Archive for the 'cell phones' Category

Bothersome Cell Calls Identified

collector Ever have certain unwanted repeat callers on your cell phone? Perhaps a salesman, or even worse … a stalker? I just ran across a neat tip to identify these unwanted calls when they don’t have caller ID. Create a new contact in your cell phone address book and give it the name of DO NOT ANSWER. In the iphone you can add up to 9 phone numbers per contact.  Now when the phone rings, the caller ID will tell you not to answer!

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Mobile Web Checklist

The numbers of mobile websites are increasing and it’s clear that mobile web is increasing in importance. I’m told that smartphones will soon outnumber laptop and desktop computers. I use my mobile browser daily.

Are you planning on making a mobile-optimized version of your site? Here is a list of considerations.

1. Make a small or light-version of your site.

2. Make images smaller, optimize the page structure.

3. Remove the flash and Java because many phones don’t support it.

4. Watch file sizes – websites exceeding one megabyte per page are painful over a wireless connection.

5. Don’t skip on the content or your site will be worthless.

Be More Effective With Technology

If you have a ton of work before you and can’t afford to let it go when you are away from the office, I have some ideas …

Hardware
toshiba_nb105-2 Hardware is the foundation of your mobile office. In the past that meant a lightweight laptop that won’t make you visit a Chiropractor. If you want to shave off hardware weight, look for a netbook. Many cell phone companies are branding these so that they come will built-in 3G cellular connections. But just like cell phones you have to have a connection plan for your netbook.  The netbook will also have built-in WIFI to save cell minutes and give you a faster connection. Most netbooks are in the $300 price range. These are fully capable tiny laptops that can run the full Microsoft Office Suite. I just bought one for my wife and the battery lasts 11 hours.

mophie-juice-pack-airSmartphones are outnumbering computers and can run software like Windows Office Mobile. So having a smartphone means you be productive with a super small package. Check into upgrading to a higher capacity battery or picking up a spare secondary battery to increase your computing time when you’re away from a power outlet. 

I bought a case for my iphone called Mophie Juice Pack Air that doubled my battery life and provided protection for the phone. Smartphones are notorious for short battery life if you use the Internet or talk a bit. The right accessories can make or break your productivity when you are away from the office.

Other Tips

Tips for Working from the Road:

  1. Take a Bluetooth headset for your phone to keep your hands free when walking or driving.
  2. Plan your day around WIFI hotspots or buy an unlimited Internet plan from your cell company.
  3. Choose a phone with built-in GPS.
  4. Get a portable projector and wireless mouse with laser pointer to give professional presentations.

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Super Bowl Tech

 

I hear that real-time GPS will be used track the arrival of the Lombardi Trophy and key people to the stadium. Isn’t that Colts_Saintsgreat PR.

CBS is broadcasting the game with six high-speed, high-definition cameras with the ability to shoot 300-400 frames per second. Normal cameras shoot around 30fps – so get ready for amazing slow motion effects.

Sprint and AT&T are adding cell towers to handle the stadium demands on cell traffic. Do you have a smartphone? Download some new Smartphone apps to designed help you follow the game.

Security has also gone hi-tech with special cameras to scan both people and packages entering the stadium. Law enforcement also has bomb-removal robots at the ready. But there are no reported threats.

The commercials are my favorite part of the event. Be sure to have your facebook and twitter open to discuss commercials and  talk trash about the other team!

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Reaching 384 million people

A recent article about China and Google mentioned how well controlled the Internet is in China, but don’t forget that the market is huge. I love the Chinese people and if you want to reach a lot of people … could this be your market? China has an estimate 384 million Internet users and a huge cell market.  Hello China! 

china China’s government aggressively promotes Internet use for business and education, but tries to block access to material deemed “subversive” or pornographic. I wish the US blocked porno.

Google made news and caused an outcry among Chinese internet users when it announced thisit might pull out of China over censorship and e-mail hacking. I’m still waiting to see if hardball works.

