Library+-+The+business+of+technology

= = The Business of Technology Library 70-451 Library > Business of Technology Library

Overview:
< >

Library Entries:

 * Title**: Blackberry Blackout Is New Threat To Brand
 * Author(s)**: Peter Svensson
 * Link**: [| http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/wireStory/blackberry-outages-persist-day-14720222]


 * Core ideas**:
 * When all messages are routed through the company's own data centers, security is strengthened but it also involves greater risk since there's a single point of potential failure.
 * Messages sent from iPhones and other vendors do not share the same weakness because they don't travel through a central network.
 * This defect has spurred many Blackberry users to switch phones and operating systems.

The article highlights a quality attribute, that is security, which Blackberry focused on but failed to consider its limitations. As a result, a 3-day 'Blackberry Blackout' occurred last week, frustrating millions of Blackberry users across the world. The outage was not localized to one company or one carrier but spanned over four continents. The fact that users started to question the reliability/manageability of their phones means that Blackberry as a company has to re-evaluate their technology strategy and prioritize certain attributes over others. This is particularly crucial for the company now since competition is mounting from iPhone and Android smartphones.
 * Commentary**:

This is a very interesting phenomena which took place last week and it shook millions of users. As the article highlighted, it will take more than just an apology by the Blackberry company. To make sure something like this never happens again, Contingency planning needs to be implemented in such circumstances.
 * Commentary:**


 * Entry history**:
 * [Maryam Al-Subaie, initial post on Oct. 15, 2011]
 * [Nahan Arif, Oct. 17, 2011]
 * [<>, < >]


 * Title**: Apple disappoints with iPhone announcement, but will customers care?
 * Author(s)**: Brian Cantor
 * Link or reference information**: []


 * Core ideas:**
 * Customers were expecting iPhone 5 from Apple but they were left disappointed after the announcement of iPhone 4s in the beginning of this month.
 * iPhone 4s may be a prototype version of the upcoming iPhone 5, thought to have the very similar technological advancements.
 * The real test of customer loyalty and satisfaction will be tested by iPhone's loyal customers after the shocking announcement.

This article discusses the negative aspect of technology in terms of what the customers of expecting, and what the actual reality was. Although the iPhone 4s has many technological advancement such as upgraded camera megapixels, the new //siri// technology, better processing power etc, the customers were expecting a much better phone in the market- namely iPhone 5. According to the author, iPhone 4s may have been just a prototype of the upcoming iPhone 5 in the near future which is interesting because if iPhone 5 is even closely related to the iPhone 4s, the customers will be greatly disappointed since they expect Apple's level of innovation to be much higher. All in all, the real test of iPhone's customer loyalty and advancement of technology will be tested after this disappointing shock in the marketplace. it would not be surprising to expect the iPhone 4s sales to be much lower than the iPhone 4 sales. Customers just keep wanting more and more and build their expectations around Apple's brand.
 * Commentary**:

I think the article brings up a very important business topic in term of the technology of business which is customer's expectations. Although apple had disappointed some of it customers with the iPhone 4s, I think a huge number of Apple, specifically iPhone users would still want to buy it. I also think that this is because the loyalty of the Apple and iPhone customers and also based on the history of the 3G and 3Gs iPhone. 3Gs has few more additional specifications in comparison to the 3G, but it was very salable and successful.
 * Commentary**:


 * Entry history**:
 * [Nahan Arif, initial post on Oct. 17, 2011]
 * [Dua'a Althabatah, Oct. 17, 2011]


 * Title ** : Windows 8 Features & Release Date
 * Author(s) ** : Joel Fernandes
 * Link ** : http://www.thetechlabs.com/tech-news/windows-8-features/


 * Core ideas ** :
 * Windows being one of the most used OS around the world is trying to launch Windows 8 and expect to impress its users.
 * In comparison to Windows 7, which was exceptionally successful since its release, Windows is working to better develop the existing features so the next version of Windows; Windows 8 will be better.
 * Microsoft released the early version of Windows 8 on a prototype tablet and users can download the developer preview, which is currently in pre-beta version. Also, the developer version shows off the current stage of the OS.

Windows 8 seems to be a better and developed version of Windows 7 according to this article. It has more new features such as: Windows to go which allows Windows 8 to boot from a USB device (called as Live USB), including user’s programs, settings and files. Another feature is the Windows store which is similar to the Mac App Store, which allows users to browse through Windows applications. This is along with so many other interesting features and also the release of Internet Explorer 10. In my point of view, Windows competition with apple is one of the main reasons why Windows 8 has some of its new features. Like the Windows Store and other programs, which is pretty similar in concept with Apple OS concepts. However this article does a good job in describing the new Windows 8 and provide sufficient information and answers to many questions for their users.
 * Commentary ** :


 * Entry history ** :
 * [Dua'a Althabatah, initial post on Oct. 17, 2011]
 * [<>, < >]


 * Title: **Information Technology and Organizational Performance: An Integrative Model of IT Business Value
 * Author(s) **: Nigel Melville, Kenneth Kraemer, Vijay Gurbaxani
 * Link **: []


 * Core ideas **:


 * IT is important for organizational improvement.
 * There is doubt or uncertainty about what managers and decision makers know and do not know about technology.
 * Suggesting agendas for supporting new future researches.


