Posts Tagged ‘Apple’
Tuesday, June 21st, 2016
By Dennis Powell, e-Management
Is Big Data is another way of saying predatory online marketing? You decide.
Big data as the name suggests is all about large volumes of information. More and more schools, government agencies, retailers, and other organizations are analyzing big data to learn more about people. Big data players include Amazon, Facebook, and Google, to name a few. Naturally, consumer profiling by these and other companies has led many to be a little concerned about issues around privacy and has left other consumers frustrated because of what they see as predatory online marketing. Think about those ads that follow consumers everywhere online following an innocent search on Google or Bing. Yeah, that’s big data analytics at work. But is Big Data bad or good? We’ll let you decide…
The Potentially Bad Stuff…
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Exclusion Based on Highly Sensitive Data: In a 2016 U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) report (Big Data: A Tool for Inclusion or Exclusion?), the federal agency examines big data and fairness. The report raises concerns that companies may be making decisions by “incorporating errors and biases” into big data analytics. Such decisions, according to the report, could result in “potential discriminatory harms.” One example given is how analytics from social media “likes” could reveal sensitive information about consumers’ political affiliation, faith, and recreational habits (e.g. smoking, drinking, etc.). Sensitive information taken out of context could lead to excluding consumers from employment opportunities, services, and products.
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Bad Guys Trying to Dupe Seniors (and Others) into Making Poor Decisions: Big data can be used by individuals and companies looking to scam consumers as well. The same FTC report gives examples of companies obtaining lists from people who respond to sweepstakes or ailing seniors. Apparently, these consumers may be the most susceptible to being victims of fraud.
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Low-Income Consumers Getting Bad Deals: A Huffington Post article from Nathan Newman explains how big data can harm low-income shoppers. The article points to “free services” that come with the high-price of giving away personal information so that companies that use big data can “exploit” consumers. Examples of this is when finance companies single out low-income consumers by using targeted ads made possible by big data and then markets high-interest rate services such as payday and subprime loans to the audience. Big data obtained from free services and mobile apps can also lead to “price discrimination” where some consumers pay more for the exact same service. Well, that’s definitely not good.
The Potentially Good Stuff…
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Better Products: Many companies are investing more and more marketing dollars to track what people say and do online—collecting information about what consumers like, dislike, and need. Data collected help companies launch new versions of cool stuff. People who get excited about the latest Samsung or Apple update can probably thank big data analytics for those innovations and new features like a smartphone that keeps working even after you drop it in water. What took them so long to get that one to market? *smiles*
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Better Service: People do business with people they like. Big data helps companies, schools, and other organizations to tailor a better and arguably more personal experience. Writer Larry Alton points to the fact that organizations that leverage big data get their information from surveys, social media, and other online reactions to offer the best service based on your particular pet-peeves and preferences.
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Better Deals & Decisions: Many consumers also benefit from websites and apps that use big data to pull together useful information. Think comparison shopping. For instance, couples who are planning to marry get a better idea of costs from a that estimates expenses of weddings. Many motorists cringe when there are signs of auto mechanical issues. Well, there are places to get accurate information on how much drivers should be paying for auto repairs. There’s Nextag® that gives shoppers the power to get the best deal on millions, that’s right millions of products. These convenient tools are all powered by big data analytics.
Your Thoughts…
Like any promising technology, big data analytics can be used to enhance customer experience or exploit vulnerable people. We’d love to hear from you: (1) What are your thoughts on big data? (2) How much information are you willing to give up to improve your customer experience or bring new products to market? (3) Where does your privacy fit into the big data conversation?
Tags: , analytics, Android, , apps, big data, Bing, Dennis Powell, , FTC, , HTC, iPhone, Motorola, Ola Sage, Samsung
Posted in Corporate, Entertainment, Information Security, Internet/Intranet, News | 18 Comments »
Monday, October 19th, 2015
by Dennis Powell, e-Management
Are you more focused on your online or social media world than your in-person communications and interactions? (Photo Credit: blog.doctoroz.com)
Let’s keep it real. Many of us are addicted to e-mail, social media, and all things Internet. If you think you are not obsessed with online technology, think about what life would be like if wireless networks went down and you had to live without your tablets (iPad, Google, Windows, Samsung, etc.) or mobile phones (Android, Blackberry, iPhone, etc.) for a few days. *add horror show music here* 
Sure Internet-enabled technology has its benefits, including quick access to family members, lower cost for long distance communications; portable music, literature, and movies; and instant access to information about virtually any topic. Nevertheless, there are drawbacks. The online world may lead some of us to experience feelings of depression or anxiety. Then there is the fact that everything on the Internet is essentially traceable—leaving users vulnerable to online spies, con artists, or predators.
