Week 14: Summary Blog Posting

So yep! How could I not do a summary/reflection of COM 125 before saying goodbye right? haha!

It is my first time doing blog entries for a school module even though I blog on a frequent basis and own like 6 other blogs but!! its because I don't bear to delete them when I move to a new site etc etc HAHAHA.

I am actually quite glad that Mr. Choy made us create a blog to write down our reflections. I like that this blog made me do some research on the respective topics and I can say that I managed to gain some takeaways which I believed will benefit me in the future. It is always better to have excess knowledge than lack of knowledge.

I have seen how the ARPANET has evolved so much till now, a widely utilized and influential tool that have the ability to achieve great things in the future and if not handled properly, our laptop or phone might fall into virus attack that we would never ever dream of getting such as ILOVEYOU or MyDoom etc. The prevalence of social media, as we all know, is taking Internet by storm. We are constantly on the go, updating photos, status of the happenings in our lives that sometimes we might fail to look at the big picture - neglecting the quality time that is supposed to spend with our loved ones, not forgetting the benefits of social media where existing business and new business in e-commerce are jumping on the bandwagon and advertise their services x products. Politicians campaigns , education (e-learning) , citizen journalism, virtual/augmented reality also involves Internet!

What's not to love about the Internet of today?

Ps: Thank you Mr. Choy for sharing your knowledge with us and always trying to make every Com 125 lessons interesting with group activities and lame jokes that you crack, even though its lame but quite funny sometimes. Not forgetting the frequent sharing of videos during lessons. I particularly quite enjoy the show & tell segment as it gave me an eye opener on the apps that are actually available out there in the market and other tips that my classmates shared :) It has been a pleasure meeting you! 

Goodbye!

Week 13: Future of Internet

I am so curious, what will the future of the internet holds? Technology is advancing every day, I guess we won't have to wait THAT LONG to witness how Internet HOPEFULLY CAN carry out things for us in every aspect. Like opening our doors automatically when we just stand there, unlocking our car and many more. You name it, you got it hahahaha.

Shall not bore you with truckloads of words in this entry and check out this video which shows 5 inventions that have the potential to change the current world :)

Really hope that I would be able to witness and experience at least one of the inventions! My favourite is  HYPERLOOP -  a transportation network of above-ground tubes that would span hundreds of miles. Like the one below!

 

What's your favourite invention?

Week 12: Internet & Innovation: Case Studies

Microsoft, Google, and Apple are the 3 technology giants of today. Why so? Let me show you some interesting discovery I found that prove my point and give you a better idea why.

 

 

 

I'm sure they are all very familiar to us. It is very difficult to say which ones are the best, really. Because each of them have their own distinct features.

 

 

Let's start with...

 

1) Apple. Here, you can see the different segments of the source of avenue for this company. I am definitely not surprised that most (55%) of the revenue came from the sale of IPHONES and 18% from iPad even though this 2 leading products that makes up the majority of the avenue does not even exist last time!

 

In this revolutionary world where everything is all about technology, a smart phone has easily succeeded in winning the hearts of many. Think convenience & efficiency. Not sure if this is true but I've heard of rumours that Apple will be releasing iPhone 7 soon. It is speculated that the camera would be sooo much better. Say hello to DSLR quality pictures!! How awesome is that? *Note: This s not confirmed by Apple, just came across this info from webs and rumours.

 

2) Google

Do you know that...2 years ago, most of Google's avenue came from ADVERTISING alone & Google tried to move into hardware manufacturing by its acquisition of Motorola Mobility?

3) Microsoft

Let's just say that for Microsoft, it is hard to segment which one is more profitable since the avenues were split into 2 distinct categories: Commercial (Windows Server products, Volume Licensing editions of Windows, and Office for business) & Consumer (OEM Windows licensing, Office for home and small business users, and Windows Phone etc).

Despite having some segments lower than the other, both categories do generate the bulk of Microsoft profits.

 

(Note that the avenues for the 3 companies were analysed in 2014).