 * Commentary **:

The article explains that in spite the fact that IT is very important to improve organizational performance, there is still doubt or uncertainty about what managers and decision makers know and don’t know in term of technology. The article shows that the relationship between IT and organizational performance could be sometimes negative. The article showed that applying integrative models to combine all what managers and decision makers already know about IT business is important in order to guide more future researches agenda.


 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 13px;">Entry history **<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 13px;">:


 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 13px;">[Haya Al_Mannai, initial post on Oct. 19, 2011]
 * [<<next person who added commentary>>, < >]


 * Title**: Will Kindle Fire burn up the iPad?


 * Author(s)**: Molly Wood


 * Link or reference information**: http://cnettv.cnet.com/1606-12578_53-50112372.html


 * Core ideas:**
 * Amazon releases Kindle Fire for just 199$, Apple watch out.
 * The new American tradition: speculating the latest iPhone modals.
 * Is Facebook respecting your privacy, or not really?

This video was posted on September 29th of 2011 giving some of the major changes and updates in the technology industry from tablets like Kindle and the iPad, to phones and finally Facebook. I found it very interesting because personally I don’t enjoy reading or watching about technology updates. This is due to the fact that I find them boring, whereas in this video, Molly Woods took a fun and upbeat rhythm to sharing the news. I also liked her comments like telling Apple to watch out for Kindle because it looks like the iPad has some competition, especially when it comes to its cost.
 * Commentary**:

Amazon’s Kindle has been challenged by the iPad and now faces a new competitor: Barnes & Noble’s new Nook Tablet (launched yesterday). The device is supposed to have more memory and a longer battery life than Kindle Fire. But neither the Kindle Fire nor the Nook Tablet have nearly as many features as the iPad 2.It will be interesting to see who will dominate the tablet sales.
 * Commentary**:


 * Entry history**:
 * [Laura Jaber, initial post on Oct. 19, 2011]
 * [Maryam Al-Subaie, Nov 8, 2011]

1. Apple’s earnings has been growing largely throughout the year 2. There are 5 things why Apple has been doing so well this year and in 2010 3. The new emerging products such as the new iPhone, features to the Mac and the iPad also the new opening of Mac stores in Asia played a great role in increasing the profits of Apple.
 * Title ** : Five Things To Watch For in Apple's Earnings Tomorrow
 * Author(s) ** : Josh Lowensohn
 * Link or reference information ** : http://news.cnet.com/8301-27076_3-20121645-248/five-things-to-watch-for-in-apples-earnings-tomorrow/
 * Core ideas ** :

I think the article is very interesting because it gives you an insight on what Apple is becoming. The company has been growing rapidly and exponentially with their successful products that have become part of our lives. It gives you a sense of the great place Apple has reached in the market the immense power its acquiring every day with their ever increasing number of stores around the world and it’s dominance over the business of technology. It also sends an alarming message to other IT based businesses that are finding themselves competing with the giant Apple that are enchanting people with their cutting edge designs as well as their unique services and environment.
 * Commentary ** :


 * Entry history ** :
 * [Sara Al-Mannai, initial post on Oct. 19, 2011]


 * Title**: [|Apple - Introducing Siri on iPhone 4S]
 * Author(s)**: Apple
 * Link**: [| http://www.youtube.com/user/Apple?blend=1&ob=4#p/u/3/rNsrl86inpo]


 * Core ideas**:
 * The new feature Siri helps the user to text, set a reminder, and helps do much more of the daily things the user do.
 * The Siri feature makes the iPhone the cell phone that is suitable and all people, even blind people.
 * The Siri feature with it unique characteristics made iPhone gain a competitive advantage.

The video is pretty well filmed to capture the characteristics of Siri. I believe everyone that watches this video would imagine him/her self-saying the same commands and asking Siri to do other things. This feature is well designed and more efficient than the one in the Blackberry mobile. With the Blackberry mobile, the user’s request is hardly done so fast or even correctly by the voice-dialing feature. However, with Siri, the user’s command is done correctly and right away and it does more than just calling someone. This feature gives iPhone and advantage and makes it more appealing to the consumers than Blackberry.
 * Commentary**:


 * Entry history**:
 * [Fatima Al-Khayat, initial post on Oct. 19, 2011]
 * [<<next person who added commentary>>, < >]


 * Title ** : Unveiling game-changing wearable tech
 * Author(s) ** : Pattie Maes
 * Link or reference information ** : []


 * Core ideas ** :
 * The device Sixth Sense Brain Implement (SSBI) has a system that uses only natural gestures and any surface to interact with the data due to the high portability level the device has.
 * In mass production, this devise and system would not cost more tomorrow that today’s cell phones.
 * SSBI can act as one of the sixth sense devices that can give you relevant information about whatever is in front of you.

