Tech Buying. Made Simple.

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RecoEngine Launch

Silicon Prairie News

Site helps customers take review process out of tech purchases

Most shoppers have been there—you want to purchase a product so you take to the Internet to read rating after rating of various brands, models or systems. In the end, it's hard to decide if you've really chosen the best product to suite your needs.

I want to thank SPN for the RecoEngine Launch Announcement Coverage.

via SPN

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Device vs Ecosystem Innovation

*Note both of these opinions were written before the Office 2013 announcement.

Part I by Robert Anhalt:

I was initially very excited by the idea of a Microsoft-made Windows tablet, the first new Microsoft-branded hardware product to come out in a long time, and even then, mostly just accessories. This isn’t the first tablet that Microsoft has explicitly shown to the press (see the aborted HP Slate 500 at CES 2010), but the Surface platform marks Microsoft’s intention to directly compete with Apple’s iPad and the various third-party Android tablets. It’s definitely going to be a necessary step to get consumers invested in their ecosystem of products that now share the Metro UI experience (Windows Phone, XBOX 360, Windows 8). For what it’s worth, Microsoft’s surprise event was on par with Apple’s product announcements that engaged the press and consumers with heartfelt stories of the creation process and future consumer user experience. My problem, on behalf of consumers, is the fact that Microsoft didn’t announce one product - they announced two. Surface for Windows RT is the pure tablet, running on an ARM processor (Nvidia Tegra 3) and will not have any traditional desktop Windows functionality. Microsoft should be releasing a tablet version of Office, but after that you’re at the mercy of their mobile app catalog and third-party developers, which has yet to receive the adoption rates of iOS and Android. Surface Pro for Windows 8 will run on the Intel x86 architecture, and will run the full desktop version of Windows 8, which still pushes the Metro UI, but has a normal desktop and runs Windows apps just like your desktop/laptop. One tablet does so much, the other tablet does the same and more. So why would consumers buy Surface for Windows RT and will they know the difference? Apple has indirectly shown that giving consumers choice makes the purchase experience harder and more time consuming, so Microsoft will have to explain the difference to consumers, or leave that responsibility with the retailers. Unlike at Apple product announcements, where the product launch dates are either announced or launched that day, Microsoft gave no release date details at all, but it won’t be until Windows 8 is actually released, and that will be at the end of the year. So, Microsoft just announced a first-party product, a pair of tablets that run their next operating system, that won’t be available for about 6 months. That’s too long of a wait and this time window gives Microsoft OEM partners a head start to make superior products. Third-party Windows tablets have been shown off (demonstrated, not sold) for almost a year now, but they haven’t received much attention. Microsoft already has a painful history of Windows tablets to escape and their only solution to get a Windows 8 tablet in consumer hands is to brand it with their name. Consumers are going to instinctively trust a product that is 100% made by one company, much like anticipation for a Google-made Android device. “Microsoft makes Windows, so they should know what kind of hardware to make and how to seamlessly blend the two together.” The logic makes sense and it’s reasonable to believe from the announcement event, but how will that affect OEM partners who also want to make Windows tablets and which CPU platform(s) will they support? So did Microsoft really announce anything “new”? We already knew about Windows 8 and its tablet OS variation, but the Microsoft-branded tablets were a surprise, since they have never made their own computers before. Microsoft has always been a software company and relied on OEM partners to produce the diverse hardware ecosystem that we are familiar with to put Microsoft products on. This is going to result in either better third-party tablets competing at launch or Microsoft pushing third-parties out of the spotlight. No matter what, any outcome where Microsoft and other OEMs are directly competing will result in a polluted variety of Windows tablets to choose from, comparable to the PC buying experience we’ve known for years. Microsoft is betting heavily on the future of Windows 8 and getting consumers into the complete ecosystem, which they need to since Apple already has a foothold in both the home and business spaces. Both Surface tablets are going to have to be not only competitively priced, but will have to be given enough exposure to distract from Apple’s advertising. The headline honeymoon is over and I’m less excited for the product, but still curious to see how this will change the market. I’m still going to buy one, but even I don’t know which one I’m going to buy.

Microsoft Surface Keynote: http://youtu.be/jozTK-MqEXQ The Vergecast episode 35 discussing Surface: here.

