The technology sector will grow strongly in 2015

The technology remains a growth engine. According to a Credit and Surety, some innovative technologies will grow to double digits this year.

We live in a digital age where information and communications technology permeate all sectors. In this context, the growth of new technologies is a logical consequence.

According to the report 'Market monitor. Focus on the ICT performance and outlook ' , prepared by Credit & Surety, the sector will grow . In addition, some innovative technologies such as cloud computing will even double-digit growth in 2015. In fact, IDC published this week that the cloud infrastructure market grew 25.1% in the first quarter . The work of the insurer indicates that this rise will occur in both advanced and emerging markets, albeit with different situations depending on the particular conditions of each country.

However, the future is not without challenges. The study warns that the sustainability of the sector is marked by constant innovation and the ability to develop and introduce new products on the market quickly . In line with this, the report explains that the life cycle of products is short. In addition, the weakness of the sector lies in the strong competition that exists, pressing on prices and margins. Thus, they encourage economies of scale of larger competitors, while smaller manufacturers have serious difficulties coping, except to offer very high technology or be focused on very specific market niches.

Consumer confidence has recovered in the United States, thanks to the growth of the economy, gas prices and the recovery in the labor market. Thus, the report forecasts a revenue growth in consumer electronics 3%, reaching a record of $ 223 million. Specifically, a 3% increase in sales of tablets and smartphones of 6% is expected. The greatest growth, doubling the revenues recorded in 2014, will be in other emerging products such as 3D or printers, televisions 4K smart watches unmanned systems.

In China, the sector grew almost 10% in 2014, thanks to the reforms and the support that the administration has provided for the modernization of the sector. Regulatory changes have caused the decline in restrictions on the sale of video games have encouraged foreign research on value-added services in the mobile sector and have led to the growth of cloud computing. Among the difficulties in the sector in China highlights the high levels of piracy, competitiveness and a transparent regulatory limits.

Brazil is one of the most promising emerging markets, but the country's economic recession and underinvestment are burdening your technology sector. Furthermore, it has been affected by the devaluation of the Brazilian real against the dollar, since 70% of the products industry are imported and valued in dollars, deteriorating profit margins. Although the Administration has extended the tax exemptions until 2018, the ICT market fell 20% in 2014 and a further contraction of 10% is expected in 2015.

And on the European continent, Credit and Surety expected to develop mobile applications and new technologies drive the industry in the UK in 2015. In France, sales of the ICT sector improved by 5% in 2014, being the main engine tablets industry growth, but sales slowed in the last quarter. According to the report, the French technology market will grow by 2% in 2015, driven by increased spending on French households and the recovery of consumer confidence.

China launches its first space laboratory

China has a manned space station scheduled for 2020.

China is the third country to orbit a human being behind the USSR and the USA.

The laboratory module also carries scientific experiments.

China launched on Thursday at 21.16 local time (13.16 GMT) the first module Tiangong Spacelab-1, unmanned , together with the Long March carrier rocket 2FT1 from downtown Jiuquan Satellite Launch (northwest), the agency official Xinhua. China's president, Hu Jintao and Prime Minister Wen Jiabao witnessed the launch from the space centers in Beijing and Jiuquan respectively. From 8.5 ton, 10.4 meters and 3.35 meters in diameter, Tiangong-1 spacecraft will dock with the Shenzhou-8, Shenzhou-9 and Shenzhou-10 over the next two years, Xinhua news agency reported. The first experimental space docking, two days after the launch of the unmanned Shenzhou-8, is scheduled within a month, in late October or early November, according to spokesman for China's manned space program, Wu Ping. This first space docking to test this technology will be when Tiangong-1 drops from orbit of 350 kilometers of 343 kilometers. The link will last 12 days. The second coupling experimental Shenzhou 9 will occur in 2012, according to official media, while the Shenzhou-8 will return to Earth, and Tiangong-1 return to the original orbit after both tests while awaiting the third link.

