that the product and service were satisfactory and show your gratitude once more.)

Seems like a lot doesn't it? Believe it or not, customer annoyance will be overcome by appreciation for your perseverance. The service that is attached to the product is what will cause the customer to indulge in your company once more. Without your commitment to service, empathy, and perseverance the client's purchase becomes solely about price and availability. They can get their product anywhere but its your job to get them to buy from you. They may buy from you based on personality or reputation but if you don't back that up with excellent service...it's like eating at a restaurant and waiting 30 minutes for your food, never having your drinks refilled, and finding a roach on the table. Would you go back to that restaurant?

Your service will grant you repeat customers. Your dedication to their needs will make them loyal to you. Perseverance will make them want to buy more. If you do not implement a good customer service plan then you are owing everything up to luck. Train your reps in the art of customer service and always keep your mind open to the idea; 'The customer is always right'. If they aren't and you tell them that, you've just deterred a client instead of gaining one.

A brief History of Telecom

Telecommunications: The practice of transmitting information.
Nowadays we know this as a smartphone, the internet or television. These platforms all relay information. It's a word that doesn't seem that old. Maybe 30 years? 50 years? 100 years max? Nope, telecommunications has been around since the dawn of language. It was possibly a language predecessor. Malarky you say? Let's take a look and see how far back we can go.

These time frames are based on the popularity of the tech, not when they were developed.

Within the past 20 years we have been privy to the popularization of the internet.  A series of storage units that contain data & transfer packets through a router backbone we call the 'Cloud'. Smartphones also work off that model. Video and audio are transferred in high definition. Even live broadcasts are sent out to plasma T.V.'s and high-def radio. The time it takes to transfer this information has been whittled to seconds. We see exactly what is happening, where it is happening, who it is happening to, when it is happening, and figuratively speaking....why it is happening. All within a brief moment.

1970's to 1990: Land lines are the norm. PBX, fax, and television are the transmission kings. Information is spread throughout individual countries and for a higher service charge; work internationally. All there really is, is audio and it was choppy and slow. We were connected via POTS systems and video was only seen via prerecorded tapes or prerecorded broadcast. Live broadcasting was reserved for special events like New Years or a presidential address, eventually it developed in sitcoms and events.

1930's to 1970: Telephones, Television, Radio, and Movies were the dominant force in telecom. Radio transmissions were the first platform for 'shows' like we see on television. It also allowed for live broadcasts and news from around the world. Movies were recorded and distributed to local movie theaters with news clips as the previews. Telephones were less prominent than radios but allowed for a city to city communication. Switchboard operators provided many jobs until Direct Dialing came along.
Television revolutionized entertainment and telecom. The show's heard on the radio or movies seen in the theater could now be watched on your home television.

1800's to 1930's: The Telegraph and the Telephone. Wired transmission of messages over long distances began in the 1800's. This allowed a sender and receiver to relay coded messages to each other. They would both have to know the coded language, like Morse Code.
The telephone origins are similar to a telegraph but able to send audio signals over the lines. This saved time on De-coding and allowed clients to communicate directly.

1200's to 1800's: Messages were sent utilizing animals. Horseback messengers (like the pony express) delivered messages between cities, and carrier pigeons were trained to fly back and forth.  Other animals could be trained to deliver, but they were not as reliable as horses or pigeons. When messengers arrived they would bear a certain color flag (held high) to announce their intentions prior to arrival. Mirrors could be reflected for notifications or fires lit in a line to give warning or notice.

1200's on back: Fire trails, animals, and flags were used as early notifications of arrivals and messages. Smoke Signals were utilized by every civilization. The Greek historian Polybius converted the alphabet into numbers and created a coded system to send an actual message via smoke signal and sets of paired torches.
Another strategy was drums, whistles, and horns. A distinct sound coming from afar would notify others of danger, announce an arrival or warn people of an imminent attack. Tablets and carvings on stationary plots also directed or warned.


Through ancient times, light, smoke, sounds, signs, and messengers were all used to relay information. Compared to today's technology these are slow and lacking in efficiency. For what the ancients had at their disposal, these were effective tools of relaying information. Now days, we have the information as soon as it happens, back then it may have taken days or weeks. We have come far with our technological advancements, but the fact remains that the human species has always been able to communicate and transmit to each other.

