Starbucks app leading the way

Starbucks recently came out with an application so that you can pay with your iphone or blackberry, which could start the trend of the smartphone eliminating the need for cash or credit card. Starbucks tested the program and found that it is faster to pay with your phone than any other method. Other companies are already starting to jump on the bandwagon. Some restaurants are already using a program called "TextMyFood". This program allows customers to directly communicate with their server by texting them. They can text to either place an order or to just get a refill on water. This goes to show you that Starbucks innovation is already catching on. Hopefully in the near future we will be able to walk around without the need of a wallet. Even though this sounds like a dream come true, security is a major issue that has people worried. If the programmers can promise us security, then soon you will be able to walk around with more room in your pockets.

How much influence will 457 million Chinese internet users have on the world?

With 457 million internet users in China, I believe it will be impossible to ignore their needs. According to asurvey, they are currently the largest and most advanced internet users in the world. More specifically, they have about 300 million mobile internet users. On average they use 90% of their smartphone capabilities, compared to the U.S. who  use less than 50%. What is more astonishing is that 65% of the U.S. population think that they are the most advanced internet users. With most consumers going to the internet to make purchase decisions more frequently, I believe it is crucial for global companies to focus on China. Smartphone applications are already a huge market, and are expected to grow to 800 million users in China by 2015. In the upcoming years, applications will being an even bigger market which will revolutionize the global market. And with China being the largest market, any company in this field that chooses to ignore them will make a huge mistake.