Technological growth is now motivated by consumer trends. Companies like Apple, Google and Microsoft are all growing because of the innovations being made in line with consumer demands. These consumer-based technologies are providing fantastic advancements and creating deeper levels of practical implication. An excellent example of this is the Google search engine. At the core of Google’s success is its ability to develop technology in response to consumer trends. It is obvious that most modern technology is consumer-based, but how has this trend affected technology as a whole? Here are some good examples:

User-Generated Content

Consumer-based technology has created a stronger market for independent developers because consumerist technology favors the creative.  Proof of this is the recent onslaught of user-generated content. Small and independent development groups create some of the most popular apps for the iPhone and mobile-based devices. If you want to build an app to tell you which restaurant is the best in your city, you no longer have to look to Microsoft or Apple for the answer.  Instead, you can look to the coding expert who works in your office.

User-Friendly Applications

Any market reliant on consumers will inevitably adapt to the ability of those consumers. Basically, this means that a company must provide an easy to use product in order to survive. Consumer-based technology is no different. As technology has progressed, it has become more user friendly. Compare Linux to Windows 7, the developments made between the two operating systems is a direct result of consumer trends favoring products that are easy to use. Technology has become a part of our every day lives because of the innovation behind it is consumer-based.

User Involvement

Consumer-based technology is now a normal part of growing up. Believe it or not, video games have been a large motivator for technological advancement. Game creators are always looking for new ways to involve and include users with their technology; a perfect example of this is the Xbobx Kinect. The Kinect is the latest in motion-capture technology that allows the player to interact with a game by moving without being connected to any device. This technology has found other applications; with your actions you can now search for a movie on Netflix, visit your favorite website, and send a voice-dictated email.

As for most things in this world, a big motivation for technological advancement is profit. The profitability of any technology is dependent on the consumer, and as such, we have seen a tremendous uptick in consumer-based technology. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, as these advancements have amazing possibilities. Doctors could one day customize a program to accurately diagnose diseases from patient to patient; program code could soon be so user friendly that anyone could become a web developer; and the technology behind user involvement could lead to all kinds of advanced motion capturing devices. The value inherit to natural technological evolution is vast and important for society as a whole.

To see some specific ways consumer technology is being implemented practically, take a look at this article.

Recent years have seen an explosion of consumer-based technology: devices and processes designed for the general public by means of user-friendly functions and practical implications. The most popular example of this is the Google search engine, a service that is constantly reshaping its construction in response to user needs and trends. How will this recent trend of consumer-based technology shape the future of technology as a whole? Here are some ideas:

User-Generated Content

Consumer-based technology has created a stronger market for independent developers because consumerist technology favors the creative.  Proof of this is the recent onslaught of user-generated content. Small and independent development groups create some of the most popular apps for the iPhone and mobile-based devices. If you want to build an app to tell you which restaurant is the best in your city, you no longer have to look to Microsoft or Apple for the answer.  Instead, you can look to the coding expert who works in your office.

User-Friendly Applications

Any market reliant on consumers will inevitably adapt to the ability of those consumers. Basically, this means that a company must provide an easy to use product in order to survive. Consumer-based technology is no different. As technology has progressed, it has become more user friendly. Compare Linux to Windows 7, the advancements made between the two operating systems is a direct result of consumer trends favoring products that are easy to use. Technology has become a part of our every day lives because of the innovation behind it is consumer-based.

User Involvement

Consumer-based technology is now a normal part of growing up. Believe it or not, video games have been a large motivator for technological advancement. Game creators are always looking for new ways to involve and include users with their technology; a perfect example of this is the Xbobx Kinect. The Kinect is the latest in motion-capture technology that allows the player to interact with a game by moving without being connected to any device. This technology has found other applications; with your movements you can now search for a movie on Netflix, visit your favorite website, and send a voice-dictated email.

Because consumers supply the demand for technology, consumers will direct the growth of technology. Many of these advancements may seem trite or simple, but the key to determining their worth is looking to the future of how they will be implemented.  What would it mean if doctors could customize body scans from patient to patient, or if writing program code were so easy that anyone could do it, or if motion capture technology could help you evaluate your regular workout routine? Consumer-based technological advancement isn’t a bad thing, it’s the future.