Part II by Josiah Thomas:

Like Robert I was initially very excited for the Microsoft Surface. But once I came down to reality I realized price and apps are going to be crucial to its success. I did however notice a very different strategy from Microsoft. Microsoft has been making various computing peripherals over the years mice, keyboards etc. But this announcement was different. To me Microsoft decided they needed to radically change how they communicated with their hardware partners. They put their money where their mouth is and they developed their own Surface prototype. And based on the presentation given, in my mind this product was designed to shake their partners awake from their design "daze" as it were in order to show them how they want the hardware to perform as opposed to just telling them nicely.

I also noticed while using Windows 8 consumer preview that Windows is becoming the operating system that I always wanted. I have envisioned for a long time a computer that would synchronize all my settings and files when I logged into that machine regardless of machine or machine form factor. And this is where I see the road dividing once again between Microsoft and Apple. Apple has wonderful industrial design, but I have never felt comfortable using a Mac OSX. Seeing the feature set of iOS 6 and the iOS evolution has shown me that Apple's innovation perspective revolves around hardware. And they are great at it. But I have always believed that non-technical people really don't care what device they are using, but in fact just want to get work done or play a game or write a paper. As technologists it is easy to fall in love with a piece of hardware. But normal people usually don't intrinsically love technology -- rather they see it as a tool that allows them to be productive or to have fun. I realized that Microsoft's strategy isn't to make the device you are using invisible which Apple is so great at but rather Microsoft is attempting to make all computing devices: phones, tablets, desktops, laptops disappear. They are saying: regardless of the device you are using or where you are using it -- the stuff you need to be productive in life is right at your fingertips.

Microsoft is trying to make an entire ecosystem of computing devices disappear so you never have to compromise something based on the device you are using.

Microsoft's strategy has the potential to be much more valuable than Apple's device-based approach. Their task is in no way easy -- price and app availability will be key factors in the success or failure of the Surface. I have no doubt the battle will be fun to watch.

The PC+ Era According to Kevin Turner.

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Stop SOPA. STOP PIPA.

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RecoEngine does NOT support SOPA (the Stop Online Piracy Act) period.

Over 40 Internet Companies Come Out Publicly Against SOPA (Including Us)

Need more details on SOPA click here.

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RecoEngine is a startup sponsor of the first ever ThincIowa! ThincIowa is the about the common ground between corporations and startups.

We are really excited to part of this great community event. The Iowa startup space is beginning to heat up!

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Startup Job

Why work here?

Because at RecoEngine we bridge people and technology.

Because you want to stop feeling like you are spinning life’s wheels.

Because you want to work at a company that stands for something.

Because your values as a person are no longer aligned with the company you work for.

Because your company is only concerned with extracting as much value from customers rather than being a long term partner that facilitates real growth and value.

Because you previous company’s vision is so askew you don’t know which way is up.

Because you want a chance at changing the world for the better.

At most jobs you work for the Boss.

At RecoEngine you work for the good of the company and our customers.

The Boss’ role is reversed you don’t work for him -- he works for you.

He is thinking about standing up for you as an employee.

He thinks about ways to empower you as an individual.

He lives and breathes company culture to the point of exhaustion.

Because he knows that taking care of his employees first will empower them to make the best decisions for our customers. A good friend helped him realize this. And he will always be grateful to her for that.

He is thinks about our employee perk program.

He thinks about ways to continually make his employees smile.

He thinks about rewarding creativity and entrepreneurship within the company.

He thinks about how work decisions will affect the families of his employees.

He thinks about the human side of his employees rather than the profit side.

Honestly if you are just here for pay check you won’t be happy.

There is more to a company than quarterly earnings.

Human values and company values should be synonymous.

If you think you would be a good fit or if any part of this resonated with you feel free to drop us a line.

RecoEngine is: Tech Buying. Made Simple. We recommend technology to consumers on a level that they can understand and find useful. We are a startup located in Des Moines, Iowa.

We are looking for a web programmer with experience in: LAMP, javascript/jQuery, CSS. As a member of RecoEngine team, you would be an integral part of a "flat company" where ideas flow freely and you will manage yourself. Respect, accountability, ambition, self-motivation and a love of technology are required. The only direction will be from our founder who will provide you with a clear vision and encouragement on where the company is and where it is going. And importantly why you still want to work here. Ideas that you think are too big just aren't. With that said focus will be very important. You will need to be on the leading edge of general technology trends and web frameworks as well. You will be given equity in the company you help shape. Send inquiries here.