Accept Credit Cards Everywhere

 

Square is a new innovative company that that will let the iPhone and iPod touch (and eventually other mobile devices) handle real-world remote credit card transactions.  The square device  works via a small application and divice that plugs into the headphone jack resulting in swipe-able credit card transactions. Square was founded by the man created by Twitter, Jack Dorsey.

 

It’s cool just how fast Square works for transactions. Simply amazing! One can also sign the card with a finger on the screen. Plus one can get receipts via email.

If you have been in an Apple store you have seen this type of credit card transaction.  Square wants to being it to the masses.l

I think that this will revolutionize transactions and I want mine now.

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See Amazing SixthSense Technology

weather We don’t really want to use computers, we want information.  What if you could control your computer and it’s information.  Open your eyes as to how you could react to the physical word with Pranav Mistry at TEDIndia. This is amazing!

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Apple tablet stirs it

apple-tablettEnter the Apple tablet. In my opinion this will blow a hole in Kindle sales.  Apple envisions that a family will share a tablet, and they will use it to check email in their homes. A rumor is that experimental facial recognition software will identify each user. Each user can have their own sticky notes and can leave them behind on the screen. Of course Apple is in discussions with major publishers for fiction and textbooks for the device. You have to admit this is a great device for students. It’s not all work and no play – gaming companies are getting a look at the platform too. Keep an eye on this item, or see it for yourself January 27th.

But what will keep people from buying it? See: Apple tablet: 70% won’t spend more than $700, survey says http://bit.ly/50K6Dh

 

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Send SMS to a Phone by Email

phone-sms-message-small Ever want to send an email to a phone? Some people NEVER respond to email, just text. While trying to find a text messaging by email solution this morning I found that each phone company has a email portal.  So, you can message per phonecompany or reach all phone companies through teleflip.com (see below.)

I had a specific need for a server alert system to send me a text should the server burp. But this is a great way to text someone from your desktop too. 

* Be sure of the recipients messaging plan because some people have to pay per text or have just so many messages in their plan.

(Note: For each carrier, I have included a link to a page with more detailed information on how SMS works with that carrier, how much it costs, and where you can find more information. In the list below, just click any carrier’s highlighted name to find out more. This info is subject to change.)

Alltel
[10-digit phone number]@message.alltel.com
Example: 2125551212@message.alltel.com

AT&T (formerly Cingular)
[10-digit phone number]@txt.att.net
Example: 2125551212@txt.att.net

Boost Mobile
[10-digit phone number]@myboostmobile.com
Example: 2125551212@myboostmobile.com

Nextel (now Sprint Nextel)
[10-digit telephone number]@messaging.nextel.com
Example: 7035551234@messaging.nextel.com

Sprint PCS (now Sprint Nextel)
[10-digit phone number]@messaging.sprintpcs.com
Example: 2125551234@messaging.sprintpcs.com

T-Mobile
[10-digit phone number]@tmomail.net
Example: 4251234567@tmomail.net

Verizon
[10-digit phone number]@vtext.com
Example: 5552223333@vtext.com

Virgin Mobile USA
[10-digit phone number]@vmobl.com
Example: 5551234567@vmobl.com

Teleflip If all this seems complicated, there’s an easier way to send email to any phone, no matter what its carrier. Just address it to [10-digit phone number]@teleflip.com
Example: 2125551212@teleflip.com
More information on Teleflip

Make Any Surface a Speaker

Tunebug

This was possible in the past with expensive devices that could turn sheetrock walls into speakers.  Reaction was mixed.  Now enter Tunebug, a device that turns surfaces into speakers for less than a hundred dollars.  I have not tried one but I’ll be happy to review this device because the idea is promising. Imagine plugging your iPod/MP3 player in to a big speaker.  It’s portable too. Yes you can turn almost any flat surface into a panel speaker (they suggest cardboard boxes or anything else hollow for best results.) Turn it up!

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