Frozen is Disney's top grossing movie of all time. One would think in order for this to happen the company had to have some amazing marketing. The movie itself can still be found in some theaters but they have mainly been marking for the release of the DVD and Blu-ray. Disney marketed Frozen like no other. An individual could find posters near bus stops, on buses, all over the Internet, commercials on television, and promotions on the radio. The use for all of this marketing is to have as many individuals as possible come see the film, or buy it upon its release. Clearly, Disney did an amazing job. People of all ages love Frozen, and as someone who personally saw the movie multiple times and bought the DVD I can say their marketing was extremely effective. Their trailer alone (before the movie was put in theaters) generated an unbelievable amount of interest. 

My first impression of Disney’s Frozen was nothing but positive. I immediately fell in love with their character Olaf, and loved the idea of a movie focused on two princesses. The concept was different than their other movies (which tend to be repetitive). The music for the film was also an area of interest. Disney spent less time promoting the songs because they had already skyrocketed on the charts after the release of the movie and the Oscars. The Oscars were another contributing factor to the marketing of the movie. Even more individuals went and saw the movie for the simple fact that it was nominated. After winning many awards Disney showed that they were determined to make amazing films. I have personally seen the movie an uncountable number of times. I am obsessed. The theme of the movie in and of itself is one to keep for generations to come. Frozen finally contributes the message that women do not need a man to save them. People of all ages love this movie, which speaks highly to Disney’s marketing strategies.

The use of the trailer (campaign) and many other forms of media to attract attention for the movie was incredible. It made me much more likely to go see Frozen. I was constantly reminded about it. From bus stops to commercials there was not a moment that the movie was not being promoted. Not only that, the strength of word of mouth was another factor. My friends had seen the movie and spoke so highly of it that I wanted to see it as well. Disney in general does an amazing job of promoting any of their products, services, or films. Disney is classic. Most individuals find themselves happy with Disney products and services. From theme parks to Disney Stores, they are considered a place of pure happiness. To be honest, they aren’t even considered real life. When an individual steps foot in a theater to see a Disney movie, in a Disney store, or into a Disney theme park the real world is left behind. People of all ages are free to become a child again and “experience true happiness” or have their “dreams come true”. Disney always captures an audience. They somehow always pull you in.

The reason I think anyone is pulled in is because inside we are all dreamers. Disney gives everyone the ability to believe that each and every one of us can fulfill our dreams if we hold them dear. From Cinderella, to Lady and the Tramp, to Toy Story, we are all dreamers. Disney caters their movies and places to people of all races, genders, audiences, and ages. More recently their messages have been diverse and their characters are experiencing more realistic journeys (with a little touch of imagination). This makes it more relatable to more people. From a girl who grew up with Disney I can honestly say it is kept close to my heart. Disney will always be at the top of the media list as one of the most captivating companies.

Inside the Smart Phone - Eric Courtney

RFMD – Inside the Smart Phone 

I’ve always been fascinated with how things are made.  In thinking about this week’s blog post, and in seeing the commercials for the new Samsung Galaxy 5 phone, I could not help think about what parts go into making a device, and making it better. 

In doing research, I found out there is a company called RFMD which is a manufacturer and supplier of electronic components to the cell/smart phone industry.  Based on their product catalog offered on their website, www.rfmd.com, they offer a variety of components to various different industries.  One of their most recent innovations, worthy of a news release, is a new type of antenna for smart phones, also referred to the company as an ACS or Antenna Control Solution.  The antenna is designed to be more energy efficient which prolongs the life of the battery.  It also has better signal strength which results in faster data transfer.  Though they do not specifically say what phones will have this new technology, they do say it is geared towards the 4G LTE phones and more than likely that includes the new Samsung Galaxy 5, (as Samsung is one of their customers), and other 4G LTE phones coming to market in 2014. 

So when you think about it, it’s not the new ‘packaging’ or ‘skin’ that makes for a  new smart phone, but rather it’s the components and the technology built into the components that make them new. 

Eric Courtney 

Sources 

Wikipedia.  “Smartphone.”  Wikipedia.com, date not given.  Retrieved April 22, 2014 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smartphone. 

RFMD.  “RFMD Expands Portfolio of Antenna Control Solutions for 4G LTE Smartphone and Tablets.”  RFMD.com, Feb 26, 2014.  Retrieved April 22, 2014 from http://ir.rfmd.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=828339.

Hitachi Business Microscope - Office Networking Remixed

Companies everywhere are figuring out how to make wearables work for their employees by making them more efficient and monitoring their progress, but also improving the organization. Take for example, Hitachi Business Microscope. This gadget is about the size of a school or company ID and worn around the neck. This device is filled with various sensors that not only monitor a persons movement and speech, but also their surrounding environment such as temperature and lighting. It tracks and analyzes every movement and gesture.

