Social Tech Zone » innovation

5 Tips For Keeping Up With Technology

Frank — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 15:00:28 +0000

credit attributed to http://www.flickr.com/photos/deanj/

After spending a solid amount of time looking at what people were posting on Twitter in regards to technology, I came across an interesting question asking, “Is technology moving too fast for you?” I figured this would be a great opportunity for me to give my two cents with some tips on how to keep up with new technology. For me, technology is never moving too fast because I love seeing the new products that come out and buying some of them as well. However, I know this can be an issue for some people, so I thought I would help out.

1. You need to understand that technology is a constantly changing game. It doesn’t stay the same for long because there’s always something new coming out or in the works.

2. Don’t fear technology, but embrace it! If you fear technology, you’re afraid of nothing. It can’t do anything to you. If it’s not something you’re interested in, don’t look any further into it than you have to.

3. Read and learn. Most people feel technology is moving too fast because they don’t understand how to use the products or their purpose. Like anything else, you need to educate yourself. If your unfamiliar with a piece of technology that may interest you, Google the product. There are plenty of blogs out there providing insight.

4. Ask questions. Don’t ever feel shy or uncomfortable to ask a question to something you may not know. Technology isn’t something everyone can wrap their mind around, that’s why there are people to help you just like with anything else. As the saying goes, “there’s no stupid question, only the one not asked.”

5. Try it out. Technology may be moving fast, but you need to get in there and use it if you ever expect to learn it. Reading is good, but until you get your hands dirty, you’re not applying the knowledge you’ve gained. Hands on is probably the best way to become better in tune with technology.

I feel these are the top 5 tips I could give anyone that’s new to technology and feels it’s moving too fast for them to keep up. These tips can be applied to many other facets of life and not just technology, which is why these are the tips I suggested. I believe by having people view technology just as they would other situations in life helps put things in a better perspective. Sometimes things are easier than they seem and people may make it harder than it actually is.

Do you have any other tips you would like to add to the list? Why do you feel people feel technology moves too fast? If technology is something you’re trying to learn, how helpful were my tips?

Further reading:

Will 2010 Still Produce Positive Upgrades In Technology?

Where We Would Be Had Technology Not Advanced

How To Make Technology Work For You

Is Technology Reaching All Generations?

Where We Would Be Had Technology Not Advanced

Frank — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 14:30:19 +0000

It’s funny how the more technology becomes advanced each day, the more we take it for granted. For this exact reason, I felt it was necessary for all of us to be brought back down to Earth and realize where we would be had technology not advanced. I understand that technology would be changing each day since that’s just how the world works. However, I am looking at this in a hypothetical way. Really, I am serious think about it. What would be doing with technology had the internet boom not occurred. I am going to give my 10 thoughts and facts about where we would be if this were true. I highly encourage readers to add to this list in the comments below if you can think of anything else.

1. If email didn’t exist, we would still be sending letters through the mail to each other. Just think of how long that process took. Would you still be able to do that today or have the patience to write an actual letter? Your answer is most likely NO because you are spoiled by the ability to type something out on the computer via email.

2. Starting up a new company for free would be extremely difficult. With the internet being a place where the majority of the world interacts, you have a huge customer base seeing the content you share. Imagine if the internet boom didn’t happen. Most entrepreneurs you see today making millions of dollars online may not be possible. It would now cost money to start a business due to the fact you would need an actual facility. With the internet, starting up a blog costs nothing.

3. Texting wouldn’t be the primary use of mobile devices. Hell, who knows if mobile devices would be able to perform all the functions it does today. You might have a select group of people who can afford the cell phone due to how expensive it was at one point. It would only be used for calling, but today it’s primary use is texting, email, and surfing the web. Talk about tech innovation!

4. How about computers in general? We’re used to these huge 24 inch monitors. Back in the day, you were lucky if the screen was 10 inches. Not to mention, was it something that you could afford. Today laptops are reasonably priced that almost everyone owns a computer to this point. If computers hadn’t moved to the stage they are at today, then would affiliate marketers have jobs? Would they exist online? They’d probably working for actual companies and not themselves.

