This has been an interesting week to say the least. Amazon invades Asia! People are (not) buying computers with sheep! Sweet games from Cambodia! But what are the stories you really need to read? Here’s what we think. Or rather, what each of us thinks, because we all have our own opinions and if we tried to make a collective list it might end in a fistfight. (Just kidding, we all love each other).
Steven’s picks: Amazon Finally Launches in India, But Only Sells Books and Finally, the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite and Fire HD Launch Today in China
Amazon sure had a busy week in Asia. On Wednesday the US e-tailer entered India, albeit in a very restricted way only with its Amazon Marketplace. Two days later, Amazon at long last managed to launch two of its own gadgets in mainland China. Both long overdue, but still great moves.
Willis’ pick: E-Commerce Sales in Vietnam Hit $700 Million, Will Reach $1.3 Billion By 2015
It looks like e-commerce in Vietnam is picking steam. Though out of $700 million, only 11.8 percent was transacted through non-cash payment methods.
Minghao’s pick: Should Startups Go Big or Go Home? Or Is There Another Way?
I like this opinion article. Although it may not be newsy, it gives a refreshing perspective to the tech startup ecosystem. Should every startup be chasing the billion-dollar dream? Is every startup a billion-dollar calibre? In most cases, they are not. So should they just close down? In my opinion, tech startups are still businesses. As long as the business is serving a need, and is able to make a reasonable profit for the founders and the team to be comfortable, it is perfectly ok. For founders who are feeling lost or tired chasing the billion (or million) dollar dream, have a look at this article. It may give you a fresh perspective on things.
Minh’s pick: Asva The Monkey, An Awesome Puzzle Game Out Of Cambodia
I hate to pick my own stuff and it’s not really news, but I’m always excited to see something coming out of Cambodia. It’s such a small country and for them to pull out such a quality game, it’s really awesome. I highly recommend giving it a play.
Charlie’s pick: Beijing Government Makes a Taxi Finding App With One Ludicrous Flaw
I had to pick this one, as it’s yet another example of a Chinese government body shutting down innovative, well-made startup products and then launching its own, vastly inferior product instead. If China’s government wants to have a monopoly on these sorts of apps, the least it could do is make them well. But apparently even that is too much to ask.
Enricko and Emily’s pick: Luxola vs Zalora: Is it Ethical To Buy Google Keyword Ads on Competitors’ Names?
Enricko: This is definitely an interesting discussion topic for any business. A lot of people agree that while buying Google keyword ads on competitors may not be an ethical road, it is still a legal one. But others also argue that taking on that road might not be the best step (business-wise) for the long run, as customers and users can be confused and disappointed for not finding what they’re looking for from the site.
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