閱讀測驗 As the earliest consumers of new technology, early adopters have a
great influence on the industry. The most obvious way they exercise this
influence is to identify bugs and other flaws to the makers of the new
product, who then quickly fix them. Furthermore, many social media
has forums for early adopters to discuss new products and make a name
for themselves as shapers of public opinion. “Companies are now
starting to realize that…early adopters are more than just geeks with a
passion but also a great way to spread their brand and products,” writes
Selix. Consequently, “the first purchasers of a product are often
rewarded with discounts, free lifetime service, or other incentives for
good reviews. They also sometimes have a say in up-and-coming
products. For example, in 2012 Google began the Glass Explorer
program. ‘Explorers’ chosen according to their influence were given the
chance to buy Glass, the wearable computer, before it became available
in stores, and to help shape the product’s development. Later, Google
invited the public to apply for the Explorer program, saying applicants
would be judged in part on how creative, original, and influential their
suggested uses for Glass were. This is a clever way to [praise] early
adopters, get their ideas, and make use of their prestige, all at the same
time.” Excerpted and adapted from The Fun—and the Power—of
Being an Early Adopter by Marie Lavoisier.
【題組】50. What can be inferred from the passage?
(A) Early adopters always give positive reviews to new products.
(B) The benefits that companies give to early adopters are minimal.
(C) All the explorers are hired by Google.
(D) Those who participate in the Glass Explorer program are mainly early adopters.