 I wonder how we (the human race) will use telecommunications 100 years from now? Just as we scoff at smoke signals or telegraphs; will the future race laugh at our internet or smart phones? Ideally yes, but we can only help further telecommunications at this point. Our developments may lay the groundwork for an intergalactic network or teleportation. Maybe there is a tool that we haven't even thought of yet. The lesson here is that we are an adaptive and creative race of beings. No one should be stuck in one phase of our technological advancement because that is what we consistently do...advance. We are always on to the 'next' before we have finished the previous. It is ingrained in our genes. Even if you have trouble adapting, the fact remains that you are capable. Don't let advancements get you down, there is always another that you will like even less.

Why we need to turn off Social Media during a tragedy.

Social Media at its best is a tool that allows us to keep up on current events. Events that are enticing, humorous or upsetting. It is one of the fastest ways to gain information about anything that is happening around the world. Once we hear or read about these things we feel the need to share or comment on them. I ask you though; is it really necessary to comment on some things? I understand the media distributes occurrences and facts but sometimes, relaying opinions on tragedies is like speaking during a moment of silence. There is an upside and a downside to commenting on tragedy, and sometimes we just need to turn everything off and reflect and sympathize.


 Sharing information in support of people is noteworthy. Support pages and groups align together to show sympathy and support for loved ones. Candlelight vigils and affectionate tears help those who have lost. Social media gatherings can let these people know that the world is behind them and encourages them to stand strong in the face of death. There is no greater depression than the loss of a loved one. The unscrupulous monsters that prey on our  innocent leave holes in our bleeding hearts. They can never be repaired and institute our need to be held up by others. If it weren't for the bond of humanity bracing us through our most difficult times, we would fall into our personal hells and dwell in the depths of denial and pain. Never would we move on, never would we advance and regain our strength.

Strength and support are two things that help get us through. Others being strong for us, provide support in our most dire times of need. Whether it comes from close friends and family, mother's across the world, or something beyond our realm we can feel the compassionate braces of love resounding throughout our body. This is what social media can do for us. It can amplify compassion and sympathy and reach out to the people who need to feel it most.


The downside is that people also feel the need usurp a tragedy as a tool towards a cause. Saying that this happened because of this reason or that. This does not show the compassion or sympathy that is needed. Instead of using a tragedy towards your cause, why not try to empathize with the victims? Why not say, I feel for you, you are in my thoughts, and I will support you in this time of need? Using social media to complain or utilizing a horrific event towards a cause does not benefit the suffering. Yes, actions need to be taken but to express it on the day or even the day after? No, that is not helping anyone. There is a time and place for things. Expressing a need for action immediately after an event is uncouth to say the least.

Once you receive information about a tragedy, it sometimes will do us good to turn off social media. Reflect upon the events, pray for the victims, and hold your tongue until the appropriate time. There are too many opinions and not enough sympathy. Don't argue the points surrounding horror, embrace a respective silence. If you really want to say something, then say you are sorry for their loss. Do not parade your ideals about why this happened or how it could have been prevented. At least not right away. When something horrible happens it is the time to practice solemn silence and an empathetic ear.


If you cannot hold back your thoughts during an event, at least try to edit them accordingly. If you can, turn off your media and provide silence. There is nothing worse, than people talking about your situation while you are struggling through it. You may think you are showing support by producing reason, but ultimately there is no reason for what happened. It is sad, tragic and monstrous. Nothing we can do will make what happened different. Please, just show your support and sympathy. If humanity is one thing, is is strong, compassionate and supportive. I request that we only amplify these virtues during such demoralizing times. They can only help.

Social Media tools for Small Business growth

Small Businesses are the heart of America. They provide local to national services and encourage growth in our economy. At one point everyone has thought about running their own business. It could be a bar, record shop, grocery store or even a comic book shop. Many people work hard and finally get their business running. They are proud, and should be. Not everyone has the gumption to open and sustain their dream.

