All that talk about faulty antennas didn't seem to harm Apple's reputation too much. For the second year in a row, Apple dominates the list with the iPhone 4 and iPhone 3GS taking the #1 and #5 spots, respectively. The T-Mobile G2 snagged second place while the Motorola Droid X took third. Motorola appeared twice in the top ten with the Droid Pro taking the #7 place. The study was conducted by Zeta Interactive, a marketing agency based in New York City. The firm uses an algorithm technology, called Zeta Buzz, that mines online posts, blogs, messageboards, video sites and social networks regarding a certain product category.
Zeta Buzz also looks at the positive and negative keywords surrounding each product, which is also incorporated into the rankings. For example, the T-Mobile G2 and the Samsung Fascinate (#6) were most closely associated with value and cost-effectiveness. The most commonly used words to describe the phones were "value," "deal," "price," and "efficient."
Interestingly, though not surprising, is the decline of the BlackBerry. Last year, RIM had three devices in the top ten, but this year, only the Tour made it on the list at #9. RIM might have a comeback next year, however, as the BlackBerry Playbook seems to be getting a lot of buzz before its debut (scheduled for next year).
LG, a newcomer to the list, snagged the number four spot with its LG Quantum (running the brand new Windows Phone 7). According to Al DiGuido, CEO of Zeta Interactive, LG's appearance on the list proves that it is possible for brands beyond Apple to build buzz around a product.
Surprisingly, neither the popular HTC EVO 4G nor the HTC Incredible made it in the Top 10. The Incredible came in 12th place while the Evo finished 16th place overall.
With CES 2011 quickly approaching, there has been a lot of buzz around upcoming Android phones. Will the iPhone still be king next year? Or will the Android invasion finally prevail?
Source: http://www.itnews.com/mobile/26749/iphone-4-t-mobile-g2-most-buzzed-about-phones-2010
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Monday, December 27, 2010
Facebook rakes in $2B in the year 2010!
Not long after being criticized for not knowing how to make money, Facebook is looking to reel in more than $2 billion in sales in 2010.
Financial news site Bloomberg reported Thursday that the world's largest social network is expected to more than double its 2009 sales figures, which reportedly came in between $700 million and $800 million. Citing unnamed sources, Bloomberg also reported that Facebook executives were only expecting to bring in $1.5 billion in sales this year but exceeded those expectations by half a billion dollars.
"I'm not surprised they're finally effectively monetizing their assets," said Ezra Gottheil, an analyst with Technology Business Research. "It's been a combination of increasing page views, increasing customer interest in social media and a tidal wave of publicity."
It wasn't so long ago that Facebook was receiving a lot of scrutiny about its need to develop a solid business plan . The social network, while growing fast, needed a business model to take advantage of its momentum. Facebook answered its critics by beginning to draw in big advertising dollars.
According to Bloomberg, Facebook has become an attractive vehicle for major advertisers, including Coca-Cola, JPMorgan Chase & Co. and Adidas.
Facebook had no comment on the Bloomberg report.
Gottheil said Facebook has made some wise business decisions, but he was quick to add that it would be difficult to not make a lot of money with such a massive customer base. Facebook announced last July that the social network had pulled in its 500 millionth user .
"Facebook has certainly had a big turnaround, but it's not really a surprise," said Gottheil. "Any time you've got that much traffic, that much user information, and that much leverage with your users, the dollars are bound to show up eventually."
Earlier this week, Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook's CEO, was named Time's Person of the Year . Zuckerberg and his company also have been the focus of widespread media attention this year. The movie The Social Network came out this fall, focusing on Zuckerberg as he created the company that quickly made him a billionaire.
However, Gottheil also noted that Facebook needs to be careful with users' privacy because that could be the company's Achilles' heel.
This past year, the social network has found itself in the middle of several contentious privacy debates with angry and frustrated users.
While privacy advocates have pummeled the social network with criticism for several years, the issue heated up last April after Facebook unveiled a bevy of tools that would allow the sharing of user information with other Web sites. That move caused an uproar among users and even prompted a handful of U.S. senators to send an open letter calling on Facebook to amend its privacy policies.
And in August, Facebook developers had to quickly fix a bug that allowed spammers to harvest users' names and photos from the site.