Tips to Unplug from the Internet, Apps, Games, or Social Media
The capacity for others to see our most intimate online communications is a little too “Big Brother” for my taste. Add to that, online communications can be extremely demanding on your time. So, I got to thinking. Are there ways people can unplug to become better connected to old fashion human interaction? Are they tricks to protect users from Internet surveillance or online predators? So I pulled together this short tip list.
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Try logging off for a weekend: Personally, Monday through Friday is the time I am most connected via mobile phone, text messaging, social media, and the Internet for work and personal use. During the weekends, I have essentially put in place an online moratorium. As a result, my weekends are free from various Internet interruptions and I can spend time with people who are dearest to me. In addition, I discourage the use of tech devices with the exception of the occasional camera phone when I am with my family and friends.
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Try blocking off time away from the Internet, online games, and mobile devices: Think about it, many parents limit their children’s access to television as a way to provide balance in their kids’ lives. Try using the same concept when it comes to your mobile devices and online communications (texting, social media, games, apps). If a weekend is too long for you to be offline, consider establishing a weekly or bi-monthly family and friend’s night out. Turn off the phones and Internet devices and keep them in “airplane” mode so that you are disconnected from the web, and can now focus on meaningful connections with loved ones.
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Learn how to protect your online privacy: ZDNet, an online tech resource, offered up several lines of protection from online spies including getting rid of social media altogether, turning off all GPS-tracking apps, and quit texting. These recommendations may seem draconian; but these simply activities will reduce how much private information you place on the Internet, making you less vulnerable to spies and hackers.
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Create a plan to limit one’s time online: A recent study by Anxiety UK, revealed more than 50% of people surveyed by the organization said they saw their lives change negatively with their increasing online interactions. As it turns out, too much online interaction may lead to online fights; may promote the perception that the user is less capable, attractive, or appealing than others online; and may lead to forms of anxiety. These are compelling reason to limit one’s online time. Try blocking off time for online communications and setting an alarm, which notifies you of when it’s time to “unplug.”
All about Balance
It’s kind of scary when you think about how connected we are to Internet-enabled communications and the impact it can have on our emotions and our very existence. Still, online communication is clearly an enjoyable experience for many of us. So, (1) What tips do you have to maintain a healthy online/offline balance? (2) Does online communication make us more social or anti-social? (3) What are some of the things about mobile devices and their users that drive you crazy?
Tags: Android, , apps, Dennis Powell, , gaming, , iPad, iPhone, Nokia, Ola Sage, Samsung, smartphone, Social Media, tablet, unplugging
Posted in Entertainment, Family, Social Media | 19 Comments »
Will Healthy Apps Become a “HIT”?
Wednesday, July 10th, 2013
By Dennis Powell, e-Management
The goal of the Facing AIDS app and gallery is to remove AIDS-related stigma and encourage testing, hence “facing AIDS” head on. Photo source: http://facing.aids.gov/
Health IT (HIT) has not yet received household recognition like say pop star Lady Gaga, conservative commentator Rush Limbaugh, or basketball wizard LeBron James. Still, HIT is positioned to play an increasingly important role in the lives of most Americans who rely on healthcare.
What is HIT? Health IT refers to managing health-related information using technology. The purpose is to use information to empower better decisions around health and healthcare. Proponents say information obtained from HIT promises to enhance care through better diagnoses, convenient remote medical consultations, and faster access to patients’ medical histories. Additionally, HIT should mean lower costs to providers and patients as well as better efficiencies in overall healthcare.
The “HIT” Parade
Health IT from an information management standpoint is only one way that technology is being used to improve health and healthcare. There are now HIT apps available on Google Play, the Apple App store, and other app marketplaces for both healthcare professionals and consumers. We’ve pull together a list of a few apps that may be a “HIT” with app enthusiasts.
