The Future of Photography!!

The future of photography is here! I found an article that really caught my eye in the Wall Street Journal marketing a new camera. I became very intrigued with the article because of my loved of photography. The article explained how the L16 is going to replace those big bulky cameras with a light, pocket sized camera that consists of 16 small lenses, plus a super smart software. Not only this, but the L16 fits perfectly in your back pocket, and with the help of 16 lenses and sensors, will allow one to capture a single amazing 52 megapixel shot. 

The article is obviously targeting customers who are photographers, by even mentioning in the article, "I know a lot of photographers who would benefit from the L16 and a few who've been patiently waiting for this first model". The endorsement of this new L16 camera is directly targeting the customers needs, by replacing the big bulky look with a slim and easy to handle/transportable camera. This camera will target the customers that are tired of lugging around a large load of camera gear, by providing them with a new slim camera that will be able to accomplished the same job as those big bulky digital cameras.  

https://www.wsj.com/articles/this-crazy-camera-is-the-future-of-photography-1506527521 

Amazon’s Search for a Second Headquarters Could Weigh on Seattle’s Growth

Amazon has recently decided to search for a city to build their second headquarters. Their first headquarters is located in Seattle. It currently occupies 8.1 million square feet of office space and jobs for 40,000 employees. The company said it expects to invest more than $5 billion in the new location and hiring as many as 50,000 high-paying jobs.

Seattle has benefited greatly from the companies instant progression. According to Green Street, Amazon is responsible for one third of the jobs created in the city since 2010. The successful growth has had a multiplier effect in the economy such as an increase in residential prices, retail rents and demand for other property within the city. The company was able to help Seattle create one of the strongest real-estate markets in the United States.

The company's search for a new location for the second headquarters will be competitive for the biding cities. More than twelve cities have expressed their desire to become the company's new location choice. Therefore, the cities will have to advertise themselves to Amazon to win the companies vote. The geographic market is very important for a business considering that it can make or break the business. The company has to research many details before deciding, such as the current and future behavior. Amazon's desire to search for a second headquarters could be to target an area that could bring along new talent into the company, as it will be very beneficial.

https://www.wsj.com/articles/amazons-search-for-a-second-headquarters-could-weigh-on-seattles-growth-1507384800

By: Mashel Alfawaz
Article Published: October 7, 2017 -- 10:00 a.m.

From Broken Home to Real-Estate Riches: The Life of the Las Vegas Shooter

The recent story of the infamous Las Vegas shooter, Stephen Paddock, has been nothing short of a mystery. Authorities, journalists, and anyone who can get their hands on some sort of information are coming together to help us understand what was going through this man's mind before he assassinated 58 people and injured over 500 more. It is still too soon to say. Nobody really knows the reasoning behind the killing spree.

At 64 years old, Stephen Paddock had created a fortune in the real estate industry and at some point of his life even worked for the lustrous and well-known company Lockheed Martin, an "american global aerospace, defense, security and advanced technologies company with Worldwide interests." This was an established man: he was well off, he didn't have anyone holding him back, wife or kids, and he supported those that he loved. His life was set.

This story is clearly marketed to get the attention of people affected directly and indirectly by his actions and to tranquilize the public. The story offers nothing newsworthy and rather gives you a wikipedia-like background on the shooter. It feels as if the WSJ is trying to get in on the Las Vegas shooter "action" to get some extra reads. The public is desperate to find out the reason so many people died. Instead, this story portrays a positive light on Stephen Paddock. What's sad and unfair about this post, is that Stephen isn't actually labeled by what he actually is: a domestic Terrorist.



https://www.wsj.com/articles/from-broken-home-to-real-estate-riches-the-life-of-the-las-vegas-shooter-1507238983?mod=trending_now_1

Prepare for a Rocky Flu Season

Prepare for a Rocky Flu Season

Oct. 2, 2017 10:31 a.m. ET

Australia is typically an accurate predictor of how the influenza will hit the Northern Hemisphere. After Australia’s rough flu season (during their winter months – June through August), America braces for a similar turnout. The influenza comes in different forms, some more dangerous than others. Type A includes H1N1 and H3N2 (of which the latter is considered the most deathly), type B is pervasive later on the flu season, and type C is usually not prevalent. The CDC recommends anyone over 6 months of age to get vaccinated by the end of October since the vaccine takes about two weeks to protect an individual, and flu season starts early November.  While the flu shot is mainly guesswork as scientists can only predict which strain will circulate during the flu season, there has been a lot of advances in the medicine over the recent years that fight are more effective. For example, the micro-needle, which is 90% smaller than the standard needle, gives those who are needle-shy peace of mind. Also, specifically for H3N2, Flucelvax and Flublok have proven to be a better match for the influenza. Lastly, Flaud and Fluzone High-Dose are available for those who are 65 years or older as it helps create a stronger immune response in the body.

