Tech Blog

The Most Popular Mobile Apps

March 29, 2015 by Eyal Yechezkell

Mobile continues to be one of the fastest growing sectors in tech and these apps see some amazing usage and downloads. Here are the most popular mobile apps available.

Apple iTunes ~ 40 million unique users – Music

With Apple’s iPhone as the most popular phones it makes sense that a music app that comes pre-loaded would see some success.

Yahoo! Stocks ~ 42 million unique users – Finance

Yahoo! as a company has been focusing on mobile as a growth sector under CEO Marissa Meyer. Yahoo! Stocks app is a strong step in the right direction.

Instagram ~ 44 million unique users – Social

Facebook’s purchase of Instagram for $1 Billion is looking like great investment. Instagram continues to see growth rates usually reserved for new viral apps.

Gmail ~ 70 million unique users – Email

Gmail has won over its wide array of users through its simple to use interface. But they are not resting on their laurels. They are currently working through the kinks on their newest email app, Inbox.

Google Maps ~ 71 million unique users – Maps Service

Google has perfected the most useful, efficient and user-friendly maps app on desktop and mobile. Apple once tried to replace it with their maps app. It didn’t work out well.

Google Play ~ 79 million unique users – App Store

An app to download apps. Google Play is automatically added to every android phone and used to download whatever the heart desires.

Google Search ~ 80 million unique users – Search App

“Just Google It” This app does exactly that giving the user a way to quickly google something in their material design interface.

YouTube ~ 87 million unique users – Video App

Yes. The last five apps are Google properties. Google purchased YouTube in 2006 for 1.65 Billion dollars and though it has grown into the best place video social network and music video website and app it barely profits.

Facebook ~ 116 million unique users – Social Network

As big as it is it continues to see double digit growth in app users. It is by far the most used app on phones and tablets.

The True Tech Unicorns Have Valuations of $10 Billion

March 18, 2015 by Eyal Yechezkell

It is the age of the unicorn startup. As more and more startups choose to forego the IPO and seek private financing, the billion dollar startup may not be a unicorn anymore. These “startups”, as people still insist on calling them, are often much larger than many public tech companies.

Below is a list of the true unicorn tech companies worth over $10 Billion.

Xiaomi ~ $46 Billion

Primarily a smartphone company, Xiaomi employs roughly 5,000 people around the world and only released its first smartphone in 2011. Its rapid growth in China has helped make it the third largest smartphone maker in the world. It is currently the most valuable private tech company.

Uber ~ $40 Billion

Uber has a knack for making headlines. Just today they made headlines worldwide after Paris arrested Uber employees in their Paris office for operating an illegal taxi service. But despite headlines like these or perhaps because of them Uber has raised a war chest that has them at a $40 billion valuation.

Palantir ~ $15 Billion

A big data, software and services company that started by doing data analysis for American intelligence agencies. They have since expanded to providing services for the private sector. Their decision to say private is deliberate, stating that it would make running their company difficult.

FlipKart ~ $12 Billion

FlipKart exclusively operates in India for now but that hasn’t stopped it from growing into an e-commerce powerhouse focusing mostly on electronics. They’ve used their extensive funding for various acquisitions.

Pinterest ~ $11 Billion

Pinterest is the photo sharing and storage social network launched five years ago. Some are predicting their next step is to become a search engine and rival Google.

AirBnB ~ $10 Billion

AirBnB grew very quickly after taking part in the biggest tech accelerator, Y Combinator. The disruptive company allows users to rent out rooms or entire homes. It now operates in over 190 countries.

DropBox ~ $10 Billion

Another Y-Combinator startup, Dropbox has been able to keep strong market share despite tech giants like Google getting into the cloud storage business. Their competitor Box recently had their IPO and their stock has steadily declining since.

Snapchat ~10 Billion

The ephemeral messaging app turned teen social media powerhouse have been making headlines for its huge user engagement numbers and even bigger funding rounds from the likes of Prince Alwaleed and Alibaba

The Next Big Startups In Healthcare

February 28, 2015 by Eyal Yechezkell

Many startups are emerging to make not only tracking your health, but diagnosing health issues on your phone a reality. Mobile health has already been successful in facilitating communication among medical professionals and in the developing world. And what’s on the horizon for healthcare is exciting.

As billions of dollars is invested into health startups by VCs and the likes of Google and Apple, many are betting that it is the next big industry to be disrupted by the little guy. Even the federal government is getting involved by trying to encourage commercialization of emerging technology. But perhaps the biggest gain will come from reduced burden on the healthcare system.

