After spending a whole semester on the internet and learning about many tools and programs that I had never known about, the future of the internet seems to be boundless.
Already, new programs and applications are being created everyday. Connectivity has crossed from just computers to mobile phones in the last few years. Everyone can constantly be updated about each other from all over the world.
Furthermore, just this year, the internet capabilities of smart phones have assisted in revolutions in Egypt and in connecting family members caught in Japan's earthquake and tsunami disaster when the mobile network was down.
The pace at which the internet is developing is unlikely to slow. Through computers and mobile phones, the internet has already made inroads into our daily lives.
Personally, I feel that the internet is likely to become connected to almost every part of our lives, from daily household chores to luxury hobbies.
However, I am not sure if that is a development I am looking forward to. To be constantly connected.
In the now, simply turning off the connectivity devices can cut one off from the buzz of the internet. On the other hand, in the future, if the internet becomes indivisible from our every little move, will we become overly reliant on it - and therefore unable to live without it?
For some teenagers, living without internet connection is almost unthinkable. Yet those who are slightly older will remember when the internet did not constantly demand our attention and buzz us with every detail possible.
While the expansion of the internet seems limitless and has no doubt, benefitted us in many ways, I feel that an important point is not to let the internet overwhelm and replace the role of the human aspect in our daily relationships and activities. The internet is a tool and not a person. So depending on the direction that we push it in, it could become either our best friend, or our greatest distraction.
Friday, April 15, 2011
Friday, April 8, 2011
Google vs. Apple
Right now, Google and Apple are two of the largest companies in the software/hardware industry.
Experts have traced and noted the competition between the two companies for awhile now: first the iPhone, then the Android smartphone, the iPad and now the Samsung Galaxy Tab.
Is that to say that Google is constantly playing catch-up? I highly doubt that. I believe that right now at least, the competition between the two has only yielded pretty even results.
However, an advantage that Google possesses definitely lies in their power in the World Wide Web and the tools that they have created for it. For one, the Google search engine is the most popular one being used, and arguably the most efficient. Added with tools like Google Documents, Google Reader and Google groups, all tools of great convenience and efficiency, I would say that the future for Google is looking bright.
On the other hand, while the iPhone market is no doubt alive and flourishing, Apple probably has stabbed itself in the foot (at least a little), by making the iPod near-obsolete. With all the capabilities built into the iPhone, the iPod has become unnecessary. And in all honesty, the iPad is no longer a necessity as well.
Perhaps for Apple, it's real advantage still lies in its computers, especially the Macbook Pro, which is still considered widely as the most ideal computer to use - fast, efficient, with hardly any virus issues as well as a clean, sleek interface.
The competition in the land of smartphones remain fierce however, and feedback is mixed. While those individuals with more technological knowledge hail the Android as superior, most individuals (like myself) still prefer the simple and user-friendly way that the iPhone operates.
Well, with the different edges each one possesses, I predict that competition would probably remain around for awhile. As a consumer who will enjoy the benefits of their progress, I look forward to it.
Experts have traced and noted the competition between the two companies for awhile now: first the iPhone, then the Android smartphone, the iPad and now the Samsung Galaxy Tab.
Is that to say that Google is constantly playing catch-up? I highly doubt that. I believe that right now at least, the competition between the two has only yielded pretty even results.
However, an advantage that Google possesses definitely lies in their power in the World Wide Web and the tools that they have created for it. For one, the Google search engine is the most popular one being used, and arguably the most efficient. Added with tools like Google Documents, Google Reader and Google groups, all tools of great convenience and efficiency, I would say that the future for Google is looking bright.
On the other hand, while the iPhone market is no doubt alive and flourishing, Apple probably has stabbed itself in the foot (at least a little), by making the iPod near-obsolete. With all the capabilities built into the iPhone, the iPod has become unnecessary. And in all honesty, the iPad is no longer a necessity as well.
Perhaps for Apple, it's real advantage still lies in its computers, especially the Macbook Pro, which is still considered widely as the most ideal computer to use - fast, efficient, with hardly any virus issues as well as a clean, sleek interface.
The competition in the land of smartphones remain fierce however, and feedback is mixed. While those individuals with more technological knowledge hail the Android as superior, most individuals (like myself) still prefer the simple and user-friendly way that the iPhone operates.
