Michael J. Mcaleer

I believe Google is absolutely correct in making a push towards mobile viewing and somewhat penalizing sites which have not yet implemented dynamic features. With each release mobile devices are becoming more advance and able to do more. If current trends continue, I believe mobile viewing will be the the preferred viewing method. I know for myself personally, the only time I purposely use a computer to pull up a website is at work or if I know the site is not mobile friendly. You also have to consider the fact that many computer alternatives are being used. Tablet device use continues to grow and now other home devices such as televisions are beginning to be utilized for web browsing. As an owner of a smart tv, I am aware that certain apps will display in the ‘mobile viewing’ mode for ease of use. I believe Google has taken in to consideration all of this and is a big enough player that we will see a significant increase in the adoption of mobile browsing.

I agree with Jada. I do most of my internet browsing on my phone, simply because it is more convenient than pulling out my entire laptop to look something up. I think as time goes on we will use these mobile alternatives. Not too long ago, it was a goal to make and sell the smallest device possible. Devices went from giant cell phones all the way down to phones as skinny as the Razor. It’s funny to see how over the past decade phones are starting to grow larger and larger again. Cell phone screens are getting big once more because they are being used so often as major alternatives to laptops and computers. I don’t think it will be much longer until every site is mobile friendly.

Mike, here’s my answers to your questions:
No, I do not know of any companies that prepared for this but I am almost certain that all companies are seeing to it that there sites’ are mobile friendly now.
I absolutely expect there to be a rise in the use of mobile devices. There’s no question that mobile devices will replace “stationary” devices at some point. I think the area you will see laptops and desktops remain will be in corporations.
I think Google was correct in making this change. I’m sure though that the decision benefits them more than it does anyone else, though. For instance, I’m willing to bet that they realized their algorithms could run faster and produce more accurate results without having to analyze legacy sites.

There’s undoubtedly going to be a rise in mobile Google searches. Smart phones are becoming the standard in the cell phone industry. For me personally, I made the switch just before starting college, and I needed it to stay up to date with several of my classes via email, or checking my grades. And Google can pretty much do whatever they want, and the companies would have to meet their demands anyway because of how big it is. Either way, it was going to happen sooner or later that mobile searches would be a requirement. This could ultimately end up benefitting the companies that make the switch too.

When I think of Disney, I immediately think of innovation. The company has been known for many “firsts” since its incorporation. I never thought they would incorporate such advanced technology like 3D printing into its manufacturing or designs. I think through continued research and development, Disney will be one of the first companies to use fabric 3D printing and uphold its innovative name.

I think people will mainly use their apple watch for fitness and health reasons. I believe the initial benefit of being able to track health and other fitness events will be the main focus for people that are interested in buying the watch instead of the other features.

I too am surprised about the volume of Apple watches that sold after only 1 day. While these watches are definitely popular, I don’t think they will be a substitute product because of the lack of size and battery strength. All of the watches capabilities such as texting, e-mailing, listening to music, social media, reading the news, and monitoring health can be done much easier and faster using a smartphone. While the watch attempts to integrate an Uber application, I feel that it would be much easier ordering Uber from your phone since the map will be larger to show where nearby drivers are. I don’t anticipate buying one of the watches but definitely feel that it is very useful for listening to music while working out since it connects to bluetooth headphones and think that it is also a great way to monitor workout results. I expect this watch to challenge similar technologies such Android Wear and even the Nike Fit Band.

I agree that it isn’t very surprising about the number of watches being pre-ordered because we are all familiar with the “fan-boy” type customer base that Apple has. I posted an article earlier in the semester that questioned whether the watch was too late or not, but clearly that must not be the case. I’m sure Apple has a massive hit with this new product, but I’m more interested in how they improve it from here. Are they trying to eliminate the need for a smartphone or are they just creating this as a supplement? When the iPhone really kicked off and people saw it has a device for everything, the iPod sells really dropped off. While I don’t see the same connection between the iPhone and the Apple Watch, it is interesting how Apple continues to cannibalize some of its more established products in order to innovate. In the end, this just seems that Apple is proving what everybody already knows: they can release almost any sot of product and make a massive amount of money off of it.

Although Apple did sell a ton of pre-orders for their watch, I do not see it replacing the smart phone. Smart watches are not an entirely new concept and if anything Apple is a little late to the game. There are many competitors already out there in the market selling smart wearables for cheaper prices. But, who knows, I may be wrong. Apple is an innovator and maybe their product will be a success, seamlessly integrating a fitness tracker with other smart technologies and features. Personally, I’m going to hold off for the second generation, I have a feeling that the Apple Watch 2S will be thinner and quicker.

To me, it is surprising that Apple watch already sold one million. I still don’t see a reason or huge convenience of using apple watch. Apple has been a leader in innovation but apple watch isn’t that innovative to me. Samsung already released similar version of apple watch, Galaxy gear, an year before and it wasn’t that successful. I believe hot selling of apple watch will be temporary. Soon, many will realize that it can’t replace smartphone.

I can’t see myself ever purchasing an Apple Watch, although I can see some individuals I know who are loyal to Apple and enjoy their products doing so. I have to agree with Will that I think the main reasons the watches will be used for is fitness and health monitoring. Other than that I don’t really see the benefit of having the watch over having a smart phone. I’ve also recently heard that the battery only lasts for a few hours at a time which can be a bothersome issue for users.

As mobile technology and applications continue to grow, I definitely think the number of malicious mobile apps will increase in 2015. I feel like a lot of people take precautions on their computers when it comes to malware, but I think people forget to protect their smartphones because, in essence, a smartphone is a mini computer. I try to protect my phone by having anti virus software which scans my phone everyday and scans my apps after I download and update them. Additionally, I try to avoid websites and applications that require me to put in private information such as a credit card number- if I need that info for an app, I try to do it on my computer because I feel that is more protected. I would advise people to be mindful of the information they enter on their phones because most likely, your phone is not protected.

From a personal standpoint, I think data aggregation is destructive. Companies like to think that by aggregating personal information, they can provide the customer with potential products and services before the customer even knows he/she needs them. I would like to think I will be able to figure out my wants and needs on my own, and when I do figure them out, I can use my technology to research them. With that being said, i think our many platforms for accessing websites and other online services creates a way for aggregators to more easily access our personal information. For instance, Google Chrome suggests each user logs into the browser. By logging in on your computer and your phone, you just connected 2 of your most often-used devices.

I have also found that a number of my friends and family have given Facebook permissions on their phones and other devices. I agree that many of them do not understand the potential risks involved in granting these permissions. Recently, my Facebook app stopped allowing me to message friends and directed me to downloading its messenger app. However, the app wanted access to areas of my phone that have nothing to do with messaging including my photos, camera, microphone, and caller ID. I find these permissions unnecessary, so I still have not downloaded this app even though it has caused minor inconveniences.