Whether you are just opened, or already running your operation; you will always need to advertise your business. Advertising is the ambition of your business. You use it to operate effectively and create new ways to drive traffic to you. Now days online advertising has become the new norm. World Internet users are estimated around 2 billion. That number is estimated to reach half the world population within the next 2 years. Companies can only benefit from online advertising, but what networks do they use? It depends on your business model but there is something for everyone on each of these platforms.

Facebook: The obvious choice for personal networking but how can a business utilize it? By showcasing your brand awareness and personality. You can manage groups and subscribe to companies. Facebook is one of the most personal networks. Therefore you can tell your stories of success or 'about you' pages on a personal level.

Twitter: By following and re-tweeting links your target audience rewards you with loyalty. Posting your own updates and information regularly provides consistent intrigue in your brand. The strategy of Twitter is not just about your followers...but the fact that your tweets go out to to the Public. Your businesses tweets find people and companies you never thought to reach.

LinkedIn: The network for B2B and B2C. This is an entire web page based on networking with like minded business professionals that will take you more seriously than a person on Facebook. You can join or start a group about your business and get rated on your skills and expertise.

Google+ : Google's network has combined Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. You are able to post, share, comment, read articles, and contact company profiles. Not much else can be said here that hasn't already been said.

Tumblr: This is a Blogging network. If you have a product or service, you need to write about it. People don't just need to hear about your business, they need to read it for themselves. Blog about your company and it's achievements. More people will follow you if you have good content that superbly portrays your business.

StumbleUpon: They recommend sites for you. If I look for Telecom associated people, StumbleUpon will recognize my search and introduce others that are similar. They do the work for you!

Pinterest: A Photo sharing Pin board. Start a profile and post pictures/flyer's/ drawings/ or invitations to your profile page. Those are then 'Pinned' to Pinterest and showcased by others who have seen and shared your content.

Instagram: Now owned and integrated into Facebook, it still can be used separately. They are the top photo sharing app and share your photo's to the public network. Photo's of your new product or flyer reach new audiences and attract traffic to your profile. From there they can contact or view your other websites or platforms.

YouTube: Video sharing has the biggest benefit by far. You can provide commercial size or full length videos that present and inform the world about your product. 'How to' videos lead people to subscribe to your services. You can even earn an income if your content is good enough to be viewed thousands or millions. Events, shows, video blogs, etc. can all lead world interest to your business brand.

Vimeo; Similar to YouTube but with a more artistic kick. Users that use YouTube also view Vimeo videos. This can drive traffic in the same way.

Blogs: Whether it be on Blogger, WordPress or Tumblr, every business should write about their achievements. Blogs are also great for answering Frequently Asked Questions. Subscribers and followers increase enough to provide you with an income eventually. Reviews of new product's always earn the trust of your consumers. Great writing has always been appreciated and followed.

These are simple and free tools any business owner can utilize to drive traffic to their company. Using all of these increases your chances of building a better business. If you do it frequently and correctly you will never need to purchase advertising space or higher a Marketing executive. We have free tools in front of us that are begging for you to use them. They can only help your company and growth.

Things will not happen overnight. You have to keep at it and grow your social presence over time. But then again, I'm sure you didn't create your company in a day and night. You implemented your company over time. The same goes for your advertising campaigns. Work consistently on marketing your company and remember that you have free tools ready to be used.

Google Maps Returns to iOS

Google maps has returned to the Apple App Store. 

It's been three months since Apple decided to drop Google maps. That time was spent in woe. Apple decided to integrate their own mapping system with help from TomTom but was met with highly irregular and negative feedback. Maps are very hard, and Google is really good at sending out those Street View cars and photographing the world.

The new Google app was released last night. They have tweaked it from the original, updating the user interface and giving the iPhone (iPad/iTouch) more room on the screen to view your maps. The app seemed to run much faster and the GPS positioning was incredibly accurate! Google also installed the new voice-guided, turn-by-turn navigation. Basically they rebuilt this thing from the ground, up.

Until Apple perfects their mapping systems (Jony Ive?) I will stick with Google Maps. Google does it well, and they gave Apple a chance to do their own maps without a fuss. Download the app today and you will notice an immediate difference in your user experience.