CliniOps

Performing clinical trials for small pharmaceutical or medical device companies is often cost-prohibitive and time consuming. CliniOps set out to try and solve this problem by leveraging cloud and social technology to lower the cost and time needed to perform these trials.

MedWand

One big reason you need to go to the doctor’s office and cannot diagnose your problems online or over the phone, is the diagnostic tools doctor’s offices have. With Medwand anyone can have access to stethoscope, blood-oxygen sensor, thermometer in one. This could potentially lower the cost of the healthcare system on the United States for unnecessary appointments.

RespondWell

Physical therapy is often the most important parts of any operation that requires it, but it is a long process and one that requires regular visits and can be very costly. RespondWell is gamifying PT and trying to create a system where the work can be done at home

Augmedix

Too much of a doctor’s time is spent writing and transcribing notes for electronic health records and not enough time is spent with patients. Augmedix leverages Google Glass to interface with most EHRs to give doctors the ability to push and pull information from them seamlessly.

Gates Foundation On Mobile Banking For The World’s Poorest

February 17, 2015 by Eyal Yechezkell

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation recently published a letter with ambitious goals and projections for 2030. One of these projections was that mobile banking will transform the way the world’s poorest live, save, and pay for expenses.

Many in Africa have to save money around their house which leaves the possibility for it to get stolen, which happens often. They also cannot get loans, so even if they have assets in the form of homes or livestock they cannot borrow in an emergency. And if they can get a loan, it’s often at a high interest rate.

So is mobile banking the answer? Traditional banks are profit-driven and unfortunately there is no profit in towns where money is scarce. So it is not a surprise that in many ways, mobile banking is already showing signs of success. M-Pesa is a money-transfer and mobile banking service that was launched in Kenya and met with rapid growth and adoption. M-Pesa has continued to see double digit growth year over year. Micro-loans, which have been around for a while have been very successful in helping the poor and mobile banking has already helped facilitate more of this.

Of course there are limitations to the rise of mobile banking as a solution to the world’s biggest problems. Corrupt governments, low adoption rate by service providers and lack of access to mobile devices restrict rapid growth of mobile banking but Bill and Melinda Gates think because there is a market, it will be filled.

There are currently 2 billion people across the world that don’t have access to a bank. And as entrepreneurs solve these problems they are finding that there is profit in helping the poor. If the M-Pesa is widely adopted and continues to grow alongside it’s clients’ wealth it can become a very large and powerful force in the global economy by 2030.

Facebook Mobile Ad-Revenue Is Growing Fast

January 21, 2015 by Eyal Yechezkell

Less than three years ago, in 2012, when Facebook was filing it’s IPO, mobile ad revenue accounted for very little of their total ad revenue. Many investors worried if they would be able to compete in the space. But, since that moment, the social network has seen explosive growth in mobile ad revenue.

The very next year in 2013, mobile ad revenue jumped to 45% of their total ad revenue. Research firm eMarketer released their predictions for where that trend will lead and they believe mobile will pay off huge for Facebook accounting for an estimated $13.6 billion and 75% of their ad revenue.

Many believe that mobile is in its infancy and much of these predictions are based on the idea that Facebook and its competitors in the mobile space will be able to charge much higher rates as consumers become more willing to buy on their phone. In addition, more people are becoming users of the Facebook mobile app, in United States and abroad.

Another reason for the expected growth is international adoption of the Facebook platform. India is a country of 1.2 billion people and as their economy grows more and more people will be using mobile technology to access the platform. There are already almost as many mobile Facebook users in India as in the United States. Brazil and Mexico are also emerging markets that Facebook is targeting.

Facebook has a distinct advantage over traditional display ads because the experience is the same across all devices and ads are native. They know this very well and is big reason why they are investing in technology that will bring internet to the poorest areas of the world.

Do you think Facebook will grow ass fast as predicted?

Apple Pay and the Mobile Payment Revolution

December 1, 2014 by Eyal Yechezkell

Apple Pay has often been thought of as the fruition of the mobile payments revolution. However, in all reality, it is merely the final step in a long process that has involved many other technologies created by a variety of companies, according to an article recently completed by the EDN Network. For Apple Pay to even be possible, first encryption advances, digital currencies, biometrics, NFC, Bluetooth, QR codes, and the use of sound wave data transfer had to be developed; the program would not be possible without these advancements occurring first.

WSJ Apple Pay Illustration — Photo Credit: Wall Street Journal

Apply Pay represents the most conventional method of mobile payments; it is based on the inherent NFC capabilities of the iPhone 6 and, fundamentally, allows for point-of-sale payments through the use of provided credit card or bank information. In addition to this, the program leverages the data already supplied from its users to their iTunes accounts. The finished product is naturally coherent and easy to use, with information inputted and secured by the users themselves.

