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Technically Speaking - Helping you survive and thrive in the Digital Age

Hello Friend,

This month's plate got too full to include the second part of a popular item from last month - next month for sure - I hope.

Thanks as always for inviting your friends and colleagues to join this mailing list by registering here.

Finally, I have a small favor. Could you please answer the one question survey at the bottom of this page. Downton Abbey fan or not, give it a try. Do it again even if you responded to my recent test - I've changed the answers! Thanks in advance - I really appreciate it and future surveys will be much more informative if this one works - and if you take part.
Gary

Faster than a speeding FedEx truck
It seems like Amazon is going after Superman's speed record with its new one hour delivery service. In our never ending quest for "I want it now" Amazon has introduced one or two hour delivery in major cities. Two hour delivery is free for Amazon Prime subscribers while there is a $7.99 fee for the one hour service. The demanding boss who shouts "I want it yesterday" may be a symbol of what's to come. One reason for this Amazon offering is the company doesn't compete with Apple or Google, it competes with Walmart. They both try to sell products conveniently at low cost. As Walmart opens more stores and expands its online offerings, Amazon builds more distribution centers and uses bike messenger services to beat the traffic. Moving products around the world is a snap with containerized cargo ships and jumbo airliners - it's the "last mile" - getting the items to your doorstep - that is the real challenge. Immediate gratification anyone?

Got time for a laugh? or three?
You absolutely have to visit the Demotivators site and make sure you read down as far as the Easter Island poster about priorities. My favorite is the one about consultants.*

Google Glass

SONY SmartEyeglass

Dorky Google Glass now being upstaged by even Dorkier Sony version
Sony did something many thought was impossible - made smart glasses uglier than Google Glass. Check out the video here.

Or maybe it's a tossup.

Samsung Galaxy S6

Apple dominance
Whether you love or hate Apple, there's no doubt the company is demolishing all comers in the mobile space. A year ago, Samsung sold twice as many smartphones as Apple while Apple made three times the profits of Samsung.

Today the two companies share the top spot in terms of sales volume while Apple makes more than 90% of the profits. Samsung makes 7% and everyone else shares the remainder and most lose money. To learn more about these fascinating market dynamics read this from the Motley Fool - "As Apple Inc. Overtakes Samsung, What Happens to HTC and Sony". The just released Samsung Galaxy S6 models will be major factors in the battle.

And speaking of Apple, I suggest you go into hiding immediately - if you don't want to be drowned in a sea of Apple Watch news. There are dozens of smart watches available today - from Pebble, Sony, Motorola, LG and six from Samsung alone - but none have made it to the rarified "gotta have" status. Bets are being placed today whether Apple can produce a winner that people line up to buy. Based on the company's recent track record with killer products and their elevation to the biggest company in history in terms of market value, I certainly wouldn't bet against them.

What's up with Branson?

I know you have nothing better to do than worry about a soap opera but please, please do me one little favor - I don't ask for much - and participate in this one question survey. Branson's future is at stake for God's sake - and I'm also testing this survey system. Like him, love him or never heard of him - this is your chance to speak out. Thanks for your help.

*And never forget - those who do not learn from cliches are destined to repeat them.

March 2015
Issue 65

Who I am and what I do

My lifetime passion has been explaining technology to non-technical audiences. I've been a programmer, project manager, system designer and independent consultant. I've taught at the high school and university level, published numerous articles and given hundreds of lectures across the US and abroad. In my spare time I volunteer for several social service organizations and enjoy my photography hobby.

How I can help you

I will work with you to develop an educational program suited to your association, business or other group - long or short, basic or advanced. Popular topics include:

• Small group roundtables

• Mobile Tech 101

• Mobile devices in business

• How mobile payments are changing the way we do business
• iPad tips and tricks
• Apps, apps and more apps

• Technologies and companies to watch

• Why good cameras take bad pictures

• How things work - from your PC to the Internet

Click here for more information on these topics.

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