http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-15473954

Sony, top Japanese Electronics Company, has recently taken over their cellphone branch Sony Ericsson. The reason for the change of control was due to the fact that Ericsson pointed out that there isn’t much collaboration between a electronics equipment and mobile phone company, meaning there is no “synergy”. Along with the purchase Sony has also acquired the patents that has followed the company. Sony was proven to be resistant towards branching out with another company, through their slow actions towards connecting their PlayStation games onto any handsets (Xperia Play).  This combination also makes it easier for their consumers to connect between the devices as stated by Sony’s Chairman Sir Howard Stringer.

The switch of control over the Sony Ericsson Company is an exceptional decision; this will give further potential for Sony to develop. The company can now innovate gaming smartphones that combined the qualities of their most famous PSP handheld series. By taking the route of games plus phones they are creating a new segment within the smartphone industry being unique and first. Also by leading both companies under the same structure and management, collaboration will be much more efficient, and new ideas, strategies are passed much more effortlessly.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-15461732

Apple patents touchscreen unlock gestures

Recently Apple has established a new patent over the unlocking feature on either a smartphone or tablet, which comprise of a touchscreen motion. This proposal was submitted in June 2009 consisting of various unlocking techniques and styles. The newly made patent will possibly be Apple’s new weapon towards it’s rival manufacturers; with specific focus on main competitors such as Android, and W7 phones. Attacks were mostly directed at the Android because Steve Jobs “vowed to destroy it”, due to the fact that it was a “iOS rip off”. Although other companies such as Samsung has been actively fighting back with their patents, but they were unsuccessful.

I believe this patent by Apple is very unethical due to the fact that it is patenting something that is so simple, which everyone should have the right to use. The patent is also in other words, too general or cover too many areas of innovations restricting other companies from using them. A touchscreen unlock function, I am sure, is not new to many, and can be said or recognized as a daily or normal function. Why should something so simple be patent, which reframes some people from using it? Apple mainly covers 16% of the software in the smartphone market, which means the other 84% of the smartphone users wouldn’t be able to further utilize this straightforward practice.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-15172238

Apple unveils refreshed iPhone 4S, but no iPhone 5

Recently Apple has uncovered their newest product under their cellphone range; known as the iPhone 4S. To many consumers’ dismay, it was not the long waited iPhone 5 but only an upgrade from the old iPhone 4. Apple’s new CEO Tim Cook made this announcement; the product will officially go on sale October 14th 2011.  Apple’s stock had dropped almost by 5% in the first few minutes of the announcement. Many exclaimed this iPhone 4S is a major disappointment, as the long awaited changes have not been presented, but only an alternation of inner parts.

The product was indeed somewhat of a disappointment among the public, but I believe it was an act of genius towards the business world. Apple is a leading major in the phone market thus they are using the inelasticity demand for their phones to continuously get consumers to buy new products with old faces. The other companies can’t copy this method due to the fact that other mobiles are in fact very elastic. Also because of the recent death of Steve Jobs, I believe Apple’s shares will not fall but rise. Consumers will be the need to praise this great individual thus purchasing this product.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-15212913

Toyota to export made-in-India vehicles from 2012

By March 2012, Toyota Indian joint venture has announced that it will for the first time ship Indian-made cars to overseas. The cars are specially designed for a South Africa climate, involving any different road conditions, and local preferences. The joint in Indian makes 160,000 cars each year; the expectant number of vehicles that will be produced in 2013 is estimated to be 310,000. Japan Toyota currently holds 89% of the shares to the Indian Joint, while the Indian’s Kirloskar Group holds the other 11%. Many other Japanese companies have already tackled the market such as Honda, and Nissan.

It was a smart choice for Toyota to cement their relationship with their Indian counter part and release a brand new line of products overseas. By aggressively expanding their products into the South African markets; they would be able to gain initial dominance in that area. This move also gives them a way to advertise their products worldwide, while keeping the cheap production costs in India; using this stepping-stone to further established their products. Toyota is able to present the quality of their products to their new consumers, which should be a level higher than the local companies in South Africa.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-15220297

Dutch trains to get ‘bag toilets’

Recently the Dutch National Railways has developed new equipment, which became an addition to the first aid bag. Surprisingly it was an emergency urinal bag in case of a train power failure. Facts showed that 16% of the passenger trains actually do not have toilets; a chemical powder would be inside the bag to instantly turn the liquid into solid. There were some disagreements from the crowd saying that the method would be inconvenient.

The new product emergency plastic bags in a certain perspective may seem unreasonable, and somewhat outrageous; personally I would find it very beneficial to the business. If the product has been proven useful in the near future, the company would be able to branch of this product, and use it as a focus in its advertisement. As the “market laws” state either to be first to enter the market, or be first at something new in order to keep that image in the head of the consumers. The Dutch National Railways would be able to control this variable and be the only company with an instant urgency washroom bag. In my opinion, the product will be a benefit rather than a child’s joke.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-15220895

Microsoft Skype deal gets green light in Europe

Microsoft decision to purchased Skype was allowed to run smoothly as they get a major approve from the European Commission.  The deal first surfaced the business world in the month of May this year. The equilibrium price decided was at $8.5 billion; stated by European Commission this deal would not highly effect the already competitor filled market such as Google. This is to date, Microsoft’s biggest takeover, with Skype already having over 650 million global users.

This is a smart move by Microsoft in my perspective. The trend of video calling is starting to pick up, as oppose to the traditional text conversation; as MSN’s popularity began to fade, Skype’s rose. With the purchase Microsoft is now able to combine the best of both worlds providing their consumers with many more options, from texts, to video, and even phoning. Not only does this promote Skype but also Microsoft will be receiving a lot more attention from users and leaders alike for it’s new communication methods. Microsoft now can sink into different markets with Skype such handheld electronics, computer – phone alternative matching up to competitors like Apple in their face time function.