Sprint Releases Kyocera Echo

Recently, Sprint has released the Kyocera Echo, a phone with a double touch screen. The phone appears to be a normal smartphone, but it has special hinges that allow the second screen to snap back under the first one. The two screens create what looks like one big screen, but they can display different things on each screen. Moreover, it allows people to do things like be on Facebook and text at the same time. However, unfolding the phone to reveal its second screen is a complicated process that frustrates many people. In addition, if both screens are not showing at the same time, the phone appears to be extremely clunky. This brings up possible issues with the phone's design.

I do not believe that this phone will do well in the market. This is because consumers are already so accustomed to iPhones, Blackberries, and other phones that allow them to access Internet easily that have relatively slim designs. I think that it was a creative idea to release a phone with two screens that can function independently at the same time, but because the second screen on this phone is so difficult to unhinge, \i think that changes in the design must be made. Also, I think that we must take caution when buying products like these. I think that this phone could be potentially dangerous, because way too much would be going on at once. Today, we already have so many problems with car accidents that are caused by people being distracted by their cell phones. If a driver is on both Facebook and texting while driving, it will be even more dangerous and distracting. Overall, while I do see the good intentions behind this phone, I do not believe that it will do well in the market.

Source: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703518704576258923813725728.html?mod=WSJ_PersonalTechnology_LEFTTop

Best Buy Restricts Sales on iPad 2

Best Buy, one several retailers selling the iPad 2, has recently explained that it is restricting iPad 2 sales. This is because it has struggled with supply constraints with the iPad. Best Buy spokesman Jeff Haydock explained that this is a customary practice for the company, and that they are delighted by customer's responses to Apple's new product.Best Buy is not the only company experiencing restricted supply of the iPad 2. IHS iSuppli explained that the iPad 2 might suffer from parts-supply shortages for its electronic compass, its battery, and possibly the touchscreen glass because of the the earthquake and tsunami in Japan. Apple's online store now has delays of up to a few months for the iPad 2.

Each time I go to Best Buy, I see so many people playing with the iPad 2. There are always lines of people behind them waiting to experience the new technology. People are so anxious to buy the iPad, which is why these shortages exist. At first, I did not see the purpose of the iPad, and was sure that it would fail. I am extremely surprised by how well it is doing. I now see how popular the device is, and I see the high demand that exists today. With the shortages that exist right now, I believe that Apple needs to work very hard to meet the high demands that exist.

Source: http://blogs.wsj.com/digits/2011/04/08/best-buy-restricts-ipad-2-sales-amid-shortages/?mod=WSJBlog&mod=

Samsung's Series 9 Makes a Statement

While many companies are trying to compete in the new tablet industry, another interesting development came out from the Samsung camp as they release the Series 9. This notebook is similar to the MacBook Air which was released by Apple in 2008. Nearly three years after the release of their product, Samsung brings about something that is almost as good as the Air. I think this is a huge development for all the Apple competitors. While many consumers may prefer Apple, there are options to all of their equipment. If a person wants a specific product from Apple, that product is now available at another company.

I also think the gap has been reduced between Apple and other consumer electronic groups. It took years for a company to develop something like this in the notebook market, and the same for MP3 players. Now, companies are developing tablets much quicker with relation to the iPad. I think we are still ages away from someone introducing a new product before Apple, but they gap is getting closer instead of further. Maybe Samsung, or Dell, or Motorola's Google powered products can finally close the gap.

For now, Apple remains on top with competitors closing in.

Source:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704101604576246770219077078.html?mod=WSJ_PersonalTechnology_LEADTop

Best Buy's performance

Following the 2008 recession, the United State’s economy has been recovering relatively faster than any other country around the world. Due to both effective monetary and fiscal policies imposed by the government, consumer spending has strengthen and has risen to 0.7% due to a rise in personal income by 0.3% in February, according to the Commerce Department. Better consumer spending has positively affected different markets in the economy. For the consumer electronics market, this meant more demands and higher profits. Keeping in mind the competitiveness in the consumer electronics industry, many businesses are facing major challenges by their competitors. For instance, according to an article published in Wall Street Journal, Best Buy has suffered from a slight bump. Being one of the largest retailer stores that offer a wide range of electronics especially TVs, Best Buy reported a decrease in its sales of TVs in December. This is mainly due to the change in consumer demands as technology has been improving. This has not only caused a decrease in sales and profits but also a decline in its stock value, which now costs half its average value.