Then this fall, Facebook admitted that applications made for the social network, such as FarmVille, Texas HoldEm Poker and FrontierVille, have been sending users' personal information to dozens of advertising and Internet-monitoring companies.
"They need to manage privacy and security issues to stay on track," Gottheil said.
Read more about web 2.0 and web apps in Computerworld's Web 2.0 and Web Apps Topic Center.
By: Sharon Gaudin
Financial news site Bloomberg reported Thursday that the world's largest social network is expected to more than double its 2009 sales figures, which reportedly came in between $700 million and $800 million. Citing unnamed sources, Bloomberg also reported that Facebook executives were only expecting to bring in $1.5 billion in sales this year but exceeded those expectations by half a billion dollars.
"I'm not surprised they're finally effectively monetizing their assets," said Ezra Gottheil, an analyst with Technology Business Research. "It's been a combination of increasing page views, increasing customer interest in social media and a tidal wave of publicity."
It wasn't so long ago that Facebook was receiving a lot of scrutiny about its need to develop a solid business plan . The social network, while growing fast, needed a business model to take advantage of its momentum. Facebook answered its critics by beginning to draw in big advertising dollars.
According to Bloomberg, Facebook has become an attractive vehicle for major advertisers, including Coca-Cola, JPMorgan Chase & Co. and Adidas.
Facebook had no comment on the Bloomberg report.
Gottheil said Facebook has made some wise business decisions, but he was quick to add that it would be difficult to not make a lot of money with such a massive customer base. Facebook announced last July that the social network had pulled in its 500 millionth user .
"Facebook has certainly had a big turnaround, but it's not really a surprise," said Gottheil. "Any time you've got that much traffic, that much user information, and that much leverage with your users, the dollars are bound to show up eventually."
Earlier this week, Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook's CEO, was named Time's Person of the Year . Zuckerberg and his company also have been the focus of widespread media attention this year. The movie The Social Network came out this fall, focusing on Zuckerberg as he created the company that quickly made him a billionaire.
However, Gottheil also noted that Facebook needs to be careful with users' privacy because that could be the company's Achilles' heel.
This past year, the social network has found itself in the middle of several contentious privacy debates with angry and frustrated users.
While privacy advocates have pummeled the social network with criticism for several years, the issue heated up last April after Facebook unveiled a bevy of tools that would allow the sharing of user information with other Web sites. That move caused an uproar among users and even prompted a handful of U.S. senators to send an open letter calling on Facebook to amend its privacy policies.
And in August, Facebook developers had to quickly fix a bug that allowed spammers to harvest users' names and photos from the site.
Then this fall, Facebook admitted that applications made for the social network, such as FarmVille, Texas HoldEm Poker and FrontierVille, have been sending users' personal information to dozens of advertising and Internet-monitoring companies.
"They need to manage privacy and security issues to stay on track," Gottheil said.
Read more about web 2.0 and web apps in Computerworld's Web 2.0 and Web Apps Topic Center.
By: Sharon Gaudin
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Happy Boxing Day!
Do you know? Boxing day is the first weekday after Christmas, commonly occurring on the 26th of December.
Boxing Day originated in England in the middle of the nineteenth century under Queen Victoria. December 26th, or Boxing Day is a holiday celebrated in Britain, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and other Commonwealth countries. It is spent with family and friends at open gatherings with lots of food, fun, friendship and love.
Boxing Day is so called because it was the custom on that day for tradesmen to collect their Christmas boxes or gifts in return for good and reliable service throughout the year. Boxing Day is also St. Stephen's Day. St Stephen was a little known saint who achieved eternal fame by being the first Christian to be martyred for his faith by being stoned to death shortly after Christ's crucifixion.
The traditional celebration of Boxing Day included giving money and other gifts to charitable institutions, needy individuals, and people in service jobs. The holiday may date from the Middle Ages (A.D. 400's--1500's), but the exact origin is unknown. It may have begun with the lords and ladies of England, who presented Christmas gifts in boxes to their servants on December 26. Or it may have begun with priests, who opened the church's alms (charity) boxes on the day after Christmas and distributed the contents to the poor. Boxing day was traditionally a day to give presents to the poor.
Have a great boxing day!
Boxing Day originated in England in the middle of the nineteenth century under Queen Victoria. December 26th, or Boxing Day is a holiday celebrated in Britain, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and other Commonwealth countries. It is spent with family and friends at open gatherings with lots of food, fun, friendship and love.
