It's Friday, so why not span the globe to bring manufacturers a semi-cogent variety of ... well, cool stuff? I say we do it.
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China Passes U.S To Become World's Largest Internet Population
The Chinese government announced last week that as of the end of February, China reached 221-million Internet users - surpassing the U.S. While it still lags the rest of the world in percentage of online population (16 percent vs. the world average of 19.1 percent), that's a bunch of bytes. As China continues to develop its middle class and embrace technology, we all should be asking:
What happens when all 1.3-billion Chinese have cars & refrigerators?
(If that last point gets you to thinking, spend a few minutes and watch "The Story of Stuff.)
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Now THIS Puts the Flash In Flashlight
Forget the social implications of this for a moment. And suspend the obvious jokes. This is just plain cool, and it shows very clearly how manufacturers with passion are among the most creative creatures in the universe.
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OK, now you can start with the "perfect for ear exams for my mother-in-law" jokes.
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Virtual Assistants
Think of them as secretaries that your spouse can't be jealous of. Online VA's aren't new, but in case you haven't heard of 'em yet, here are a couple to get you familiar:
They'll book flights, order flowers, find concert tickets, arrange doctor and dentist appointments, and whatever else you need done - allegedly freeing you up for more serious pursuits.
As we see these business models evolve (and, yes - they are very successful), ask yourself: how can manufacturers translate this level of service to their own customers via the Web?
Another stupid idea from the gun makers.