technology

The American economy is changing. From a manufacturing economy in the 50s, the economy slowly morphed into a (mostly) consumer economy in the 80s and 90s. Still, despite this market shift, American business was still conducted in person, in traditional brick and mortar businesses and American malls, anchored by familiar brands and larger regional names. But times have changed. Driven by the once-upstart online bookseller, Amazon, the American economy has shifted, slowly at first but recently with increasing speed, into an online transaction-based economy. While the tipping point has yet to occur, it’s getting close, as larger chain stores that... Read More >

They say you’re not supposed to bite the hand that feeds you, but apparently, no one chose to tell Apple that. The computer and mobile giant is suing mobile chip manufacturer Qualcomm for upwards of $1 billion for allegedly committing patent infringement. The kicker, Qualcomm is one of Apple’s biggest parts suppliers. According to Associated Press reports, Apple alleges Qualcomm is a “greedy monopolist” engaged in abuse of power by holding a key segment of the mobile market hostage in order to extort royalties for “iPhone innovations that have nothing to do with Qualcomm’s technology.” In other words, Apple is saying... Read More >

Mike Fernandez Promoted to U.S. CEO for Burson-Marsteller Mike Fernandez only joined Burson-Marsteller, a WPP agency, as the global corporate and financial practice chair four months previous to receiving this promotion. The jump to U.S. CEO happened immediately, and he takes over from Michael Law, who’s also moving up the ladder to become worldwide EVP. Both men will report to recently appointed worldwide president Kevin Bell. Fernandez’s previous position was created at the time he was hired in September, but the company doesn’t plan to replace that position at this time. Fernandez said: “I can remember in the 1980s, Harold... Read More >

Apple isn’t accustomed to getting negative feedback about one of its products. Typically, the company drops a new product, and an appreciative public gobbles it up in massive numbers. But the recent release of the latest iteration of the MacBook Pro is not receiving such rave reviews. Right out of the gate, tech industry reviewers Consumer Reports offered a “thumbs down” on recommending the MacBook Pro. Major issues the company pointed to included inconsistent battery life. According to Consumer Reports, the MacBook Pro’s battery life proved to be “highly inconsistent from one trial to the next.” What did they mean by... Read More >

It wasn’t that long ago that cable brands like MTV and Comedy Central ruled the airwaves with a certain demographic. The channels were by-words in teen and young adult culture, both reflecting and defining trends and defining cool and funny. Things have changed. YouTube and streaming media have captured the attention of the key target demographics for these stations, and that has the top brass searching for answers. Some are looking for them in other jobs. Veteran leader Doug Herzog, who heads MTV and Comedy Central, has announced plans to exit the company soon. This is a big change for... Read More >

The internet is a wonderful invention. A way to connect pretty much everyone with most of the information that exists. Want to know the latest on Brexit or climate change or international oil markets? Find it online. Want to know why this war or that famine started and what life was like then? Find it online. Want to know why that guy in the taco commercial looks so darn familiar? Yep, find it online. Internet in your pocket might be the most important invention man has given itself. But that great gift came with a huge caveat. Yes, you are... Read More >

American tech companies have “enjoyed” a tenuous and complicated relationship with China for some time now. As one of the biggest and fastest growing emerging markets, China is a major target for American companies looking to expand internationally. In recent months, Apple has faced a contentious back and forth with the Chinese government as it attempts to expand and compete against domestic tech companies in China’s – very – rich marketplace. Now, Facebook is on deck for a similar fight. After being kicked out of the world’s second-largest economy, Facebook went back to the drawing board to come up with... Read More >

The fast food business is changing. Expectations are shifting, and consumers are demanding more quality in less time. Those who think that’s impossible are not likely to survive in the modern fast food marketplace. McDonald’s CEO Steve Easterbrook is committed to the idea that his brand will not only survive these changes but emerge as the industry innovator and pacesetter. Continued automation has always been Job One of the fast food industry. What they made was not nearly as important as how it was made, how often, and how fast. That’s been the key to McDonald’s success, much more so... Read More >

2016 has already proven innovative for PR efforts by some agencies. The #perfectlyimperfect campaign sponsored by FCB Health, RX Mosaic Health, and Teva Women’s Health was used to help women in the 18-34 age range stress less about “being perfect.” The campaign also offered information on emergency contraception –- because even with contraception women can be perfectly imperfect. The campaign included a media tour using spokeswomen from MTV’s Girl, Dr. Diana Ramos (a women’s health expert and OB/GYN), and fairs on four college campuses with panel discussions and photo/video booths. The campaign proved highly successful with 100% positive engagement, 1,500... Read More >

The landscape of the mobile industry is changing. As the biggest players in the market close the gap on the longtime industry leader, each brand is looking for a way to bring customers over from Those Guys to Us. One of the most common levers is, of course, money. Lower rates, fewer fees, bonuses, free equipment, even offers to pay early termination fees. Anything to convince customers they will get a better deal with Us instead of Them. Once again, though, Verizon has announced plans to buck that trend. This is not really anything new. The big dog in that... Read More >