How many chapters are in Swipe to Unlock?

Swipe to Unlock has 40 chapters.

How many pages are in Swipe to Unlock?

Swipe to Unlock contains 256 pages.

When was Swipe to Unlock published?

Swipe to Unlock was published in 2016.

Technology & the Future

Swipe to Unlock Book Summary - Swipe to Unlock Book explained in key points

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Swipe to Unlock summary

Name: Swipe to Unlock
Rating: 4.2 (21 reviews)
Author: Neel Mehta, Parth Detroja & Aditya Agashe

Neel Mehta Parth Detroja Aditya Agashe

The Primer on Technology and Business Strategy

4.2 (21 ratings)

20 mins

Brief summary

Swipe to Unlock demystifies the concepts behind technology and business strategy. It serves as an essential guide for understanding the digital world and offers practical insights for anyone interested in tech industry fundamentals.

Topics

Career Progress Learning Digital Transformation Critical Thinking & Problem Solving Big Tech The Internet

Table of Contents

Swipe to Unlock
Summary of 6 key ideas

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Key idea 1 of 6

What’s in it for me? Understand the technology you use daily and the industry that creates it.

In today's rapidly evolving world, understanding technology is not just a skill –⁠ it’s a necessity. From artificial intelligence revolutionizing healthcare to the surge of online banking and payments, technology is reshaping every industry. Farmers are employing drones for agriculture, while business leaders grapple with a market dominated by a handful of tech giants.

Given all this, it’s understandable that you might be feeling daunted by the complexities of technology. Or, you might be deeply attracted to it –⁠ but you still feel that writing code just isn’t for you. In either case, this Blink has got you covered.

In it, we’ll delve into the mechanics of the internet, the business models of popular apps, and the strategies driving the tech industry today. You’ll finally learn the difference between a “frontend” and a “backend” developer, understand the debate about net neutrality, and parse the meanings of buzzwords like “big data” and “APIs.” Even if your job doesn’t directly involve technology, this Blink will prepare you for the complexities of the digital age.

Understanding operating systems

Have you ever heard the claim that Macs are more secure than PCs? It’s a common belief, but how true is it?

To answer this question, we need to understand a fundamental difference between Macs and PCs: their operating systems. Often abbreviated to “OS,” an operating system is essentially the backbone of a computer. It’s the software that manages all the other software and hardware. It’s also what allows you to interact with your computer and run programs –⁠ and it plays a pivotal role in the security of your device.

Macs and PCs use different operating systems: macOS for Macs and Windows for PCs. But is one more secure than the other?

Well, Macs are known for certain built-in security advantages. As one example, macOS requires users to enter their password before they can run potentially risky software or change certain settings. This is a stricter approach than Windows uses, and it means that harmful software has a harder time damaging a Mac without the user noticing.

These features make it tougher to hack a Mac than a PC. However, Macs aren’t invulnerable. In 2012, over 600,000 Macs were infected by the Flashback virus, the largest Mac epidemic that had ever occurred. This incident forced Apple to change its tune. Previously, it had claimed that “Macs don’t get PC viruses.” This was revised to a more measured “It’s built to be safe.” However, subsequent Mac viruses like Rootpipe and KitM.A still emerged, proving that any operating system can be at risk of security breaches.

At the end of the day, every operating system comes with its strengths and weaknesses. Android’s open ecosystem gives users a high amount of freedom to customize their devices and use a wide variety of apps. However, this also opens doors to security risks. Conversely, BlackBerry was once renowned for its strong security features. However, this also meant it struggled to adapt to evolving technology and lost market dominance. Whether it's macOS, Windows, Android, or BlackBerry, each system has its unique features and vulnerabilities.

Exploring software

Ever wondered how your favorite apps like Snapchat or Instagram work their magic? It might seem like a world of complex code, but many of the core ideas behind them are surprisingly straightforward. Let's explore three essential concepts that drive these apps: algorithms, APIs, and A/B tests.

Algorithms are at the heart of every piece of software, from classic games like Pac-Man to modern apps like Facebook. These are well-defined procedures that help computers solve problems. Take Spotify’s algorithm, which uses a technique called collaborative filtering to recommend songs. The process involves analyzing your music preferences and comparing them with the playlists of millions of other users. Say you love The Beatles, and several playlists featuring The Beatles also include songs by The Rolling Stones. Spotify might assume there’s a thematic connection and, lo and behold, it will probably start suggesting Rolling Stones songs to you.