Pheed: A Social network

When one thinks of social networks they think of the big guys; Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn etc. But there are other budding networks with diverse options available to us. Yes Facebook is one of a kind and over a billion people are on it, but there are other channels we can incorporate with it. One of those is called Pheed.

Launched October of 2012 in Beverly Hills. It began by celebrity endorsments and grew to the public. Pheed is a free social media platform for web and mobile devices.
It enables users to share all forms of digital content:


- Text from your mobile device and PC.

 - Photo Sharing, but no storage.

 - Audio clips: you can record live songs or podcasts within the app (or website) and post to your profile.

 - Videos: Record from the app and post.

 - Live Broadcasts: This is the interesting feature. Have a live event that you or your company are hosting? You can broadcast your event on your Pheed profile for free.

Pheeds' features profess live interaction. Everything can be recorded, photographed, written or broadcasted direct from within the application or on the website. News reporters and socialites can report on Pheed before anyone else can upload a photo to their Facebook profile.

There is one other aspect that is unique to this network...Monetization. Much like pay-per-view, Pheed offers the ability for individuals to charge for live broadcasts. Others may take advantage of this and charge just to view their profile. However, if you are offering an exclusive event and would like to monopolize on your talents...then this is the social networking site for you. There are many networks that offer distinct capabilities that seperate them. Pheeds' live interactions and broadcasts definatley attribute to this. In the future we may see more networks incorpotating their model.

How can we save the disappearing small business?

Recession and the internet have diminished the needs of shopping in person.

More and more we are seeing brick and mortar stores going out of business. The empty shopping malls and decaying buildings have made once prosperous areas seem like ghost towns and ghettos. These non-existent shops leave us to wonder where our local economies are headed and what we can do to revitalize our markets. Is there an answer?

Many can blame the closings on a recession. Others blame the internet. Small business owners now lie between this rock and hard place. Unless you have a specific niche or process that can only be utilized through your store; you may be out of luck.

The recession causes the community to spend less and save more. This wounds the business and causes them to discount.  At this point, their profits are too miniscule to recoup the loss. One can only discount so much until they are forced to close. In this case, the business would do well to open an online shop to expand their global presence instead of the lacking local need.

The internet has also caused Mom and Pop stores to close. The web can offer us any product from anywhere with two day shipping. It also provides the largest competition for your business. I have researched many online businesses that only make .0132 percent profit from each item they sell. How do they do it? Buy at cost and sell as many as possible at the lowest price. Eventually they will make money little by little. Their idea is that people will come back to them and buy other items that have higher profit margins (ie: Target bolsts this process with their PFresh sections).

How can Mom and Pop keep their business alive with things like the internet available? 3 ways: Change their marketing scheme, sell online to broaden products globally or improve their customer service. Good customer service is key to any business. Just like when you find a good mechanic...you never leave them and continue to go back. Mom and Pop can sustain business simply by becoming the staple in quality service and clientelling.

Business is meant to evolve. Products become outdated and require upgrades or fusions. If you cannot change the product you're selling then change the way you sell it. Quality service, niche selling sites or popular branding are some of the ways to stay in business. Recession and internet aside, business is business. If you do not stay ahead of the game you are no longer in the game. Review your processes and product, they may be holding you back.

Twitter now offers its own photo sharing.

After the debacle that excluded Twitter from utilizing Instagram's photo sharing via the Facebook buyout; Twitter has finally created its own image tweeting.

What I will now call the new 'Twimage' option is Twitters' vey own photo filter and sharing. To share a photo via Twitter:

- Compose a new tweet.
- Hit the camera icon and choose your pic.
- Then you can crop, sharpen and add effect.
-Once complete, save and tweet!

The new ability is offered on iOS and android. Twitter may have lost the battle with Facebook over Instagram but they have now moved on to something unique (although familiar). Photo sharing is seemingly simpler now. Just another step forward for the 2nd most popular social network.

The History and Business of Christmas

Our holiday traditions have many roots. Businesses have created and monopolized upon them.Little known facts that inspired us to buy.

