Monthly Archives: October 2014

The Various Android Operating Systems

As someone who enjoys their Nokia phone, running Windows 8.1, I have never felt like making the switch to the “trendier”, overrated iPhone. When it comes to Android devices however, specifically Samsung’s, I have always wanted to give one a try. One of the things that turned me off about androids though was the fact they have so many damn operating systems. Not to mention the fact, google enjoys giving the OS’s ridiculous names such as “Jellybean”, “Kitkat” and “Ice-cream sandwich” with the latest to be released, known as “Lollipop”. Although the latest update may not fail in completing a customer job, as discussed in class 8, it does continue the trend of confusing consumers. Personally I find the variety of phones running different Android OS’s confusing and overcomplicated. When I go to the store to look for a phone, I want to be able to make a decision without having to research if “Gingerbread” is older than “Jellybean”. Secondly, with all these OS names running around, it’s harder for Android to establish a brand identity. For example, if I were to say iOS, most people would know what I’m talking about. When I say Kit-Kat, most people would think about the delicious chocolate wafer and not the Android OS. I recommend that Google create a better brand identity for their Android operating systems so that it can be instantly recognized by consumers. Otherwise, I may have to tell friends that my new phone runs on “Lollipop”.

Picture Reference: http://www.mygadgetsinfo.com/search/label/Android%20Operating%20system

In Wong’s blog, he discusses how the new BlackBerry Passport will once again make a BlackBerry phone “essential to the average businessman”.

The New BlackBerry Passport

With, its steep decline in market share over the last 5 years, BlackBerry is making an attempt to rebuild the foundation that its smartphones were built on: Businessmen. I believe this phone, however, is more than just a re-entry into the market for BlackBerry but also a phone that will decide the fate of the company. With a stock that has bounced around between $9 and $12.50 for a few months, the company’s next earnings report could either spell the rebirth or the end for the much maligned firm. With, what I would call the failed launching of the BlackBerry 10, this phone needs to reinstall confidence in shareholders, who I am surprised have stuck around this long. I would recommend that BlackBerry stick to one value proposition, which for many years was creating a phone that could keep up with the average businessman. And, I think the BlackBerry Passport has done just that. Going forwards they need to keep innovating and delivering features that will get consumers excited and wanting to buy their phones.

Lastly, I agree with Wong’s opinion that the BlackBerry Passport is a device that will help keep BlackBerry alive in the smartphone industry. And hopefully it will steal some market share from those overrated Apple devices (also known as iPhones) in the process.

Picture Reference: http://www.geeky-gadgets.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/blackberrypassport.jpg

Whether it be accommodating the needs of first nations or ensuring that the community is not negatively impacted by a company/firm is one of the most important external factors for corporations to acknowledge. BC Hydro is choosing not too. Their proposed new hydroelectric megaproject would include flooding 83km of the Peace River Valley effectively ruining habitats and land that First Nations use as traditional land for fishing.

Kootenay Dam in, South Slocan, British Columbia.
http://i.huffpost.com/gen/1483537/thumbs/o-BC-HYDRO-DAM-facebook.jpg

If BC Hydro were permitted to complete this project, not only would it set a precedent for future similar cases, it would also show that it’s okay for big companies to ignore the negative impacts their decisions have on the community. Furthermore, just because a new power option is needed in Northern BC, doesn’t mean that an $8 billion megaproject is the only solution. This case, however, is a blessing in disguise as it allows the Federal Government to lay down the law and let other corporations know that destroying environments, homes and, people’s livelihoods just to make the balance sheet look better it is not permitted. It’s time to put communities before companies.

Hewlett Packard has decided that their company is better off splitting into two, “separating its personal-computer and printer businesses from its corporate hardware and services operations”. Overall this deal is quite interesting for a company whose stock has increased from $20 to $35 in the last year. According to another report, the company actually only gets 10% of its income from its PC’s illustrating that may be the reason for the split. Essentially, HP is attempting to become excellent at two things by splitting up the operations of the company and allowing each to focus solely on PC’s or hardware & services.

Obtained at: http://www.digitaltrends.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/HP-Pavilion-TouchSmart-11-Notebook-Left.jpg

In the bigger picture, HP’s revenue peaked in 2011 at $28.6 billion and has declined to its point in 2013 of $24.6 billion. This is a company needing a shakeup and its executives have agreed. This change should allow HP to not only improve the quality of their PC’s and printers, with more resources invested in them, but also bring down their costs so that they can increase the margins they are currently achieving. Investors should be happy with the decision to focus on 2 smaller pieces then 1 huge one, and give HP a boost in their stocks. Although I’m not an investment banker: This stock is bullish.