How tech companies make money

In today’s world, the phrase “there’s an app for that” reflects a booming app economy. In 2016, it was valued at over $50 billion in total, and that number is only going up. This app economy operates on principles vastly different from traditional models.

Unlike traditional goods, which are sold for a price, most apps are free to download. Yet the companies behind some apps are worth millions, even billions, of dollars. This illustrates how the “freemium” model works, where basic services are free but advanced features cost money. For example, the app Candy Crush is free to download but offers in-app purchases for extra “lives” or levels. Similarly, Tinder provides limited swipes for free, with unlimited access available for a monthly fee. This model thrives on user engagement: the more invested a user becomes, the more likely they are to pay for premium features.

How the internet works

Back in 2006, Alaska Senator Ted Stevens misdescribed the internet as “a series of tubes.” It was a funny gaff –⁠ but it also highlights the surprising difficulty of describing this tool many people use daily. How much do you know about how the internet works?

When you type “google.com” and hit enter, a complex process unfolds. Every webpage, like a building, has a unique address, known as a Uniform Resource Locator. This URL ensures that anyone who types it in will arrive at the same destination.

The big deal with big data

On the internet, every click, purchase, and interaction contributes to an ever-growing digital universe. This realm, known as “big data,” is expanding at an astonishing rate. As Google co-founder Eric Schmidt noted in 2010, we now create as much information in two days as we did from the dawn of civilization until 2003. This massive volume of data, or five exabytes every two days, surpasses our traditional storage capacities and presents unique opportunities and challenges.

A classic example of big data’s power is Target’s prediction of a teen’s pregnancy. In 2012, a father in Minnesota discovered a catalog in the mail that contained maternity products – and it was addressed to his daughter. Outraged at the implication, he confronted the store manager and accused Target of encouraging his teen daughter to become pregnant. However, a few days later, the father called Target back with an apology. After a conversation with his daughter, he had learned that she was indeed pregnant.

Policies surrounding technology

The internet is a symbol of both limitless potential and contentious debates over control, privacy, and freedom. This reality is shaped by ongoing policy battles and legal discussions, which significantly affect technology’s role in society.

At the heart of these debates are the Internet Service Providers, like Comcast, AT&T, and Verizon. These giants not only connect us to the internet but also hold the power to track our every online move. The contentious issue here is the selling of our browsing history to advertisers, a practice that has traveled along a regulatory rollercoaster. In the United States, this practice was restricted by the Federal Communications Commission in 2016. However, those protections were overturned just a year later, allowing Internet Service Providers to sell user data without consent. This move sparked outrage, highlighting the fragile balance between consumer rights and corporate interests.

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What is Swipe to Unlock about?

Swipe to Unlock (2017) offers a clear and concise understanding of the key concepts and technologies shaping today’s digital world. It breaks down complex tech topics into easily digestible explanations, covering everything from how the internet works to the business strategies of major tech companies. It’s essential material for anyone looking to navigate the intersection of technology, business, and everyday life, regardless of their technical background.

Swipe to Unlock Review

Swipe to Unlock (2017) is an engaging and informative book that explores the fascinating world of technology and its impact on our lives. Here's why it's definitely worth a read:

Through brilliant storytelling and real-life examples, the book demystifies complex tech concepts, making it accessible and relatable to readers of all backgrounds.
With its comprehensive coverage of topics like artificial intelligence, privacy, and the sharing economy, the book offers valuable insights into the digital age we live in.
The authors' unique perspectives and expertise in the field provide fresh and thought-provoking insights, ensuring that the book is anything but boring.

Who should read Swipe to Unlock?

Aspiring tech professionals who don’t want to be coders
Non-tech professionals working at tech companies
Anyone curious about the inner workings of the tech industry

About the Author

Neel Mehta is a Product Manager at Google and a former John Harvard Scholar at Harvard University. He has worked at Microsoft, Khan Academy, and the US Census Bureau, where he founded the first fully-funded tech internship program.

Parth Detroja is a Product Manager at Facebook and a former Merrill Presidential Scholar at Cornell University. He co-founded the Cornell International Business Association and has worked for Microsoft, Amazon, and IBM.

Aditya Agashe is a Program Manager at Microsoft and a former Merrill Presidential Scholar at Cornell University. There, he founded Belle Applications, a venture focused on creating and enhancing software platforms for businesses.

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