Smile, because it’s Friday!  This week’s tech-industry review looks into Obama’s action plan on immigration, and what this means for the tech industry, Google’s new service that eliminates web advertising for users, a new app. that acts as a social network that will lead into a new way of exchanging money, and a bright turn for Ghana, as they will receive handheld computers that will transmit information essential for daily needs.

Obama’s Plan to Help the Tech Industry

President Obama is taking action on immigration by expanding programs that act as a pipeline for foreign students studying in the United States to join the high-tech workforce, say those closely involved in the immigration debate.  The program is known as Optional Practical Training, and it will help address the tech industry’s complaint’s about the lack of available high-skilled workers. 

Read more on the issue here

Google Combats Web-Advertising

The notorious web browser, Google, is testing a new service called Contributor that lets U.S. web surfers pay monthly subscriptions so they don’t have to see ads.  Google is sending out invitations for the feature, which will charge consumers $1 to $3 a month.  This is Google’s way to help support the people who create the websites. 

Check out more on the new feature here

The New Way of Banking is through Social Networking

The future demand for cash looks like it will start to decline by the looks of a new app. called Venmo.  Venmo is an app that allows users to send and receive payments over their smartphones.  There was a socialmedia component to the app that made the mundane act of splitting bills kind of fun.  Venmo also doubles, by design, as a social network.  Everytime a user makes a payment to a friend, he has to fill out a field summarizing what the reimbursement is for. 

Click here to know more about this handy app.

Ghana’s Connection through The Talking Books

Hundreds of handheld audio computers are to be given to some of Ghana’s poorest communities to help spread potentially life-saving information.  The Talking Books will let families play sound files as well as make their own recordings, which can be shared with others or used to give feedback.  Organizers plan to use the kit to teach people about Ebola, how to deal with diseased crops and the importance of breastfeeding, among other topics.

Check out more here

This week’s review focuses on the innovative direction that the tech-industry is leading as it continues to bring social and technology together.  I cannot wait to see what other opportunities are going to arise in response, and the way society responds will be a defining character of our future.   Have a great weekend everyone!