Shopkick rides surge in shopping with cell phones
Holiday shoppers whipped out their mobile phones to help them find the best deals, in yet another sign of how the cell phone is becoming more and more of a shopping and e-commerce tool.
More than half of U.S. cell phone owners said they used their phones at least once during the holiday shopping season, using it to call a friend for shopping advice, to look up product reviews while they were in the store or to check for better prices elsewhere, the Pew Internet & American Life Project said in a report.
Among shopping apps, Palo Alto’s Shopkick announced Tuesday that its smart-phone app drove $110 million in revenue to its retail partners, such as Target, Old Navy and Toys R us. the app encourages shoppers to go into stores by rewarding them once they’re inside, giving them points that they can redeem for goodies such as iTunes gift cards and Facebook Credits. it also gives its 3 million users points for finding and scanning products in the store.
It calculated the $110 million figure by factoring in the number of shoppers that went into the store, scanned a product and purchased it or took advantage of special offers and deals in the app.
During the holidays, Shopkick users saw 1 billion deals in the app, walked into 5 million stores and scanned 10 million products, the startup said.
Yukking it up: One of the projects at Twitter’s “Hack Week” last week was to come up with the best worst job recruiting video of all time. they succeeded. the “At Twitter, the Future is You!” video is so corny, it’s hilarious. And since Friday, it’s received more than a half million plays on YouTube.
But we couldn’t help noticing Twitter’s video bears a resemblance to a “Saturday Night Live” skit called “Laser Cats,” with SNL Producer Lorne Michaels playing the big boss in the same deadpan style as Twitter CEO Dick Costolo, who used to be a stand-up comic.
This article appeared on page D – 5 of the San Francisco Chronicle
Shopkick rides surge in shopping with cell phones
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Categories: Technology Tags: cell phone owners, holiday shoppers, product reviews, target
Which Video Game System is the Best – Xbox, Playstation, Or Wii?
Would you like to know which video game system is the best? The truth is they each have something to offer, including systems more powerful than the typical desktop PC. which one is best depends on what is important to you.
Each system comes with different games, although some games overlap. still, if you want a family-friendly system you will want to check out which system comes with the biggest variety of games for different ages, including those for younger children.
But if you are in the market for a gaming system, check out these facts.
Playstation 3 has Blu-ray technology. Xbox 360 still has a DVD media format, although for awhile there was talk about Microsoft coming out with a Blu-ray add-on.
Currently, however, there is a big battle going on between Microsoft with their HD-DVD format and Sony Playstation 3′s Blu-ray. a recent decision by Blockbuster to stock only Blu-ray movies in over 1,400 of their stores gives a tremendous push to Blu-ray technology.
To add to the Blu-ray/HD-DVD war Target has said it is only going to sell Blu-ray disc players in their stores this holiday season.
What is this going to do to Microsoft and Xbox 360? Microsoft is fighting back by cutting prices. while Playstation goes for about $500, Microsoft has drastically reduced the price of a Xbox 360 HD-DVD player to less than $200. Microsoft is trying very hard to turn the tide towards HD-DVD. they are not going to give in without a fight.
What about Wii? while Playstation and Xbox focus on better graphics and fight it out over what new technology is going to win, what is happening to Nintendo’s Wii?
Nintendo has gone a different route than Sony and Microsoft, seemingly ignoring the war over the best graphics and instead focusing on providing fun. The question is, will that be enough to grab a big enough share of the market to stay in the game. so far the answer is yes.
The bottom line is if you want the very best graphics you have to decide between Playstation 3 and Xbox 360. it might be better to wait awhile longer and see which one is going to win. If Blu-ray ends up coming out ahead of HD-DVD, then perhaps Xbox will come out with a Blu-ray add-on.
If you don’t care for the most real graphics, Nintendo Wii combines great price with great fun. Also, the motion-sensitive controllers are hard to beat. Reviews claim that playing Wii is more lifelike and refreshing. The controller, called Nunchuks, senses hand movements on three dimensions.
Before purchasing any of these, be sure to check which video games are available for each system.