Is expected to remain Tiangong-1 into orbit two years

According to Wu, the docking experiments provide valuable information for the construction of a 60-ton space station and permanent manned China, scheduled for 2020 . According to the country's manned space program, the Shenzhou-10, which may be manned including perhaps the first woman astronaut, could be launched in 2012 also to join the laboratory module launched. The Tiangong-1, which is expected to remain in orbit two years, represents an important step in China's efforts to eventually build a manned space station , said the official press. The laboratory module also carries several scientific experiments. China is the third country to put a human into orbit after the Soviet Union and the U.S., first in the Shenzhou -5 on October 15, 2003 and has since sent two manned missions into space

Google buys leisure Zagat

Google buys leisure Zagat guides to integrate them into your browser and on their maps

The California company closed the operation after that in 2009 tried unsuccessfully to buy the site Yelp, which offers a similar service to Zagat.

Zagat guides have become a reference to the recommendations for finding entertainment in over 100 cities around the world.

The technology company Google announced Thursday the acquisition of U.S. firm Zagat , publisher of the famous entertainment guides that bear his name and whose valuations will integrate the results of the famous search engine. The California company closed the operation after in 2009 tried unsuccessfully to buy the site Yelp , which offers a similar service to Zagat and where consumers can comment and rate the various commercial establishments. "From now on, Zagat will be the cornerstone of our domestic supply," said Vice President division location services Google, Marissa Mayer , in a statement released by the company. Zagat will be the cornerstone of our offering local pocket guides Zaqat were created more than 32 years by Tim and Nina Zagat and have become a benchmark for the consumer when looking for recommendations for leisure activities in over 100 cities around the world. Google plans to integrate its services Zagat search and maps. Zagat's management went on sale the company in 2008 at the beginning of the economic crisis, for 200 million dollars, according to Techcrunch, but later rethought the operation. It is expected that the founders of the leisure guide is still with the company, according to The Wall Street Journal.

Steve Jobs left his position as head of Apple

Although the true reasons are unknown for now, everything points to a worsening of his health.

Tim Cook, former director of operations, will be his replacement in the CEO position at Apple.

Steve Jobs remain with the company as chairman of the board.

The previous CEO of Apple , Steve Jobs , announced Wednesday his resignation as head of the company's U.S. technology, a position he will be replaced by Tim Cook , currently head of operations. In the statement, Jobs said would continue in the company has become one of the most influential planet as Chairman of the Board of Directors and already recommended to Tim Cook to replace him as CEO.

"I always said that if the day came that I could not cope with my responsibilities at the head of Apple as CEO, be the first to make it known," Jobs wrote in a letter to the board of the company and Apple community. "Unfortunately, that day has come," he added. Nevertheless, Jobs will remain in the company as chairman of the board.

Jobs was present at the keynote WWDC 2011 in San Francisco. This act marked his second public appearance since in January take an indefinite medical leave. It is unknown reasons that led Jobs to ask the medical leave. Jobs, who has pancreatic cancer survivors in 2004 and in 2009 underwent a liver transplant, has continued active since then in making business decisions . He went to a closed-door meeting with President Barack Obama in February and undertook to introduce the iPhone 2 in March . "I believe the brightest days and innovators from Apple yet to come , "said the letter," and look forward to watching and contributing to that success from a new position. " was photographed in February at the exit of the medical center for sick of cancer, "Stanford Cancer Center" located in Palo Alto, where he was treated the late actor Patrick Swayze, which was set off alarms about the possibility that the CEO suffers a new tumor. Jobs had to retire several months earlier 2009 to address what they called "hormonal imbalance" but later learned that he had undergone a liver transplant in April of that year, at a hospital in Tennessee.

In the first hours after the announcement of the resignation of Jobs, Apple shares fell more than 5% in operations, following the closure of Wall Street.

Tim Cook, the logical choice

"I recommend strongly that running your succession plan and named Tim Cook as CEO of Apple, "he said about the choice to replace him in office.

The board fully confident that Tim is the right person for the job

Cook until now COO of Apple, was the man appointed by Jobs at the forefront of daily operations during their absence since last January. The board immediately accepted the recommendation of Jobs. "The board fully confident that Tim is the right person to be our next CEO, "said Board Director, Art Levinson, in a statement to announce the appointment of Cook. "The 13 years of service from Tim at Apple have been marked by outstanding performance , and he has shown remarkable talent and a solid approach in everything he does, "Levinson said.

Apple will have its biggest store

Apple will have its biggest store in Grand Central Station New York

The store on Fifth Avenue this new location will a tough competitor as the most iconic Apple.