However, Apple Pay is certainly not the only form of a mobile wallet on the market; many other large companies and startups have sought to add their own version of harnessing these technologies. Google Wallet also uses NFC capabilities; however, as an alternative to the iPhone’s procedure of securing the transaction with a fingerprint scan used for authorization, Google Wallet relies on a simple passcode. In addition to Google, many other companies are working on their versions of a mobile payment form. Specifically, Walmart is in the process of developing systems based on scanning bar codes. Many major credit card companies and banks have developed, or are in the process of developing their own mobile payment platforms.

Large companies aren’t the only one pursuing this trend, either. Various makers of apps and devices are also pursuing the trend. Through all of these attempts, one thing becomes clear—those companies, which pursue some way of replacing or consolidating credit cards with other physical alternatives, are behind the curve; the true trend perhaps lies in social media photo messaging services attempting to provide photo-based mobile payment methods. One example is Snapchat’s recently launched Snapcash payment option. It works inside the Snapchat app using Square Cash, which appends a cryptographic signature to every payment to enable users to instantly send cash to other users – and presumably eventually ecommerce vendors – using a debit card-based system.

Tech Coming to Your Airline

November 3, 2014 by Eyal Yechezkell

Wifi onboard As technology becomes progressively more important to travelers, Digital Trends was prompted to survey the currently available technology provided by airlines, as well as what is on the horizon to be rolled out. Their findings were published in an article for the website, in which the author ranks existing technology on airlines. In general, there were several prevalent trends. All airlines offer online check-in services; Wi-Fi is in the process of becoming as prevalent, although it is a slower task. Social media sites are used by all airlines, for varying purposes. Most often, the sites are used to provide real time news, such as delays, or to assist customers in their travel plans. Power outlets are becoming progressively more prevalent as well, despite the fact that they were once only available in the more exclusive cabins. In general, airlines that operate using only one single type of airplane are quicker to add technology, as different applications for different machines don’t need to be taken. This means that Jetblue, Southwest and Virgin America were generally the flights that provided the most tech options.

Virgin America won the title of most tech conscious airline. Every plane offers Wi-Fi, AC and USB power. The planes also offer video on demand, to be streamed through the seat back monitors. Seat to seat chat is also provided, as well as a food ordering system, a map view from Google Maps and an in-flight social network. However, the airline does have some shortcomings. It doesn’t offer live television, which is an increasing trend in tech-friendly airlines. It also doesn’t offer a mobile app or mobile boarding pass. However, since its amenities are available across their entire fleet, Virgin America still takes the price in terms of being tech-friendly. Jetblue serves as the runner-up, with the introduction of its own Wi-Fi system in the process of occurring. Southwest earns an honorable mention, in that it offers a fast satellite based Wi-Fi that allows passengers to stream video directly to their devices. However, there are no power outlets, which inhibits how much streaming is really possible.

Generally, the article found that airlines that boast of cheap flights were unapologetic in their lack of technology adaptations. They acknowledged that the lack of frills was how they kept their prices low. Along similar lines, legacy airlines, such as American, Delta and United tend to fall behind in the tech crunch. However, the article disclaimed not to count the airlines out; they run on a variety of aircrafts and, therefore, are simply a bit slower to add the amenities.

Mobile Schools Strive to Make Learning More Fun

October 1, 2014 by Eyal Yechezkell

Pearson Education and Tech Mobile devices and technology have changed the terrain of school, classrooms and learning. This generation of students can’t settle for sitting in a classroom and mindlessly attempting to absorb information. Instead, they need to physically pursue information. As a result, an initiative by Pearson, an educational company, is now attempting to liberate students from the traditional constrictive classroom environment, according an article recently completed by Nasdaq.

One example of a school implementing technology heavily is Houston-based A+ Unlimited Potential School. Students spend half of their time outside the classroom, meeting in coffee shops to edit text in groups or city parks to photograph wildflowers before researching the flowers online. The school is a private educational site, with approximately forty students on campus. The establishment is only in its second year of operation and serves as part of the country wide initiative to integrate more technology to engage students more actively. Another such school is located in Beverly Hills, Michigan, entitled the Nexus Academy of Royal Oak, has similar procedures for learning. It is one of seven charter schools part of Pearson’s plan that only forces students to be on campus for four hours a day, four days a week. Courses are often taught by remote teachers via teleconference, with students often spread comfortably in the lounge area of the school to do their constricted learning. Technology implementations include the use of robots for shy students, which allow teachers to project the face and voice of shy students for presentations.

