This doesn't matter but...what do you think about having so much of our technology centralized. Products like Apple/Mac, Google, and Amazon are offering more stuff and in a better way than ever before. It is like we have a handful of Wal-Marts popping up on the internet!Google is THE internet search engine. In the most recent Webster’s Dictionary included the word “googled.” Seven years ago Yahoo and Hotmail introduced most of us to the world wide web based e-mail that was accessible from any computer in the world. It changed the way I e-mailed and it ultimately made e-mail relevant. But Google has not just stopped with searching the net or creating a excellent e-mail service. Google has created a mini-operating system offering web based programs what can compete with their costly counterparts: Calendar, Documents, Blogs (Blogger), Photo Editing (Picasa), Google Earth (don’t know what this is for, but it is fun), Google Maps (easier than Mapquest), and more. In fact, a new operating system, gOS, has just come out that uses Googles programs and other free programs that is based on the Linex infrastructure. Wal-Mart is selling the computer with the software already loaded on it for $200. Window’s Vista can cost $200 just for the program. Google and Wal-Mart are two of the only entities that might be able to compete with Microsoft.
Apple has been another company that is leading the charge for unifying all of our technology and life. For a while Apple had been attempting to develop a brand. In retrospect you can see how iPod was not just a new take on mp3 players, but the beginning of Apple’s call to arms. With Apple’s market share going to 10% (which is almost triple what it was just a few years ago) they are changing the way that a generation is interacting with their media. Apple has finally created a product line that can effect the most important areas of Gen-X (or whatever we are): iPod & iTunes (Music), iPhone (phone & internet), and Mac’s that are compatible with PC’s.
So what does this mean for us the regular consumer? I don’t know, I am not some sort of technology journalist. What do you think? I love that Google can be my search engine, e-mail, and even portable document editing programs. I am a little apprehensive about having one program that I am tied to not because of security but because of the fear that all of those “free” services might come at a cost. I love my Mac and love the lifestyle (easy of use, customizability, and cutting edge tech) they offer. Would I pay twice as much for that branding? Well, yeah, I think I would. Will I pay much more than that? Time will tell.
In other news. I am still in school and enjoying it. I am healthy. Thanks for your concern.
kirkh