The presenter talks about the difficulties of gaining information we have today despite the rapid development of technology. She then moves on to show that SSBI is the solution to any problem that would take place as a result of the difficulty and the slowness of information gathering. In addition, the presenter then explains the simplicity of using SSBI which only requires natural gestures and any surface (such as hand.) Even though this project is still an experiment, I really think that SSBI would be a great improvement in both information technology and information system.
 * Commentary ** :


 * Posting history ** :
 * [Najla Al-Madhadi, initial post on Oct. 20, 2011]
 * [<<next person who added commentary>>, < >]

= = =<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 13px;">Title: Will the iPhone 5 Replace Your Car Keys? = =<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 13px;">Author(s): Jason Lancaster = =<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 13px;">Link or reference information: [] = = = =<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 13px;">Core ideas: = = · <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 13px;">About the next generation of iPhones which is iPhone 5 and the technology that it might include which is NFC (near field communication) technology. = = · <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 13px;">What are RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology and NFC means, and how they are used and where. = = · <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 13px;">How NFC technology will bring the additional benefits for iphone 5. = = = **<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 13px;">Commentary **<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 13px;">: <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">The article gives a brief explanation of the meaning of RFID's and NFC's and where they are used. The author also explains how this new technology that it might be impeded in the new generation of iPhones which is iPhone 5, will bring additional benefits and really interesting characteristic that will take our lives to a new next level. He also mentioned in the article how this new technology if it impeded in the iphone could replace your car keys and there is no need for them anymore, and also it will make the grocery shopping more easily.I found this article to be interesting because, it seems that technology is increasing rapidly and it will come to a point that you don't need to have your car keys anymore!

**<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 13px;">Entry history: **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 13px;">[Fatima Abdulla, initial post on Oct. 20, 2011]


 * <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">[<<next person who added commentary>>, < >

Title: Train tickets made easy Authors: the Ecomomist reference link: http://www.economist.com/blogs/gulliver/2011/10/silverrail

Core ideas:
 * New way of booking train tickets for both clients and travel agencies.
 * the company, Silver rail, consolidates all ticket sales into one integrated platform.

Commentary: The author starts off talking about some of the problems that people face when they want to book train tickets in Europe such as prices and having to buy to tickets separately in order to get from one place to another in some cases. Silver rail, a technology company that aims to make ticket-buying easier. It consolidates the selling of passenger rail tickets from around the world into a single integrated platform called SilverCore. This will help online travel agents and traditional travel agents a simplified system to sell train tickets to their clients.

Commentary:

I think this article is an interesting one. It provides enough detail about a new, simplified system that makes train’s ticket-buying easier for customers. So, if a passenger wants to have more than one trip, this system provides a single transaction instead of making a transaction for each trip. I think this is a useful article because such a system should be implemented in the future Gulf Railway project, which will be finished in 2017, as it makes the process of purchasing tickets easier and saves time for both customers and travel management companies.

Entry history:
 * [mohammed al ahmadani, initial post on oct. 23, 2011]
 * [Ahmad Al-Sarraf, initial post on Nov. 19, 2011]

Title: Groupon IPO: an internet star falls to earth Author: Michelle Conlin reference link: http://www.csmonitor.com/Business/Latest-News-Wires/2011/1023/Groupon-IPO-An-Internet-star-falls-to-Earth

Core ideas: Commentary: After many people expected that Groupon was going to go with an IPO valued at around 25 billion dollars during the summer, it has now severely slashed that valuation to around 10.1 billion. Although they have a large following from fans who praise the many great deals found on their site and their liberal refund policy, critics, however, are say that the company has some glaring problems to overcome such as: questionable accounting, an overvalued business model and an industry that is turning into the digital equivalent of junk mail.
 * Many people expected Groupon to be another star in the internet services market, however it seems that those hopes might have been a little too ambitious.
 * just because one has a great idea, doesn't mean that idea alone will carry the company.

Entry history: [mohammed al ahmadani, initial post on oct. 23, 2011]


 * Title**: Once Wary, Apple Warms Up to Business Market
 * Author(s)**: Nick Wingfield
 * Link or reference information**: []


 * Core ideas**:
 * Apple is unintentionally catering the needs of businesses without even focusing on the Business Market.
 * The ease and efficiency Apple’s products such as ipad and iphone have brought for many companies.
 * Consumerization is the strongest factor that helped Apple to have a good share in the Business Market.


