Apple hikes app prices in Canada and Europe, spurred by currency swings

Posted by & filed under app, Apple, business models, e-payment, Ecommerce, iPad, iphone, online advertising, revenue model, smartphones.

Description: Canadians will notice the absence of the $1.99 apps; prices set to increase very soon. Source: Globe & Mail Date: January 9, 2015 Apple Inc. changed the prices of software applications from Canada to Europe today, in one of the company’s more comprehensive global responses to currency swings in recent years. Read the Full Story… Read more »

Polaroid’s Cube camera takes on GoPro

Posted by & filed under branding, business models, market intelligence, technology, video.

Description: Polaroid is back and introducing their version of the GoPro cam. Source: CNN Money Date: December 6, 2014 Polaroid’s retro resurgence is getting a modern makeover. It’s launching the Cube, which is a 35mm video camera that aims to appeal to a broad demographic. Watch the Video Questions for discussion: 1. Do you think Polaroid will… Read more »

High-Tech Hair Dryers Aside, Beauty Industry Still Waits for Its ‘Nest’

Posted by & filed under Advertisement, branding, Business Intelligence, business models, Competitive advantage, Hardware.

Description: Improved technology has let the beauty industry take steps forward lately, but it still lacks a clear link to the “smart” features that have disrupted other fields. Has Panasonic found the answer? Source: Mashable Date: August 14, 2014 When Panasonic debuted its high-tech hair dryer at the 2014 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas in January… Read more »

Square Wants You to Send Cash Over Snapchat

Posted by & filed under app, Apple, business models, e-payment, Ecommerce, industry analysis, revenue model.

Description: Square is attempting to compete with Apple Pay in the mobile app money transferring space Source: CNN Money Date: November 30, 2014   Founder of Square Jack Dorsey discusses the international launch of the Square Register software, their partnership with Snapchat, and how Square could work with Apple Pay. Watch The Video. Questions for discussion:… Read more »

Hendo Hoverboards – World’s first REAL hoverboard

Posted by & filed under Advertisement, Artificial intelligence, branding, Business Intelligence, business models, Competitive advantage, Hardware, industry analysis.

Description: Hendo is introducing the world’s first REAL hoverboard and hover developer kit. They are putting hover technology in your hands. Source: Kickstarter Date: November 21, 2014  So where does the HENDO hoverboard stand today? Well, about 1 inch off the ground. As you can see from the video above, the prototype is real and it works! But to see… Read more »

Canadians Will Now See Ads on Instagram

Posted by & filed under Advertisement, app, branding, business models, marketing, online advertising, revenue model, Social Media.

Description: Canadians have discovered that Instagram is now showing ads to their users based on the true Instagram experience. Source: TechVibes Date: November 13, 2014     Instagram has added advertising to Canada, which is great news for advertisers but not-so-great news for Canadian users of the platform. Initial advertisers include Air Canada, Target Canada, and… Read more »

Resurrecting Drowned iPhones From the Dead

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Description: Startup TekDry has created a machine that can dry out a waterlogged phone. Source: CNN Money Date: November 14, 2014 CNNMoney Tech Correspondent, Laurie Segall talks to Adam Cookson of TekDry about their new machine that claims to be able to save drenched phones. Watch Video Questions for discussion: 1. Have you ever lost a cell phone… Read more »

Forget Motorcycles! Hoverbikes are in the Works

Posted by & filed under Artificial intelligence, Business Intelligence, business models, Hardware, industry analysis, robotics, social impacts, technology, video, virtualization.

Description: Just one more step on the long road to the science fiction future we’re all waiting for! Source: Globe and Mail Date: November 14, 2014 Hoverbikes are in the works, and it looks like they will be around in the not too distant future.  Watch the Video Questions for discussion: 1. Do you think riding a hoverbike… Read more »

Airbnb Starts Taking Canadian Market Seriously with Physical Presence

Posted by & filed under branding, business models, Ecommerce, Human Resources, M-commerce, national culture, Personalization, revenue model.

Description: Airbnb is serious about their Canadian users and to show it, they are creating a physical presence here in the Great White North. Source: TechVibes Date: November 5, 2014 Canadians have been using Airbnb for years and the site’s popularity here is continuing to grow. Now, in an effort to cement that growth and win over… Read more »