https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f2AjPfHTIS4

Samsung is continuing their technological innovation with the Galaxy Gear watch. The watch has capabilities outside of normal time telling functions, including camera, video, alerts for texts and calls, music, call control and various (and at this point, limited) applications.

 

The watch has a potential appeal to many of the smartphone (and future ‘smartwatch’) consumers, as they are able to expand their inter-product capabilities and add to their unique tools for everyday life. However, critics argue that the Galaxy Gear does not have a satisfactory aesthetic appeal. Mixed opinions result as the smartwatch struggles to be categorized by its customers as a legitimate watch or a ‘smart’ product.

With this brand new product’s large array of capabilities, Samsung is testing the interface and maneuverability with eager customers. However, from a current standpoint, it is obvious that the applications do not flow seamlessly together and there is much improvement to be done on the performance and design.

Is Samsung over their head with this product?

Will there be a large enough market to produce revenue on such a unique and novel item?

Or is this the next big piece of technology waiting to reach electronic fame?

 

Sources:

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/03/technology/personaltech/samsung-watch-sinks-under-weight-of-its-features.html?pagewanted=2&_r=1

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2425280,00.asp

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f2AjPfHTIS4

With the rising popularity of shopping online, landlords and their teams are attempting to increase not only the experience, but also the amount of time spent for those in-person shoppers. Many shopping malls have been pumping money into the design and content of shopping malls in order to accomplish this mission. Because of the rapidly advancing technological times, they are finding urgency in re-establishing the experience and value in shopping at malls.

Since the inception of various sites of McCafé within Canada during 2011, the McDonalds franchise has been continually expanding their array of coffee and drink products. During the fall of this year, McDonalds plans to continue to expand their selection by introducing their new Pumpkin Spice Lattes. The higher-priced (yet still cheaper) product is being released in hopes of maintaining profits while paying the rising prices of labor and operating costs.

McDonalds is continuing on their idea of creating products to cater to various markets in the food industry. Besides the typical burgers and fries and soft drinks, McDonalds may be creating a valid substitute for pricier coffee shop drinks (prior releases include frappes, which gained considerable sales). By bringing in a more expensive product, customers may easily be swayed into buying a festive coffee along with their meal to avoid multiple stops. The fast service and option of drive thru will also play a big role in the success of the Pumpkin Spice Latte as many consumers seek faster, more convenient options in their busy quotidian lives.

Based on the overall success of beverages from McCafé, the franchise hopes to once again rival others (Starbucks) this upcoming season.

Sources:

http://blogs.phoenixnewtimes.com/bella/2013/09/pumpkin-spice-latte-starbucks-mcdonalds.php

http://www.marketingmag.ca/news/marketer-news/mcdonald%E2%80%99s-goes-big-with-mccafe-launch-40213

http://business.financialpost.com/2013/09/24/mcdonalds-pumpkin-spice-lattes-target-starbucks-crowd/