 * Commentary**:

I really liked the article, it gave me an insight of how so many companies are influenced by the technology that Apple is offering and helped in shaping the processes that companies do and making it more efficient. What’s surprising is that Apple’s priority was to serve the needs of the customers, however they succeeded to have many companies purchasing their products (like iphone and ipad) for they employees to make them work faster and be more efficient. This article really made me wonder how could that happened, I do understand why did they succeed and why so many companies are using their products. But, how did they do it; I just couldn’t figure it out. But by the end of the article, I found the answer; consumarization played a huge part in it. I guess by targeting the consumer you are targeting every market even the Business Market. This article is really helpful for so many businesses to understand the power of technology and social media, because if they can understand they will gain so many advantages from it.

[<<next person who added commentary>>, < >]
 * Entry history**:
 * [Fatima Al-Khayat, initial post on Nov. 17, 2011]


 * Title ** : Speech Smack-Down: Siri vs. Android Voice Action
 * Author(s) ** : Kevin C. Tofel
 * Link or reference information ** : http://www.businessweek.com/technology/speech-smackdown-siri-vs-android-voice-actions-10192011.html
 * Core ideas: **
 * The similarities between Google Voice Action and Siri
 * Siri uses high-level artificial intelligence (AI) that Android doesn't
 * Apple added apps for Siri just like google did with Voice Action for Android. (phone, e-mail, messaging, notes, ect).

I think what made the Siri application more popular and desirable for android users than the Google Voice Action is time efficacy factor when using the application. The ability for Siri to integrate, understand and reply with the common conversation language made it easier and more fun for the users because they don’t have to repeat what they said more than once for it to understand.
 * Commentary ** :

[Al-Jawhra Al-Mana, initial post on Nov 18, 2011] [<<next person who added commentary>>, < >
 * Entry history ** :


 * Title ** : The IPad's Secret Abilities
 * Author(s) ** : Rachael King
 * Link or reference information ** : []
 * Core ideas **
 * Apple added features in their ipads and iphones that aid visually impaired people, or those with hearing loss and other challenges.
 * Apple's five-year plan is to assist people with physical challenges.
 * The low prices of Apple's features made it more affordable and accessible for people with disabilities.

Its great that apple have considered all kinds of users when they designed their products and features, the fact that they have included people with disabilities or have some challenges in their work have helped these people on a large scale. By using this feature disabled people can become more independent on themselves and will not need others to help them on their daily activities as much as before (reading newspaper, sending SMS, calling others). This has not only helped the people but also the reputation of apple and has increased their customer base.
 * Commentary ** :

[Al-Jawhra Al-Mana, initial post on Nov. 18, 2011] [<<next person who added commentary>>, < >]
 * Entry history ** :


 * Title**: Visa to Offer Mobile Payments in Developing Nations
 * Author(s)**: Jenna Wortham
 * Link or reference information**: []


 * Core ideas**:


 * Customers in the developing world will be able to make virtual payment using mobiles and add more money to their virtual Visa accounts on their mobiles at special kiosks.
 * Taking the payment services to a new level.
 * This new service will bring more people safely into the economic mainstream.


 * Commentary**:

The article talks about a new service that Visa will offer in the Developing Nations. I remember in my freshman year, in “Introduction to Business” class one of the groups had a similar idea for their business plan. But targeting just the Developing Nations is not good enough; they should target all kind of customers in the whole world. This new payment service fits to the world that we are living nowadays. We need such a service to make the process of payment much easier, faster and that doesn’t require us to carry cash or credit card. This is what is called seizing an opportunity. But, I am not so sure about charging a small fee for each transaction. I don’t think it’s a good idea, because may be this attract less people to use this service, especially in the Developing Nations.

I think that the article shows a new and good idea from a humanitarian side. In terms of the business side, I think that the article needs more explanation and clarification about how revenues will be generated from applying this idea and whether its really profitable or not to start implementing it in Africa compared to other wealthier continent like Asia. Moreover, according to the article "the service will charge users a small fee for each transaction" and so, I think that Visa needs to start expanding with this idea in a wealthier continent because many people in Africa don't gain a sufficient income to lead them to buy a mobile, use a service and pay for it!
 * Commentary**:


 * Entry history**:
 * [Fatima Al-Khayat, initial post on Nov. 18, 2011]
 * [Najla Al-Madhadi, initial post on Nov. 19,2011]

**<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Title **<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">: Great expectations, The changing role of IT in the business **<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Author(s) **<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">: The Economist Intelligence Unit 2006 **<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Link or reference information **<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">: [] **<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Core ideas **<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">:
 * 1) <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">An “expectations gap” exists between IT and the executive suite
 * 2) <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Organizational and technical solutions will be tapped to improve IT‘s fit with the business objectives
 * 3) <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Some decentralization of IT functions to other business units is also likely