Right now Xbox has some great games including: Halo, World in Conflict, Call of Duty 3 and 4, Need for Speed Prostreet, and many, many more. Playstation 3 has Transformers, Pirates of the Caribbean, Tom Clancy’s Rainbow 6 Vegas, and more.
So which one should you choose? again, it might be best to wait a little while. If you can’t wait, Xbox appears to have the most games, and offers a great price. Whichever you choose, you’ll have fun.
Which Video Game System is the Best – Xbox, Playstation, Or Wii?
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Categories: Technology Tags: blu ray disc players, target, truth, typical desktop, video game system
BERNAMA – Bernama Partners Samsung To Launch Smart Tv/phone News Apps
December 08, 2011 16:02 PM
Bernama Partners Samsung to Launch Smart Tv/phone News Apps
KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 8 (Bernama) — National news agency, Bernama, has teamed up with Samsung Malaysia Electronics Sdn Bhd, to launch its smart TV and smart phone news applications in three languages — Bahasa Malaysia, English and Mandarin. Its general manager, Datuk Hasnul Hassan, said both the smart TV and smart phones applications (apps) would allow users to stay connected to Bernama and keep themselves updated all the time with the latest news in Malaysia. “The apps allow Bernama to open its services to Samsung smart TV and smart phone users. “At the same time it brings information about its products to the attention of relevant groups and demographics,” he told a media briefing after the launch of the apps by Deputy Information, Communications and Culture Minister, Datuk Joseph Salang, here today. Hasnul said the launch of the apps was in line with emerging trends where increasing numbers of web users were using smart TV and smart phones. “It’s not surprising that over 22,000 users have downloaded the Bernama news apps during its pre-launch and half of them for the Mandarin section. “In the next six months, we can easily get about 100,000 downloads but we do not have any specific target,” he said. Hasnul said the trendy look and feel of the apps would give Samsung customers the best experience they could get from a news apps and would provide on demand general news highlights for each day, both on Samsung smart TVs and smart phones. “Samsung users can just download the apps and click on the ‘Bernama’ button. “The mobile apps have been online on Samsung’s application store and can be downloaded for free on all Samsung smart phones and Smart TVs.” he said. Earlier, Salang said, the Bernama news apps marked another milestone in its quest to reach out to all Malaysians by embracing cutting edge technology. “Bernama’s latest offering to its customers will provide expanded added value through a wider variety of platforms or channels in terms of official news and information on Malaysia,” he said. — BERNAMA
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BERNAMA – Bernama Partners Samsung To Launch Smart Tv/phone News Apps
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2011: The Battle Of The Smartphone Operating Systems
The most recent reports regarding market share of current smartphone operating systems (OS) in the UK show that there is three clear companies leading the way. As of Q3 in 2011 for the UK, Nielsen discovered that Android sits on top with a huge 44% of the ‘Smartphone Operating system Market Share in Q2 2011′. Followed by the Blackberry OS developed by Research in Motion (RIM)with 25%. in third place is iPhone OS with 28% of market share. Windows Mobile although making many new innovations and announcements with the most recent update called ‘Mango’ will no doubt cause for extra competition for the final quarter of 2011.
The iPod was released in 2007 and ever since it has lead the way in terms of usability and has set the path for future standards of not only design but features. the latest OS the OS 5, has recently been released to the public with mass appeal and improvements over the previous versions. But according to the latest studies Google’s Android OS is running on more phones than Apples OS. With Android adopting the ‘open source’ mantra allows for many companies to adopt the ever advancing and improving OS to use for with their own devices, which target many different kinds of demographics. Whereas the iPhone and all of Apple’s products are particularly purchased by early adopters and those with spare income.
The Blackbery OS must not be forgotten and has gained 2.1% market share since the previous quarter. With current mass appeal with the younger generations it proves top be successful with the current Blackberry Messenger (BBM) service, although since the recent launch of Apple’s OS 5, they have included a similar service that may draw potential customers from Blackbery.
