Apple, the reasons behind it's success.

                                Apple.

Apple Inc., formerly Apple Computer, Inc., is an American multinational corporation headquartered in Cupertino, California that designs, develops, and sells consumer electronics, computer software and personal computers. Its best-known hardware products are the Mac line of computers, the iPod music player, the iPhone smartphone, and the iPad tablet computer. 

Apple is the world's second-largest information technology company by revenue after Samsung Electronics, and the world's third-largest mobile phone maker after Samsung and Nokia.As of November 2012, Apple maintains 394 retail stores in fourteen countries as well as the online Apple Store and iTunes Store. It is the second-largest publicly traded corporation in the world by market capitalization, with an estimated value of US$414 billion as of January 2013. As of September 29, 2012, the company had 72,800 permanent full-time employees and 3,300 temporary full-time employees worldwide. Its worldwide annual revenue in 2012 totaled $156 billion.

But beyond that, the reasons why Apple is really successful are still a mystery to many.

1. Apple only makes a product if Apple can do it better. 

As Apple designer Jonathan Ive said recently, “Our goals are very simple — to design and make better products. If we can’t make something that is better, we won’t do it.”

Apple normally doesn’t invent a new product or product category. Its products have been the recreations of existing products. Apple did not invent the MP3 player; Apple reinvented it and made it better. Apple did not invent the smart phone; Apple reinvented it and made it better. And Apple did not invent the tablet; Apple reinvented it and made it better.

2.Beauty.

Beauty is of prime importance when it comes to Apple. When was the last time you looked at an Apple product and thought it was ugly? The built, design and form factor of their products along with the choice of material used is usually spot on. More than a Samsung Galaxy S3 or any other major competitor in the market, I just like the way the iPhone feels in my hand. Compared to a fat IBM laptop, a Macbook Air is extremely pleasing to the eye. There will obviously be people who value configurations and value for money over everything else, but a huge chunk of people will just buy what they like at first sight - and Apple wins the race hands down in that department.

3. The products have to be easy to use.

Jobs was a stickler on this point. While industrial design is a critical component of any product Apple makes, if it is not easy to use, it is considered worthless to the consumer. This is what drove the company’s user-interface designs from Day 1 and is still the mantra pushed to the software and hardware engineers every day they go to work. All of the products they create have to be intuitive and easy to understand and learn. As technology has become more intricate and users want more features, the task of keeping things simple is sometimes difficult. And Apple creates tools for power users and rookies, which can mean a broad range of ease-of-use issues. But even with that, Apple is the only company I deal with where ease of use is more important than the product itself. Apple makes this a critical goal of its approach to creating anything for the market.

4. Keep things simple.

One of the things that fascinated me about the iPod was its sheer simplicity. A device which is an audio/video player, and has several additional features can be operated with the help of two buttons. An inner round button coupled with the outer "click" wheel could in essence operate the whole device. Apple has exported this outlook to all their other products, and tries to make them as simple as possible; products which the Average Joe could operate with ease. They never bowed in the temptation to make their iPhones with wide screens as the user would then have to use both hands to use the phone. Simplicity and ease of use over everything else.  

5. Brand Value

The term "Apple Fan-boys" wasn't coined for no apparent reason - it has a modicum of truth to it. Apple has managed to become a huge brand name. Like every other brand out there worth having, people are usually more than willing to pay a huge amount just to own an Apple product. It's as simple as"It's cool to own an Apple product" or "Having an Apple product is cool. Everyone else I know has it, I shouldn't be left behind". There is no logic behind people paying a ridiculous amount of money for Jimmy Choo shoes or D&G products. But people do anyway. The same can be applied to Apple to a certain extent. Which brings us to this point.

6. Apple stays at least two years ahead of its competitors.

This is the one that scares Apple’s competitors the most. While those competing with Apple are just getting products to market that are competitive, Apple is already working on the products at least two years out. For example, the new iPhone that will most likely go to market in October was designed and signed off on two years ago. And the iPhone the company is working on now is for the fall of 2014. The same goes for the iPad. The new iPad that we will most likely see next March was signed off on two years ago. The one that’s being worked on now we will probably see in 2015. This is a nightmare for Apple’s competitors and will continue to be for some time.

That's it.

Top Technology gadgets

Top Technology gadgets

1-Smartphone Power boost Pen

              

When you need a little more juice to make that last phone call, uncap the Smartphone Power Boost Pen. This handy device is more than just an elegant writing instrument — it’s a portable backup power source that charges your iPhone, Galaxy, Blackberry or any other Android smartphone. Simply separate the two halves and connect the universal charging cable, with its built-in Lightning, 30-Pin and Micro USB adapters. Charge indicator lights show your progress.


2. Logitech Bluetooth Multi-device Keyboard

The Logitech® Bluetooth® Multi-Device Keyboard K480 is designed for use with up to three devices, regardless of computing platform. Now, you can work on a report on your computer, and with the flick of the Easy-Switch dial, respond to a message on your smartphone or type a tweet on your tablet – all from the Logitech Bluetooth Multi-Device Keyboard K480.