**<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Commentary **<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">: <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; text-align: left;">This report is a survey that is conducted by the Economist Intelligence Unit sponsored by Capgemini, Cisco Systems and SAP. The survey combines the opinions of many chief executives as well as well as head of departments in Europe, the Americas and Asia-Pacific. From this report we can see that generally both executives and IT managers believe that at some point in the future, IT will change its role of cutting cost to revenue generating, there is a gap in their expectations. Executives expect the process of transforming from cost cutting to revenue generating will be very soon. On the other hand, IT managers think that the transformation will occur after the next 3 years. Experts say that the alignment of goals must be present in order for a long lasting benefit. The report shows how senior businessmen are interested in improving their IT infrastructure because they realize how important IT and IS in an organization. **<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Posting history **<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">:
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">[Mohammed Al-Rawahi, initial post on Nov. 18, 2011]
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">[<<next person who added commentary>>, < >]

Title: Microsoft crawls back to smartphone relevance Author: Rich Jarolovsky Link or reference information: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-10-05/-mango-makes-microsoft-relevant-in-phones-again-tech-by-rich-jaroslovsky.html

Core Ideas:
 * 1) The current landscape of the smartphone business is much different than previous times.
 * 2) How microsoft is trying to compete with Apple and Google.
 * 3) Some of the issues microsoft need to address in order to compete with the likes of apple.

Commentary: In his "opinion", Rich Jarolovsky believes that although there are some hurdles and problems that need to urgently be addressed, Microsoft has the potential to compete with the likes of Apple and Google in capturing a good "piece of the pie" in the smartphone business. He talks about how Microsoft have been able to address some of the problems with the Windows phone 7 in making the new 7.5 version, which now includes features that were previously missing like copy and paste, Twitter support, internet sharing, visual voice mail and multitasking. It faces some issues though, such as a small selection of applications that are compatible with the windows system and the lack of ability to take advantage of the powerful multi - core processors that are sowing up in other high end smart phones.

Posting history:
 * [Mohammed Al Ahmadani, initial post on Nov. 19, 2011]




 * Title**: Productivity Future Vision 2011


 * Author(s)**: Officevideos


 * Link or reference information**: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6cNdhOKwi0


 * Core ideas** :
 * Microsoft's future vision explores how we will create and share information.
 * The technology presented in the video aims to enhance time management.
 * Microsoft's vision implies a drastic change and upgrade to the current telecommunication infrastructure.


 * Commentary**:

Technology is gradually becoming a vital aspect of our lives; the Microsoft vision focuses on the transformation of technology, it aims to implement in 5-10 years. The thin transparent gadget used in the video shows how feasible communication is going to be. The video showcase a variety of technologies, some that already exists today such as voice recognition. This vision's aim is to enhance the speed of communication and information. I think these technologies will create new methods of communications that will help different business operations in many ways,especially global opportunities.


 * Entry history**:


 * [Noor Al-Mohannadi, initial post on Nov. 19, 2011]
 * [<<next person who added commentary>>, < >


 * Title**: How Google's self-driving car works


 * Author(s)**: Erico Guizzo


 * Link or reference information**: http://news.discovery.com/autos/how-google-self-driving-car-works-111018.html


 * Core ideas** :
 * The car is designed to reduce road accidents,congestion and fuel consumption.
 * Google is trying to implement technology to change the means of transportation.
 * Google is utilizing the latest technology to make this project possible.


 * Commentary**:

Google has become known worldwide as the fastest search engine; however, they have announced recently that they are working on a self-driving car. The system is still under progress,. However once they implement it, it will face a lot of challenges, such as safety and reliability. This technology will create a new market that can challenge the current one.


 * Entry history**:


 * [Noor Al-Mohannadi, initial post on Nov. 19, 2011]
 * [<<next person who added commentary>>, < >


 * Title**: Nine cool features of the Apple TV
 * Author(s)**: Jonathan Seff
 * Link or reference information:** []


 * Core ideas**:


 * **Second-generation Apple TV:** it costs 99$ which less than the first-generation. Also, the new Apple TV is smaller in size and runs a version of iOS.
 * **Netflix:** users can use Apple TV to watch the entire Netflix streaming video library and they easily interact with this feature due to consistent with interface.
 * **Local content:** users can stream iTunes content through their Apple TV.
 * **TV shows rentals:** users can now rent shows they like for just 1$ and watch it instantly, instead from buying them and waiting for download.
 * **MLB.TV:** users can now follow their favorite baseball team and watch their home and away games.
 * **NBA League Pass:** users can also follow NBA basketball.
 * **Movie rentals:** the Apple TV allows users to rent their favorite movies.
 * **YouTube:**users can watch videos uploaded into YouTube; also they can view their flick account.
 * **Internet radio:**Apple TV provides the features for user to listen to a list of radios station.