The battle will no doubt be decided after more data has been gathered since the launch of the new Apple iPhone 4S and with the Google Nexus around the corner with the latest release of the Android software called Ice-Cream sandwich. there is much to discover if the rest of the population who currently have yet to switch over to owning a smartphone can be temped to adopt to the new era of smartphones. the final quarter of 2011 will tell all who the winners and losers of 2011 have been. My money is on Android winning and Blackberry losing due to Apple’s ability to become a huge powerhouse within the smartphone market in the UK and around the world.
For consumers being able to own the latest handsets and OS’s is a recurring theme across the country and as such demands large monthly contract bills that have a 24 month contract as minimum. Only several years ago there was only the option of 12 and 18 month contracts. But with rising monthly bills and handset costs many consumers are having to find other ways to help reduce their outgoings. As such the handset itself can help the user save money either it be through many free apps that can help with monthly budgeting or with the sudden rise of cheap international call providers that can help mobile users carry out cheap calls to Australia, Pakistan and even the USA.
2011: The Battle Of The Smartphone Operating Systems
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Categories: Technology Tags: doubt, improvements, market share, q3, target
New Releases at Blockbuster
I enjoy renting my movies online, which is why I’ve put together this list of new releases at Blockbuster. if you’re already a member, this should serve as a handy guide to the latest available films. And if you’re still stuck in the ancient days of renting movies from a brick-and-mortar store, hopefully you’ll see the light and join us in the modern age.
A Nightmare on Elm Street (2010) – the legendary slasher franchise gets a reboot courtesy of the guys from Platinum Dunes. when teens in the town of Springwood begin to die one by one, they discover a disturbing secret that goes all the way back their childhoods. Meanwhile, the disfigured Freddy Krueger (Jackie Earle Haley) stalks them in their dreams with lethal intent.
The Karate Kid (2010) – This remake of the ’80s classic stars Jaden Smith (son of Will and Jada) as a 12-year-old who moves with his mother from Detroit to Beijing, China. Small and totally out of place, he soon becomes the target of bullies. But all that changes when he meets maintenance man Mr. Han (Jackie Chan) and begins to learn kung fu.
Splice (2010) – a pair of scientists (Adrien Brody and Sarah Polley) blend human DNA with that of other animals, and they soon bring a new lifeform into the world. given the name Dren (nerd backwards), the curious new species grows at a rapid rate and soon begins to demonstrate an unhealthy interest in human sexuality. Chaos and death ensue.
30 Days of Night: Dark Days (2010) – a sequel to the 2007 horror flick 30 Days of Night, this direct-to-DVD film is also adapted from the comic book series by Steve Niles. a year after the brutal vampire attack on Barrow, Alaska, a widowed survivor named Stella (now played by Mia Kirshner) joins a group of hunters in order to get revenge on the bloodsucking fiends responsible.
The Human Centipede (First Sequence) (2010) – a mad German doctor (Dieter Laser) has an obsession with joining creatures and making them share a single digestive system. After he kidnaps two American girls and a Japanese tourist, he gets to work on his latest experiment. the three unlucky victims are connected mouth-to-anus in an unspeakable mockery of a centipede. As the doctor tries to get them to perform tricks, the desperate trio must seek to escape. Highly disturbing, although much of the most graphic content occurs off-camera.
The Secret of Kells (2009) – An animated tale set in the ninth century, the film would receive a 2010 Oscar nomination for best Animated Feature. As Viking raiders threaten the land, a young Irish boy (voice of Evan McGuire) must help a master artist complete an elaborate book. But to do so, he’ll have to face his own fears, not to mention an evil snake god. Luckily, he gets help from a pale faerie spirit named Aisling (Christen Mooney). Drawing heavily from Celtic mythology, it’s been called one of the greatest hand drawn independent animated movies of all time.
Frozen (2010) – While trying to get in some extra skiing before a snowstorm hits, three friends (Emma Bell, Kevin Zegers, and Shawn Ashmore) wind up stranded on a ski lift. Facing the prospect of being trapped there over the weekend, the trio must come up with a plan of escape. Meanwhile, some wolves down below are getting hungry. during screenings of this horror flick, some audience members were reported to have fainted from the unrelenting tension.
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Categories: Movie and Dining Reviews Tags: franchise, jackie chan, jackie earle haley, nightmare on elm, target
