A lot of the interesting business stories this week were about technology and and acquisitions. Apple bought Beats headphones meaning they will be selling hardware that is not designed by Apple itself. This article from the FT.com argues that this marks Apple's first 'diffusion' brand and marks a significant change for the company. Apple is also said to be readying technology for a smart home platform where you would be able to regulate your home from your i-Phone and other smart-technology. Speaking of smart-phones, smaller and cheaper alternatives are starting to fragment the smartphone market in Europe that has previously been dominated by Apple and Samsung. Google has also announced they are developing driverless cars and have launched a fleet of 100 prototypes. They look terrifying to me!
We have just ordered the best-selling Capital in the 21st Century by Thomas Piketty which has been the subject of intense debate and argument. Piketty's book argues that over the last two centuries great wealth has been created, but more and more of this wealth is concentrated in the hands of a wealthy few rather than benefiting the whole of society. Piketty proposes a regime of progressive taxation to remedy the inequalities to create and more stable economic situation. The Financial Times, however, have attacked Piketty's figures accusing him of 'cherry-picking' his data. Piketty has strongly defended himself. So read up on the controversy and then try the book itself. One print copy should soon be on library shelves and we also have an ebook version.
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