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Company Existence

I just got done with a great meeting with Christian Renaud of Startup City Des Moines.

It got me thinking about a few things. The main thing I started to think about was why should RecoEngine exist? 

Firstly, RecoEngine is Tech Buying. Made Simple.

At RecoEngine we aim to make technology buying simple. Not an easy thing to do by any means, but it is in high demand. Being the geek in the family means at Thanksgiving I get various questions about which laptop/tablet/smartphone/HDTV etc to buy. I do my very best to answer with the most up-to-date information I can find. The problem is I have to visit 10+ sites to get the information I need. And it is easy to spend a good chunk of time doing it.

Why in this information golden age do I need to do that much browsing?

Why isn't there a site that will just tell me what to buy? 

And good luck trying to walk into an electronics store to get that information because they are going to point you to the laptop or HDTV with the highest margin not the one you need. And most normal non-technical people will buy it.

I don't think they should.

Computers and technology are tools nothing more. You use the best tool for the job and RecoEngine will help you do that.

At RecoEngine we make things simple buy asking you simple questions about how you want to use your technology and how much you are planning to spend on it. That's it. No reading reviews, no browsing to multiple sites piecing together a recommendation that you are hopefully comfortable with.

So why does RecoEngine exist?

Because consumers need it. I need it. My family and my friends need it.

I don't want to be sold to anymore. I want to know that the technology I am buying is the best choice for me.

And I think we as consumers deserve it.

Simple as that.

We are looking for like-minded people that want to build something great to join our founding team.

We are looking for a web programmer with experience in:

LAMP

javascript/jQuery

CSS

As a member of RecoEngine team, you would be an integral part of a "flat company" where ideas flow freely and you will manage yourself. Respect, accountability, ambition, self-motivation and a love of technology are required. The only direction will be from our founder who will provide you with a clear vision and encouragement on where the company is and where it is going. And importantly why you still want to work here.  Ideas that you think are too big just aren't. With that said focus will be very important. You will need to be on the leading edge of general technology trends and web frameworks as well. You will be given equity in the company you help shape.

If interested email us below.

Do you agree with the points I made above?

Because if you do I want to hear from you -- even if you aren't interested in the job.

Email me: here

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Something new...Inspiration Fridays

Every Friday share what inspires you.

People. Books. Quotes. Whatever.

Let us know on Facebook and Twitter.

Happy Friday!

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Consumer Bill of Rights v0.1

The wheels are turning...

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Gary Vaynerchuk on The Thank You Economy

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Distraction has no place here

Just got done reading a great column from Jason Fried of 37signals. Here is an excerpt. (emphasis mine)

Instead of spending your time worrying about what could, might, or may happen, spend your time on what matters now. Are your customers thrilled with your service today? Is your inbox flooded with word-of-mouth referrals today? Do your employees love their jobs today? Can people find what they're looking for on your website today? Be honest with yourself. If the answers aren't satisfactory, then I'd suggest that you truly have something to worry about -- no matter how beautiful and comprehensive your business plan is.

Article

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Best CEO survey ever.

Every quarter - CEO feedback survey - completely anonymous. 

Do you want to keep me as a CEO or get a new one?

Regardless of what your answer to the 1st question is, do you think I am getting better at my job or worse?

Why?

Amazing advice.

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As a startup founder, when you begin to think of your company as a narrative many avenues of thought start to spring up. You begin to zoom out and look at your idea from a satellite's perspective you begin to see how your company fits into the world and how it affects the numerous interconnected parts.

This video of Jack Dorsey speaking at Stanford is very interesting and inspiring.

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REWORK

Just finished 37signals' book REWORK. It is by far one of the the best business books around. Regardless of industry, this book is a must read. Don't sit through another meeting at work before reading this book.

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It all starts somewhere

People constantly asking you for advice can become extremely annoying. Especially if they ask the same questions over and over. Why can't they come up with new questions? Or is this an opportunity in disguise?

There has got to be a way to automate this somehow.