 

With the prevalent use of smartphones especially Google's Android & Apple's IOS, it seems that nobody really pays attention to the activity of Microsoft anymore. Although, Microsoft might be the leader in the PC market, it still can't beat Google & Apple in the mobile market.

 

Yet, recently, Microsoft announced that it has a new plan to make a profit out of both Google & Apple success.

 

"At Microsoft’s developer conference today in San Francisco, the company made a proposition that mobile app makers might find hard to refuse: Reuse your existing code written for other platforms—Android, iOS, and the web—to create Windows apps. (With some modifications, these can run on Windows phones, tablets, and PCs, as well as the Xbox One and HoloLens goggles.) Then, tap into an opportunity to reach a Windows audience that Microsoft hopes will extend to 1 billion devices in the next two to three years."- source.

This is certainly a threat to Google and Apple. Will it really works? Can other companies/new business stand a chance to compete with these 3 giants? What do you think?  

Week 11: Citizen Journalism

Today I will be talking about Citizen Journalism. So what does it mean by that?

According to source, Citizen journalism is all about the gathering, writing, editing, production and distribution of news from the public aka not professional journalists by using laptops, cell phones and other mobile & wireless technologies.

Whatever it is, there are bound to have advantages & disadvantages. One can argue that citizen journalism encourages freedom of speech and news are not biased. Everything we hear from the media should be taken with a pinch of salt whereas the bad side to it would be we would be receiving nonsense news.

One prominent example of citizen journalism that is nonsensical in Singapore would be STOMP (http://www.stomp.com.sg/) & another example that is one level higher than STOMP would be, TheRealSingapore (http://therealsingapore.com/)

Will the future of journalism involves drones, virtual reality & robots? It is simply so according to the video. So does this mean that we don't need to rely on real journalists anymore since technology are also able to do the job? Well, watch the video to find out more

Week 10: Politics & Internet

Internet, social media & politics. 

Internet had already integrated into part of our everyday lives. What about the political scene? Are they catching up? Did they utilize this technology tool to promote their campaign etc?

& yes, social media is so prevalent, how could the politicians not harness the power of this new media? well, the politicians in the United States have been using the Internet in their campaigns since 1990s. However, in recent years, the usage of Internet by politicians have developed dramatically and social media is shaping the political discourse. Here's a short clip between political science professors on how the impact of social media and Web ads can affect political campaigns. 

Some of the points were quite true where people nowadays, no longer watch video or this interview on TV. Everything is viewed on the Internet & social media is really an influential tool that helps convey the news.

Other than reaching out to traditional broadcast TV viewers, the use of social media in politician campaigns are able to reach supporters & potential voters.

An incident that happened in Singapore few years ago ; Anonymous declared "War" on PAP government. The video spread like wildfire that went viral on social media as people would keep reposting the video and blacked out their FB display picture. The video also encourage Singaporeans to start a public protest by dressing in black and red.

Some citizens might think that the Anonymous is right as they are fighting for their own rights & freedom of speech, while some citizens may beg to differ. 

Internet can be put to good use but definitely not like this, like the Anonymous video as it seeks to create havoc among the nation and we will never know how the Anonymous even looks like, but manipulating Singaporeans behind the screen.

Week 9: Entertainment and Multimedia on the Internet

Augmented reality, one of the takeaways I've learnt in class.

I've heard of this term before but didn't really delved into it until now. I was completely blown away by the video (Live augmented reality- National Geographic) Mr. Choy showed us in class.  Technology is already super advanced?!  Super advanced might be an understatement, in this case haha.

Here's a video that I found where IKEA made use of AR where consumers get to experience first hand on how the furnitures would turn out in their house before deciding whether to purchase or not.

PS. I actually liked this AR ad compared to their updated one. Hence, decided to post this.

It is truly amazing how virtual or augmented reality can help us to view the world, all in a better way! Personally, I prefer Augmented Reality to Virtual Reality, simply because I like how AR supplements reality and help us to see the world together compared to VR, which only provide us with one perspective- reality in a computer simulation environment.

Is this how our lives with AR in the future will look like?

If so..

