Intel's New Toy

I usually focus on software when I write my blog posts, but I have to highlight the hardware sector this week. Intel has announced the launch of two new processors for high-end PC use. The Intel Core i7-3930K and Intel Core i7-3960X are six core processors that will run at ridiculously fast speeds. Intel has released that the processors will hopefully make the computer run smoother than ever throughout any work to gaming experiences done on the PC. To many critics the processors live up to their extreme reputation. Intel has controlled the processor sector of computer hardware for some time, and has always had a reputation for greatness with their chips.

This is relevant to the industry, as many giants have been struggling such as Apple, HP, Nintendo, and many international companies. Intel is now proving that it stands out amongst the hardware big players. Hopefully they will continue to wow the consumers and keep the company going strong. It will be interesting to see how the processors pull through when they are mass produced and put in the hands of the consumers who will use it primarily. I personally think it will be a key piece to advancing technology further.

http://www.crn.com/news/components-peripherals/231903050/intel-targets-high-end-pc-market-with-new-six-core-sandy-bridge-processor.htm;jsessionid=VsUmzQPXo8zPVriojw0Crw**.ecappj03

Apple taking down a new sector

Recently, information has been released that appears to suggest that Apple will attempt to build a platform that will challenge certain cable and television based products. Apple, that has been responsible for changing multiple sectors with their advanced, innovated technology plans on continuing with a new product that could advance the way we received media once again. Apple has already created a piece of technology known as Apple TV. While it has many fantastic abilities, cable still appeals to the majority of the market.

Individual's close to Apple have released bits and pieces that will be unique to an Apple television project. Their are thoughts of Voice command, an Application store, Integrated software technology, Interface communication and online capabilities as the advanced technologies that Apple integrates as a part of their technology. It will be interesting and extremely exciting to follow Apple throughout this process and to become aware of advancements from the beginning.

http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/lifestyle/52864225-80/apple-television-iphone-jobs.html.csp

The Competition of Patents

The tech industry is highly competitive; that is an obvious observation. With more and more competition rising with the creation of new products and ideas, companies are looking for any way to gain an advantage over their competition. One way that mobile phone companies have been trying to gain advantages over their competitors is the use of patent and anti trust laws. The problem with anti-trust laws and patent laws are that they have completely opposite goals. Patent laws are meant to enable investors to hold a monopoly on and idea or product, where anti trust laws are in place to prevent monopolies. This contradiction in laws has began to cause issues in the computer hardware industry because every electronic devise has many patents and companies are trying to create lawsuits to obtain a competitive edge or gain more money as a result of such lawsuits. They are also charging large fees for the use of patented products to further discourage the use of their products by competition. The competitive nature of patents has caused companies to battle over the rights to patents to where the Supreme Court must get involved. When a company called Rockstar Bidco outbid Google for a group of patents Google then went and bought Motorola for 12.5 million dollars for the simple reason of gaining control over more patents. The courts found this transaction a little unnerving in regards to anti trust laws and is currently in an ongoing investigation over it. There are many other examples of patent vs. Antitrust laws involving electronics in recent years. The Obama administration’s Justice Department has become increasingly concerned with these issues. The way the laws are now can potentially cause too many issues which I my opinion may need to change to keep competition from getting out of hand but a change in government policy could also hurt some large computer hardware companies by forcing them to lose a part of their competitive edge.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970203503204577036003036334374.html

Start all Over...In China

The Computer Hardware and Software Industry have seen many influential leaders and founders over the decades, from Bill Gates to Steve Jobs. All industries need visionaries and inspirational leaders. One such leader I admire is Michael Dell, founder of Dell Company. Dell dropped out of college at the age of 19 in order to pursue his dreams and build a company that has fundamentally moulded how personal computers should be made and sold.

Leadership, I believe is about effective communication and the ability to create strategies and visions that drive a company to its’ success. Companies in this industry tend to invest primarily in engineering in order to produce innovative products and Dell has revealed that they too are planning to roll out an iPad rival in order to maintain and keep level with the competitive environment. One aspect that Michael Dell hopes to keep going is the steady state of acquisitions where the company is focused mainly on expanding and building on what the customer wants. Also, he mentions that he would like seek partnership with Microsoft and create a product that runs with its’ software because people like it when ‘things work together’.

