9 January 2014

Radar7 is our recurring feature where we’ll highlight the top seven pieces of thought-provoking industry commentary that should be on your radar.

1. Ask a Billionaire: Eric Schmidt’s 2014 Predictions

With 2014 now upon us, Google’s Eric Schmidt shared his big predictions for the year on Bloomberg TV, including the importance of big data for business, the rise of personal genetics and, the most important, mobile.

2. I, Glasshole: My Year With Google Glass

Wired reporter Mat Honan submitted himself to wearing Google Glass for much of 2013. Mat summarizes his year behind Google Glass, reviews the advances and limitations of Google Glass, discusses how we will soon be “wearing the future,” how quickly wearable tech will become a “thing” and where to wear wearables.

3. Why Christmas Is The Biggest Day Of The Year For App Developers

Did you get a new smartphone for Christmas and immediately start downloading your must have apps? Well, you’re not alone. According to ReadWrite, Christmas is now App Developers Day due to the sheer number of app downloads on Christmas. In 2012, apps were downloaded nearly 328 million times, with 2013’s number expected to be even higher.

4. Tim Draper Wants To Split California Into Pieces And Turn Silicon Valley Into Its Own State

Though not the first of its kind, investor Tim Draper has submitted a proposition to the California Attorney General proposing to split California into six states, including a Northern California piece named “Silicon Valley.” This TechCrunch article outlines the key reasons why Tim Draper is recommending this plan along with the full proposal and picture of the future map of the six states of California.

5. Bitcoin Isn’t Alone: Newer Currencies Popping Up

As part of Bloomberg’s 12 Days of Bitcoin, this Bloomberg TV video takes a look at the various other competitive cryptocurrencies popping up, including Litecoin, the second largest digital currency. Regardless, Bitcoin still dominates the cryptocurrency scene with a market capital value of $7.6 billion versus Litecoin’s $423.3 million market capital value.

6. A New Era For Entrepreneurs And Startups Has Begun

Though the U.S. is still overcoming the recession, the entrepreneurial spirit has been revived. The Kaufman Index of Entrepreneurial Activity states that as of 2012, there are 300 new entrepreneurs out of every 100,000 adults. This Forbes commentary takes a look at the ten areas where entrepreneurs and startups are winning.

7. In 2014, mobile advertising will grow up

In 2013, mobile ad spend was nearly $10 million in the U.S. alone, but what does 2014 hold for mobile advertising? This prediction guest post in PandoDaily outlines the top five mobile advertising predictions for 2014: video ads will be a major growth area, the first billion-dollar ad tech exit will happen, and Facebook and Google will continue to dominate, among others.