 * Commentary**:

The reason that I selected this topic is that one of the lectures we had, one of my fellow colleague mentioned the product “Apple TV”. I didn’t know about it, so I was curious to know more about it and know the features, how it works and so on. I found many articles that were mainly a review, but I like this the best because it captures the amazing features of the second-generation of the Apple TV and compares it with the first-generation. So, it’s a good source for those who whishes to compare between the two editions, or to know about the new one and the old in the same time. There amazing features that I really liked, like the ones about following your favorite tams and being able to watch their games. However, I think this could be more expanded to include soccer league in Europe and tennis matches. In addition, the feature that allows the user to view videos from YouTube, I believe that Samsung TVs is offering the same features. But, with the other features that Apple TVs is offering it make the Apple TVs more interesting, especially that I feel that these features allows to customize your own TVs, unlike the old fashioned.

[<<next person who added commentary>>, < >]
 * Entry history**:
 * [Fatima Al-Khayat, initial post on Dec. 7, 2011]


 * Title**: Scan Anyrhing and Let You Phone Do The Rest
 * Author(s)**: Byian E. Muller
 * Link or reference information**: []


 * Core ideas**:
 * New app named Discover uses input through the mobile's camera or microphone and search for related material online using Digmarc's database.
 * Discover allow users to scan images, audio, video and barcodes.
 * Discover is only limited to digital watermark images and videos.

I think this application is very useful, especially that is can use several format (images, videos, audios or barcodes) to search and look for results that are related to it. Users can scan any image and know more about it, for example the user can scan an image of a famous art work without the need to know it's name, and the app will give back information about it, or we even can use part of a song to know the name of the artist, the song and the album. this application makes searching for information easier and efficient. But the problem with this application is that its only limited to some systems such as watermarking or gracenote which will narrow down the usefulness of it and make other applications more appealing to users.
 * Commentary**:


 * Posting history**:
 * [Al-Jawhra Al-Mana, initial post on Dec. 9, 2011]
 * [<<next person who added commentary>>, < >]

http://indianapublicmedia.org/amomentofscience/airplane-technology-and-safety/
 * Title**: Airplane Technology, Safety, and Smooth Flying
 * Author(s)**: Eric Sonstroem
 * Link or reference information**:


 * Core ideas** (1, 2, or 3 bullet points that summarize the core idea presented in the article):
 * With the rise of sophisticated technology today, pilots are now able to determine whether the plane will encounter any turbulence
 * in order to ensure that the plane does not enter or fly across turbulent weather, pilots now have the ability to send "infrared rays" or "beams of light" that travel far ahead of the plane to measure whether "drops of rain" are existent. This, as the article mentions is a determinant of whether turbulent weather lies ahead.
 * these rays that travel ahead have the ability to measure the degree of this turbulent weather, sending this information back to the plane
 * from there, the pilot receives information on how far this turbulent weather is, how severe it is, and where exactly it resides
 * From the information gathered, pilots are now more likely to avoid these turbulent weather patters.

As a passenger that is scared of flying, this new technology makes me extremely comfortable. What's interesting however, is how technology has evolved and how airplanes today are using this. Other than the obvious of choosing the less turbulent route, when you think about it, one may ask why an airplane company would really spend a lot on a technology. Some forget that airplanes are businesses, and the use of technologies like this for airplanes are extremely useful for choosing the right pathway to drive the plane. Finding out information like this may shorten the flight, which in the end means the airline company has invested well in cutting down flight times for customers and also fuel costs. This is just one of the examples of how technology is used in several ways today as a competitive strategy.
 * Commentary**:
 * Entry history**:
 * [Abdullrahman Al-Muftah, initial post on Dec. 9, 2011]
 * [<<next person who added commentary>>, < >

[] The article is about accessible technologies in today's business, This allows leaders and managers to learn about the benefits of integrating accessible technology into corporate technology plans. The main benefits are that it helps businesses keep great employees for instance those that may have impairments. It also allows for recruiting from a larger pool of candidates, and finally it enhance team collaboration and communication among all employees including those with disabilities since most of these technologies will be customized to fit them.
 * Title**:The Business Value of Integrating Accessible Technology into Business Organizations
 * Author(s)**:
 * Link or reference information**:
 * Core ideas**
 * Accessible technology that is adjustable and meets the needs of a variety of employee needs increases productivity, job satisfaction, and employee morale
 * Accessible technology can help reduce costs of time lost and money spent when an employee develops a temporary disabilit
 * When all employees have the power to customize their computers to meet their individual needs, they can more easily communicate with one another
 * Commentary**:


 * Entry history**:
 * [Khadeejah Al-Husseiny, initial post on Dec. 09, 2011]
 * [<<next person who added commentary>>, < >


 * Title**: Does Apple's Siri Threaten Google's Search Monopoly
 * Author(s)**: William M. Bulkeley
 * Link or reference information**: []


