For any product in the marketplace, the "Why now?" question isn't just asking what technological tools and breakthroughs have taken place that makes this possib

For any product in the marketplace, the "Why now?" question isn't just asking what technological tools and breakthroughs have taken place that makes this possible. You must also ask, what user behaviors and markets now exist that makes this possible. In order for a product to be a adopted by many, you need both, regardless of whether it's a "science technology" or a "fashion technology". Many people focus on the former effect as being innovation while completely disregarding the latter. Some progression in products can only occur when users have changed their behavior and expectations enough for you to leverage it. We had the technology to make something like AirBnb since the 90's. But I don't think it would have worked in the 90's, because people were still wary of meeting strangers from the internet. We had the technology to make Groupon since the 90's. But I don't think it would have worked in the 90's, because people were only starting to get use to the idea of paying for stuff online, much less doing it together with strangers. This is why at some points in time, Silicon Valley focuses on problems that can be solved because the user behavior had changed, rather than on problems that can be solved because there's a tech breakthrough--sometimes there are no new tech breakthroughs to be leveraged. That's when you get the Twitter, Groupons, and Yos, and that's ok! It's like filling in the gaps, and fully exploring the ramifications of a new tech.