The Secret: Truth Or Marketing Ploy?

In today’s age, anyone would want to solicit the needed tips and strategies to be able to get their feet on the right track towards millions, success and wealth. There are varied ways to go about this and most would be unique from others, in the same way that a person is different from someone else.

However, there has been a recently released video called “The Secret” that can answer all these claims and dreams. Question is, would you believe in it? Or is just another type of marketing tactic to sell this video documentary film faster? If the real itinerary is the latter, without a doubt they are doing a good job since people are falling prey for these copies of the acclaimed documentary costing $4.95 for a Full Screen Online for broadband users.

Realistically, no matter what claims are made, it would all depend on the consumer if he is to believe in such. But if the ploy is indeed a new way of strategic marketing, this early it can be told, they are doing a good damn job!

MySpace Donates Sex Offenders Database

MySpace, the popular social network, has donated their US sex offenders database to a center which helps track down missing children. It is well known that many sexual predators use social networking sites like MySpace to look for possible victims. The database is meant to help law enforcement in their investigation. It is hoped that with access to their database, further incidents can be avoided and the children will be safer.

The MySpace database actualy compiles the convicted sex offender registries of 50 US states. It is to be noted that each state had their own individual list. MySpace teamed up with Sentinel Tech, a background investigation company, to create a technology that compiled the lists into one database. It also has photo matching among its tools which cross-checks images submitted, as well as their descriptions, against the sex offender registries. MySpace is therefore better able to identify sexual predators and block or delete their accounts.

Many feel though that this is still insufficient action on the part of MySpace. People wonder why they have not put in place a simple program to determine people’s age from the outset; though since most predators would lie, that isn’t much of a deterrent.

Internet Code of Conduct

At last! Steps are being taken to put a code of conduct on the net. With so many millions of users spanning the globe, it is about time that some measures are taken to protect the interests of the users.

Talks on this matter were initiated by Google, Yahoo, Microsoft and Vodafone groups. Working with human rights groups they aim to have the code available before the end of the year. The target is to get more protection for the internet journalists. Currently, exercising ones right to free speech online can get one thrown in jail. They also aim to get rid of the practice of monitoring legitimate online activity.

If they are successful, clearer guidelines will be in place and internet users can be properly held accountable for their online actions. The internet is meant to be free for all to use but some safeguards must indeed be put in place without curtailing the freedom of the people.

The Apple iPhone

Here it is at last! After much hype and speculation Apple’s CEO Steven Jobs has presented Apple’s latest gadget: the iPhone to the general public and it looks good. It boasts a touch screen and functions as a music player, mobile phone and computer functions that had the crowd cheering.The iPhone has almost no buttons. Almost everything functions through its touch screen – yes, with your bare fingers.

While many are excited over the presentation of the iPod many questions have been raised as well. Though it is a music player it isn’t capable of downloading songs from iTunes yet. Also, typical of Apple, the software is limited to Apple manufactured or approved ones which are very few. The phone itself is not a 3G handset which is the current standard for mobile phones.

It is also very expensive. The iPhone is projected to cost $500 to $600. Is it worth that amount? That has yet to be proven.
There is also a dispute over the name iPhone. Cisco released their iPhone way back in 2004 and are now suing apple for this breach in their trademark.

All in all, Apple’s iPhone isn’t the top of the line in mobile phone technology but ithas the consumers excited that hopefully good changes and innovations are coming this 2007.

Ford and Microsoft’s In-Dash Gizmo

Barely into the new year and already there are new toys and gizmos for us to enjoy. One of the most eye catching is the partnership between Ford and Microsoft. They have put together an in-dash tool that is practical and really cool.

Called Sync, the new offering of Ford-Microsoft is built into 12 Ford models. Sync is a wireless, voice operated system in-car computer system that allows you to easily access your mobile phone and music player. A driver would easily be able to make calls, send text messages and select songs without having to take his hands off the wheel. Sync can even read back text messages received. This provides increased safety for people driving – one less distraction while on the road.
The 12 vehicles slated to have Sync built in are:

• Ford Focus
• Fusion
• Five Hundred
• Edge
• Freestyle
• Explorer and Sport Trac
• Mercury Milan
• Montego and Mountaineer
• Lincoln MKX and MKZ

No final price has been released yet but this definitely looks like the next wave in car entertainment systems.