Well, with the different edges each one possesses, I predict that competition would probably remain around for awhile. As a consumer who will enjoy the benefits of their progress, I look forward to it.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Journalism and the Internet
As the internet has allowed for the easy sharing of views and information, a result of this is the rise of citizen journalism.
Amongst the most famous of such citizen journalists in Singapore, would be a man known as Mr Brown. Famous for speaking his mind on his internet blog, Mr. Brown also presents his views through the creation of funny videos and spoofs on his topics of discussion. His use of the internet and humour have gathered him a large following, despite him having been issued warnings for some of his more provocative views.
Just recently, he released this video on the upcoming elections soon to take place in Singapore. Already, the video is making its way across social networking platforms like Facebook. HIlarious yet brutally frank, the combination is the trademark of Mr. Brown's work. It even throws in typical Singaporean phrases and makes name plays on various government packages.
Of course, internet journalism is not just limited to the political arena.
The most commonly referred to citizen journalism site in Singapore, STOMP has also raised many issues that people speak out on. Varying from small issues like people leaning on the pole in MRT trains to reports of accidents, the site has become a tool through which citizens are making themselves heard. However, it is unclear whether such expression is truly beneficial yet. While there are a number of views that are mature and distinct issue that probably should be addressed, many have abused the site as a place to make complaints and pick on nitty-gritty issues.
Despite these things though, support for the site is still going strong. It is not clear which direction it will take in the future, but one thing is sure: it won't be dying out anytime soon.
Amongst the most famous of such citizen journalists in Singapore, would be a man known as Mr Brown. Famous for speaking his mind on his internet blog, Mr. Brown also presents his views through the creation of funny videos and spoofs on his topics of discussion. His use of the internet and humour have gathered him a large following, despite him having been issued warnings for some of his more provocative views.
Just recently, he released this video on the upcoming elections soon to take place in Singapore. Already, the video is making its way across social networking platforms like Facebook. HIlarious yet brutally frank, the combination is the trademark of Mr. Brown's work. It even throws in typical Singaporean phrases and makes name plays on various government packages.
Of course, internet journalism is not just limited to the political arena.
The most commonly referred to citizen journalism site in Singapore, STOMP has also raised many issues that people speak out on. Varying from small issues like people leaning on the pole in MRT trains to reports of accidents, the site has become a tool through which citizens are making themselves heard. However, it is unclear whether such expression is truly beneficial yet. While there are a number of views that are mature and distinct issue that probably should be addressed, many have abused the site as a place to make complaints and pick on nitty-gritty issues.
Despite these things though, support for the site is still going strong. It is not clear which direction it will take in the future, but one thing is sure: it won't be dying out anytime soon.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Politics and the Internet
One of the biggest successes in political campaigning on the internet would probably be President Obama's.
According to the New York Times (article on: http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/11/07/how-obamas-internet-campaign-changed-politics/), Obama's campaign had served to change internet politics. For one, YouTube was his tool for free advertising: “The campaign’s official stuff they created for YouTube was watched for 14.5 million hours,” Mr. Trippi said. “To buy 14.5 million hours on broadcast TV is $47 million.”
It was also explained that the videos on YouTube were more convincing than those on TV because viewers on the web consciously made the decision to watch the video, often interrupting their other activities, such as watching TV.
Likewise, BBC News also noted the use of the internet as the key to Obama's victory.(article on: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/7412045.stm) They highlighted his use of his own internet site as well as social platforms such as MySpace and Facebook. It especially allowed him to reach to younger voters and gathered him "follower" who publicly displayed their support for him through the online medium. The article even states that on Facebook, the social platform most used by college students, Obama has more followers than any other candidate.
This view is also supported by TIME magazine. In an article on Obama's Viral Marketing Campaign (http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1640402,00.html) , it was noted that the campaign's success was due to its ability to reach into the social scene and gather the financial powers of small donors, who gave in monthly amounts as low as a mere $20. Yet, when it combined with the support of hundreds of thousands of other small donors, it created the funds of more than $10 million dollars.
It is highly likely that the role of the internet in political marketing will only get bigger. Especially since most of the youths in the population are all highly involved on online mediums, By harnessing the power of the internet, political candidates will not only be able to draw the support of the younger crowd by catching their interest online, they will also be able to monitor responses and view more effectively.
