Google (GOOG) Express Shopping has taken a giant leap to become a stronger competitor to Amazon (AMZN) with its newly implemented same-day shipping service. Although Google Express Shopping is still inferior, in some aspects, to other online retailers (i.e. its currently small distribution infrastructure), it has many components that make it a strong alternative to the online shopping overlord known as Amazon (read more about superior E-Commerce investments here).
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Creative Destruction
One of the more interesting ideas to come out of economic and business literature is that of “creative destruction,” which is closely related to the concept of “disruptive innovation.” Distilled down to its most basic form, “creative destruction” is the concept that something new, whether a technology, manufacturing process, or business practice, can disrupt the established market and upset the market power of entrenched companies.
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Google's Android Watch
For two days in June (June 25-26, 2014), San Francisco hosts Google’s (GOOG) largest developer conference of the year, Google I/O. This is where Google unveils its newest technology and developer tools. Today, Google started the festivities with a 2.5-hour keynote address. Here are the highlights and possible game-changing technologies that Google plans to release in the coming months.
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Apple Approves First Bitcoin App
After a recent update to its iTunes policy for developers, Apple (AAPL) has decided to include Bitcoin-related applications, specifically those that promote in-app purchases, in its App Store. Apple was initially skeptical about iOS-based Bitcoin apps, but the newly implemented bylaws permit apps to use the virtual currency so long as they adhere to regional state and federal laws (click here to read more about why Apple must evolve to survive).
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Buds, Barley, & Bills
There is no denying that Americans love beer, especially during warm summers. From barbeques to camping, beer is an indispensable component of most warm-weather activities. Thus, it should come as no surprise that two of the largest beer companies, Anheuser-Busch (BUD) and Molson Coors (TAP), are currently the driving force behind the recent success of the economy’s consumer goods sector.
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The World Beyond Wall Street
If you have been paying attention to international news over the last few weeks, you are most likely aware that the Middle East is once again heating up. While the civil war in Syria continues to rage, militant Islamic fundamentalists have risen up in Iraq (a group known as ISIS), and are slowly trekking toward Baghdad.
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Amazon Fires Back
In a highly anticipated move, Amazon (AMZN) announced the release of its Fire smartphone on Wednesday. With a platform customized around Google’s (GOOG) Android operating system, Fire is a competitive high-end market offering. However, without features that truly differentiate it from other smartphones, it is doubtful that Fire will initially gain the traction necessary to be competitive in an already crowded smartphone market.
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