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Supplement App: The National Institutes of Health (NIH) developed the My Dietary Supplements (MyDS) for numerous platforms including Android, Blackberry, Apple, and Kindle. The app gives consumers an easy way to understand and track their supplement intake. Users have direct access to science-based information from the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements and the benefits of herbs, minerals, and vitamins. Users can add the names of dietary products to their preferred mobile devices (e.g., smartphones, tablets) and even e-mail them to their friends, family, or doctor. Users can even personalize the app and add notes.
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Flu App: The CDC Influenza app comes from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It allows healthcare professionals to track CDC updates on Apple devices (e.g., iPad, iPhone). Updates include flu care recommendations as well as activities and information around outbreaks. Like many apps, CDC Influenza allows users to customize updates to fit their personal needs. Plus, clinicians and health professionals can easily share CDC updates with their social media followers, fans, and clients on Twitter and Facebook. The app also gives users access to videos from flu experts.
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Embryo App: The National Library of Medicine developed the Embryo app. Drawing information in the Virtual Human Embryo, the app helps health/medical professionals enhance their understanding of embryo development. In addition to 2D and 3D photos of embryotic development, the app offers a pregnancy calculator and educational videos around videos showing human fertilization. This app is only available on Apple devices.
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AIDS-Awareness App: Facing AIDS is like a public awareness app for consumers. The goal of this social media app is to remove AIDS-related stigma and encourage testing, hence “facing AIDS” head on. The app has a fairly simple 3-step approach. In Step 1, users take a picture of themselves with their Apple device. The next step involves users writing a caption answering the question: “Why are you facing AIDS?” The final step is sharing users’ photos at the AIDS.gov gallery, Twitter, and Facebook. This app is only available on Apple devices.
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Stop-Smoking App: Developed by the National Cancer Institute for Android and Apple mobile users, QuitGuide provides help in preparing smokers to kick the habit. How? The app tells you what expected obstacles and temptations are typical of people who start their recovery from cigarette addiction. The app is loaded with tips and interactive features designed to keep users nicotine free. Like other HIT apps, users can share information easily their on social media networks.
More Healthy Apps
The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) offers up several HIT mobile for doctors, health professionals, and consumers. Be sure to check them out by clicking here. When you have time, we would love to hear from you. Confidentiality is often a consideration when it comes to apps, (1) What are your thoughts around privacy and HIT/health apps? (2) Are you currently using HIT/health apps? (3) Do you think HIT/health apps are the future or simply a fad?
Tags: Android, app, , CDC, Dennis Powell, , , health, HHS, IT, iTunes, NIH, Ola Sage
Posted in Uncategorized | 32 Comments »
How did we ever live without our apps?
Thursday, January 31st, 2013
By Dennis Powell, e-Management
One app store may see more than 400,000 new apps added to its ecosystem this year. There is absolutely no doubt that apps are changing the way we do business, live, and even get hitched.
Today many of us are wondering how we ever lived without apps. What’s an app? It’s quite simple actually. An app is the short form for “software application.” Apps help you do a lot of wonderful things including cataloging recipes, getting driving directions, helping you manage your weight, and even letting you know who’s winning the week’s most important sports matchup. When you hear people referring to an app, they are usually talking about software on smart phones (e.g., Android, Blackberry, iPhone, Windows phone), mobile devices, tablets, or Internet media devices (e.g., bluray players, Wii, Roku, Applet TV, Xbox, smart TVs). Apple and Google have dominated the apps market in the U.S.A. According to mobile analytics leader App Annie, Google’s revenue of apps was up more than 300 percent in 2012 over the previous year. Mostly recently, media reports are predicting that the Apple Store will see more than 400,000 new apps added to its ecosystem this year. Microsoft recently unveiled its reportedly new and improved operating system Windows 8, which introduced the Windows App Store. This week saw big smart phone/mobile app news coming out of Research in Motion (RIM)—the makers of Blackberry.
It’s an App World Out There.