5. Look at televisions. Remember the days of black and white 13 inch TV’s. Not to mention they only had 13 channels. Now we have 60 inch plasmas. Geez, there’s a leap for you! Talk about spoiled rotten. What a tech hungry group of consumers we are. That’s what technology does to you, you expect it to be there. Ponder this – would the amount of TV shows be around if we didn’t have HD TV’s bigger than 13 inches?

6. CD’s would still be the way we listen to music had the evolution of the MP3 player not come about. CD sales may soon become obsolete due to technology. Let’s be honest, people are downloading music illegally thanks to the software made available to people. Artists loose out on money due to this and it’s all because technology evolves. If it didn’t CD’s would be the only way to hear music.

7. If technology stayed constant…would the word “innovation” exist? How could it? We would be living in a world with the same products and services available to consumers. Once again, I know this wouldn’t happen, but this post is meant for you to ponder the thought. You may be objecting to what I am saying because of the expectance of new technology.

8. Now we get to Cars. Everything in them now is electronic based and I love it. However, think of a car without being able to play your iPod or listen to your CD’s. Instead cassette tapes are the only thing you can do. Oh God, Did I just say cassette tapes? Does anyone even recall what those are? You would also need to actually start your car by sticking the key into the ignition. That’s too difficult of a task now, so technology created the automatic startup button to make life easier.

9. Social Media wouldn’t be around to communicate and share information with people. It would be very difficult to develop relationships and build a customer base if social media weren’t around. This kind of goes hand-in-hand with the internet boom mentioned earlier, but I still feel it’s its own issue. To build your business, traditional forms of advertising would have to suffice. Spending loads of money and the more likely event of getting nothing out of that investment. Boy, aren’t you glad social media has become our main business platform of today?

10. Finally, technology in general. How would it be defined? Where would that word really branch off too? It’s hard to say because we have become so accustomed to technology being new products launched one by one. Bottom line as I keep saying through out this post, WE ARE SPOILED! This isn’t a bad thing, but it’s how we have been conditioned.

So, how does list make you feel about where we are today in the world of technology? Hopefully, I was able to bring an appreciation to the great things that have been created to this point and will come in future years. Do you feel there’s anything I missed in the list? Please share below if you have something to add. It’s quite the world we live in today and the many capabilities technology has given us. One of the most prominent things starting up now which will make a huge impact in the future is the beginning of green technologies to help the environment. How great it is to be apart of all this!

Further reading:

How To Make New Technology Work For You

Why Do People Need Tech Help?

10 Tips For Interacting With Social Networks And Technology

The Future Of Technology

Will Google Voice Revolutionize Technology?

Frank — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 14:20:34 +0000

About a week and a half ago, I applied to the Google Voice program on a whim. I didn’t think I would be one of the people selected to participate. I really wanted a chance to try out this product by Google because it really captured my interest from the second I heard about what it’s capable of. As the days were going by I figured I wasn’t going to be one of the people chosen. I even asked on Twitter towards Google if I could be a part of Google Voice. At first I hear no reply or anything, so I decided to forget about it. Although, that wasn’t the end of it.

Yesterday while checking my email, and cleaning up my inbox a new message poped up and said, “you have been invited to Google voice.” I was extrememly happy. My passion for new technology can’t be described and being a select person chosen to try out their new service is quite the experience! Being selected by Google for anything I think would make any person happy! So, I wanted to write this post to give people some insight about what Google Voice is. You may want to apply to the program after reading this and give it a go yourself. Who knows, you may be selected as well!

Google Voice’s primary purpose is to have you choose your own phone number and sync them with your actual phones. That may sound confusing, so I’ll explain. If you have a cell phone and a house phone, you can choose to use the number you create with Google Voice as your primary number to give people. When that number is called, both your cell phone and house phone will ring. It guarantees that you will never miss a call! Whichever phone is closest to you at the moment answer it like any normal telephone call. The other phone will stop ringing once one is answered and you set them this up with as many or as few phones as you want. Your Google Voice number is a forwarding number to put it in basic terms.