To see some specific ways consumer technology is being implemented practically, take a look at this article.

A resume is not a medium in which creativity is widely expressed. It’s usually just a document containing important information such as work history, awards gained or practical skills. More often than not, it’s a page or two of white stock paper covered in 12 point Times New Roman. This tradition is born from common professionalism, but as the professional world evolves with social trends and technology, this format has some room to grow. When formatted for a job that requires any amount of creativity, it makes sense that a resume should reflect the creativity of the candidate. This means stepping outside of the pre-accepted resume boundaries and allowing artistic flare a place to be expressed. Qualified applicants are creating some wildly inventive resumes that present not only relevant information but also their ability to think abstractly. Here are a few things to remember when either creating or reviewing a creative resume.

When Creating a Resume

Be sure to have a resume that is fun but also professional. Let your skills be represented in inventive ways without being so inventive that your talent is lost on your future employers. If you turn in a resume to be an accountant, for example, a classic style resume is most likely your best bet. However, if the job you are applying for is dependent on imagination, make sure to express your artistic side. If the person reviewing your resume doesn’t appreciate the added flair, you probably don’t want to work for them anyways. Here are a few tips to get you started:

1. Be visual. An infographic is a great format to present a well-rounded resume. This style can show off your ability and your creativity. Here is an example. Infographic
2. Let your style match your personality. If you work best by yourself, let that be represented in your design. If you work best in a group, let that be displayed as well. Take a look at this example: Design and style
3. Add subtle flair. Many businesses now accept PDF resumes rather than hard copies. Take a look at this example of adding creativity while expressing aptitude: Flair

When Reading a Creative Resume

creative resume will show you some very unique qualities in an applicant that a standard resume might leave out. For example, reading a well-done creative resume can communicate the ability to think outside the box and base intelligence. These are qualities that any job can appreciate because are essential to any business. Don’t shy away from seriously considering a resume that is not “traditional” in its presentation. A creative resume could come from the perfect candidate for the job.

Job seekers will constantly find new ways to set themselves apart from the crowd. A creative resume is a great way to do so, as it allows the applicant the opportunity to develop his or her own standard as it relates to the job wanted. Keeping an open mind when creating and going over a resume is the best way to screen highly qualified and effective candidates.

In the not too distant future, you might start to see websites that end in .food or .microsoft.

After years of exploring the implications, haggling over the details, and sorting through public comments, ICANN, the Internet’s governing body, has voted 13-1 to radically expand the quantity and character of domain endings.

In a release, ICANN called it “one of the most important changes ever to the Internet’s Domain Name System.”

ICANN, if you’re unfamiliar, stands for Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers. It is a non-profit organization based in California that oversees Internet-related issues on behalf of the U.S. government. The bulk of the organization’s work is focused on the management and allocation of top-level domains (TLDs) and IP addresses (those things that look similar to phone numbers).

Peter Dengate Thrush, chairman of ICANN’s board of directors said the change “will usher in a new Internet age,” adding, “we have provided a platform for the next generation of creativity and inspiration.”
Currently there are 22 TLDs, including .com, .org, and .net. Now, in theory, the sky is the limit: Internet address names will be able to end with almost any word in any language.
But before you rush out to secure www.awesome.dude, check your bank account balance, and get ready to make a good argument for your awesomeness, because there’s some fine print with this new change:

• It will cost a hefty $185,000 just to apply for a new general top-level domain name
• The approval process will take months and may involve governments and other agencies
• Individuals or organizations will have to show a legitimate claim to the name they are buying

Find out more: http://www.icann.org/

The Internet has become an increasingly accessible source of information as more and more mobile devices have been designed with online features. Smartphones are becoming more commonplace and are challenging developers to create new ways in which we can interact with the Internet from a mobile device. Once such advancement is voice search, a technological evolution of common voice recognition programs. While most users have experienced voice recognition in one way or another, few users have fully interacted with voice search technology. The concept is simple: provide a way for mobile users to search the Internet without using microscopic keyboards or scrolling through massive amounts of text.

