New Technologies

The second I heard i get to do an assignment based off of new technologies I knew I wanted to talk about the Apple Watch. First I would like to explain what a new technology is. An emerging technology is something that broaches a new territory in some significant way. The apple watch absolutely falls under this category. It was introduced in September 2014 and it is scheduled to be released on the market on April 24^th. There are 3 different types of watches that have been introduced and they vary in price. The cheapest watch is the starting at 350 dollars and it can run all the way up to 17,000 dollars depending on the different sizes, colors and some of the features. According to an article I read, within the first week of the Apple Watch release, there were about 1 million pre sold. Yes, we have all seen the parody’s that make fun of the apple watch and its lack of originality but why such the craze then?

            Some people that I have talked to believe its going to be popular based on the fact that it is an Apple product alone. There is a preconceived notion that because it is an apple product it has to be good and serve its purpose. It is such a well known, billion dollar brand so if this product is anything less then perfection there will be a lot of backlash. This is not the first time a watch has been introduced but it is the first watch that is easy to use and they do a great job in publicizing it.  It is a cool new gadget and people love to buy the next new thing just to say they have it.

            Apple prides itself on creating new technologies that showcase emotion and identity. The article I read couldn’t have said it better, “When you buy and Apple watch, you’re not just buying the watch-your buying the interface into this matrix Apple has created.” It is basically a world that consists of other Apple products, IPhone, IPod, MacBook etc… 
This Apple watch helps you accomplish your goals. Whether your goal is to stay healthy, communicate with other people easier, or help to organize certain aspects of your life. The watch would absolutely help to make your life easier, and people are willing to spend astronomical amounts of money to do this. This watch is thought to be an extension of your body and the fact that you can be reachable by a buzz on your wrist is an amazing concept. The new technologies that have come out are absolutely brilliant and I am so excited to see what else Apple produces in the future.

http://www.apple.com/pr/library/2014/09/09Apple-Unveils-Apple-Watch-Apples-Most-Personal-Device-Ever.html

http://www.livescience.com/50485-apple-watch-mania.html

Mobile Apps

         I want to first start by defining what a mobile app is for the very few of you in the world that may not know. A mobile app is a software program you can download and access directly using your phone or another mobile device. There are thousands and thousands of apps now-a-days that pride themselves on making our lives easier. A study that just came out says that 89 percent of peoples time spend on media is through mobile apps alone. I can absolutely see how that is possible. I know that when I get on my phone I alternate from Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest constantly. Those are just a few of the mobile apps I have downloaded. I definitely realize that I am wasting my time on my phone and could be doing things more productive but the entertainment factor and feeling connected to the world are important to me.  

           I was reading a really interesting article talking about how often we check the apps on our phones daily. When people were asked how many times they thought they checked their phones every day they significantly underestimated the number. Alex Tew decided to create an app called “Checky” that actually counts how many times you open your phone daily and your location when you look at your phone. I think this app is genius. I have never heard about it before but doing research for this blog post I am very curious about the app and want to download it. People that have downloaded this app and set their limit of how many times it is okay to check their phone have significantly reduced their usage.  Alex Tew said “Just by having a statistic, it allows you to make a change.”

          Checky is not the only app that helps you realize how much your on your phone. There is another app called Moment, and it tracks how many minutes you spend on your phone each day. At the end of 2013 the average adult spent over 30 hours a month on their phones. It has been two years since that study so I cant even imagine the increase in phone usage now. Yes, apps can really help your life and help you feel connected but too much time on them can be a really bad thing. It is almost like a double edge sword. Make sure you are aware of how and where you are spending the majority of your time on your phone.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/11/05/apps-smartphone-use-_n_6096748.html

https://www.onguardonline.gov/articles/0018-understanding-mobile-apps#basics

Viral videos

            The topic this week on viral videos is so interesting to me. The fact that you can release a video and within a few days or weeks, millions and millions of people see it is incredible. The actual definition of a viral video is that it becomes popular through a viral process of internet sharing, via social media, email or video websites. When I think of viral videos I have so many in mind but one that really sticks out to me is the Gangnam style video by PSY. This video was not even produced in the United States and it is in a different language. It is currently at 32 million views. Though, whether the video is made domestically or overseas they all have something in common.

            They all have theme, structure and tastemakers. Most viral videos follow at least one of these themes. Parody of something popular, something cute, or if you finish a video and ask yourself, did that really happen? All the viral videos I can think of follow at least one of those 3 themes. The “Charlie bit me” video is so cute and I find myself watching it over and over again. Its no wonder why its one of the top videos viewed on Youtube. When I think of a viral video I think of something that people can watch over and over again and never get tired of it.

            In marketing we learn that in order to make a successful commercial you need to be able to tug at the heartstrings of the viewer. It is the same thing when making a viral video. It is crucial to have some type of structure and trigger an emotional response within the viewer. Whether that is making them laugh, cry, angry, excited etc…

            Lastly, most videos get noticed after being discovered by tastemakers or digital influencers. This means they are viewed by a celebrity or someone with many followers or a big viewing audience. Viral videos are becoming more and more popular and many people strive to get a ton of viewers. If you follow the proper theme, structure and have a tastemaker; your well on your way to producing a viral video.  

http://mashable.com/2012/04/11/viral-video-seedwell/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CH1XGdu-hzQ