TO TWEET OR NOT TO TWEET – IS TWITTER RIGHT FOR YOU

First it was Instant Messaging, then Blogging and the rise of Social Networks and now the latest craze to hit cyberspace is Twitter – a real-time micromessaging service that allows people to instantly communicate with a group individuals who choose to follow, for any number of reasons, their thoughts or activities.
Twitter is the brainchild of author Jack Dorsey (@Jack), and although it’s only been around in its current form since 2006, Dorsey and co-founders Evan Williams and Biz Stone’s simple application is on target, according to Neislen.com, to be the most-rapidly growing Member Community phenomenons for the foreseeable future.
Drawing from the Short Message Service (SMS) platform, Twitter allows people to post “tweets” – little bursts of text-based content that communicates status updates and, on occasion, “pearls of wisdom” - to a network of followers on the Twitter website, and the subsequently SMS devices and other external applications. Due to size limitations dictated by SMS devices (most basic cell phones were constrained to160 characters before a short message was split) Dorsey choose to limit a tweet to 140 characters leaving 20 characters for the user name. Best of all, Twitter is currently a free service, and all indications are that it will remain that way.
The ubiquitousness of cell phone capable of receiving SMS has fueled Twitter’s remarkable growth. But a study published on the Harvard Business Publishing website June 1, 2009 presents a fascinating set of conclusions. Examining a random sampling of 300,000 Twitter users, the survey found that a small percentage (10%) account for the majority of tweets (90%). The suggestion here is that Twitter is more of a one-way (or one-to-many) communication network as opposed to a peer-to-peer social network. Also the survey concluded that more men follow tweets posted by other men than tweets posted by women. There is a certain reverse voyeurism implied by this conclusion than can be explained by the fact that Twitter is a text-based application – no photos allowed. The survey also concluded that more women than men have signed up on Twitter.
So the question remains, “Is Twitter right for you?” Harvard’s survey aside, by focusing on specific interests, Twitter can be an excellent means for local networking and viral marketing. Well-composed tweets can inform followers to breaking news and tweets have even been used in criminal investigations. The great thing about Twitter is that anyone can follow anyone else’s tweets. There are very few restrictions. To find out how Twitter works, create an account and search for subjects that interest you. If you are willing to tweet rather than follow, answer one simple question (“what are you doing”) and see what happens.



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Smart Buyers Eschew the Merits of SmartPhones

There is little doubt that the SmartPhone revolution begun by the introduction of the Blackberry and subsequently thrown into overdrive by Apple’s IPhone is a merchandising success, both financially and culturally. The number of times that Twitter and tweets have been sited by news reporters, celebrities and pundits throughout the media alone should indicate that the Internet-accessible cell phone has become a mainstay for the hip and apparently, always-“connected” technosnob.
So for one small, but growing, group made up of the upwardly, technologically integrated population SmartPhones, and all the power and instant connectivity they represent, are a good thing. But what about the techno-challenged; the masses that don’t know a tweet from an IM; or your grandmother who just wants to get a ride back home after playing bingo all night? Odds are that SmartPhones may be too much of a good thing. They would probably be fine with just a no-frills, average garden variety Cell Phone – maybe one with voice activated calling – those keys are awful small and grandma’s eyesight is not the best.
And that is the point; smart buyers do not always buy the newest toy to hit the street. This takes discipline – those hip television commercials can be mighty persuasive. But once the hype is stripped away, the consumer is faced with a key decision: Upgrade to the next generation of gadget or hang in there with what works for you. How many times have you run into a friend or family member who can’t wait to bitch and moan about the crappy cell phone they ended up buying. Well, that is a situation that comes down to getting the right information before slapping down your money. An informed buyer, armed with good consumer information regarding an upcoming purchase creates the best of all possible worlds. Comparison shopping on the Internet will allow for an informed purchase, and by understanding exactly what you are purchasing, there is a good chance that you be happy with your purchase.
Buying electronics on the Internet is one of those ideal situations where knowledge and perseverance form a remarkable symbiotic relationship. The more you know, the easier it becomes to make an informed decision.
Insofar as Cell Phones are concerned, the turnover of designs and features can be mind-boggling. You find the phone that seems perfect for you, put the cost is out of your price range. Wait six months and retailer might be “giving away” the model you were unable to afford for an incredible price. If you need a SmartPhone or the latest 2.0 PMP (with built-in Wi-Fi options, etc.) there is no doubt you will be able to find it. But if all you want is a basic cell phone then why buy something that far exceeds your needs? The goal is to buy smart, and buy right and always opt for a retailer that gets good marks in customer support. That way you won’t go wrong.