After lengthy negotiations, the Cupertino company has reached an agreement with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority of New York (MTA) to fill most of the main hall, the one that was immortalized by Hitchcock With North by Northwest , with a their Apple Store.

The Cupertino company pay more than triple the rent the restaurant that currently occupies this space, $ 800,000 a year will rise to over one million at the end of the contract. MTA think will win five million dollars in profits for when the lease ends. Apple will also pay extra to redesign the space to be occupied, 2140 meters square, reports the New York Post .

Apple now must submit a proposal to condition the premises under a commission from the city of New York, but when the Grand Central Terminal will be the largest of its premises, beating Convent Garden in London.

iPhone 5

There are already two reports which cast doubt on future improvements to the iPhone model.A new report suggests that the next iPhone will not have major technological improvements over its predecessor, the iPhone 4. Given the recent statements by Bloomberg , as are two reports which cast doubt on the progress of the iPhone 5. The technological publication Taiwanese Digitimes says that manufacturers Pegatron Technology received an order for 15 million iPhone by Apple 5. According to Digitimes, the new iPhone "does not seem to have no significant improvement over the iPhone 4." Add the first devices should be completed in September. According to Bloomberg the iPhone 5 A5 incorporate more powerful processors, the same chip that has the iPhone 2. Also be distributed with a 8MP camera while the iPhone has only four 5. It is believed that the new iPhone model will advertise at an event hosted by Apple that will take place in September.

Google investigated by US authorities

Google confirms that it is investigated by U.S. authorities

The Federal Trade Commission United States would be investigating the company for abusing its dominant position in the web.

Through its official blog , Google confirmed today it is being investigated by the Federal Trade Commission, U.S. (FTC), which had already advanced the press a few days ago, saying the motive was primarily to study alleged monopolistic practices the company network. 

"It is unclear exactly what worries the FTC, but we have made our position clear," said Amit Singhal, Google executives said in a statement released today. 

According to various media, the FTC suspicion that Google may be abusing its dominant position in the web and harming competition. 

Among other things, authorities are expected to review the advertising system associated with the Google search engine, the main source of income for the company to see if the company directs users to its platform of services irregularly. 

"We recognize that our success has led to greater scrutiny. Yesterday we received an official notification from the Federal Trade Commission on U.S. had begun to revise our business," said Singhal. 

Finally, the Google executive said the company is willing to work with the FTC in this case to clarify the situation, and noted further that the company values ​​focus on "giving priority to the user."

Facebook purchasing companies to have engineers

In Facebook's offices in Madrid, billiards and table football no no nails in the walls to hang bikes.The look is quite elegant, in the economic heart of the capital.On the ground 18, in a small room, we see finally the blue ensign of a company that brings a flood of nearly 700 million people worldwide, including 15 in Spain."50% of these users access social network on a daily basis," said Christian Hernandez, director of International Business Development, Facebook, who has visited Madrid to intervene in Red Innova.

The company turned the focus of its initial strategy to attract users and then to the marks.The third key, now, are the developers.The technological factor is vital in Facebook, so much to think about acquisitions of companies to incorporate engineers."We did not consider acquisitions of vertical applications. If we undertake any purchase of companies is mainly to incorporate the best engineering talent," concludes Christian.

Your landing coincided with the recent news that the social network audience had experienced declines in the U.S., UK and Canada.Places where over 80% of Internet users is discharged from service.Hernandez believes that these data are not accurate.According to the internal tool for Facebook, users continue to grow."The best social network. We still need a little. The Mark Zuckerberg has said publicly he wants to reach 1,000 million worldwide. There are many countries where we continue to grow and get dumps in this mission," said Hernandez, account whose career was going through Google and Microsoft on similar charges.

A technological past that made ​​him live the collapse of the dot-com in the nineties.Perhaps it shows signs of skepticism about IPO, "I've seen it once. I went through that and until you see I will not believe."

Any figure is taken from Facebook is striking.With a total of 900 million pages and groups or events that result in 30,000 million pieces of content.Two hundred million people play in the social network and run small payments, either to pay their virtual farm or to improve the fictional restaurant.The company has its own currency that is evolving to the point of becoming the standard transaction within the service: Facebook Credits.