Here’s a good scenario. Say someone is calling your house phone and you are not there, but they don’t have access to your cell phone. What do you do to make sure you aren’t missing those calls? Instead of handing out your actual home phone number, give them your Google Voice number that you created and configure that number to forward to both your house and cell phone. You will be sure all calls will now be answered! What’s the best thing about Google Voice…it’s FREE! There’s no cost whatsoever, unless you are making international calls. I don’t many people whoo are doing that, but it’s still something you can do with Google Voice.

International calls are the only thing that will cost you a small fee and you can find that out by checking out the rates page. Any calls to the U.S. are free to do! There’s no catch at all which is what I was thinking there was in the beginning. I contacted someone who has already been using Google Voice and they told me that it was yet another free service offered by Google.

You want to talk innovation. This is it! Google really sets the bar when coming up with new technology and you know what the greatest part is? Their products don’t have flaws! They make sure all their ideas are implemented and function properly. This is why they are so successful. If you think this is all there is to Google Voice, it gets even better! Not only, is it rediculously simple to set up because it walks you through the steps, but you also create your own voicemail message. I just thought this was really neat. Since Google Voice is done through your Google account, you can make calls, send SMS, and chance your voicemail all through the Google Voice page. The features never end and this is technology at its finest!

What I like most about the Google Voice page is I don’t always need to be holding a phone like when I send an SMS. Being able to do it straight from the page and then having the conversation stored and recorded is awesome! It’s a cell phone inside your web browser is the best way to put it! Google Voice gives you the opportunity to listen in on people leaving voicemails and then deciding whether to answer or not. This seems like it will revolutionize the way we interact with our cell phone companies. Google may now domminate the phone carrier industry! Can a company be any smarter? I mean having the ability to listen to a voicemail is one thing, but being able to see it displayed in text format is quite another! This can all be seen when you are on the Google Voice page.

Honestly, this is one of the wildest things I have ever experienced with technology. Nothing has come close…YET! Who knows, there’s always something new out there that will impress me. Also, one other feature I have to mention, when you are receiving a call it gives you options when you answer. You can choose to answer, send to voicemail, ignore….and you can screen calls from numbers you don’t know!

So, what are you waiting for, sign up to be invited to Google Voice. You really won’t be disappointed, it’s a fantastic service! When you try to think of what the definition of technology really is….I think Google Voice is a perfect definition. You may wonder why I get so into technology…this is exactly why! I can’t get enough of this stuff and I truly am impressed with the products and services being created each day!

So, if you already have Google Voice, what do you think of it? Are you impressed or is there something you would change about it? Does this define technology for you?

Further reading:

New Technology Coming From T-Mobile

Which Cell Phone Is The Best Tech Gadget?

Technology Innovation Huge In 2010

Technology Reaches All Time High

New Technology Coming From T-Mobile

Frank — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 14:00:50 +0000

Technology always has a future. I mean there’s not going to be a day when we reach the end of technology! Since it is forever evolving, this brings me to something I am very interested in talking about. It’s in regards to a future cell phone to be released by T-Mobile.

T-mobile in my mind has always delivered quality tech gadgets and innovative phones. The one in particular being released this August is the MyTouch 3G. After researching what this gadget can do, it reminds me a lot of the iPhone 3GS. Don’t get me wrong, nothing is as powerful as that phone. However the MyTouch 3G is quite impressive. Especially with the ability to upload video straight to YouTube. The iPhone does this as well and I like the fact that T-Mobile is incorporating this into one of their own phones.

The design is quite creative as well. You can definitely tell T-Mobile wanted to upgrade their technology to a new level! Although, you can see that they model their design somewhat to the iPhone, but can you blame them. That design is so popular for iPhone and AT&T users, so seeing another company implementing what works isn’t surprising. T-Mobile didn’t copy the design outright. They made it their own and gave it the T-Mobile look to where you could never confuse it for the iPhone.

The MyTouch 3G is also going to have apps as well, which is predicted to do real well. However it seems all phones and carriers are trying to incorporate apps. Customers really like that feature. I think T-Mobile will really succeed with it. When they started the My Faves service allowing you to call any 5 people from any carrier for free, that sold me on their business model!

