It takes funding to bring innovations to market and it requires new ideas to keep established tech companies in a position to innovate in the future.
However, the bond between money and innovation often can foster cutthroat practices. Yet more likely than not today's big tech players look beyond the bottom line to bring positive change to the world at large.
Do No Harm (Samsung Adopts Hippocratic Oath from Medical Profession)
Samsung is delivering on its promise to leave its innovative eye-tracking mouse project open for others to commercialize and has no plans to seek to profit from the device that aims to help users who don't have the use of fingers or hands when using a computer device.
Samsung's Eyecan+ is a second-generation tool that lets users interact with computers via eye gestures. After being calibrated to an individual's eyes, Eyecan+ can facilitate the execution of 18 common navigation procedures such as drag and drop and scroll.
"Eyecan+ is the result of a voluntary project initiated by our engineers, and reflects their passion and commitment to engage more people in our community," said SiJeong Cho, VP of community relations.
Don't Be Evil (Google's Motto Tapped by Apple)
Apple's arm may have been twisted a bit by regulators but the iPhone maker is no longer labeling freemium apps as being"free." Instead Apple now labels them as "Get."
The move comes after the Federal Trade Commission fined Apple for failing to put in place safeguards to prevent account holders from incurring charges from in-app purchases made by others, such as young children. The name change to "Get" illustrates how Apple wants to change the bad perception many parents developed in regard to the iTunes App Store after sometimes large charges appeared on credit cards as children played the "free" games.
"Apple failed to adequately disclose that third-party game apps, largely available for free and rated as containing content suitable for children, contained the ability to make in-app purchases," stated the FTC.
Don't Suck (Facebook's Mantra Adopted by Microsoft)
Sony devotees and the PC gaming elite may beg to differ but Microsoft's Xbox division has been working hard to not suck. The company has been busy listening to customers and attempting to at least compromise on most issues, though being the underdog in the console wars may have a lot to do with the attitude adjustment.
For example, when consumers pushed back at Microsoft Xbox One's TV features, the company responded by focusing back on the games. When gamers complained about Xbox One's digital-only capabilities -- features that may have been forward-thinking and beneficial in the long run (think Steam) -- the Xbox division responded by tabling those plans.
And to top things off, Microsoft vigorously tried to be a good guy by rewarding Xbox One customers with a year-one celebration. The Xbox One division rewarded early adopters with free play sessions, digital art, games and prizes.
