Lyft and Uber Unionize in Seattle

In a day and age where Uber and Lyft are slowly starting to dominate the Taxi industry, huge news has come from Seattle.  Seattle's city council has voted to allow drivers of both Lyft and Uber to unionize, giving them more control over negotiating their pay and work.  This is significant as they are the first city to vote to allow this.

There have been many complaints throughout the Lyft and Uber community that Corporate is getting huge profits while many drivers don't make much after they calculate in the gas, mileage, and wear and tear in the car.  However, there is also another side to the coin.  While this could mean improvements for drivers, it may cost the passenger more.

Lyft and Uber have been known to drive each others prices way down to the point where many drivers quit, since it was not worth their time.  However, with such low fares and an increase in popularity, passengers for these services have seen continual growth.  If drivers are going to be given higher wages, this could have an effect on the amount the passengers pay and it will be interesting to see how many people stick to these services over the classic cab.


WSJ Article

The McLaren 570S: When Less Is Much More

McLaren Cars, a british sports car company, has came up with a new product which they call the 570S. This model is considered a stripped-down version of the 650S. The 570S is designed to be part of McLaren's new product line, which has an out-the-door price of about $200,000. Although it is a stripped-down of the 650S, it has the vital aspects of the 650S. The 520S is powered by a more dialed-back version of the 3.8 liter twin turbo V-8 that powers the 650S. The 520S was made with 526 hp and it hits 60 mph in 3.1 seconds. The 520S has higher ride height, more wheel travel. and a narrower tires.    

      With the introduction of the 520S, McLaren has more variety and can reach out to more people. The 520S is a new product for the McLaren. It is similar to the 650S, but it has a more affordable price (well less expensive than the 650S) and can be more appealing to sport car aficionados who do not have the type of money to buy a 650S and maintain it. Even though the 650S is not as luxurious as the 650S, it has a few benefits, for example it has the potential to be driven in normal road, instead of just in the tracks.        

http://www.wsj.com/articles/the-mclaren-570s-when-less-is-much-more-1445528985

Cook Shrimp Perfectly...With a Smartphone

Cook Shrimp Perfectly...With a Smartphone

Who would have thought that your smartphone could become your chef. How smart can that be?

A new technology promises to cook shrimp perfectly. The cooking gadget called "Immersion Circulator" connects easily via Wi-Fi or bluetooth.

The way we cook is changing even cooking the most basic things like shrimp. The new product targets the modern, young chefs and possibly those who are not so talented in the kitchen. It is an easier more efficient and clean way to cook. This gadgets offer some cool new features that we would have never imagine. For example,  it is wireless and can be controlled directly from your smartphone. 

Technology has come along way, and consumers are finding this new product useful. In the market when something is new, it is more likely to be very popular among consumers. The product lets you know when your food is ready. C'mon how cool and innovative is that! 

http://www.wsj.com/video/cook-shrimp-perfectly-with-a-smartphone/3648C2DF-AEC4-4FDE-ABED-6C18EBA5F870.html

• Dec. 10, 2015 8:00 am ET

Amazon Offers Showtimes, Starz On-Demand to Its Prime Members.

According to the article, Amazon is now offering to its Prime members a $8.99 monthly access to channel such as Showtime and Stars. Due to this action, Amazon is step by step looking more like virtual cable company. Amazon also sells a streaming box called Fired TV which customer can access to the Prime video services such as Netflix, Hulu and other apps.

Amazon officially launched its “Streaming Partners Program” on Tuesday, making its Amazon Video home page a one-stop-shop for streaming subscriptions.

The application of the action of offering the program by Amazon to marketing is quite obvious. First of all, the company increases its competitive advantage by offering 2 dollars cheaper than CBS Corporation without Prime subscription for Showtime. Second of all, Amazon's offer significantly increases the switching cost to its Prime members, not only receiving the benefits of Prime, but the members now also have the chance to experience even more interesting features. Amazon's marketer has successfully apply one of the most important element of marketing which is increasing customer's value, the Prime members are now receiving more benefits more than ever.

http://www.wsj.com/articles/amazon-offers-showtime-on-demand-to-prime-members-1449595727?cb=logged0.6303167091682553

Will Christmas Trees Light Up Retail?

Will Christmas Trees Light Up Retail?

With Christmas right around the corner, retailers are starting to get worried. The change in the retail market environment has dramatically decreased the sells of in-store shopping. Christmas trees are now this holiday seasons trending "thing" to buy. 

A survey concluded that buying a Christmas tree resulted in a more successful shopping experience for consumers this year. A major reason retailers are being affected is due to the easy access cross the web. With online stores like Amazon, consumers would much rather spend their money on "things" there than at a store. The new shopping environment is possible to affect stores in the near future. Now buyers would more likely want to spend their money on an experience than on a "thing". For example, going to a Christmas tree farm is worth spending the money just because it is a better shopping experience. 

Though there is no telling what will happen to traditional shopping because of the different target markets, going out to buy a Christmas tree will lighten up anyones holiday!

http://www.wsj.com/articles/will-christmas-trees-light-up-retail-1450124561 

By JUSTIN LAHART Updated Dec. 14, 2015 7:46 p.m. ET

Artificial Intelligence on the Horizon?

Out of the Silicon Valley comes great news again! OpenAl Inc, a non profit company working on artificial intelligence, has been back for 1 BILLION dollars including backings from both Tesla and LinkedIn corporations. The non profit aspect is significant in the fact that their goal is to "build value for everyone rather than shareholders”.

With an ever increasing and continually rapid growth in technology, artificial intelligence is both exciting and terrifying. Obviously many would be concerned with the dangers of what could go wrong, especially with the influence of movies which have always shown the "what ifs" of artificial intelligence. However, artificial intelligence could improve many people's lives in so many ways.  

However, other concerns would be what effect this would have on the Economy.  Surely in the long run it would be a great addition to society, however, it would almost guarantee the loss of many jobs as robots could start to replace more and more jobs.  It will definitely be exciting to see the new developments which will continue to enrich and develop our society over the coming decades.

WSJ Article

Ripple Foods

“We’re going after the alternative dairy market. Right now there aren’t any real quality products out there in the alternative dairy space.” You're probably wondering what an "alternative dairy" is. Well, it is a new kind of milk being produced by Ripple Foods. A milk without dairy. New foods are coming out that have been modified for consumers different needs. They plan on making healthier food choices and investments. Ripple Foods has managed to grab $13.6 million in funding. This new milk reaches to consumers that the other brands cannot. 

This article pertains to marketing by improving the product and target market. Milk, the product is being changed to reach a larger target market. There will be an odd time of acceptance seeing as though this is a new creation. But, it should be in stores soon. These new healthy choices should be good on the market. Ripple Foods has grabbed the attention of food entrepreneurs and venture firms for its development on dairy-free milk, marking the latest in a run of food investments.

- Taylor Forrest 

http://blogs.wsj.com/digits/2015/12/11/amid-investor-thirst-ripple-foods-brews-up-dairy-free-milk/?mod=ST1