 * Core ideas:**
 * Google captured 65 percent of the U.S. internet searches in October and 75 percent of U.S. paid advertising in 2010
 * Siri has the potential to replace the do-it yourself ethos of search.
 * according to Rob Enderle, technology analyst, voice command searching is more convenient in some situations such as when people are driving.
 * Siri relies on different search engines when it cant answer a question, such as Google searches, and Wolfram Alpha.
 * the number of queries to wolfram alpha increased because it makes money by selling apps and collecting fees from partners, it also give direct answers to questions unlike google which provides pages of links to a query.
 * google could do the same and provide direct answers but this will lose users looking at results and thats what makes their ad space valuable.

this article explains how Siri could dominate the search engine instead of Google. I don't fully agree with them, especially given the fact that not all smart phone users are Iphone users, there is android and blackberry users. Siri can be more convenient at some situation, for example when the users wants to look up for something quickly or as Rob said when someone is driving. but in most cases using google is better, you can look for more than one result, it can provide you with relevant information, and most importantly there is no difficulties when searching as Siri might not understand all english accents
 * Commentary**:

___
 * Posting history**:
 * [Al-Jawhra Al-Mana, initial post on Dec. 9, 2011]
 * [<<next person who added commentary>>, < >]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&feature=endscreen&v=OJAxOnFkZAw I believe that business now is done differently. Before, CEOs did not have to know a lot about what is happening in their IT departments, what new technologies they are using.. etc. Because, now, technology affects business results, the process of the sales has to be organized and change depending on the technology. To get business technology right, CEO needs to be technology knowledgeable.
 * Title**: From IT to BT
 * Author(s)**: George Colony
 * Link or reference information**:
 * Core ideas**
 * it is no longer about information, we have to change IT to BT(Business Technology). Business Technology is the technology that is impacting business results.
 * When it comes to technology, CEOs have to have a clear understanding of technology; what the technology is about, how its changing your business, and how it is changing your customers.
 * CIO cannot be the driving force behind innovation.
 * Commentary**:


 * Commentary:**

I think this video is very interesting, the speakers talks about a different aspect in business in which many of us do not think about. He was talking about technology in business and gave it the term "business technology" instead of "Information technology", because according to him technology is no more long about information, technology now is your business and business is your technology. And the example he gave about unplugging the wires made it more clear why technology is an importune aspect of business and how it affects business results.


 * Entry history**:
 * [Hamsa M Al-Massri, initial post on Dec. 13, 2011]
 * [Al-Jawhra Al-Mana, Dec. 13, 2011]


 * Title**: What are the advantages and disadvantages of payment with phones via NFC?


 * Author(s)**: Aaron Greenspan


 * Link or reference information**: http://www.quora.com/What-are-the-advantages-and-disadvantages-of-payment-with-phones-via-NFC


 * Core ideas** (1, 2, or 3 bullet points that summarize the core idea presented in the article):
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">The one central advantage that mobile payment system via NFC provides is convenience. It is a flexible technology that only requires swapping a mobile phone in front of a reader.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">The first disadvantage of applying this technology is that NFC-enabled readers are relatively expensive compared to readers of other kinds
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">The second disadvantage is that the easiness of implementing this technology encourages customers not to even bother looking at the screen, which allows for routine errors and missing some offers such as coupons.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">The third disadvantage is that as an RFID-based technology, the risk of insecurity is high. Loosing the FRID sticker for any reason will cause the technology user to lose a lot of money.


 * Commentary**:

According to the article, mobile payment technology is a technology that makes life easier through providing more convenience. The technology allows the user to pay money in a fast and easy way that doesn’t require too much time to waste. On the other hand, the article also shows the downsides of the technology. The three downsides are really meaningful and worth taking into consideration when implementing the technology. The disadvantages are in the form of high costs of implementation, the possibility of uncaught errors and insecurity. I think that this article is really useful in terms of drawing our attention to the disadvantages of this technology as many people and countries are adopting it due to overlooking the downsides of it.


 * Entry history**:
 * [Najla Al-Madhadi, initial post on Dec. 13, 2011]
 * [<<next person who added commentary>>, < >]


 * Title**: In the Business of Technology: Multi-Channel Retailing Takes a New Meaning with Retail Apps
 * Author(s)**: Amitabh Apte Blog
 * Link or reference information**: http://eamitabh.blogspot.com/2011/11/multi-channel-retailing-takes-new.html
 * Core ideas** (1, 2, or 3 bullet points that summarize the core idea presented in the article):
 * Retailers are implementing new strategies to increase sales. This new strategy consists of retail apps that work on iPhones and iPads making it easier for shoppers to purchase their items virtually.
 * Even though these apps are free, they have increased the revenue of retail companies substantially.
 * This 'Retail Reference Architecture' has been consistent in providing the consumer with the same experience as they would get from shopping in the store.

