Week 2 Discussion 2

–Supply and Demand curves 

3D printing was an expensive technology before as not many companies could replicate that technology. However, as more are able to produce 3D printers nowadays, it becomes more affordable that amateurs can own one.

–The world is flat

Yun Computing Service is the best example which have come out in recent years and gradually get popular both for individual and enterprises. With this service, everyone can upload own data and download others' data from the internet and finally realize the information sharing which will lead to the globalization to some extent. 

 –Moore’s Law 

The CPU of MAC is updating the iteration with the times, from Power PC G3 to Power PC G5. The performance is getting better and better, and the running speed is doubled. With the certain expense, the value of CPU is greater by the renewal.

–Metcalfe’s Law 

LinkedIn provides a social platform for professionals to get in touch with each other across the world. If there are just one or two users of LinkedIn, it is of no or little value because the circle is too small. With more users, they can expand their social network. It adds to the function and value of the site. 

–The long tail

The folk music was not the mainstream music in the Chinese market, and was only shared and spread among a certain group of people, who are always the minority. However, the Xiami Music discovered this niche market. They strongly promote these folk singers, providing image designing and branding for folk music, and gradually form a new booming market. Nowadays, folk music has more and more fans, and in turn gives the Xiami Music very considerable profits.  

–Freemium

Adobe series software such as photoshop, premiere, indesign etc. will give you 30 days to try the products after which you have to pay for it. Another example is that SPSS which actually will not provide you the complete functions if you do not pay for it.

What may happen ten years later?

Ten years later, there will be big changes in technology field. Specifically，AI, VR and AR, IOT will be three important driving force in our society.

Artificial intelligence technology will be more popularized in people’s daily life, machine learning ability will be improved a lot and used in many fields from chatting bot to fraud detection, even to stock-market analysis, elderly care. 

Another trend is a more advanced digital world. VR and AR can be combined to bring more possibility to reality, like more immersive virtual touring experience. The information people received can be more personalized because it’s possible to figure out a person’s complete digital profile by using big data. After ten years, people can play video games supported by VR/AR in their home, and when people  buy things on the internet, they can use VR/AR to get a view of the things.

Besides,  IOT will be a major tendency. Various kinds of physical devices will be wirelessly connected to the Internet of things which can collect and exchange data. For example,  future home automation system will be popular using IOT.  the mechanical, electrical and electronic systems used in our houses will be monitored and controlled by IOT devices. 

Teammates:

LU Yi  (Cathy) 1155082008

WU Yue (Alisa) 1155081703

SONG Shuyi (Susie) 1155081864

YU Jin (Joyce) 1155081945

SIEW Ka Hang (Kara) 1155084669