Week 8: Internet Security

It is fascinating how computer virus always managed to find their way to our computers despite various protection measures. They have the ability to produce undesirable side effects to your computer that you would never ever want it to happen to you. I mean, who wants that?

Presenting to you a list of the top 15 WORST computer viruses in history:

1.  MyDoom
2. SOBIG.F
3. ILOVEYOU
4. Code Red
5. Slammer
6. Melissa
7. Storm Worm
8. Leap-A
9. Nimda
10. CIH Chernobyl
11. Conflicker
12. Klez
13. Sasser & Netsky
14. Anna Kournikova
15. CyrptoLocker

THAT'S LIKE A LOT ALREADY? & mind you, the creator of  #1 virus- MyDoom WAS NEVER FOUND. Ok shall not be a spoiler, watch on :)

 

If you wanna learn more about each of the 15 viruses, please watch the video below, it explains it all. Subtitles are provided so yay to easier understanding & visuals. No harm watching and expand our internet knowledge!

 

 

Week 6 & 7: Internet Tools

I would like to share a video that my group members and I made for a project for our Computer Science module where we had to come up with a product that integrate information technology into our everyday lives. I remember none of us had any experience in editing videos. In the end, we settled for iMovie using one of our friend's macbook to edit. Despite having no knowledge, we tried our best looking up at tutorials and also explored iMovie.

 

I always appreciate films as I TOTALLY UNDERSTAND how a few seconds scene on TV is actually TONS of takes/NGs during filming. Because...been there, done that.

For just ONE scene, we had to take several shots from different angle. I personally was involved in a short film done by Lasalle students where I was the lead in the video and boy, was it tiring. But I believe the production crews were more tired since I just have to follow the instructions given & script? I remember I had 2-3 scenes but filming took up one whole day.

However, because I did not edit the Lasalle video, I would have to upload the video that I played a role in editing with my groupmates but not the lead :) Imagine repeating the same lines over and over again. Not complaining since it was a fruitful experience be it experiencing first hand in acting or helping to edit the video (in this case).

Soooo..did I managed to pique your interest in iMovie? If yes, that'll be great because I have found an idiot proof tutorial just for you that covers all the basics of video editing with the 2013 version of Apple's iMovie. From how to import your footage, add transitions, sound effects, background music, color correction and stabilization, and much more, video below!

Week 5: Power of Internet for Learning and Education

Microsoft Surface 1.0 had been in the market for 2008 and the latest product line they introduced last year is the Surface Pro 3.

 










Dubbed as the tablet that have the ability to replace your laptop! Check it out.
 

More about Surface Pro 3:

- weighs only 1.76 pounds

 - 12 inch

- comes with a Surface Pen which delivers natural writing & drawing experience

- multi-position kickstand enable users to position the tablet in various ways, even can be positioned like a laptop.

- detachable keyboard

(source)

To sum it up, Surface Pro 3 has all the power and performance of a premium laptop in a thin and lightweight design. How cool is that! Of course the price is even cooler LOL. With the Surface tablet, you don't even need a mouse, keyboard or even a USB port connected to the device. How awesome and conveneientttttt.

It is definitely useful for learning since students no longer need to carry bulky laptops to school. Learning would be much more enjoyable, convenient & interactive (no more boring lessons, yay to hands-on) which would make the students more motivated to go to school.

Here, I've found a video where students of Cicero school District  in Illinois uses Surface Pro 3 for their lesson.

"The district’s goal was to cater to these ESL students by finding a technology solution that could easily augment their learning program with video, audio, and visual learning, while simultaneously helping teach students real-world technology skills they will need in the workforce"

Week 4: E-commerce

SHOPPING?

 

 

 

 

 

 

true story, bruh.
 
Shopping at brick and mortar store no longer appeal to most people. In the comfort of our own home, we can go shopping anytime we want. 24/7 shopping? No problem. Just add the products to your cart, pay and you are ready to go at any time of the day.

 Perks of online shopping?

1) Better price
Easily browse through dozens of different websites to find the best price within your budget.You can do the same at a mall, but it would take super long and it's taxing.

