Author Archives: Rakesh Patel

About Rakesh Patel

Rakesh Patel is the CEO of Space-O Technologies, having 21 years of experience, leadership in: business strategies, operations & information technology also he is an author of book “Enterprise Mobility Strategy & Solutions” that will be published in September 2014.

So, Apple still wants to market on Steve Jobs name

Leave a reply

It seems that the Steve Jobs era is not over at Apple. I read on internet that Steve Jobs was involved in the development of the next two versions of iPhone. It means that the two versions of iPhone were developed before CEO Tim Cook took the helm of the company.

Apparently when San Francisco District Attorney, George Gascón got disappointed by service providers, he persuaded Apple with high expectations to come up with a plan to cut on reported surge in thefts of iPhone and iPads in metropolitan cities like New York, as reported by San Francisco Examiner.

But he said his meeting and conversation with Apple’s government liaison, Michael Foulkes was very underwhelming as he didn’t want to hear about the process of researching and producing a kill-switch technology for devices or the next two generations of iPhones, but wanted a plan in place instead.

However I think having a kill-switch technology would at least reassure victims about their phone data not being misused. I am waiting for Apple’s latest technology. I hope that would reduce the iPhone thefts too.

And about Apple using the great Steve Jobs’ name, I think as long as it stays innovative it will anyways be on edge regardless of marketing its products with bright man’s (Steve Jobs) personal brand.

Google has a great sense of humor

Leave a reply

The first thing what I do every morning is get a glimpse of Google on my lappy as I have set it as my Home page. Today, I found “Google Nose” on the page and was curious to know what it meant. I clicked on the link and was landed to “Google Nose” page. I was tempted to click on the button “Try Google Nose”. After clicking, I was directed to the “Hair spray page.” When I went on the “Start smelling” button, I took my nose closer to the laptop screen & pressed enter. I couldn’t smell anything for the first few seconds. I tried again and again, but didn’t get any smell. I saw the option of “Need help?”, I clicked on it and found that I was fooled by Google.

This is what I got to read:

If you are experiencing problems with Google Nose^BETA, please note the following:

“418: Scent transfer protocol error” indicates system congestion; please try again later.
Due to technological constraints, not all smells are compatible with all devices.
Refrain from licking or biting your screen.
Try upgrading to a modern browser, such as Google Chrome.
It is April Fools’ Day.

Check Google’s “new scentsation in search” and all other Google jokes for April Fools 2013.

Is Facebook Calling? Waiting for 4TH of 4TH

Leave a reply

I am amazed to read that Facebook’s sending invitations (that goes as “Come see our new home on Android”) to the press for an event to be held on April 4, 2013. I think the rumors about the Facebook Phone would be a reality now.

Well not exactly (or I shall say entirely, to be precise) a “Facebook Phone”, but I’m guessing it would definately be something about mobile, because of Android being in the picture. Though Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg has already denied the existence of plans of “Facebook Phone” earlier he also added at that point of time that even if they build the phone, they will not come up with their own hardware system.

And there comes HTC in picture that is also rumored to be in this venture fulfilling the hardware (handset) requirement for “Facebook Phone” that would run a modified version of Android with deep Facebook integration.

I’m wondering, will FB phone turn as popular as the social networking site? Let’s wait and see on Thursday, April 4, 2013, if Facebook is really calling?

Being Apple

1 Reply

I know that Apple stands outs and dominates the markets from many years. And I believe that the business will sustain its position and profitability in the coming years too.

But I always wondered how a company can be as popular as Apple? What sets them different from others?

Gratefully, I got my answer while browsing web, part of my daily routine of reading and acquainting myself with latest technology news & updates. I got to read about an alike company InfusionSoft, a maker of CRM and marketing automation software that is though not as big as Apple, but certainly has something in common with it.

And there are 3 following resemblances:

1) Teaching Sells:
Both Apple and InfusionSoft are always happy, in fact enthusiastic about teaching their customers on how to use their products & services. This could be a great USP for many companies who want to become the next Apple.

Think about this, if your customers are unsure about the usage of your products and services; and you don’t have programs in place to solve this; then you are probably losing on the potential prospects and eventually some business.

While on the other hand, if you educate people on the best use of your products and services; you not just stop the money drain but apparently create an environment to sell more. They may even look for your future products or services.

So that’s how Teaching sells.

Read about the other 2 strategies to become to the next Apple, here.

The latest invention: Video shooting device made from iPad

Leave a reply

“Truly said by someone, Necessity is the mother of invention”.