While young adults and youths (especially in the case of Singapore) have shown increasing signs of political apathy, I feel that the scene is likely to change. More and more, people are expressing their political views on social platforms like Facebook. Thought-provoking articles and videos are shared, views are exchanged and candidates discussed openly. It would be hard to continually remain ignorant, when the hype is on the increase in one's social circle.
According to the New York Times (article on: http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/11/07/how-obamas-internet-campaign-changed-politics/), Obama's campaign had served to change internet politics. For one, YouTube was his tool for free advertising: “The campaign’s official stuff they created for YouTube was watched for 14.5 million hours,” Mr. Trippi said. “To buy 14.5 million hours on broadcast TV is $47 million.”
It was also explained that the videos on YouTube were more convincing than those on TV because viewers on the web consciously made the decision to watch the video, often interrupting their other activities, such as watching TV.
Likewise, BBC News also noted the use of the internet as the key to Obama's victory.(article on: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/7412045.stm) They highlighted his use of his own internet site as well as social platforms such as MySpace and Facebook. It especially allowed him to reach to younger voters and gathered him "follower" who publicly displayed their support for him through the online medium. The article even states that on Facebook, the social platform most used by college students, Obama has more followers than any other candidate.
This view is also supported by TIME magazine. In an article on Obama's Viral Marketing Campaign (http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1640402,00.html) , it was noted that the campaign's success was due to its ability to reach into the social scene and gather the financial powers of small donors, who gave in monthly amounts as low as a mere $20. Yet, when it combined with the support of hundreds of thousands of other small donors, it created the funds of more than $10 million dollars.
It is highly likely that the role of the internet in political marketing will only get bigger. Especially since most of the youths in the population are all highly involved on online mediums, By harnessing the power of the internet, political candidates will not only be able to draw the support of the younger crowd by catching their interest online, they will also be able to monitor responses and view more effectively.
While young adults and youths (especially in the case of Singapore) have shown increasing signs of political apathy, I feel that the scene is likely to change. More and more, people are expressing their political views on social platforms like Facebook. Thought-provoking articles and videos are shared, views are exchanged and candidates discussed openly. It would be hard to continually remain ignorant, when the hype is on the increase in one's social circle.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Nokia'a Marketing Ad
With the rise of marketing through the internet, campaigns to promote the products of companies have also risen in both quality and magnitude.
Take for instance, this marketing film by Nokia.
The film stars Pamela Anderson, Ed Westwick (from Gossip Girl), Dev Patel (the star of Slumdog Millionaire) and Charles Dance.
This film, titled 'The Commuter", was filmed entirely and only in mobile HD (high definition), using the Nokia N8 smartphone. In four days.
There were no back up cameras. Only the streets of St. Albans and London, which were the setting of the film that covered one commuter's eventful journey to work on the first day of his job.
The quality displayed by the filming is beyond what anyone would usually expect from the tiny pinhole camera embedded in a mobile phone.
Perhaps, that is exactly the point that Nokia is trying to prove here. Yes, that phone can capture moments: anything from racing cars to martial arts and stunts.
The success of the film in marketing the phone is also evident, at least from the 740,000 views that the 7 minute long video has gained on YouTube to date. It is clear that the ad has captured the attention of the audience.
Impressive? Definitely. It makes me wonder if I made a wrong choice getting my iPhone. (the pictures I take with it are FAR from that quality).
However, the camera alone would be unable to convince me to make the switch. I guess it would be more persuasive towards those who place more significance on their phone's photo-taking functions.
Take for instance, this marketing film by Nokia.
The film stars Pamela Anderson, Ed Westwick (from Gossip Girl), Dev Patel (the star of Slumdog Millionaire) and Charles Dance.
This film, titled 'The Commuter", was filmed entirely and only in mobile HD (high definition), using the Nokia N8 smartphone. In four days.
There were no back up cameras. Only the streets of St. Albans and London, which were the setting of the film that covered one commuter's eventful journey to work on the first day of his job.
The quality displayed by the filming is beyond what anyone would usually expect from the tiny pinhole camera embedded in a mobile phone.
Perhaps, that is exactly the point that Nokia is trying to prove here. Yes, that phone can capture moments: anything from racing cars to martial arts and stunts.