2) Variety
Since a store space is limited, you would not find the array of items exactly from online site at the store.

3) Convenience
Do I still have to say? 24/7 shopping. Period.

4) Discreet shopping
Value privacy? Don't want judgmental stares when you are purchasing things like...lingerie? Yup, turn to online shopping.

5) Fewer traps
Aka persuasion techniques from salesperson who will try to persuade you to buy more and make u freak out? No such things in the online world.

(source)

There are several types of e-commernce relationship, and I will touch on Carousell which uses Consumer to Consumer (C2C) model and mobile commerce. 

Basic information about Carousell: A singapore startup launched in 2012, that has developed a mobile app for consumers to buy and sell things. The tagline: "Snap-Sell, Chat-Buy". Simple to understand and follow. 

Did You Know?
- the average active Carousell user spends about 21 minutes a day browsing the app, which is comparable to Instagram.
- A popular tumblr blog, http://carouhell.tumblr.com (promise you will crack up) that specially set up to poke fun at users who mostly asked brainless questions and experiences that the users encounter. Too hilarious. Wish I could post my carouhell experiences too. 
- Carousell managed to raise a startup of US$6 million initially led by Sequoia Capital where the money would be used to further improve their mobile app and to expand to other Asia countries.
- The startup says its growth has been organic, with “practically no marketing” spent to make it a top app of its kind in the region. Which means Carousell hardly spent money to promote the app and yet it is able to turn into such a widely used and popular app in Singapore.
- Users can leave a feedback after every transaction which allow other buyers to assess the credibility of the sellers.

There are several categories to choose from, caters to young, old, female and male audiences. I used to sell my preloved (clothes I worn 1-2 times) for extra cash and also, to clear my wardrobe at the same time. Talk about killing two birds with one stone. After some time, I realized I do enjoyed selling clothes.

Hence, I wanted to set up a shop using this platform, I did my homework, managed to get a supplier and got myself into the world of e-commerce as a seller. I wasn't sure I would make profits which is why I decided to sell on Carousell instead. Currently, I am still running the "shop" and every now and then, I would get keen buyers. Being reputable and credible are essential for any business which is why I am trying to build up my own feedback section so that buyers are able to use that as reference and assess my credibility too. I am really glad I get to experience the feeling of running my online shop all thanks to Carousell. 

Week 3: Social Networking

Social media platforms had indeed taken over the world by storm and I am not alarmed to learn that companies are jumping on the bandwagon of social networking on various platforms.

So what is SOCIAL NETWORKING? 

"Social networking is the practice of expanding the number of one's business and/or social contacts by making connections through individuals. While social networking has gone on almost as long as societies themselves have existed, the unparalleled potential of the Internet to promote such connections is only now being fully recognized and exploited, through Web-based groups established for that purpose." source

It is true that if those companies that does not engage in any form of social media as part of their communication tools, it is very likely that they will lose out. Big companies will benefit more from social networking and small companies will have a stable headstart. With the advance of technology and Internet, consumers and clients are able to look at the companies social media accounts and make their respective decision on whether to buy the products and engage in their services.

Check this out, 60 seconds of social media sharing. It is amazing how these statistics speaks about social media.

Since social media networking is so prevalent nowadays, every company is jumping on the bandwagon in the hope of gaining more brand awareness and followings but! not every company is successful in doing so. To be successful, it is important to know the suitability of the target audience and the company products. For instance, it will be a nono if the target audience are senior citizens, brand awareness will not be spread successfully. 

Social networking is all about sharing information and SPREADDDD DA WORD.

Let me introduce one company that uses social networking to be EVEN more successful in building their customer base & loyalty to the brand.

Starbucks itself was already a very successful household name. Although Starbucks has several social media platforms like facebook, twitter, instagram and many more. I would like to focus on their twitter account just to give you a breakdown on how they connect with their followers.