 Everyone gets excited for the holiday season. We light up trees, give gifts, eat and drink well, carol, and decorate our houses with Santas, snowmen and reindeer. In an effort to remember the true meaning of Christmas we hold services remembering the birth of Jesus and set up lavish nativity scenes in our front yards. Why do we do all this? Because tradition tells us this is what you do. Tradition also tells us to buy, buy buy and then give, give, give. Where did these traditions that we hold so dear come from? They came from other traditions and marketers. Whether intentionally or accidentally, they seeped into our mind and told us this is what we should do. 

Think I'm being a bit of a scrooge by going behind the curtain? I believe in the Christmas spirit just as much as the next guy, but I also find it interesting to know where it all came from. The world of marketing has done a substantial job at increasing profits during this holiday and I like to know why. Other companies have utilized the Christmas model and many more could benefit from it. So now I give you the abridged story of the true Christmas and the businesses built on it.


   The holiday season we know, has always been a time of celebration. It is during the winter solstice and is known as a time to celebrate life and birth during the darkest and coldest time of the year. First, here is a history of the beginnings of our holiday:

    -The Norse celebrated 'Yule' a time celebrating the return of the sun where they put a log on the fire to burn. Each spark represented a new calf or pig that would be born in the coming year.

   - Saturnalia the celebration of Saturn the God of Agriculture, started December 17 and later expanded with festivities through December 23. There were public banquets, followed by private gift-giving, continual partying, and a carnival like atmosphere. Gambling was permitted, and masters provided table service for their slaves. Enter charity and gift giving.

   - Christianity began to take over and since there was no exact recorded date for the birth of Jesus, the festival of Saturnalia was adopted and absorbed. The beginnings of Christmas were celebrated much like the traditions of Saturnalia until Oliver Cromwell and the Pilgrims came along. They despised the Saturnalia roots of Christmas. It went so far as being illegal in Boston  from 1659 to 1681.

- The Christmas tree originated in Germany as a Yule-tree that would ward off demons. The base of the tree was (I believe) used as the Yule Log, spoke of earlier.

- Santa Clause derives from Sinter Klaas which is the Dutch pronunciation of Saint Nicholas who had the reputation of secret gift giving to those in need.


 Now we pause to catch up. Still with me? Enter Marketing and advertising of the Christmas twist.

- Washington Irving's ' The sketchbook of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent.' (1819) portrays fictional tales like 'Sleepy Hollow' but also has a few Christmas tales. My favorite, named 'Christmas' speaks of the death of the old traditions and the birth of the uniting of friends and kindreds, presents of good cheer, tokens of regard and fond associations. His book of essays became an instant best seller in America and England and vitalized what would be known as the American Christmas. In a sense he created the feeling of the modern Christmas holiday .

Irvin's description of a Christmas feast and spreading of good cheer resonated through America. More and more families picked up the old traditions of Christmas; buying and giving gifts, charity toward the less fortunate, song and dance, and feast and drink. 

Soon enough business owners and department stores saw how they could monopolize on the Christmas season and created ads to bring customers to their doors.

- J.W. Parkinson, a Philadelphia merchant, hired a man to dress up in a "Criscringle" outfit and climb the chimney of his store. Yes, this is where the 'Santa comes down the Chimney' started.
- Thomas Nast created the modern version of Santa Clause for Harpers magazine (1860-1886). Before this it was St. Nicholas' robes that we personified.
-It is said that Abraham Lincoln commissioned a photo of Santa with union soldiers to demoralize the confederacy.

At this point Santa became a staple of the Christmas season. He was merged with St.Nicholas and the marketed  in drawings. Then he became a being dressed in red and white (with a beard) who comes down your chimney and secretly gives gifts. The advertising of Santa transformed the old traditions into department store advertisements and children believed it all. Gifts had to be bought, feasts prepared and chimneys cleaned out. Bam, here was the department store niche. A way to get customers into their stores so the children could see the new products and want them. How brilliant is that? It doesn't stop there.

- A genuine article called, 'Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus', filled up the 'Clausometer' with Christmas spirit and inspired even more celebration and buying.
- Coca-Cola cashed in on it by having Haddon Sundblom design an even more modern day Santa. Cokes holiday campaigns inspired millions to buy the product.
-Robert May of Montgomery Ward Companies created 'Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer' in a Storytelling poem. It became an instant hit and drove business. Later on, Gene Autry recorded the poem into song, solidifying a slew of Rudolph products indefinitely. 