Supporters of these initiatives claim that portable devices are wireless networks could change the entire expectations of K-12 education; it is thought that mobile technology could lift performance, make learning fun and lower administrative and facility costs. Alternatively, educational experts and school officials claim that there are limits to the model; no matter how good the technology, the human component of an excellent teacher to adapt the devices will always be required.

Apple Watch Falters at the Gate?

September 12, 2014 by Eyal Yechezkell

At Apple’s much anticipated keynote on September 9th, they shared a few new products. Two new versions of the iPhone 6, one slightly greater in both size and power when compared to the other, a new operating system for said new iPhone, and, as many in the industry expected, they added their own wearable to the market. They call it, rather unimaginatively, the Apple Watch.

Wearables have been making a sizable dent in the technology market lately, most notably with the Samsung Gear S, a watch style piece of technology that interfaces with one’s phone. There are a multitude of these devices available, however, from market giants like Nike all the way to smaller companies like Xtreme. One thing holds true for many of the wearables of today: the applications for most of these devices revolve around fitness.

So, how does Apple’s newest product stack up? Well, an article from ABC gave some insight into just where it’s flaws might lie.

The Apple Watch is more expensive

The starting price for the Apple Watch is $349, which is high for wearables in the market right now (as a comparison, the Xtreme wearable will run you $40 and the Samsung Galaxy Gear sits at $169). The price is doubled when you take into account the fact that it only works with an iPhone. So, for those of us without one of the latest Apple phones, the price really might be a barrier to entry giving some market space back to cheaper, similar products.

Late to the Party

Apple’s newest member of the family is also arriving at a time when other companies have already started to build a market base. It was only just announced a few days ago (at the time of writing this) and it will not hit shelves for another six long months. In the tech world, six months is an eternity. Other companies will have plenty of time to build new marketing strategies and, in some cases, even new products, to counter Apple’s newcomer. Apple always makes a fantastic product but will it hold up against competition that has had six months to prepare? Who knows.

Battery Life

A lot of the wearables, particularly the fitness centered ones, these days can go days, even weeks, without a charge. In contrast, many industry leaders are predicting that the Apple Watch will need at least a daily charge. In fairness, this is not a certainty as Apple deflected the question during their keynote, but, based on the performance of their other devices and the sheer quantity of things the Apple Watch is slated to be able to do, it seems likely that it won’t be able to last as long as it’s competitors.
Will the Apple Watch manage to follow in the footsteps of it’s incredibly well-selling older siblings, like the iPod and iPhone? Are wearables like the Apple Watch even going to last or is it just another tech fad? Only time will tell.

Facebook Takes Matured Approach to Ads

August 15, 2014 by Eyal Yechezkell

Eyal Yechezkell, Facebook Ads Facebook and its owner Mark Zuckerberg have long been known for a “move fast and break things” approach to business. However, as the corporation turns ten years old and its owner turns thirty in just a few weeks, it appears they are seeking to shake off that reputation as they turn to more mature means of proceeding in business. Several announcements made at the company’s F8 developer conference in San Francisco speak to a more helpful and widespread business plan, according to an article recently completed by Wired.

The first announcement that seemed to speak of a more matured approach was the introduction of the Facebook Audience Network, which connects Facebook’s one million advertisers with mobile apps developed by independent third parties. In essence, this network would allow Facebook to draw on the vast amount of information they have on their individual users to tailor targeted ads. This announcement shows an interest in helping other advertisers create revenue, as opposed to seeking purely Facebook’s own benefits from the situation.

In Zuckerberg’s keynote address, he acknowledged that the priority thus far has been on Facebook’s hacking division. He declared that this approach was all about Facebook and its own gains and losses. However, in the address, he announced a new wave of privacy policies for apps that connect with Facebook that would turn the priority towards users who make the most of the company’s unfinished products. Through these new policies, apps are no longer able to access information about a user’s friends, unless those friends have also allowed the app access through their own device. The policies also allow the user to control what the app shares on their Facebook in ways they haven’t been able to previously. Finally, users can now also connect to third party apps through Facebook, but anonymously. Again, all of this places the importance upon other apps, taking the focus off of sharing and including Facebook as much as is physically possible.

Finally, the company introduced what they referred to as the Web of Apps. Essentially, this provides a “Like” button for third party apps. Users can now link mobile apps like they link web pages. Once again, this places the emphasis on the third party apps, not Facebook itself.