            While Australia only emphasizes for high-risk individuals to get vaccinated, America emphasizes the importance of having the majority of the population receive the flu shot and provides multiple options (i.e. micro-needle and the stronger options for H3N2 and the elderly). With Australia’s rough flu season as a warning, many are more likely to get vaccinated this year; also, with the recent advances many may opt to use these special vaccines as an extended form of precaution. Regardless of the people’s decision, pharmacies and doctors can expect a busy season; people will either seek to get the vaccine, or unfortunately, end up needing care if infected with the influenza.

Medicine develops more and more each year; it is assuring that people are well cared for. With the upcoming winter, people of all ages must be prepared as the warnings are clear.

Wall Street Journal

Luxury Trains.

Japan’s major railroad companies are focusing on providing their service to a new target market. As the country’s population is getting older, less people use trains as commuters traveling to work.  As a result, the industry shifted to please the needs of the retiring age who enjoy doing fun activities. They introduced luxury trains designed exclusively for entertainment purposes rather than being a transportation mode to go from one place to another.

Couples can pay up to $22,000 to experience traveling in a luxury train. The luxury amenities include live music, gourmet dining, and high end finishes and décor. The price reflects the fact that there are not a lot of companies that provide a service specifically for the older population as a target market. The few train companies that have decided to provide this service can justify the high price by claiming that since trains for this new target market do not have a lot of competition, that people will be willing to pay this price. Customers have put in a high value to the experience causing them to desire paying thousands of dollar for it.

Train companies have made a good decision in introducing a new type of service for a population that seems to be transitioning. Instead of continuing with their current target market, the commuters, train companies have expanded towards the retiring age as a way to remain providing services to its population as it reaches a new stage. 

https://www.wsj.com/articles/orient-express-japan-rolls-out-luxury-train-tours-1507282203 

By: Mariana Paramo 

Netflix Raises Streaming Prices

     In order to fund the creation of new content, Netflix is raising the prices of their streaming service.  The premium plan and standard plan will now cost $13.99 and $10.99, respectively.  This change arrives when the market for streaming services is becoming increasingly more competitive.  Hulu, Apple, and Amazon are now all pursuing a similar model; online streaming with exclusive movies and shows.  With all this competition, Netflix's decision to raise the prices may at first seem counterintuitive.
     However with close examination of Netflix's target market, their new marketing strategy looks promising for the company.  Netflix's customers definitely do not want to overpay for their content, however many subscribers are content with the price as long as it remains cheaper then cable.  Also Netflix's customers already pay to watch content that is available for free on torrent sites such as kat.tv and fmovies.se. This shows that cheap prices are not the only characteristic they seek in a streaming service.  Finally Netflix's exclusive shows and movies are already one of the main reasons why Netflix is popular.  Investing more money into the production of exclusive media is a wise marketing decision, even if it requires the price of the service to rise.  Overall it seems that Netflix is making the right decision because it is unlikely that their increased prices will decrease their user base significantly, but it will allow them to improve and increase the production of Netflix exclusives.


https://www.wsj.com/articles/netflix-raising-u-s-prices-1507212496

New Way to Shop

Target Embedding Pinterest Camera Search Tool in Its App

Pinterest has a camera image search tool that allows for users to take a picture of an item that they like and search through the similar images and objects that the app assorts for them. Recently, Target has struck a deal with Pinterest to embed the camera image search feature into the Target mobile app. With this new feature, users can take a picture of an object on the app, and the app will give some similar Target products that the user can purchase. Target is the only retailer that can exclusively use the camera search tool, which gives them an advantage to over other retailers. 

With this new visual search, consumers have a new way of purchasing things that they like. This shows how technology can effect the marketing environment, and how it can effect how the consumer's purchase products. Typically, when a consumer sees something they like on the street, they would have to look for a similar object either online or in a physical store. Depending on the object, it could be a few minutes of searching until they find an item similar to it, or it could take hours. But, with this new feature, they can easily snap a picture of the object and the app will bring up products that are similar to the object. They do not have to go an online or physical store and look for that one particular product. This new tool brings convenience to the consumers and allows them to be more efficient when purchasing products. 

Link:  https://www.wsj.com/articles/target-embedding-pinterest-camera-search-tool-in-its-app-1506355200

Time Article was Published: Sept. 25, 2017 12:00 p.m. ET

By Pauline La