To say that I am excited to buy this future piece of technology is an understatement. I was a huge fan of the T-Mobile G1 phone that incorporated the Android Operating System and now seeing the MyTouch 3G (which is the upgrade from the G1), I am really blown away! I mean, the “3G” ending is iPhone material, but if they are operating on a 3G network, who am I to comment?

In conclusion, technology is always emerging in different ways. Just from seeing future technology being set to launch to the consumers is exciting. T-Mobile has their company headed in the right direction! Not to mention T-Mobile always has great cell phone plans to choose from. I have always felt they are fair with their prices and have better rates than other carriers.

Now, I know some of you may not have T-Mobile that are reading this, but that doesn’t mean you cannot give your input on how you feel about the innovation being done with your carrier. If you are apart of T-Mobile and want to see more about the MyTouch 3G or you may be wanting to change carriers, visit their website!

Further reading:

Technology Innovation Huge In 2010

Which Cell Phone Is The Best Tech Gadget?

The Future Of Technology

Does Technology Have Any Boundaries?

Technology Innovation Huge In 2010

Frank — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 14:34:57 +0000

credit attributed to http://www.flickr.com/photos/toprankblog/

Everyday, I start off doing the same routine. I check my email and then I read the blog posts that I am subscribed to. Obviously I am subscribed to technology blogs and one of them is none other than The Next Web. I recently read two posts from them that particularly caught my attention and I wanted to share my thoughts on them.

First off, The Next Web reported that Apple plans to release a tablet netbook in 2010 for around $800. I have a few things to say about that. My first reaction was, “I’m not surprised.” I don’t mean that in a negative way, but I knew it was a matter of time before Apple jumped into the netbook market. From a business standpoint it was very smart to do and they could profit well from this. However, their price is what bugs me the most. With the price of current netbooks out their averaging prices under $500 and seeing Apple wanting to charge $800, makes me uneasy. Although, I can’t question Apple. Their methods have always worked for the most part.

Apple has always been known for high quality products and they always produce the best thing available. So, I do understand their $800 price, but I don’t agree with it. People will buy it, there’s no question about it, but take this alternative. I want a 24 inch iMac that costs around $1500 without tax and excessories. Price wise…that’s about $700 more than a tablet netbook. From my personal standpoint, I’d rather save up for the iMac than dish out $800 on a tablet netbook. That’s just me though. How do you feel?

Secondly, the ”netbook family” isn’t designed to be used as your primary computer. It’s for simply checking email or browsing the web when traveling. I just couldn’t see myself paying $800 dollars for a tablet netbook that I am not going to use as my primary system. I do own a HP Mini 1030NR netbook and I bought it for far less than $800. Not only that, but once again, it’s not used as my primary system…it’s a “tag along system.” That’s how I like to view netbooks. In turn, I have to give credit to Apple for starting to produce their own netbook. It was a must for consumers and something that will really sell.

Switching gears to how technology is advancing on the operating system front is through Google. Once again, I read this article from The Next Web about their new Google Chrome OS that they plan to release in latter part of 2010. So, two big companies, both Google and Apple are planning to make a splash with new technology in 2010. This is very exciting news all around. Now, why do I like this? Well, like Apple, I support everything Google does. Secondly, I believe if the OS is made free like most of their products, I think this will definitely challenging Linux.

I myself do not like Linux. It’s an operating system I have seen in action many times before and don’t like it’s interface or the way the system operates. However, Google’s idea of creating their own operating system really has me interested. This project by Google seems as though it will be out after Apple’s netbook. So, I can’t get too excited right now as Google is in the early stages with their OS.

I would love to have seen the look from the Board of Directors at Microsoft when Google made this announcement. They must have said, “uh, oh!” If I was an employee of Microsoft I would definitely be trying to plan around what Google was doing because this is going to be direct competition to Windows 7, which has been seen in a positive light so far in the beta and release client stage. However, since Google probably will make their operating system free, I can see users either staying with XP or using Google Chrome OS. Very interesting set of scenarios I think. This is why technology is so incredible! We shall see what plays out as the release dates for both Google’s and Apple’s products get closer to being released.