However, Best Buy has been taking the necessary steps and procedures to keep its reputation and stand in the industry. Now, it will be focusing on providing the stores with more smart phones and has also decided to shut some of its retail TV stores in both Turkey and China. According to analysts, they predict the full recovery of Best Buy as it is marching on the right path.

In my opinion, I think although Best Buy has lost a portion of its sales due to TVs, nonetheless, its ability to identify its problem and take the right measurements to recover is what it matters. The article proves that Best Buy is a competitive business that focuses on maintaining its stand in the industry therefore will be a good choice for investments.

The articles are: 

1.http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20110328-706267.html

2.http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20110325-710958.html

Verizon's New Thunderbolt: A Revolutionary Phone

Several people today have data plans with their cell phones, which gives them access to the Internet 24/7. Most phones run on the 3G network, which is fast, but not the fastest out there, as there is now a fourth-generation wireless service. Verizon Wireless has advanced into this new wireless network. Verizon has recently announced that on Thursday it will begin selling the "HTC Corp. ThunderBolt", their first 4G phone. While Verizon has had the 4G network before, it was only available for laptop air cards. This is the first time that Verizon will be selling an actual 4G phone. The Thunderbolt allows Verizon to compete with Sprint in "the 4G game". While Verizon's Thunderbolt seems very similar to Sprint's 4G smartphone, the Thunderbolt has a larger screen and a larger battery, that will work better with the 4G connection. It has been reported that Verizon's connection speed is significantly faster than its competitors.

I believe that Verizon's new phone will be revolutionary because the faster net work makes it a more advanced phone. This phone has a huge appeal because several people want a faster network on their phones. I find it extremely frustrating when a page won't load on my cell phone. With today's fast-paced world, it is important that our technology stays up to speed with us. I believe that the Thunderbolt will be revolutionary in the cell phone world. In addition, I see there being many more 4G phones available in the near future.

Source: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704662604576202422274964148.html?mod=WSJ_PersonalTechnology_LEFTTop

Top 10 Apps That Will Change Your Life

A couple of years ago, the application industry didn't really exist. None of the phones really supported anything like these home made applications. Today, the application industry is booming. All of the major phone companies supply phones with application based services. Anyone can join this market if they have an idea that thousands of people will use. Just by selling an application for a dollar can make thousands in a couple of weeks.

This article talks about some of the most popular applications seen across the industry. Some of the apps included can identify music for you, help you eat healthy, or even track your drinks. All of these applications are easy to use when you are out and about in your daily life. They really make you think of what you can do to join the market. So when you are out and about, and you need something that your phone can't provide for you, maybe you can make an application for it.

Source: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704739504576067940909870176.html?mod=WSJ_PersonalTechnology_MiddleBottom

Apps!

While major consumer electronics companies like Apple, Motorola and Sony are extending their product lines, a new competitive market has been growing rapidly: Apps Market. Apple, Google Inc. and most recently Amazon.com are now focusing on creating a variety of distinguished apps in their Apps Store in order to differentiate themselves from their competitors as well as provide the consumers with convenient and innovative apps.  Apple was the first company to launch its store back in 2008, offering its consumers a wide range of apps ranging from music, books, and games to newspapers and magazines. In fact, it is said that Apple has more than 350 000 apps now. Following Apple is Google Inc. with the second largest number of apps through its Android Market. The article “Trying to stand out in Apps crowd” highlights the differences between the number and choices of apps that are provided by both Apple and Google. Most importantly, the main point to take from this article is the popularity of the Apps Store in becoming a new investment opportunity. The consumer electronics industry is not only producing different devices, it is also presenting opportunities for developers to get creative in terms of establishing unique apps at competitive prices. I think this provides a chance for other non -consumer electronics companies to market themselves by creating apps. For instance, Apple offers apps for major stores like Forever 21, Zara and many more. The Apps Market is definitely opening the doors to potentially creative innovators as well as to companies operating in different markets/industries.

Sourse:http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703410604576216890016705866.html?mod=WSJ_PersonalTechnology_LEFTTop#articleTabs%3Darticle