Boxing Day is so called because it was the custom on that day for tradesmen to collect their Christmas boxes or gifts in return for good and reliable service throughout the year. Boxing Day is also St. Stephen's Day. St Stephen was a little known saint who achieved eternal fame by being the first Christian to be martyred for his faith by being stoned to death shortly after Christ's crucifixion.
The traditional celebration of Boxing Day included giving money and other gifts to charitable institutions, needy individuals, and people in service jobs. The holiday may date from the Middle Ages (A.D. 400's--1500's), but the exact origin is unknown. It may have begun with the lords and ladies of England, who presented Christmas gifts in boxes to their servants on December 26. Or it may have begun with priests, who opened the church's alms (charity) boxes on the day after Christmas and distributed the contents to the poor. Boxing day was traditionally a day to give presents to the poor.
Have a great boxing day!
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Merry Christmas everyone!
Here's wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas!
May you be blessed with all the joy and laughter this festive season!
May you be blessed with all the joy and laughter this festive season!
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Christmas around the corner...
Hi everyone, Christmas is around the corner ~~ Any idea what gifts to give to all your loved ones this season? Shopping for your love ones who has pretty much everything they need can be quite a challenge, especially when trying to stay within your holiday budget. Here are some creative and interesting do-it-yourself gifts you could consider making...
Holiday Cards with Fold-In Shapes
1. To make the snowflake and snowman pop-up on your card, trace template onto folded card stock, centering the image over the fold. Cut along shape with a utility knife, leaving it attached at the tabs. For the gift card, cut two parallel horizontal lines equidistant from the center fold on card stock.
2. For all cards, push the shape forward from behind while slightly closing card to crease the shape down the middle. For gift card, attach ribbon. Glue all cards into a larger prefolded backing.
Read more at Wholeliving.com: Glittered Holiday Cards With Fold-In Shapes - Martha Stewart Crafts
Here are some other card designs which I find interesting...
Tote Bags with Iron-On Silhouettes
1. Scan copyright-free clip art from books or download it online or from a CD. Buy iron-on transfer paper for your tote; choose paper for light cotton fabrics and for dark cotton fabrics, depending on your project.
2. Print the images on transfer paper, following the manufacturer's instructions, and cut them out. Cut around the images cleanly (use a craft knife, for precision); avoid making jagged edges.
3. Arrange the images on the bag, face up, for a preview (keep in mind this is a mirror image of the final design). When you're ready to iron, place the images face down. Press on top of images, starting at the edges of each one and using even pressure so that the image doesn't slide; do not move the iron back and forth, or image will blur or pucker.
4. When iron-ons have cooled, remove the backing paper. Replace the bag's handles with equal lengths of colorful twill tape or cover them with ribbon, if desired.
Source: Martha Stewart's Encyclopedia of Sewing and Fabric Crafts
Holiday Cards with Fold-In Shapes
1. To make the snowflake and snowman pop-up on your card, trace template onto folded card stock, centering the image over the fold. Cut along shape with a utility knife, leaving it attached at the tabs. For the gift card, cut two parallel horizontal lines equidistant from the center fold on card stock.
2. For all cards, push the shape forward from behind while slightly closing card to crease the shape down the middle. For gift card, attach ribbon. Glue all cards into a larger prefolded backing.
Read more at Wholeliving.com: Glittered Holiday Cards With Fold-In Shapes - Martha Stewart Crafts
Here are some other card designs which I find interesting...
Tote Bags with Iron-On Silhouettes
1. Scan copyright-free clip art from books or download it online or from a CD. Buy iron-on transfer paper for your tote; choose paper for light cotton fabrics and for dark cotton fabrics, depending on your project.
2. Print the images on transfer paper, following the manufacturer's instructions, and cut them out. Cut around the images cleanly (use a craft knife, for precision); avoid making jagged edges.
3. Arrange the images on the bag, face up, for a preview (keep in mind this is a mirror image of the final design). When you're ready to iron, place the images face down. Press on top of images, starting at the edges of each one and using even pressure so that the image doesn't slide; do not move the iron back and forth, or image will blur or pucker.
4. When iron-ons have cooled, remove the backing paper. Replace the bag's handles with equal lengths of colorful twill tape or cover them with ribbon, if desired.