What is voice search?

There is no greater collection of information than the Internet. However, without a way to effectively search the Internet’s content, it becomes useless. As smartphones become a leading outlet for users to access the Internet, more effective ways of searching online have been developed. Voice search transmits a user’s voice to a digitally controlled database that runs this information through a series of voice-recognition algorithms and then sends that information back to the device to develop a search query. Basically, your smartphone uses the Internet to translate your voice into detailed code at an extremely fast rate.

The main resource of this technology is cloud computing. Voice search takes voice recognition to the cloud instead of the device itself, allowing for extremely high performance in both accuracy and timeliness. This is the main component that separates voice search from voice recognition.

Though voice recognition technology is familiar to most consumers, it has never been a fully functional technology. Voice search has taken the idea behind voice recognition, combined it with cloud computing (and a few highly mathematical algorithms) and turned it into a fully functioning tool.

What is the future of voice search?

    The future will most likely see an increase in the adoption of voice search technology, not only in interactions with the Internet but also in controlling the devices themselves.

Even so, the most exciting and logical next step in voice recognition evolution would be language understanding technology. Classic search is based on matching query terms with an index of words found in documented text. Language understanding would differ from that in its ability to function abstractly. For example, a classic search for “change volume” would find documents or files containing those words. The same search with language understanding would result in bringing the user to the settings that control volume. Imagine changing the volume on your computer by merely asking it to change.

Voice search is a perfect example of how technology evolves in line with cultural trends and practical designs.  We can look forward to highly effective voice command and recognition functionality on future devices.  If you’d like to read more information on voice search, including its history and development, please check out this article.

Web video is a medium that is quickly becoming more and more popular for business. Many businesses, however, do not take advantage of web video, despite its ease and convenience. Keep reading for some great ideas on using web video for your business.

Testimonials

Sharing your business’ success stories is a great way to grow your business through word of mouth. In order to do this, many companies ask for testimonials – which satisfied customers are often happy to give. Requesting a video testimonial can make that success story more effective than ever.

Chances are, your clients know how to create a video and have a webcam built-in to their computers. If you are able to get a video testimonial, instead of a written one, it really brings the story alive to prospective clients.

Replace written content

Most websites are designed the same way: written content everywhere, with sparse images. In order to spruce up your website and prevent people from getting lost in too much text, try using video to describe your business.

Replacing a traditional “About us” page with a video can give people a better understanding of your company, as well as a break from potentially overwhelming text.

Educate!

Demo and “How to” videos are pretty common for businesses. Unfortunately, many people who do not sell products that can be demonstrated through video believe that they can’t use these videos. That is simply untrue.

A clothing boutique, for example, can do a video on the month’s trends, or how to best wear a certain item of clothing. These videos are ideal because they portray you as an expert in your field.

Videos are an amazing way to convey your message without overwhelming anyone. For more information on how to use web video for your business, check out this article.

Succeeding in business is difficult to do without the right kind of attitude. It takes a special mix of ambition and personality, and the ability to be both forward thinking and conscious of those working around you. Business is built around a foundation of interacting with other people. Whether you’re working with a coworker in the office or with a prospective client, having a good attitude is the key to getting things done. Here are a few important character traits for you to consider when evaluating your business attitude.

1.    Think positively

This advice is foundational to cultivating a good business attitude. A recent business study has shown that those who have realistic goals, often compliment their coworkers and show gratitude for even the smallest windfalls are the ones most likely to advance in their career. Having a pessimistic outlook can decrease motivation for personal and professional advancement. Staying positive will allow you to keep pushing forward towards your career goals. For more tips, check out this article.

2.    Think assertively without being aggressive

Assertiveness is probably the top traits of those successful in business, however it is often coupled with aggressiveness. The most important thing when attempting to be assertive without being aggressive is communication. When asserting yourself in the office, allow other people as much time to describe their needs as you’ve allowed yourself. When they are expressing their needs, try not to devalue their perspectives; doing so will help you stay open to meeting them halfway.

