The Technology Behind USB Flash Drives

please click the link for the article: 

http://llqj.com/214079-The-Technology-Behind-USB-Flash-Drives.html

 

The article “The Technology Behind USB Flash Drive” was a very well written and informative piece. The first topic was talking about floppy disks and the problems it had. This really introduced the importance of the USB development; for example, how easily floppy disks were damaged. USB are still small and have higher storage capacities. The article is well organized. It introduces flash memory technology, then USB technology; lastly it explained both technologies combined so it is easier for anyone to understand what the USB is really about. The short article made listed many important facts. Some of these facts are the following: Flash memory is used by computers, digital cameras and gaming consoles as RAM (random-access memory) because they are fast and easy to access. USB drives take advantage of that speed and use it as actual storage instead. USB devices were most famous for their easy usage as soon as the device gets plugged in. The power of the flash memory and connectivity of the USB make the perfect connection to a reliable storage device at a cheap cost. These important sets of data and information make it much easier to understand the technical and overall importance of the innovation. All main facts about the USB were written with high clarity and understanding. When reading this article you read so little, yet learn so much, which is very beneficial to someone who is looking for certain information on the USB and its functions. Overall this article was very informative.

Mobile Shopping App CheckPoints Delivers Instant Rewards to Users; Connects Brands and Consumers at Point-of-Sale

please click the link below for the article: 

http://news.yahoo.com/s/prweb/20100927/bs_prweb/prweb4571854

“CheckPoints is a mobile app that instantly rewards shoppers for checking in to locations and checking out products at any store they are sold. Shoppers collect points while unlocking bonuses and interactive content as they scan featured items – no purchase necessary. Points can be redeemed right on the phone for rewards like gift cards, airline miles, and gadgets.”

“CheckPoints users accrue points which are instantly redeemable for real-world prizes, by checking-in to over a million retail locations across the U.S. and scanning barcodes on advertised products. CheckPoints goes to launch with several product partners, including Belkin®, Energizer®, Seventh Generation® and Tyson Foods®.”

Key Ideas:

The fact that caught my attention is how way far the technology has gotten. This article is just one of the proofs. By this high-tech idea of creating a mobile application for consumers, the buying and selling of products had again evolved, making each and every product info in handy. The Checkpoints LLC’s use of technology has been impactful in encouraging consumers’ product awareness and loyalty.

Impact on business:

Checkpoints App is a brilliant and innovative idea for Belkin®, Energizer®, Seventh Generation® and Tyson Foods® to get more involved in the business world. It “helps shoppers to discover and interact with features product by leveraging GPS and UPC scanning technologies on smartphones.” It, therefore, increases consumers’ satisfaction by knowing the availability of the product and right branch to go. By just basically walking into any store that has their products, shoppers can earn rewards by just checking on them. A lot of people might think it is unusual because they’re benefiting from these products which they did not buy. But if we are to think critically, these companies are “building brand awareness and encouraging loyalty.” It’s actually a win-win situation where shoppers earn reward points without a purchase necessary (e.g. scanning barcodes on featured products, playing bonus mini-games, etc.) and where companies get a free advertising of their products. Now, if shoppers get rewards by earning points and/or receiving gift cards or airline miles, companies in return get rewarded when these shoppers use those rewards to purchase their product (which is what it’s actually intended for). Again, it’s a win-win situation. I agree with all the representatives of the companies have said. In order to fit in and “get involved in this rapidly growing arena”, companies have to be innovative not only in advertising but also in understanding and meeting people’s needs.