Source: Martha Stewart's Encyclopedia of Sewing and Fabric Crafts
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Are you an iPhone owner?
I myself is an iPhone owner, so I wanted to bring to your attention to be extra careful when you are outdoors as there are cases where iPhones were being snatched away from owners in public areas.
Recently, the police have arrested a serial snatch thief after a valuable lead from an iPhone application.
The 'Find My iPhone' application, which allows the owner of the iPhone to trace its physical location, allowed police to hunt down the perpetrator.
Although the suspect was arrested on Monday evening, and is believed to be also responsible for several other snatch theft cases in the Tiong Bahru and Kim Tian estates. No one could be certain that there will be no other similar cases in the future.
Do pay extra attention when you are outdoors!
Recently, the police have arrested a serial snatch thief after a valuable lead from an iPhone application.
The 'Find My iPhone' application, which allows the owner of the iPhone to trace its physical location, allowed police to hunt down the perpetrator.
Although the suspect was arrested on Monday evening, and is believed to be also responsible for several other snatch theft cases in the Tiong Bahru and Kim Tian estates. No one could be certain that there will be no other similar cases in the future.
Do pay extra attention when you are outdoors!
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Shopping vouchers up for grabs
BE A fan of the Facebook pages of Digital Life and Urban, and you could walk away with shopping vouchers.
From now until noon on Wednesday, both weekly publications will be giving out $100 shopping vouchers to lucky fans, when enough folks on Facebook follow each of the respective pages.
The way this contest works: The higher the number of followers, the more chances readers will have of winning.
For example, if the Urban (The Straits Times) (www.facebook.com/URBAN.ST) page nets 3,000 fans by Wednesday, there will be three prizes to give out.
If the number hits 5,000, there will be eight prizes.
And if it crosses the 7,000 mark, there will be a total of 21 prizes that will be given out.
For the Digital Life Singapore (www.facebook.com/DigitalLifeSG) page, three prizes will be handed out if the number of fans cross the 5,000 mark.
There will be 21 prizes awarded if the number crosses 9,000.
To stand a chance, simply log in to your Facebook account and click on the 'Like' button on the respective Facebook pages.
The full list of winners will be published in an upcoming issue of Digital Life and Urban.
Study finds businesses unready for risks from new technology
I was browsing through the internet and stumbled upon this article talking about risks from new technology, check it out!
Less than a third of global businesses have an IT risk management programme capable of dealing with the risks related to the use of new technologies, a study has revealed.
Just one in ten consider new and emerging IT trends very important for the information security function to consider, according to Ernst & Young's 13th annual Global Information Security Survey.
Some 60% of respondents see a significant increase in use of external service providers and adoption of new technologies, such as cloud computing, as an increased risk.
Despite this, only 46% intend to increase their annual investment in information security, but this figure rose to 67% when considering UK participants only.
Technology advances represent a massive opportunity for IT to deliver significant benefits to the organisation, but new technology also means new risk, said Seamus Reilly, of Ernst & Young IT Risk Advisory.
"It is vital that companies not only recognise this risk, but take action to avoid it," Seamus Reilly said.
The mobile workforce
Over half of respondents said increased workforce mobility poses a considerable challenge to information security. This was due to widespread use of mobile computing devices that allow people to access and distribute business information from anywhere at any time.
For almost two-thirds of respondents, employees' level of security awareness is recognised as a considerable challenge.
"As the mobile workforce continues to grow, so does the level of risk. In addition to implementing new technology solutions and re-engineering information flows, companies must focus on informing the workforce about risks," said Reilly.
The delivery of effective and regular security awareness training is a critical success factor as companies attempt to keep pace with the changing environment, he said.
Data leakage
Half of respondents plan to spend more over the next year on data leakage and data loss prevention, a 7% increase from 2009.
To address potential new risks, 39% are making policy adjustments, 29% are implementing encryption techniques and 28% are implementing stronger identity and access management controls.
The survey found data leakage was seen by 50% of UK respondents as either their top or second priority. It highlighted that UK respondents reported significant levels of encryption technologies for laptops of 85%, compared with 47% globally.
Business continuity
For the first time, continuous availability of critical IT resources was identified by respondents as one of the top five risks.
