Earlier in September, Microsoft made an official announcement that it would gradually purchase Nokia, the previous giant in mobile industry, “for a total transaction price of EUR 5.44 billion in cash”.(http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/news/press/2013/sep13/09-02announcementpr.aspx)

Actually, there were constant speculation that Microsoft would give up the partnership with Nokia since their first cooperation. As the hit of brand new smart phone–iphone occurred, Nokia’s market kept shrinking in a dramatic pace in recent years. While, as a new contender in mobile industry, Microsoft suffered from the intense competition with several well-known brands. Thus, Nokia seemed not to be the best choice for Microsoft. Especially, suspicion rose to a new extent when Microsoft forbade Lumia users’ update of new Windows Phone system. Additionally, rumors that Microsoft would focus on their own smart phone appeared to cause a distrust between the two partners.

However,it was surprisingly to found the ongoing purchase, since the common sense is that partner should be absolutely helpful with profit of business. Though, “Microsoft aims to accelerate the growth of its share and profit in mobile devices through faster innovation, increased synergies, and unified branding and marketing.”(http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/news/press/2013/sep13/09-02announcementpr.aspx)

Personally, I doubt the combination of two declining companies (for the overall comparison to previous achievements). Nevertheless, market is changing fast, consumers can not tell the future in next second. Let’s looking forward to their new stage.

Here’s a short funny video about the purchase: Hitler’s reaction when Microsoft bought Nokia

I first saw the version of “the voice” is “The Voice of China”, which hit the public immediately. Before its emergence, there was a popular television show already occupied the first place among various reality shows in China for years. However, audience was shocked by the creative format of the new program, and contributed a lot to the profit of the show. Thus, a series of analysis about the business model were covered to discuss the success of “the voice”.

First of all, it gets a better value proposition than other similar shows. It creates original “turning chairs”, which feed audience with the preference of fresh format and the appreciation of pure voice, rather than shallow stage performance. Another point is that the original version “The Voice of Holland” really gets good partners. Many televisions   negotiated to buy the copyright of “The Voice of Holland”, which considered as the key resource, and a bunch of advertising companies contacted to cooperate. For “The Voice of China” season 2, the advertising earnings was 1 billion RMB. Besides, the target crowd can be an interesting part, because it doesn’t only care about young people like many other shows do, rather, it accepts all people within different ages, occupations and experiences. Actually, actions of modifications are occur to different versions to fit in with local environments.

Overall, an entertainment hurricane is emerging and we want to know how long it can lasts.

Alibaba recently launched a new e-business production Yuebao, which aims at  online financial fund, including corporate debt and government bonds. Significantly and surprisingly, without any marketing strategy, “Alibaba’s Yuebao has grown to 2.5 million users who have collectively deposited RMB 6.601 billion ($1.07 billion)” within only half a month.

Though there was no specific marketing plan, I see advantages of Yuebao. Obviously, the value of the brand Alibaba arises public attention, since they already succeed on a third payment platform Alipay. In addition, Yuebao exactly feeds consumers with value proposition. With higher interest rate than most banks, it easily attracts customers. Also, as Yuebao is connected to Alipay, it achieves a broader business with multifunctional transaction, for instance, transfer money and payment for online shopping. Besides, Yuebao launched its program on App store, which makes it more convenient on cell phone.

Jack Ma, the previous CEO of Alibaba commented that “China’s financial industry, especially the banking industry, only serves 20 percent of clients, and I see there are 80 percent of the clients are not covered. Financial services should be about serving the layman, rather than playing inside your own circles and make money yourself.”

Some netizens are impressed and believe that China’s finance industry will occur an earthquake since Yuebao makes a huge change within an expanding range.

Personally, I worship Jack Ma who is so creative that encourages lots of Chinese people, no matter as a consumer or as a learner. Through his several speeches, you can tell his value and conscience, that is the reason he gain trust from public. Finally, a little story to end the introduction is that my mother has already put her money in Yuebao.

Link: Short Video  Alipay service gains rising popularity

Reference:

Alibaba’s New Online Personal Finance Product Hits 2.5 Million Users, $1 Billion Already Deposited (http://www.techinasia.com/alibaba-yuebao-personal-finance-product/)