Retailers have continuously attempted to expand their business. With the popularity of iPhones and iPads, software designs for these devices have also become popular. Retail stores are now designing software in order to increase sales and make it easier for their clients to shop. "//This App design provided a series of new challenges. Most importantly striking the perfect balance between giving the user the familiar ASOS (an online retail site)shopping experience, and the equally familiar iPad navigation experience.// //The final result is a balance of both which should give the user a quick, painless and enjoyable shopping experience.//" As mentioned, these applications have succeeded in providing the retail clients with the same experience as in the real world as opposed to the virtual world.
 * Commentary**:


 * Entry history**:
 * [Meshail Al Misnad, initial post on Dec. 13, 2011]
 * [<<next person who added commentary>>, < >


 * Title**: Mobile payment-why it makes sense
 * Author(s)**: Sue
 * Link or reference information**: http://blog.farreachinc.com/2011/11/30/mobile-payment-advantages/
 * Core ideas** (1, 2, or 3 bullet points that summarize the core idea presented in the article):
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Mobile payment has four benefits for consumers: convenience, access to deals and offers, social networking and the ability to exchange funds with other customers.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Mobile payment has five benefits for businesses: ability to accept payment away from their home base, branding, marketing, quick and simple set up and costs savings.
 * Commentary**:

Mobile payment is a technology that has many advantages. Like many other technologies, this technology is implemented and adopted to satisfy consumers and business needs. It provides an easy life for the consumers through allowing them to exchange and pay money using a device or a tool that they always carry with them. Mobile phones are becoming an important complementary technology for many different aspects of our everyday lives. It’s becoming our alarm, our memo, and our entertainer and does even more than that. Therefore, it’s almost always with us anywhere we go to be used anytime we need. Given our strong relationships with our mobiles, it’s probably very useful and favorable for many people (consumers) to have a digital wallet in the form of a mobile phone. Therefore, having a mobile payment system can solve many problems for both customers and businesses. I think that it would have been more useful to include some disadvantages of using this technology to allow the reader to have an idea about the downsides that may result from implementing a mobile payment system
 * Entry history**:
 * [Najla Al-Madhadi, initial post on Dec. 13, 2011]
 * [<<next person who added commentary>>, < >


 * Title**: Apple Iphone Software: Developers Go Green


 * Author(s)**: Olga Kharif


 * Link or reference information**: http://www.businessweek.com/technology/content/jun2009/tc20090616_915518.htm


 * Core ideas**:


 * In attempts at selling more iphones, Apple adjusted its mobile operating system to make it easier for application designers and builders to increase their sales.
 * By implementing an 'application' app that makes it easier for users to purchase and download applications, Apple has increased its revenue substantially.
 * The application builders in return, are also satisfied with this new implementation as they receive 70 percent of the revenues for the application they designed. This simple addition makes both ends happy.


 * Commentary**:

Apple's sales strategies have been pleasing to both consumers and providers. Not only do the providers receive 70 percent of the revenue, consumers can easily purchase and download applications directly to their phone. Application store revenues has increased by 5 times especially that with 40 million iphones in hand, the application purchasing software has been extremely popular. To make consumers happy, applications will remain as inexpensive as possible with most costing no more than one dollar. This doesn't mean good news for Apple for too long, competitors such as RIM are following Apple's footsteps and implementing an in-app purchasing software within the next couple of months.


 * Entry history**:


 * [Meshail Al Misnad, initial post on Dec. 13, 2011]
 * [<<next person who added commentary>>, < >

[]
 * Title**: The future of television: Heave ho, TiVo!
 * Author(s)**: The Economist
 * Link or reference information**:
 * Core ideas** (1, 2, or 3 bullet points that summarize the core idea presented in the article):


 * TiVo currently has fewer subscribers in Britain and US, with little to no presence in foreign lands.
 * TiVo allows users to store tv programs on their hard drives and view them later as well as skip advertisements
 * TiVo's demise will lead to a new strategic development, rather than demise in the technology by licensing its DVR to companies
 * TiVo's ability to skip advertisements offers advertisers new ways to be creative and improve.


 * Commentary**:

The article discusses why TiVo, a disruptive technology that was supposed to have obliterate the advertising industry and penetrate the industry did not do so and why. It goes to show that just because a new revolutionary product appears on the market, it does not mean said product will have the impact people hope to have. According to the article, TiVo was said to get rid of all advertising, but the industry is more flexible. Nowadays, more subtle forms of advertising are used to and the traditional 30-second spot is being abandoned in favor of these. TiVo, like the article said, is getting rid of bad advertising, not advertising as a whole.


 * Entry history**:
 * [M Hammad Abbasi, initial post on Dec . 13, 2011]
 * [<<next person who added commentary>>, < >

__Entry template:__
 * Title**: << title of the article, book, video, etc. >>
 * Author(s)**: << the author(s) who wrote the article, video, book, etc. >>
 * Link or reference information**: << the URL to the article and/or bibliography reference >>
 * Core ideas** (1, 2, or 3 bullet points that summarize the core idea presented in the article):
 * Commentary**:


 * Entry history**:
 * [Bob Monroe, initial post on Oct. 1, 2011]
 * [<<next person who added commentary>>, < >