Let's take a look at their twitter account @Starbucks. With over 7 million followers and counting and frequent updates of relevant engaging tweets such as the ones below:

From engaging with their followers by retweeting their tweet to Starbucks and answering questions, it goes to show that Starbucks actually acknowledged and paid attention to tweets directed at them. Be it customers or followers, I am sure they will feel appreciated that their online voices were recognized. Starbucks try to connect to the followers on a personal level. Note: look at the number of retweet and favourites it garnered from every tweet!

use of visuals and wait, what? they even have a Pinterest account? A for effort.

Hungry yet? oooo, & the use of hashtag!

Advertising tweet.

It is not difficult to see why they are still so successful. New or small companies could really learn a thing or two from Starbucks on how they connect with people online and how they manage their platforms.

The Social Media Generation

Here's a video painting the dark side of social media. Do watch it! Its quite thought-provoking.

As much as we like to deny the fact that we are not obsessed with likes, comments or the number of followings, we still uses social media as a tool to connect with everybody and make ourselves feel good. As seen in the video, after posting the drugs update on facebook, the guy was eagerly waiting for the FIRST LIKE to appear. Imagine what if that particular status has no likes?

It is saddening to know that people are seeking approval and acknowledgment from virtual audience.

Week 2: Social Media

Who's guilty of it? I am, fosure hahaha.

Uh-huh

Stumbled this on my tumblr that I reblogged wayyyy back and decided to share it here, just for laughs! I love the topic on Social Media.

Its all about the donuts. Don't tell me you donut know? Hehehe

I am an avid user of social media. You name it, I got it. Just kidding. Prior to this blog, I have another 4 blogs under 1 account which I attempted to blog over the years but ceased for now, tumblr, instagram, facebook, twitter. Just to name some that I use frequently, Used to have foursquare but deleted it as i don't see the point of updating my location every now and then.

Dayre has replace my personal blog on blogger (sry blogger, only here for com 125) as it sooo easy and convenient to use. Microblogging has never been so fun. 

Dayre is a mobile blogging application founded by Nuffnang owners- Timothy Tiah and Cheo Ming Shen that helps you to blog on the go. It just brings blogging to a whole new level.

Click HERE to find out more features of it that got me so hooked. 

Okay.. so we got it, platforms (just to name a few) like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Youtube, LinkedIn, Snapchat, Dayre are the most frequently used and popular ones that I am sure most people would have heard of its existence.

So how about let me share 2 apps that are not as popular but INTERESTING TO KNOW.

1) MyHeritage

To sum it up, MyHeritage is a family-oriented mobile app and site that helps to discover, share and preserve family history where you can create your very own family tree, add family events, relationships and even share photos. How nice. Plus point? The site is accessible in more than 30 different languages. 

2) Tuenti 

Tuenti is very similar to Facebook, the only difference? It is a invitation-only private "facebook". Popularly referred as the "Spanish Facebook", the functions are all the same. I am stunned at the existence of Tuenti since I've never expect that there will be another app that is super similar to Facebook. Like what's the point of having the same functions. oh wells.

Week 1: Past, Present, Future

This blog will be dedicated to the module- Introduction to Internet. To be honest, when I learnt that I have to take up this module to graduate, I was a bit disinterested because, what is there to know about the Internet? I mean, we are already using it on a daily basis. Boy, was I wrong after the first lesson which touched on the past, present and future of the Internet. I remembered Mr. Choy showing us a video about the history of Internet and I was fascinated as I didn't know that the ARPANET was invented as a communication sharing tool for government leaders. Learnt something new!

And today, Internet is used for almost everything. Everybody is at least using one kind of social media platform or another such as Whatsapp to begin with especially since its a mobile application. 

Here's an statistic of whatsapp growth of their 1st 4 years after launch. We can see how dependent and popular Whatsapp is to all of us hahaha me included. Learnt about Web 1.0/2.0/3.0 too, ahh everything is sooooo new to me!

Looking forward to the future of Internet and what is in store for the world.

Long Distance Relationship communication in the future? hmm ideas ideas.


Ending off with a graphics I found! What will the Internet look like in 100 years! Pretty interesting huh.

(credits: Source)