The success of the film in marketing the phone is also evident, at least from the 740,000 views that the 7 minute long video has gained on YouTube to date. It is clear that the ad has captured the attention of the audience.
Impressive? Definitely. It makes me wonder if I made a wrong choice getting my iPhone. (the pictures I take with it are FAR from that quality).
However, the camera alone would be unable to convince me to make the switch. I guess it would be more persuasive towards those who place more significance on their phone's photo-taking functions.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Phishing Bait
When I was in secondary school, I remember receiving an email in my hotmail inbox about how the king of Nigeria had left a few hundred million of US dollars behind, and a scheme on how I could get a part of it. However, it required a large sum of about $20,000 dollars before I could later receive a few hundred thousand in return for my "safety deposit". Needless to say, my 15 year old pocket money was far from able to allow me to "invest" in such a sum and thus, I did nothing about that email.
Days later, however, I found out from my parents that the email was most likely part of what the world called the "Nigerian Scam", one of the most successful internet phishing schemes ever. Most victims of the scam never ever have their money restored to them, as the money is usually moved so quickly that it is impossible to trace. My teenager-appropriate allowance was the only thing that had saved me from my ignorance.
A few years later, my younger sister alerted me to a similar type of mail she had received. I explained what the mail was all about to the then 11-year-old girl, amused that the scam was still ongoing. Little did I know that the scam had in truth, not only continued but also evolved in its forms and complexity.
Such scams usually do not aim to phish out large sums of money at one go, but aim to draw out money continuously - such that it can add up to a huge sum of money.
The below video shows an even more elaborate scheme: the lady was a direct target of the scam and it was made believable by the fact that inheritance money was supposedly left behind by a distant relative that the family had previously lost contact with. Official documents were also forged and sent to her. In total, the lady was scammed out of $400 K over the course of 2 years.
Days later, however, I found out from my parents that the email was most likely part of what the world called the "Nigerian Scam", one of the most successful internet phishing schemes ever. Most victims of the scam never ever have their money restored to them, as the money is usually moved so quickly that it is impossible to trace. My teenager-appropriate allowance was the only thing that had saved me from my ignorance.
A few years later, my younger sister alerted me to a similar type of mail she had received. I explained what the mail was all about to the then 11-year-old girl, amused that the scam was still ongoing. Little did I know that the scam had in truth, not only continued but also evolved in its forms and complexity.
Such scams usually do not aim to phish out large sums of money at one go, but aim to draw out money continuously - such that it can add up to a huge sum of money.
The below video shows an even more elaborate scheme: the lady was a direct target of the scam and it was made believable by the fact that inheritance money was supposedly left behind by a distant relative that the family had previously lost contact with. Official documents were also forged and sent to her. In total, the lady was scammed out of $400 K over the course of 2 years.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Internet Tools
Out of all the google tools, the one I use most often would be the Google Reader. The Reader compiles all the new entries of online blogs and microblogs like Tumblr and feeds it all into a single space where I can read everything at my leisure. Not only is it extremely convenient and time-saving (so I don't have to constantly go to the site to check if there's something new), it is also a lot more organized and allows me to bookmark and save entries that pique my interest. Moreover, I can follow my friends who are also using the reader and it allows us to share with each other, through the reader, entries that we may have found interesting.
For the second part of the entry today, I have create a video using the iMovie application on my Macbook. I added in a soundtrack and timed the pictures and videos according to the beat of the song. It was slightly tedious but I've learnt to appreciate video editing done by the experts in movies and shows a lot more. The song in the background is "Smile Like You Mean It" by the band called "The Killers". The people in the video are all friends that I've made over the years, or the offspring of my friends. The main theme of the video would probably be how people show their silly sides in front of the camera. Like the title of the song, I hope it makes you "Smile Like You Mean It".
Enjoy!
For the second part of the entry today, I have create a video using the iMovie application on my Macbook. I added in a soundtrack and timed the pictures and videos according to the beat of the song. It was slightly tedious but I've learnt to appreciate video editing done by the experts in movies and shows a lot more. The song in the background is "Smile Like You Mean It" by the band called "The Killers". The people in the video are all friends that I've made over the years, or the offspring of my friends. The main theme of the video would probably be how people show their silly sides in front of the camera. Like the title of the song, I hope it makes you "Smile Like You Mean It".
Enjoy!
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