3- G-Drive ev SSD

With a need for speed - take the power of the G-DRIVE ev SSD with you. With extreme solid-state performance connected with USB 3.0, you’ll get transfer rates up to 400MB/s. The drive comes with 512GB of storage capacity and is compatible with Mac OS 10.6, Windows 7, 8 and Vista. It comes with a three-year warranty. Use it alone or with the G-DOCK ev with Thunderbolt and experience up to 480MB/s for the ultimate flexibility and expandability that today’s creative professionals demand.

4- Livescribe Echo Smartpen

The Livescribe Echo Smartpen allows you to record audio while you’re taking notes, and then play them back later. You can save and share interactive notes to your computer, iPad or iPhone via a micro-USB connector that also allows you to recharge your pen. The memory storage holds 400 or 800 hours of recorded audio, depending on the model, and includes an OLED display that makes it easy to navigate smartpen apps.

5- Mobile Projector

               

NEC’s VE281 mobile projector is designed to provide high brightness for small-to-medium-sized businesses, education environments, corporate conference rooms and mobility applications where heavy ambient light is present but the space requires a small projector. This lightweight model includes 3D-ready technology, high-contrast images and a powerful 7W speaker. Its automated technologies — from Auto Power On and quick startup/shutdown to a lamp life up to 6000 hours — make it an eco-friendly choice. The VE281 offers the Intelligent Driving Scheme (IDS2) for increased lamp life and contrast.

6- Photo iPad scanner.

            

This is the scanner that saves treasured photos directly to an iPad while it docks and charges the device. Controlled by a free app, the sheet-fed scanner makes it simple to preserve and share heirloom photos and documents as digital files. In as little as 12 seconds, a photo is converted to a crisp 300- or 600-dpi color JPEG image that is displayed on screen in real time and saved to the iPad’s camera roll. The integrated dock holds the iPad upright and has a built-in Lightning connector that recharges its battery in five hours. Scans sheets up to 8 1/2" x 14". Plugs into AC with your iPad’s USB power adapter. For iPad 4, iPad Mini, and iPhone 5/s/c running iOS 6.0 or later. 4 1/2" H x 13" W x 4" D. (1 3/4 lbs.)

7- SyrenPro

               

The SyrenPro is a wireless weather-resistant outdoor Bluetooth speaker with TrueWireless Stereo pairing, which lets you create your own stereo system wirelessly using two speakers. The speakers can be plugged into an electrical outlet or run by rechargeable battery for up to four hours, so you can enjoy your music anywhere. The speakers provide 360-degree sound, are weather/UV resistant, and work with most Bluetooth devices.

Learn to print a Diamond in C++ (Comments Included)

Print a "Diamond "

Problem:

                       Print Diamond on Console

Solution:

# include <iostream>
using namespace std;
int main()
{
int size, space, star; //space for spacing, star for printing *, size for size of diamond
cout << "Enter the size of Diamond (must be odd and >=5) : " ;
cin >> size;

while (size % 2 == 0 || size<5)
{
cout << "Invalid Input" << endl;
cout << "Please Enter again (must be odd and >=5) : ";
cin >> size;
}
space = size / 2; //As space for the first line is size/2
star = 1; //Star is taken 1 as only 1 * is to be printed in 1st line

for (int i = 0; i<size / 2 + 1; i++) //loop for the upper half including middle line
{
for (int a = 0; a < space; a++) //loop for spacing in upper half
{
cout << " ";
}
for (int b = 0; b < star; b++) //loop for printing *
{
cout << "*";
}
star += 2; //As in upper half two * are increased  

       space --; //As to reduce spacing on left side of pattern by 1
cout << endl;
}
space = 1; //As only one space appear in the line below the central line 
star = size - 2; //As to reduce the number of starric by 2 each time until 1
for (int j = 0; j < size / 2; j++) // loop for lower half of diamond
{
for (int c = 0; c < space; c++) //loop for spacing in the lower half
{
cout << " ";
}
space++; //As the space increases each time by 1 on left side in the lower half

for (int d = 0; d < star; d++) //loop for printing *
{
cout << "*";
}
cout << endl;
star -= 2; //As to reduce number of starric * each time by 2
}


system("pause");
return 0;
}

Learn to print a cross pattern in C++ (With Comments)

PRINT A CROSS Pattern !!

Problem:
                       Print Cross on Console
Solution:

#include <iostream>
#include <iomanip>
using namespace std;

int main()
{
int size , half , su , sl; /* half for printing both halves , su and sl for setw of upper and lower half*/
cout << "Please Enter the size of cross (must be odd and >3): ";
cin >> size;

while(size % 2 == 0 || size < 3)
{
cout << "Invalid input !! Enter again(must be odd and >3): ";
cin >> size;
}

half = size/2;
int a = 1; //a is taken to set the value of setw on the left hand side *
su = size - 1; //su is taken 1 less than size because 1 * is already printed
sl = 2; //sl is taken 2 as because after the middle line the * are two spaces away from each         other.
for(int i=0 ; i<half ; i++)  //for loop to control upper half rows 
{
cout << setw(a)<< "*";
cout << setw(su)<< "*"<< endl;
a++;
su -= 2; /*2 is subtracted from s each time this loop runs as the upper left * moves right                 by 1 value and right * moves left by 1 each time*/
}