"Born as a virtual currency that users will make small transactions in the different games. It was easier with a single currency. Now brands offer more. A company promoted the premiere of the film and could pay to see it this way. Every day thousands of content are uploaded to the platform. Gradually, Credits Facebook is becoming a digital currency broader than initially thought, "he explains.The companies thus have the opportunity to create revenue from within the ecosystem.

Facebook could be seen as a country in itself, in which hundreds of companies operate."Amazon, for example, in the United States has built his shop with Facebook. Imagine being able to enter the site and learn about upcoming birthdays of your friends, or products that are identified as desired, through one I like. Ebay integrates it to facilitate group purchases automatically among friends. And all your circle of friends, reports on products purchased, "explains with enthusiasm.The possibilities surrounding the so-called social commerce are numerous.

Facebook hires a former spokesman of Clinton

Facebook has hired Joe Lockhart , a former spokesman for former U.S. President Bill Clinton to address its strategy and international corporate communications .

The company, based in Palo Alto (California) noted that Lockhart will serve as Vice President for Global Communications from next month.

His signing is the latest example of efforts by Facebook to hire a number of leading connoisseurs of how the world of politics in Washington.

Last month, the social network that was hired as deputy chief of staff to President George W Bush, Joel Kaplan .

Had also considered taking the services of former President Barack Obama spokesman Robert Gibbs, although that possibility was never realized.

As stated by the vice president of marketing for Facebook, Elliot Schrage said in a statement, experience in the White House Lockhart, spokesman for Clinton between 1998 and 2000, "brings a special sensitivity to the demands of a news cycle of 24 hours and to the challenges of responding efficiently to intense scrutiny. "

Apple removed the application that stored passwords iPhone

Apple has withdrawn Big Brother Security Camera App Store . This application allowed the phone to block off the screen and asked for a password to access the desktop again. However, its creator stored passwords for users (anonymously) to do a safety study.

Daniel Amitay, the developer behind this application, had published a blog entry in which he explained what the most common passwords on iPhone with data that was extracted from its application. These data, he asserted, were stored anonymously. The news reached the covers and left the proposed security and control of the online stores of Apple compromised.

Within 24 hours, the application has disappeared from the App Store. In Cupertino have rushed to withdraw this 'app' that demonstrates the vulnerability of its system for reviewing content , especially when it comes to an update of a program already approved.

"Of course I am unhappy," Amitay said in his blog, "but given the concerns that some people have expressed regarding the transmission of data from the 'app' to my server, is understandable."

Collection of secondary data and anonymous

In any case, Amitay also took the opportunity to explain exactly what data and how it was obtained. Passwords obtained, for example, were the application, not lock iPhone , which has a similar function. On the other hand, the only data that was sent was the password itself. That is, all that were sent were the four digits, so Amitay could not identify the user or device from which they came .

In addition, the developer is defended on the grounds that data collection is covered by the license agreement of the users , which specifies that the provider "may collect and use technical data and related information." This information includes "technical information on the device, system and application software provider (...) The application can use this information, if it is a way that does not identify the user, to improve its products or provide services and technologies. "

For now, Amitay has ensured he is working to make the application again. It also explains that he has no problem in removing the code that collects passwords if that's what caused the problem, but said he thought using the information to warn users not choose obvious passwords.

The most commonly used passwords

Despite the review process they undergo the applications, enter this code could Amitay Big Brother Security Camera. In fact, if I had not posted a blog entry on analyzing the most commonly used passwords, it is likely that Apple will never have known.

But what are these passwords? According to their analysis of 204,508 registered, the most common is '1234 ', used by 8884 people , followed by '0000 '(5246), '2580' (combination follows a straight line and use 4753 users), '1111 ' (3262), '5555 '(1,774) and '5683' (combination that would write 'love' in a traditional phone keypad and the device 1425 that protected his people).

Another interesting facts he discovered Amitay is that all numbers between 1980 and 2000 are among the 100 most used , so it is believed that many users use the password the year of birth or graduation.

With these data concluded that 15% of the passwords that are a series of ten 10,000 possible codes . That is, using these passwords could access one of every seven iPhones without their start in the deletion of data (which by default occurs after entering incorrect ten passwords).