Taking the time to listen to your coworkers will make you a team player, and team players are often those who advance most. For more advice on acting assertively, read this article.

3.    Be compassionate when dealing with conflict

Interpersonal conflict is an unavoidable part of every work culture. Try approaching resolution with compassion if and when you find yourself at odds with a coworker. Entering conflict resolution with an open mind instead of defensiveness will usually result in a more positive outcome. Adding compassion to your business attitude will strengthen your skills at resolving conflict. If you’d like to read more about being compassionate at work, take a look at this article.

No matter your experience or career, people will always be challenging to deal with. Having a fresh and positive attitude when dealing with them will allow you to advance and succeed in the work place. Remembering these simple tips are the first steps in cultivating a good business attitude, and having a good business attitude is the first step to advancing your career.

The tablet industry has seen an impressive amount of growth after Apple introduced their signature iPad in 2010. Subsequently, the tablet market has diversified with assorted iPad alternatives offered by competitors such as Android, Microsoft and even Motorola. However, tablet computers may not be right for everyone. Despite its recent popularity, who’s to say that the iPad won’t go the way of the 8-track? Of course, the choice of whether or not a tablet is right for you is one that should be educated. Before you decide to purchase one of these expensive machines, or even if you are already an owner, consider these pros and cons.

Pros: 

• Tablets are mobile. As business begins to fully utilize cloud computing, having your work remotely accessible becomes a must. A tablet can make you more accessible and, in turn, more productive. 
• Tablets are very practical tools. As developers continue to design new business apps that improve over time, there will be a growing amount of potential work uses for tablets. 
• Tablets express capability. In a business setting, having and using a tablet can communicate to your clients a feeling of professionalism. If you use your tablet to enhance your work productivity, you will appear more capable. 

Cons: 

• Tablets haven’t reinvented the wheel. Most of the functions performed by a tablet can be performed on a laptop or desktop computer. Yes, tablets may be far more convenient, but does that make them absolutely necessary? 
• Tablets are toys. Similar to smartphones, tablets are designed to function as entertainment, making it easy to become distracted with streaming video or games. 
• Tablets are still a new technology and are therefore expensive. If you aren’t yet convinced a tablet is right for you, given their price, wait a few months to watch how the industry grows. Eventually, cheaper alternatives will be introduced as more popular hardware, like the iPad, drop in price. 

Tablets are effective tools that strike a balance between practicality and luxury. Considering the pros and cons will help you decide the value a tablet can offer. If you’d like to learn any more information, please take a look at this article.

The way in which we pay for things has improved significantly over the decades. Technologies like credit cards and PayPal make payments far less complicated than in the past. NFC, or Near Field Communication, technology hopes to simplify payments even more by allowing people to transmit data from one device to another.

How will we use it?

This technology is mainly going to be integrated into smartphones. Phones are one of the things that we often carry around with us at all times. In fact, many of us have them in our hands while we’re ordering coffee or paying for groceries.

Incorporating NFC chips into smartphone designs allows users to store their credit card information in their phones. That way, when they’re at a business that is equipped with the technology, they can simply scan their phones at the register.

Google Wallet

Google is the first technology giant to launch a mobile payment system. Google Wallet is currently available on the Android Nexus S and may possibly work with other smartphones through an NFC-enabled sticker. A number of retailers have signed on to work with Google Wallet.

Apple, which is rumored to be working on a mobile payment system as well, will most likely not willingly open up their devices to the Google Wallet technology. Instead, they will most likely be releasing their own NFC systems very soon.

Other potential uses

NFC mobile chips will likely soon be doing much more than just helping you pay for your coffee. Some of those potential uses include:

• Replace passports and boarding passes
• Products might contain RFID (radio-frequency identification) tags on them that you can scan in order to gather information.
• Pet tags may soon have RFID tags attached that you can scan if you find a lost puppy.
• Replace keys – no more clunky key chains!

NFC mobile chips are undoubtedly going to make a big difference in everyday routines and activities.

For more information on NFC mobile chips and how they work, take a look at this article.