Increased mobility and lack of control over end-user devices can cause problems when trying to implement effective and efficient business continuity and disaster recovery capabilities.
Half of respondents globally - but only 36% of UK respondents - identified this as an area of increased expenditure.
UK respondents reported higher levels of key business continuity capability, including having a defined business continuity strategy, 93% vs 60% globally; and business continuity testing plans, 85% vs 55% globally.
Only 3% of UK participants reported having no BCM program, compared with 13% globally.
Cloud computing
Cloud computing services are gaining greater adoption, with 23% of respondents using cloud computing services and a further 15% planning to use within the next 12 months.
When asked if an external certification of cloud service providers would increase trust, 85% of respondents said yes, with 43% stating that the certification should be based upon an agreed standard and 22% requiring accreditation for the certifying body.
Misplaced your iPhone?
Have you misplaced your iPhone? Apple has come up with a way to locate where your phone is with an online map. You could also display a message or set a passcode lock on your phone. It's cool, check this out!
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Eyes-free device - the next wave
Similar to OnStar's September launch of voice-activated Facebook and texting, Windows Embedded Automotive 7 has evolved to enable voice commands that let you keep in touch without touching your phone.
Personally, I feel it might be good for people who is always on the move. However, it can also be bad as it sort of encourage people to use their mobile while driving.
Feel free to comment. Thanks.
Please click on the link below for the full article.
http://gizmodo.com/5703561/texting-while-driving-might-not-be-so-bad-when-its-hands-free
Personally, I feel it might be good for people who is always on the move. However, it can also be bad as it sort of encourage people to use their mobile while driving.
Feel free to comment. Thanks.
Please click on the link below for the full article.
http://gizmodo.com/5703561/texting-while-driving-might-not-be-so-bad-when-its-hands-free
5 useful tools
Hi everyone, here are some useful tools that I personally recommend. They will definitely aid you collaboration with your business colleagues and associates. More efficient processes mean you have more time for your loved ones. Enjoy!
1. Teamview - TeamViewer connects to any PC or server around the world within a few seconds. You can remote control your partner's PC as if you were sitting right in front of it.
http://www.teamviewer.com/index.aspx
2. Dropbox - A simple yet powerful online file storage service that lets you backup and sync data across multiple platforms.
http://dropbox.en.softonic.com/download
3. AVG Antivirus -
This latest edition of Anti-Virus Free offers some exciting new features including AVG Social Networking Protection, AVG Protective Cloud Technology and AVG Smart Scanning. It’s fast, free and easy to use.
http://free.avg.com/ww-en/homepage
4. ZoneAlarm® Free Firewall 2010 - Antivirus misses 1 in 3 new viruses and does not protect from hacking attacks. That's why you also need a strong firewall. ZoneAlarm Free Firewall is the most powerful and easy-to-use free firewall available today.
http://www.zonealarm.com/security/en-us/zonealarm-pc-security-free-firewall.htm
5. Thunderbird - If you like Firefox’s tabbed browsing, you’re going to love tabbed email. Thunderbird 3.1’s tabbed email lets you load emails in separate tabs so you can quickly jump between them
http://www.mozillamessaging.com/en-US/
1. Teamview - TeamViewer connects to any PC or server around the world within a few seconds. You can remote control your partner's PC as if you were sitting right in front of it.
http://www.teamviewer.com/index.aspx
2. Dropbox - A simple yet powerful online file storage service that lets you backup and sync data across multiple platforms.
http://dropbox.en.softonic.com/download
3. AVG Antivirus -
This latest edition of Anti-Virus Free offers some exciting new features including AVG Social Networking Protection, AVG Protective Cloud Technology and AVG Smart Scanning. It’s fast, free and easy to use.
http://free.avg.com/ww-en/homepage
4. ZoneAlarm® Free Firewall 2010 - Antivirus misses 1 in 3 new viruses and does not protect from hacking attacks. That's why you also need a strong firewall. ZoneAlarm Free Firewall is the most powerful and easy-to-use free firewall available today.
http://www.zonealarm.com/security/en-us/zonealarm-pc-security-free-firewall.htm
5. Thunderbird - If you like Firefox’s tabbed browsing, you’re going to love tabbed email. Thunderbird 3.1’s tabbed email lets you load emails in separate tabs so you can quickly jump between them
http://www.mozillamessaging.com/en-US/
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