However, when questioned upon if he were to be given the chance to start his business all over again, where he would prefer to start it, Dell merely states, China. I agree with Dell’s point of view, for China’s markets give many benefits and opportunities with their technology and labour force as well as the large markets they have. With effective leadership skills, Michael Dell can still fulfil this vision without having to start all over again, and instead, just outsourcing or off-shoring some of his business operations to benefit from economies of scale and enter new markets and have access to a larger consumer base.

http://money.cnn.com/2011/11/10/technology/michael_dell/index.htm

HP's Hail Mary Appointment

In the short year that Leo Apotheker had control of Hewlett Packard the company's stock fell 5%, from roughly $40 per share to $22.8. Apotheker was criticized by many, including prominent investors when he reneged on promises to integrate mobile software into devices. This along with other some other well publicized mishaps, led to the board's decisions to show Apotheker the door. Apotheker severance package, which included cash, bonuses and stock, was valued at roughly $37 million. His predecessor, Mark Hurd, had also left the company on a negative note, as many of the company's troubles had escalated under his watch. In a Hail Mary attempt to regain support and put the company back on track, the board appointed one of its own to the position of CEO. As stock values declined and investors lost faith and satisfaction the question arises: What is newly appointed CEO Meg Whitman going to do about it?

I think its important to first give some background information on Whitman. Before taking on her position at HP she had been CEO of Ebay for over a decade. She was a member of HP's board of directors, which fellow board members claim was a fundamental part of their decision. They feel Whitman's experience on the board has given her an intricate understanding of the company's mission and the strategies it will peruse to achieve HP's goals. In comparison to Apotheker, Whitman is expected to have a stronger ability to develop company strategies, and communicate them more effectively to managers, board members and investors. Personally I feel that Whitman's decisions will renew HP's name as an industry giant, or set the company back for decades. After rushing two consecutive CEOs out the door during periods of serious instability within the company, I feel strongly that this is the last chance for HP to prove to investors they have finally found a winner.

http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/story/2011-09-22/hp-meg-whitman-leo-apotheker-ceo/50517054/1

http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/technology/story/2011-09-22/hp-whitman/50521192/1

A New Perspective?

To contrast my usual analysis of computer software trends, this week I found this article about a new iPad App that could change significantly the study of Geology. GeoData was developed by four students doing EXCEL research at Lafayette College, and the app allows the user to scan topographical maps and other advanced maps to see where certain geological anomalies might be occurring. The map also allows researchers to see at what areas aged rock has been exposed or discovered. It has proven to be an interesting resource for college students, as 13 other institutions have written positive reviews as to the helpfulness of the new application. This software of scanning the area could develop into some very innovative new technology. The four students now are working to increase the variability, and smoothness of the app’s operation.

Personally I downloaded this application to see how it ran. As a Business Major, I have no geological knowledge beyond a elementary level, but I found the application easy to use. I found it to be a more advanced application of Google Earth. I could not figure anything out past looking at a topographical map, but I think with the right knowledge, it would be a key resource in a study.

http://www.lafayette.edu/about/news/2011/11/04/computer-science-students-produce-software-that-could-change-the-way-geologist-work-in-the-field/

Apple Plans for Major Company Changes

Apple has released information that it's entire product line will be going through a complete overhaul during the 2012 fiscal year. Reports have specified that the change in product will be specific to the iPad, iMac, iPhone, and Mac Book Air. While Apple is know for frequent changes to their products, this idea of an overhaul is new to the large, California based computer company. The 3rd generation of the iPad is nearest to completion and is potentially ready for release by january of 2012.

All other products being released will see the public in late 2012 as development is still occurring. Apple's product releases have always led to positive outcomes for the company. When the original iPhone hit the market, individuals responded with over 50,000 web sales immediately following the key note presentation. Apple, as well as it's consumer base, is excited about the coming months and the new products that will soon to be available. The overhaul will have changes in design and technology. Many people believe that the iPhone is in need of a change as the design has held constant for about two years.

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2395803,00.asp#fbid=rBJoSyK_i0C

http://gigaom.com/apple/apple-reportedly-planning-overhauls-for-all-products-in-2012/