Marketing spins and adoptions have re-engineered the original traditions of Christmas. Not to mention the monopoly incorporated by merchants? Nothing is ever what it seems and Christmas has many roots. Somewhere in time, we agreed that this was the time of year to charitably spread good cheer, celebrate Jesus' birth, gift to our loved ones, decorate with department store Santa's and feast like the days of Saturnalia. Each of these things were introduced separately but we celebrate them in one holiday. 

So there it is. The true beginnings of Christmas and inspirations that drove its business. Regardless of how it all came to be, this is still a revered time in many hearts. Without the nostalgic overtones of this season reminding us to heighten our morals I fear we would be of lesser human worth. Businesses may profit from our melodic cheer but we are happy about it. In the end, isn't everything just about compassion and empathy? I believe Christmas reminds us how to be better people. No matter its roots, we know the message and are able to lift our spirits for one magical time of year.

T-Mobile to sell Apple Products

T-Mobile to finally start selling Apple Products in 2013

Deutsche Telekom; the company behind T-Mobile announced it's plans (in correlation with Apple) to begin selling Apple products. They have not release which products yet, but it's assumed they will have the iPhone and iPad.

Why hasn't T-Mobile distributed Apple products until now?

The iPhone was not compatible with the T-Mobile Network. In their press release they layout plans to increase capital expenditure so they can roll out the broadband infrastructure in Germany and the US. This means LTE mainly, but incorporates their 4G system as well.

The new products and infrastructure changes will begin in 2013. Apple and T-mobile have a primary contract worked out until 2015.

Previously T-Mobile stated that Apple was unwilling to adjust compatibility to the network. However, they were able to expand their 4G presence and soon will be implementing LTE. Both are services that are now compatible with Apple products.

This marks, in my opinion, the last major service provider to include Apple products in their line-up. T-mobile expects a decrease in immediate revenue due to their implementation of new networks. With Apple products in their catalog, they expect an eventual influx. I believe this announcement is a trial period. Why else would they only sign a 2 year contract?

Facebook Governance and Policies Vote

Facebook opens polls for users to vote for their ability to vote on Facebook policies.

The voting started Monday, December 3rd. It is accessable via a third party app. Here is the link:
https://apps.facebook.com/fbsitegovernance/

You may have seen votes like this before but this time may be the last time. Facebook is putting to a vote, whether the users get the right to vote on changes in governance. If it passes, then we will lose our ability to have a say in how Facebook is controlling our personal data. Sounds extreme doesn't it? It's not as bad as it sounds and they will incorporate user suggestions for creating new tools to enhance interactions. Basically, they are taking our right to vote on changes away, and telling us to put our complaints in the virtual 'suggestion box.'  So I urge everyone to vote regardless of your position on the following changes:

- Loosened restrictions on how members can contact others via the Facebook email system. Your privacy settings will need to be revamped once again.
- Your personal information will be shared with Facebook affiliates and companies owned by Facebook. Mainly Instagram so they will not have to run two seperate storage facilities. This will also lead to more advertising but FB already does this.
- International data sharing will be enacted. You will be able to see European pages and vice versa.
- This vote will also clarify and share who can view your content after you hide it from your timeline.



Voting closes at noon on December 10th. An independent auditor will tally the votes, so FB is not involved in the counts. Also, FB will be having an online discussion about the changes, December 4th at 9:30 pacific time here: https://www.facebook.com/FacebookDC/app_105217732913495

All things said, this is nothing out of the norm and if you keep up with your privacy settings you should notice no difference. The fact that Facebook has allowed us to vote on changes is unique in itself. They have to have 30% of their users downvote these new policies otherwise any changes on the social network are no longer our business. As of an hour after the polls opened on Monday, only 1,000 people voted. Facebook has 1 billion members.

Some of this isn't such a big deal, but that fact that many will not know their privacy settings and personal information are being distributed in a wider forum sparked my animosity. People need to know about these changes and know that they have the right to deny them. This may be the last chance any of us will have to deny changes we don't like on Facebook. 