I am surprised to know about the new invention made by Dave Basulto, an arts teacher in South Pasadena, Calif. The high school media arts teacher created a Kickstarter project to offer a low cost gadget to his students to be able to shoot and edit the videos. He converted Ipad Mini into a “video production platform”.

The $319 tablet serves the purpose of shooting and streaming the video too. Isn’t that a cheap option?

Basulto’s creating some video tutorials to teach the kids about how to use iOgrapher. I am sure that he is working in the right direction to offer the cheap and easy way to shoot pictures and videos.

Though iPad mini has the video stabilization capability, the videos shot were quite shaky. The first iOgrapher mount was designed by Basulto. I wonder if they can meet the deadline of the Kickstarter funding campaign. The kickstarter project has raised $ 2,665 and they aim at $ 15,000 funding.

I’ve also heard that he is creating prototypes for iPad 2, the iPhone 5 and the iPhone 4S.

Basulto is planning to sell the device for $ 49. As it is expected that the device would be released in June this year, I’m planning to buy one. Good option for summer sports video capturing and parties! It’s not too heavy on the pockets. Let’s wait to see how many sales does the device makes.

The secret for success unleashed

Leave a reply

I have found the secret to make my company become the next Apple. After Atari was formed in 1972, Nolan Bushnell (the founder at Atari) hired Steve Jobs and other creative minds in the period of five decades. Bushnell, the author of the book Finding the Next Steve Jobs, explains how to search, hire and nurture people who have the capability to turn your company in the next Apple or the next Atari.

The book teaches us to hire limited number of people in the organization. I am curious to know how can the failures be celebrated.

The world is ever-changing and so is every company with every new challenge. Hope this book would help companies prosper! A few exclusive extract from Atari Founder’s book are available here.

Is NASSCOM Planning on New Silicon Valley?

Leave a reply

It didn’t get me goosebumps though the news from NASSCOM was certainly exciting for SME entrepreneurs like me. The National Association of Software and Services Companies (NASSCOM) has revealed its new initiative, “10,000 start ups” and I think we can expect the growth of India’s economy. Som Mittal, president NASSCOM announced that the program 10K start ups is one of the biggest initiatives which aims at catalyzing the tech start ups.

Does this mean that NASSCOM’s about to create a New Silicon Valley in India?

Because just like Silicon Valley, that has engulfed many large technology corporations and small start ups under its umbrella becoming a leading hub for IT field; NASSCOM is planning to bring incubate, fund and support 10,000 technology start-ups in India over the next ten years.

So will it be competing with Silicon Valley in the coming years? Well who knows!

NASSCOM has partnered with Indian Angel Network and some other biggies like Google, Microsoft and Verisign for the program to ensure and turn its initiative to a big success.

Further, I’m sure it would have a great national and economical impact on the technology ecosystem. Although it is assumed that there would be 10 times more start ups in the next ten years, a few things still coil in my mind. Will the competition in the market increase due to new companies landing to the markets? Would the “survival of the fittest” work for such companies? Guess, we’ll have to wait and watch!

2013, A Year to Watch or Ear to Watch?

1 Reply

Lately I’ve been thinking, “Whats with these mobile manufacturers all of sudden?” After Apple reported that they’re working on the iwatch, it seems that many other mobile companies are getting tempted to manufacture watches which can be a good substitute for the phones. I’ve read Samsung’s developing a new wristwatch. Does this mean that the Apple – Samsung war has begun?

After the rumors of Apple releasing the iwatch, Samsung follows Apple. Lee Young Hee, executive vice president of Samsung’s mobile business said, “We’ve been preparing the watch product for so long. We are preparing products for the future, and the watch is definitely one of them.” Lee made no comments on the features of the watch. I am curious to know what would be the difference between Apple and Samsung watches.

Samsung has been a tough competition for the Apple after releasing a series of Galaxy smart phones particularly S3 & now S4. Apple should start searching for some new ways to stay ahead of the competition. Anyway, I’m sure that it would be fascinating for the consumers to buy a watch that offers everything that a Smart phone does.

Apple may soon launch the iWatch in this year, while we would have to still wait for about an year to see Samsung’s watch. I was otherwise tempted to own an Apple iwatch. But with Samsung’s disclosure that they are also planning to launch a watch too, I will sure be looking on the features of both and compare them; and then obviously go for the best. But I guess I’d have to wait for the release if I’ve to choose the better one.

Anyways mobile companies are switching to watch production or may be mobiles are getting redesigned to watches, ultimately signaling the beginning of a new race or may be the cold old war.