Google Mocks Starbucks Mobile Payment Option/ Myspace Saved by Music/Facebook’s Favorite Search

Google Mocks Starbucks Mobile Payment Option:

It appears as though Starbucks will not be the only ones taking advantage of the new payment option. As predicted this option of payment is already becoming a new era. Google, within the next four months, will be testing the near-field communication technology in New York & San Francisco. Customers will be able to tap on the register when checking out and will have the option to use cash or card. This service will entail consumers financial account information, gift card balances, store loyalty cards & coupon subscriptions all on this one device.

In my opinion as long as security is regulated and enforced this may very well be a convenient way to make a payment. Not to mention, in the case with Google an effective way to monitor consumer behavior. Marketers can use this information for market research, and to strategize how to reach a consumer & evaluate their tactics. This is a great innovation for companies and marketers to take advantage of and I am certain Google will be one of many to take advantage of this new technical device.

Myspace Saved by Music:

Myspace is rapidly declining in popularity, thus resulting in a decline in traffic. Although there was a time when Myspace was the most favored social website, Facebook has dominated this market leading Myspace to a decline in its cycle. As a way to maintain  its traffic and support Myspace has decided to explore a different option. It has become Austins SXSW’s partner in music. Although this is an attempt to prevent total failure I truly believe this will not save them. They have run their course in the social networking race and they have been beat this time around.

Facebook’s Favorite Search:

When conducting a search on Facebook results will be presented in order of the preferences of users personal network. So now instead of waiting for the opinions of your friends you will have this information available to you, only a click away. Although this seems like a great feature I can’t help but feel like there maybe some limitations. You may want to search something a little more specific and will be unable to do so because the results will land you elsewhere. In any case Facebook is the most popular social network and I am sure if necessary adjustments will be made. Growth is always in the works.

Ashley Farrell

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-03-15/google-is-said-to-ready-payment-test-in-new-york-san-francisco.html

                                    http://www.clickz.com/clickz/news/2034298/myspace-player-woos-gen-sxsw-music-fest

Facial Recognition more than just in person:

Well it seems as though technology has taken yet another turn. We officially can run but not hide. Google recently signed a patent, Facial Recognition with social network aiding. If you are in any way affiliated with a social networking site; not just Facebook, a simple snap shot will reveal this information. Not only can you use a photo that was previously taken it can be a photo taken on the spot. This can be a photo of a landmark, or a group of people, this new software will provide as much information as possible of every single item, landmark or person in the photo.

Although this may seem like a very unique innovation, I personally feel that this is yet another way to have your privacy invaded. I know a large population in many countries participate in some form of social networking sites; however the difference to distinguish is option. People have the option to make their photos and information available to the public and also control how much they want people to know.

With this facial recognition people will be able to access all of the social sites you are involved in that you may not necessarily want everyone to know about. I believe this completely invades a person’s privacy and will make it somewhat uncomfortable to leave your home knowing you can be easily identified. Google is working out the details of privacy and is considering a few different options such as sending a request once a person has been identified, but I personally believe someone will find ways around this, and you can never be fully protected.

We are already deprived of privacy in other forms, and now people can take a picture without my knowledge and attain information about me that I may feel is personal. This is not something I feel very comfortable with, nor do I understand the relevancy of this. Although, I am guilty of being a part of the social networking society, I did not consider that this would open doors to other people having access to my private life. Then again this is 2011, what can you expect?

Ashley Farrell

http://blogs.computerworld.com/17871/google_face_search_to_use_social_network_photos