The new Operating System SailFish by Jolla

 Are you tired of Android and iOS? Skeptical about Windows 10? Looking for something new to play with? Finnish startup Jolla and their Sailfish Mobile Operating system are trying to change the user interface world.

Their plan is to create an entirely different and unique operating system. Their phones, OS and apps will all be diverse from the norm. Some of the features:

-          Run 9 applications at once

-          Each app has its own User Interface so you don’t have to open the app to use it. Great for changing songs while on the phone, or texting while web browsing.

-          Sailfish is Open-source, so you can manipulate it’s functionality without a hack or jailbreak.

 These are just a few of the options currently being developed. They state that they are creating a new ecosystem for the Mobile operating system. This is a hard sell when we are so used to Android and Apple systems. Maybe its time for something new and different though. Or maybe it will gain as much traffic as the Windows phone...which is little.

This will give you a sneak peak at some of the newer functions they are working with.  Here is a link to a review on YouTube: Jolla Link

So far, their interactive operating system seems very user-friendly.

Right now Jolla is working to produce and release in China. China has one of the largest mobile markets, and once it has been released there we may see it next in the US. So we still have a decent amount of time before a public release of their new OS. Possibly even years. Not much to worry with right now, but in the future we could see the like of Jolla pushing it's way into the US and giving Google, Apple and Windows a run for their money.


UPDATE 11/20/2014

New Tablet from Jolla just broke Crowdfunding records by hitting over 1 Million in 48hours!

Check it out!

UPDATE 7/16/2015

It's been two years since Jolla debuted it's operating system called #Sailfish. Today after many updates and fixes they announce Sailfish 2.0, their biggest update yet. They have given up their Hardware ambitions and it seems they are working on perfecting their OS to something new and exciting. It will feature a new Interface and better performance overall.

They are to release in India first....I guess they changed their minds about China?

Here is their most recent release video.

UPDATE 10/12/2015

A recent article written by Jon Fingas on Engadget gave a review of the Jolla Tablet.

The specs of the Jolla Tablet look like this:

• 8.3mm thick and 13.5 ounces
• $300 pricepoint
• 7.85 inch, 4:3 aspect LCD
• 2,048 x 1,536 pixel count
• Quad-core 1.3 GHz Atom Chip
• 2GC Ram
• 5 Mp back camera and 2Mp front camers.
• Runs its native OS called Sailfish

Jon states that the battery drains faster than its competitors but still does the job. Also it's a very thin and light tablet but does not comprimise quality.

The Sailsifh OS is unique in that it is a Swipe-based navigator which is more fun to use than other OS's.

It's a innovative OS that could be distinct in the Tablet industry if only it had popular apps to support it. Those are key to the use of a tablet and Sailfish has little in this way.

They are still a young company but they must substantiate their Brand with other more popular brands. Otherwise, their tablet could be the most innovative design in the world but no one would know about it.

UPDATE 2/24/2016

A recent TechCrunch article by Natasha Lomas reports that Jolla has signed Africa OEM Mi-phone as a partner. They aim to be the leading African device partner by 2020.

Jolla has already partnered with India's Intex and has interest from Russia.

Security and transparency is key to these international partnerships as Jolla wants these countries to feel secure and have the knowledge that there are no back-doors. Something quite important lately as Apple is currently fighting the FBI on the subject of backdoors in regards to the San Bernadino killers iPhone data.

At the Mobile World Congress, Jolla Chairman Antti Saarino said, "Jolla is here, Sailfish is here and we are going to stay."

UPDATE 5/27/2016

Jolla has officially canned their tablet.

However, today they pushed the new Jolla C smartphone and sold all 1,000 of their units to customers as a developer version.

They are struggling to stay afloat but just closed a $12 Million Series C Round and continue to persevere. They have been able to maintain their business through crowdfunding, meager sales and...innovation.

We must remember that this small Finnish startup is trying to innovate and take on the Big Dogs in the Smartphone world. That is a hard feat to accomplish but they are sticking to their guns and still generating interest.

Another aspect of the 'Open Platform' of the Jolla Sailfish OS is that companies from India and Russia have inked deals to create their own OS with Sailfish as the technological backbone. Could this be the area that will make Jolla thrive?