Daily Bits

innovation

2007: The Year of Social Networking

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An article at PC World does a great job of summarizing the major developments in social networking space in 2007 and ponders over the prospects and uncertainties for 2008.

One insightful point mentioned in the article is how innovation at start-ups startles tech giants. Google, the great Web firm that one-upped Yahoo in claiming the search crown and hailed as the poster child of innovation was beaten at the social networking front. All the major internet firms such as Yahoo, Google and MS were done in by FaceBook which sort of perfected the concept of applications around social networks.

Social Networking is moving from the domain of an ‘nice add-on’ feature to a must-have even at the enterprise level. Various organizations are now waking up to the possibility that to attract the next generation of talent, it is essential to incorporate the flavor of social networking and connectivity within the enterprise.

While there were major salvos fired at FaceBook’s walled garden approach to social networking apps (which it did counter by licensing the F8 platform), it will be LinkedIn’s progress in the API space that will be really interesting. Being a site for business networking, it is one network that will really see a boost with professional networking going beyond just the website to the Web as such.

But another shift that can also be expected is the increased availability of affordable feature-rich mobile phones and compelling mobile applications. Apart from the enterprise user, the benefits of mobile applications have not really trickled down to the casual user. 2008 will hopefully be the year when mobile applications especially for social networking will really take off. Since Google has made several bold moves in the mobile space, expect a lot of innovation in this front.

Overall, its been a great year for Social Networking and for 2008 there’s a lot to anticipate.

Apple’s “Special Event” Is That All There Is?

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Finally, after weeks of rumors and speculation, the men in black took to the stage and announced Apple’s new lineup of iPhones. This “special event” came as no surprise because that’s pretty much what Apple has does in September. Even less surprising were the products, mostly due to well-placed leaks that had been circulating for quite some time. In fact, the event left many wondering if Apple wasn’t hiding something else up its sleeve—like a smart watch. While that little gadget would have been a cool addition to the event, its “me too” status would have only served to underscore Apple’s apparent innovative slump, which prompts the question, “Is that all there is?” Here’s a look at a number of questions that come to mind in the wake of Apple’s “special event”. [Read more…] about Apple’s “Special Event” Is That All There Is?

A Look at Apple’s Next Big Reveal

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September 10th has been officially announced as Apple’s next big seminar event, with sites like The Verge proudly flaunting their invites online. Naturally, rumors abound about what new product Apple will unveil—with some being more plausible than others. With competitors like Samsung moving into the smartphone and tablet arena, a space Apple founded, some Apple supporters are calling for Apple’s next big innovation. iWatch anyone? However, if Apple’s leaders are smart, which they are, they will realize that their success has never been driven by their competitors, but by Apple’s own brand and inventiveness. [Read more…] about A Look at Apple’s Next Big Reveal

New Technology Breakthroughs Courtesy of Apple

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Since the launch of the first Macintosh in 1984, Apple Inc. has made a name for itself as one of the main think tanks for new and cutting edge technology. Despite a slump in the ‘90s, the company has also grown into one of the biggest companies in the world, maintaining its position through constant innovations and new technologies. [Read more…] about New Technology Breakthroughs Courtesy of Apple

The State of IT Innovation

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IT Innovation

Innovation. Disruption. Startups.

Buzzwords are flying all over the place as if there were no tomorrow, but as much as you may be averse to buzzwords, there is something to be said about innovation. It is an essential part in moving forward, and every company, in the tech scene especially, needs to put a premium on innovation in order to remain competitive.

If a tech company is ever to stay alive, not to mention stay successful in the years to come, innovation has to be part of the recipe somehow. The word is more easily uttered than put into practice, though, with many factors coming into play. [Read more…] about The State of IT Innovation

The Silicon Valleys of the World [Infographic]

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Centers of Tech Innovation
Silicon Valleys of the World

What is the biggest dream of every person who works in the technology field? I would go out on a limb and say that to live and work in Silicon Valley is one of the top answers. There is the fact that the opportunities to work there are rather rare for a lot of people. That doesn’t mean you have to give up on your dreams! Did you know that there are Silicon Valleys in other parts of the world?

I suppose there is some truth in the argument that there is nothing quite like THE Silicon Valley, but the world has gotten smaller and smaller over the years, and centers of tech innovation are cropping up all over the planet. This spells good news for you, if you are looking to make a splash in the scene. [Read more…] about The Silicon Valleys of the World [Infographic]