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***Consumer Electronics Association executives stick with their forecast of Ultra High Definition TV sets not taking off in a big way until 2015 or 2016. The Ultra-TV set-maker crowd almost to a TV, whether big players Samsung, Vizio, LG and Toshiba or newbies like Seiki, stick to their belief that next year will be the Continue Reading →

Even though Social TV is barely three years old as a major consumer phenomenon, it is speeding toward its coming of age. The impending launch of Social TV ratings at the end of this month will not only prove if the concept can pass muster, it could also upend the TV airtime trading market as Continue Reading →

  When life becomes unfamiliar, that’s when we grow the most. As I recall, few days in my life were more foreign than the first day of school. Specifically, first grade. Way back in September 1990, everything was new. My clean, white sneakers that had yet to touch the playground dirt; a Trapper Keeper stocked Continue Reading →

While there are hundreds of worthy subject-based educational apps for high school students, the best ones teach adolescent learners how to use technology to be more productive so they can focus on topics that most inspire them. These five make our honor roll. Complete Class Organizer – Student Version ($4.99) Complete Class Organizer really tries to Continue Reading →

A group of teen and even preteen vendors works outside the Saratoga Race Track every summer selling water. These young entrepreneurs work hard and make decisions applicable to much larger and supposedly more sophisticated businesses. Pricing needs to be competitive, but this seldom generates sales. Almost everyone sells water for $1 per 500ml bottle. The Continue Reading →

Coca-Cola. Kodak. Ford. McDonald’s. Sears. You’ve heard of all these top-name companies, which 24/7 Wall Street pegs as the greatest brands in American history. And they all have one essential trait in common: All were born and began to thrive way before social media was even a concept. While the Internet can help propel your Continue Reading →

It has been well documented by now that word of mouth and social media are significant forces in the consumer marketplace. Word of mouth is the most trusted source of information for consumers around the world according to Nielsen, and there is now measurable proof that social voice drives product sales both directly and indirectly. Continue Reading →

90-minute commute to work. 3 hours of travel per day. 15 hours per week. 60 hours per month. Does this sound like your life? I sure hope not. According to a recent report from the US Census Bureau, 600,000 Americans spend 90 minutes getting to work — in addition to traveling a distance greater than 50 miles. It’s called a Continue Reading →

Do you turn on your computer and then leave to go get a cup of coffee while you wait for the system to respond so you can start your day? Do you stare at the hourglass while photos or videos download? If so, you are not alone. Americans using four-year-old (or older) personal computers (PCs) Continue Reading →

Finding high quality and appropriate educational apps for middle schoolers is tricky business. Preteens are no longer engaged by rudimentary games and childish characters, yet they still lack the skills and discipline to take on more complex, high school-oriented subjects. Apps that hit the bullseye for this age group introduce critical thinking techniques and reach Continue Reading →