There is absolutely no doubt that apps are changing the way we do business, live, and even get hitched. So, e-Management has decided we would once again provide a short list of useful apps. Keep in mind, many of the following apps are available for free or purchase in the App Store, Google Play, or the Windows App Store. How do you find an app? Your mobile device will have an icon for an app store. For example, Android’s app store is called the “Play Store.” Likewise, the store for iPhones and iPads is simply called the “App Store.” Click on the appropriate app store icon and the rest is intuitive. You can pick categories of apps or you can type in the name of an app to find a specific tool. Once you find an app, read the terms of privacy and click on the download button. It’s that simple!
Facebook Pages Manager App: The Facebook app is the most downloaded mobile software in the U.S.A. But did you know there are other Facebook apps available for free? In May 2012, Facebook launched its Pages Manager for Apple. The company also recently introduced a version for Google-centric Android phones. What’s cool about this app? It’s great if you are the social media or Facebook manager for your agency, organization, or brand. If you manage a Facebook page (different from a user profile), Pages Manager helps you connect with people who are visiting your Facebook site and give you “Insights” into what campaigns are working.
The Flashlight App: Yes. It’s exactly what you think it is. The app turns your mobile device into a flashlight by turning on all available light features. Flashlight also has an S.O.S. feature for times of emergencies.
The ESPN App: With March Madness just around the corner, this app is perfect for diehard basketball and sports fans. The ESPN App gives you access to the latest scores and breaking news. You can also get quick facts on your favorite teams and players. For Windows fans, you can access this app via mobile device, tablet, or desktop!
Urban Dictionary App: Are you just not up on the latest slang you hear from youngsters or on trashy reality TV? Well, here is the app for you! The Urban Dictionary gives you quick and easy access to the largest database of hip talk or slang on the planet—at least that’s what the makers claim. Don’t have a smart phone yet? No worries, you can always visit UrbanDictionary.com to jumpstart your crash course in urban slang.
HuluPlus App: TV lovers are probably going to like this app because it offers streaming video of classic and current shows. Many of the top rated shows like Family Guy and Modern Family are available using this app. Also, you get popular movies as well. The app is free; however, you must subscribe to the Hulu Plus streaming video service. The app is available on many media devices such bluray and Apple TV, as well as mobile devices that run Apple, Android, and Windows 8.
Google Maps App: With nearly 75 million users, Google Maps is the second most popular app according to CommScore. What’s new? In addition to being the preferred mobile app to help find our way through parks, city streets, and highways, Google Maps has added more functionality to help you navigate shopping malls, popular buildings, and airports. Even Apple is on the Google Maps bandwagon following its failed entry into the maps apps world.
Swype App: Many Samsung Android-based mobile users already take advantage of the Swype app. Users can create words quickly without traditional finger/thumb typing on their smart phones by simply swiping over letters with a finger or stylus. The app is available on mobiles phones, tablets, game consoles, Internet TVs and more. (Note: New version is not yet available for iPhones).
Skype App: If you want to stay in touch with your friends and family wherever they may be, then the Skype App might be right for you. With Skype, you can chat via instant messaging, video conference, or make phones to other Skype users for free; which can help you save tons of money when you are traveling or connecting to loved ones who live abroad! If you are concerned about the battery life of your mobile device, fear not! Unlike many apps, Skype won’t drain your battery.
WebMD App: One of the most recognizable online resources of health and wellness naturally has its own app. In addition to being a tool that can be great to have in emergencies situations, the WebMD app allows you to provide your symptoms to help you make an informed determination of illness in the absence of a doctor.
IMO Instant Messenger App: It’s free! It’s available through multiple platforms including Apple, Android, and BlackBerry. If you are really into sending and receiving instant messages, this is the tool for you. The app allows you to talk across imo, Skype, Google Talk, AIM, Jabbar, Facebook, and many other messaging networks. It’s THE one-stop instant messaging. How do you like them APP-les? *SMILES*
Yes, I know. I missed a lot.
So, here’s your chance to add to your list of must-have apps. What’s your favorite app? What are the apps you just cannot live without?
Tags: Android, app, , Blackberry, Dennis Powell, , , IMO, iPad, iPhone, mobile, Ola Sage, RIM, Skype, Swype, tablet, tech, Windows 8
Posted in Entertainment, Gadgets, Internet/Intranet, Lifestyle, Social Media, Uncategorized | 22 Comments »
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