Fighting the Youth Unemployment Crisis

     Today is an extension of the final entry in the five-part series discussing the youth unemployment crisis that has gripped the developed world. I refer to the developed world specifically because my research hasn't involved any statistics or articles reflecting the job levels in developing nations. This is an area that interests me and may be something that I look at in another post. I have also avoided talking about gender or minority differences when discussing the youth unemployment crisis, as this would likely require additional posts as well, something that may also come at a later date.

Youth Unemployment Crisis Ramifications

     Yesterday was the start of a five-part series discussing the youth unemployment crisis. I spent a great deal of time explaining the background of the crisis and offered readers number of important links and statistics to better understand the situation. This discussion tied into a warning given by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The OECD is cautioning policy-makers that youth are at risk of becoming a "lost generation" if the current crisis is not dealt with appropriately. If you missed part one click here to be redirected. Today's installment will examine the ramifications of the youth unemployment crisis on the individual as well as society.

Youth Unemployment Creating A Lost Generation

     Today is the first in a five-part series looking at the youth unemployment crisis that's impacting young adults around the world. I'm not an economist or an expert in job trends and will not be discussing the cause of the crisis itself. Instead I'll spend the next five days talking about the climate which has been created because of the high levels of unemployment and underemployment as a result of the crisis. I'll begin this discussion by looking at the impact of the crisis on young adults and the creation of a "Lost Generation", an argument which was presented by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

Introducing the Nexus 7

     The Nexus 7 was announced by Google at their I/O conference back in June and is the company's first Nexus-branded Android tablet. Reviews from technology sites such as CNET, TechSpot, Wired, and TechRadar have been positive. Those who have tested the tablet praise Jelly Bean, which is the latest Android software and currently only available on the Nexus 7, as well as the value of the tablet when compared to other 7-inch models in the $199 price range. While the Nexus 7 may not be an iPad killer, it does offer a lot of features and power for its cost. Read on to discover what Google and ACER have included in the Nexus 7 to discover if the tablet is right for you.

Ultrabooks Gain Ground Against the MacBook Air

     Brooke Crothers, editor at CNET News, has reported that sales of the expensive ultrabooks are on the rise at retailers. This is a sign that Apple's popular MacBook line may finally be facing competition as the company has held a monopoly in the high-end laptop market since they launched the MacBook back in May 2006. Intel took steps to enter the market when they announced a fund to support the development of new technologies in line with the company's concept for next generation notebooks. It's been a year since Intel committed $300 million to the fund; which was projected to last for three to four years in related ultrabook developments. Let's take a look at what Intel has accomplished with the introduction of the ultrabook and discuss what's next for the high-end laptops.

Windows 8 Upgrades Will Cost $39.99

     According to Microsoft, consumers looking to upgrade to Windows 8 (working title) will have the opportunity to do so at the reduced rate of $39.99 from Windows.com once it launches to the public. The discounted price is for PC users who have a computer running Windows XP, Windows Vista, or Windows 7 and will be available until January 31 2012. Those looking to purchase a computer between June 2, 2012 and January 31, 2013 will be able to upgrade for $14.99, a cost that Microsoft has traditionally waived in the past for consumers purchasing a PC so close to the release of a new OS. The price of upgrading has been reduced drastically from previous updates such as Windows 7 which cost $119 for the Home Premium version or $199 for Windows 7 Professional. But is Microsoft's new pricing strategy enough to bring their PC users over to the radically different interface?

Android 4.1 Jelly Bean

     Google I/O, the company's annual developer-focused conference, was held late last week and introduced a number of innovations for Google's various projects. Some of those that were on display include; the Nexus 7, the Nexus Q, Project Glass, Google Chrome updates, and most significantly, Android 4.1. While early reviews have been positive; the question remains whether the new software is enough to bring consumers to Google's Galaxy Nexus smartphone. Google will also need to contend with Apple's recent injunction, which blocks the sale of the popular handset in the U.S. (for more details on that story click here). Litigation aside, let's take a closer look at Android update 4.1, more popularly referred to as Jelly Bean.

Blackberry 10 Could Save RIM

     Rapid advancements in mobile and tablet technologies has left Research In Motion (RIM) scrambling to stay afloat in a market dominated mercilessly by Apple and Google. RIM has taken notice of what it's competitors are offering consumers and integrated that into it's newest operating system (OS). The result is software that manages to remain familiar to dedicated blackberry users while still offering something fresh for those looking for a secure OS that is both accessible and attractive. But will it be enough to bring those who have been burned by RIM before back to it's platform and draw in new consumers?

BlackBerry Maker RIM Posts Major Loss

     Canadian-based company, Research in Motion (RIM), continues to struggle in the communications industry as they report heavy losses for the company. Both Apple and Google have overtaken RIM's once secure market share dominance through innovation and a deep understanding of the needs of customers. It's due to the companies understanding of the demand culture we live in that both Apple and Google are so successful. Both companies understand that what consumers desire and what they have are two very different things. Apple and Google have dominated the communications industry by capitalizing on this demand and developing technology that fills consumers' needs.