The device tracks where a worker travels within the office, knows their fellow colleagues with whom they are talking to due to recognizing the other persons badge, and it measures how effective the conversation is by analyzing the energy/pitch level in their voice and how many times they nod or gesture. Employees are able to see their productivity level, their communication habits, and whom they seem to have a rapport with. This technology, the Hitachi Business Microscope, can be beneficial to both the employee and employer so long as it is being used for the right reasons.

This particular device has an LCD screen that displays feedback as well as statistics. Through use of this gadget business and employees are able to work more efficiently with those they have a more progressive relationship with, improve collaboration or stalemate amongst team members, and encourage people to reach out and discuss with others that they may not have done with in the past.

Though this is an excellent and innovative technological gadget, their are a few concerns that should be pointed out. The biggest of which is privacy and monitoring. With the information about the NSA monitoring American citizens, people are becoming less trusting and fearful of monitoring devices. It will be important for companies looking to implement this into their organizations for improvement to make sure they give their employees the option of participating, thoroughly explain how the device works and tracks different factors and emphasize that the information provided isn't on an individual bases but aggregate.

For more information, please click on link below:

http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702303796404579099203059125112

LinkedIn

LinkedIn is a relatively new website and mobile app that allows users to upload their resume and connect with other professionals in their field or area.

Users can write recommendation letters of sorts about other users and "endorse" them. This allows employees and employers to make business connections that possible lead to employment or deals in the future.

This technology is another social media tool used by companies to get their name out there and attract employees or business deals. The use of LinkedIn along with other social media sites allows for a company to build a strong online presence which leads to business success.

Personalized Television Adds

Now that we all have the option to record the programs we watch on T.V. service providers are working on a way to even more personalize the advertisements we see during programing.  Direct TV, Comcast, and Charter are just a few providers who have launched what they call "addressable ads" which allow a company to send commercial directed to a particular household, instead of using the potential age of viewers expected to be watching specific programs.

These targeted ads are made possible by the gathering, repacking and trading of personal data.  This Data is collected through the set-top boxes.  Service providers are capable of retrieving information on programs watched, and the time of day when watched most often.  Test confuted have shown viewers turn the channel 32% less in areas where the "Addressable Ads" are being used.

By sung "addressable Ads" companies, and service providers are capable keeping viewers from flipping channels.  Using this technology is more expensive than running traditional ads, but its expected by next year "addressable ads" will total around $11.5 million http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052748704226504576029871779927478?mg=reno64-wsj&url=http%3A%2F%2Fonline.wsj.com%2Farticle%2FSB10001424052748704226504576029871779927478.html%253Fmod%253De2tw

PonoPlayer, the new player in digital music

PonoPlayer, the new player in digital music

Finally, a new player in the digital music industry has arrived! The PonoPlayer is a new digital music player that allows you hear the music as it was originally meant to be heard. After raising money through Kickstarter and with the help of seasoned rocker Neil Young, $6.2 million dollars has been raised by music fans all over the world. Not just Neil Young fans, but people who are looking for a clearer and cleaner sound from their digital music player.

This player offers 128GB of storage that can hold anywhere from 1,000 to 2,000 full length albums, plus has a slot for a memory card should you need more storage. In addition, you do not have to only use PonoPlayer software, you can download music from other mp3 players, your computer, and almost any other music app. This device is for both serious music fans who care about the quality of their music that goes into their ears and for those who just like music.  

Google Invents Smart Contact Lens With Built-In Camera

Google Smart Contact Lenses

Remember when Google Glass was created? Well know Google has gone above and beyond with their newest invention of a “smart contact lens.” This new smart contact lens contains an integrated camera, which allows the contact lens to follow your gaze giving you basically a bionic eye.

The smart contact lens is made so that the camera is be extremely small and sits on the outside edge of the lens so that there would be no distraction. With the camera in your lens it can naturally follow your gaze, spot hazards before your brain does, night-vision, and even facial recognition. This could also be a huge development for the blind and people who are visually impaired. 

Could you imagine taking a picture with your contacts and then having it show up on your smart phone? Or having the ability to be warned about oncoming traffic? Or even being able to scan faces using the facial recognition? These are just some of the amazing features that these Google smart contact lenses offer.

Now these smart contact lenses are not on the market just yet but in the major stages of development. Google is still trying to work out some of the kinks such as battery power and the size/aesthetics of the lenses. This could be revolutionary in not only the technology world but for the world of doctors and their patients who suffer from vision problems and even patients with diabetes!