cout << setw(half + 1) << "*" << endl; //to display center row
int b = size/2;

for(int i=0 ; i<half ; i++) //for loop to control lower half rows
{
cout << setw(b)<< "*";
cout << setw(sl)<< "*" << endl;
b--;  //1 is subtracted from b each time as the the lower left * moves left in each turn.
sl += 2; //2 is added in t as the lower right and left * moves away by value 1 each.
}

return 0;
}

Local Storage Devices

Local Storage Options

1. External Hard Drive

These are hard drives similar to the type that is installed within a desktop computer or laptop computer. The difference being that they can be plugged in to the computer or removed and kept separate from the main computer. They typically come in two sizes :

Desktop External Hard drive : Uses a 3.5 inch hard drive similar to that used in desktop computers.

Portable External Hard drive : Uses a 2.5 inch hard drive similar to that used in laptops.

Desktop External Hard Drives are generally cheaper than Portable External Hard Drives for the same storage space. Desktop External Hard Drives and usually faster and more robust.

Capacity : 160GB to 3TB (approx 3000GB)

Connection : Most common connections to the computer are through a USB 2.0 or USB3.0 connection. May also be available in a SATA or eSATA connector

Advantages :

• Very good option for local backups of large amounts of data.
• The cheapest storage option in terms of dollars per GB. Very reliable when handled with care

Disadvantages :

• Can be very delicate. May be damaged if dropped or through electrical surge

---

2. Solid State Drive (SSD)

Solid State Drives look and function similar to traditional mechanical/ magnetic hard drives but the similarities stop there. Internally, they are completely different. They have no moving parts or rotating platers. They rely solely on semiconductors and electronics for data storage making it a more reliable and robust than traditional magnetic. No moving parts also means that they use less power than traditional hard drives and are much faster too.

With the prices of Solid State Drives coming down and is lower power usage,  SSD’s are used extensively on laptops and mobile devices.  External SSD’s are also a viable option for data backups.

Capacity : 64GB to 256GB

Connections : USB 2.0/3.0 and SATA

Advantages :

• Faster read and write performance
• More robust and reliable than traditional magnetic hard drives
• Highly portable. Can be easily taken offsite

Disadvantages :

• Still relatively expensive when compared to traditional hard drives
• Storage space is typically less than that of traditional magnetic hard drives.

---

3. Network Attached Storage (NAS)

NAS are simply one or more regular IDE or SATA hard drives plugged in an array storage enclosure and connected to a network Router or Hub through a Ethernet port.  Some of these NAS enclosures  have ventilating fans to protect the hard drives from overheating.

Advantages :

• Very good option for local backups especially for networks and small businesses.
• As several hard drives can be plugged in, NAS can hold very large amounts of data
• Can be setup with Redundancy (RAID) increasing the reliability and/ or read and write performance. Depending on the type of RAID level used, the NAS can still function even if one hard drive in the RAID set fails. Or two hard drives can be setup to double the read and write speed of single hard drive.
• The drive is always connected and available to the network making the NAS a good option for implementing automated scheduled backups.

Disadvantages :

• Significantly more expensive than using single External Hard Drives
• Difficult to bring offsite making it very much a local backup hence still susceptible to some events   like theft and floods, fire etc

---

4. USB Thumb Drive Or Flash Drive

These are similar to Solid State Drives except that it is much smaller in size and capacity. They have no moving parts making them quite robust. They are extremely portable and can fit on a keychain.  They are Ideal for backing up a small amount of data that need to be brought with you on the go.

Capacity : 4GB to 64GB

Advantages :

• The most portable storage option. Can fit on a keychain making it an offsite backup when you bring it with you.
• Much more robust then traditional magnetic hard drives

Disadvantages :

Relatively expensive per GB so can only be used for backing up a small amount of data

---

5. Optical Drive (CD/ DVD)

CD’s and DVD’s are ideal for storing a list of songs, movies, media or software for distribution or for giving to a friend due to the very low cost per disk. They do not make good storage options for backups due to their shorter lifespan, small storage space and slower read and write speeds.

Capacity CD  : 650MB to 900MB

Capacity DVD  : 4.7GB to 17.08GB

Advantages :

• Low cost per disk

Disadvantages  :

• Relatively shorter life span than other storage options
• Not as reliable as other storage options like external hard disk and SSD. One damaged disk in a backup set can make the whole backup unusuable.

---

Remote Storage Options

6. Cloud Storage

Cloud storage is storage space on commercial data center accessible from any computer with Internet access. It is usually provided by a service provider. A limited storage space may be provided free with more space available for a subscription fee.  Examples of service providers are Amazon S3, Google Drive, Sky Drive etc.

Advantages :

• A very good offsite backup. Not affected by events and disasters such as theft, floods, fire etc

Disadvantages :

• More expensive then traditional external hard drives. Often requires an ongoing subscription.
• Requires an Internet connection to access the cloud storage.
• Much slower than other local backups