What do you think about these two advances in technology? Do you support them both? How do you think it will affect companies like Microsoft or Linux?

Further reading:

Would A Netbook By Apple Be Smart?

HP Mini Netbook 1030NR Update: Must Read!

TechCrunch Tablet PC

All-In-One Touchbook Defines Innovation

Are OS Wars Overplayed?

Does Technology Have Any Boundaries?

Frank — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 05:00:32 +0000

credit attributed to http://www.flickr.com/photos/spadgy/

At this point, what advancement in technology can’t be made? I don’t think there’s an answer for that. Why you may be wondering? Well, I can only think of one response…have you seen anything yet that hasn’t been done? In all regards, technology is constantly evolving with each passing day. The new thing you want for your iPod or cell phone to do may be possible in the near future. Every day I hear about something new in technology and it fascinates me. That’s why I am so passionate about this subject. To me it’s the only thing in life that lets our imagination run free and what we thought was impossible becomes possible.

Just imagine, you are sitting around thinking…”I wish my computer could be a hologram!” Now that sounds a little outrageous and would take a long time to create, but it’s possible! Maybe one day, this crazy idea will become a reality! Honestly, who’s to say it can’t happen? Who thought there would be a day that iPod’s could access the internet…well they can now!

If technology had boundaries then we wouldn’t be seeing the amazing products that keep coming out left and right.

For example:
The Kindle 2 was recently released. It is an electronic book reader! Whoever thought that there would come a day when you no longer need a paper book to read? Reading books through an electronic device sounds crazy, but you have to try it out for yourself. Apparently, this product has sold very well and is changing the way people do their reading.

I don’t know many people who don’t like technology, but if you don’t, you are missing out on some amazing creations. I’m no creator of these products, but I am definitely one who loves to play around with these neat gadgets! I think the most exciting thing about technology is when you find out about something you never knew about. How can you not love that? It’s like finding money in your wallet that you didn’t know was there!

I think we have only hit the beginning of what technology can do. In the years to come, we will continue to see fantastic things being made!

Want to learn more about technology? Read on here:

Technology Reaches All Time High

Did You Buy Your iPod Touch Yet?

All-In-One Touch Book Defines Innovation

Touch Screen Controllable Car

TechCrunch Tablet PC

Technology Reaches All Time High

Frank — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 05:00:14 +0000

credit attributed to http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexeya/

Where is technology today? Honestly, technology is everywhere and it seems to be constantly growing. I believe the more innovations we have the better because I can’t get enough of it. TED, who is known for having a lot of interesting videos on their site had one today about Sixth Sense Technology. To say I was amazed would be an understatement. It really blows my mind and I can’t believe how far we have come with technology. It really does keep getting better and better! I hope one day when this product is completely finished, I will have the opportunity to try it out for myself!

Is this something you would like to get your hands on? I honestly can’t see why not. I think it would be quite the experience to have a “sixth sense” and who knows technology may hit a point in time where we are all able to possess that power. TED I believe constantly brings about new video content that makes us more aware every day. I love getting to know about these new products and for a product set for a price of $350, I’d think in today’s day and age, that’s pretty affordable.

I think what makes me so eager to test these new products out there is the fact that technology makes the impossible seem possible. Once it’s right there on your fingertips, (literally in this video) your wildest dreams can come true. I think high tech products gives people an opportunity to do things that truly are remarkable and show significant advances in technology. While watching this video, I don’t think you will believe what you are seeing, it’s so surreal!

I wish this product would be out today, so I can go and get it. All I know is, this will sell a lot of units. If this is the point where technology is at right now, just imagine where it will be 10 or 20 years from now! The world we know today may not be the same then, but that’s what makes the tech world an exciting one to be a part of.

Please be sure to let me know in the comments below what you think of this product. Are you in shock like I am?

Continued reading for high tech products:

All-In-One Touch Book Defines Innovation

Touch Screen Controllable Car

iPhone Pro

Did You Buy Your iPod Touch Yet?