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IPOD TOUCH SOFTWARE UPDATE

Beginning on June 17, in conjunction with the highly anticipated release of Apple Computers new IPhone 3G - set to hit Apple Stores and authorized dealer on June 19, the company is scheduled to release a major software update for the IPod touch. The new features in this update are designed to make playing games, watching videos and, as would be expected, listening to music even more fun than before. As before, IPod touch owners will be able to buy movies, TV shows and audiobooks via a Wi-Fi connection through the ITunes Store. What is new in this update is automatic Wi-Fi login. Once you log into a Wi-Fi hotspot, the IPod touch remembers your user name and password and the next time you connect. The update will also allow the user to create one or more ITunes Store accounts directly from the IPod touch – it will no longer be necessary to wait for computer access to get a new ITunes account up and running.
In regard to games, Apple has built into the update the ability to connect new game accessories via the IPod touch 30-pin connector as well as Bluetooth. Also available in this update for second-generation IPod touch owners is stereo Bluetooth when the device is paired with compatible headphones. In addition, Peer-to-Peer gaming will be available with certain apps downloaded from the Apple’s App Store when available. Unfortunately this feature is not supported by the first-generation IPod touch. The update also includes push notifications so that Apps are able to receive information about specific updates even when they are not running. There is even a shake-to-shuffle feature that enables the IPod touch to bounce over to a different song from your music library by a quick shake.
The update includes many improvements for Safari – the IPod touch’s default web-browser. Users will now be able to enjoy faster performance, autofill function for user names and passwords and much, much more. Also with Sync Notes you will never have to leave a note behind. This means that users will be able to sync all of the notes written on the IPod touch back to their computers. The update also provides support for up to 34 languages and more than 40 keyboard layouts. And if you have yearned for more space to input data, there is even an option to allow for landscape keyboard display. The new software also allows for quick and easy cut, copy and paste from application to application. Blocks of web text can be selected with a simple tap. Users will also be able to copy and paste images from the web as well. Using Spotlight Search, the IPod touch is able to search across contacts, emails, calendars and notes as well as music and video playlists – all from one place.
The IPod touch’s software update can be downloaded from Apple’s ITunes store starting June 17 for $9.95 and will include all of the previous software updates released to date.



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THE VERDICT IS IN ON E3’s 2009 EXPO

PRICEGO PRESS RELEASE: June 5, 2009 – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

THE VERDICT IS IN ON E3’s 2009 EXPO

E3, the world’s biggest video game expo - held this year in Los Angeles - is history. And as the dust settles, all reports are that the premiere marketing and preview event for the video gaming industry was able to get back to its roots and regain some of its former glory. The annual Electronic Entertainment Expo opened its doors to over 40,000 attendees from 78 countries. On display were the latest video and computer games, as well as all the electronic gadgets needed to access this virtual digital wonderland. This year’s high-profile gathering, hosted by the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), was deemed a success by industry insiders following less than stellar reports in recent years when the expo was split into a consumer expo as well as an industry gathering and stodgy think-tank.
Taking advantage of rapidly growing interest in sub-compact computers and smart phones, as well as Nintendo’s phenomenally successful Wii franchise, those who were brave enough to trek through the crowed exhibition halls were treated to eye-popping displays and remarkable product innovations. The most unlikely event staged during E3 took place during Microsoft’s June 1 press conference when Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, the last surviving members of the The Beatles were trotted out during the company’s announcement of the September 9 release of THE BEATLES™ ROCK BAND™ video game for Microsoft’s XBOX 360. Also on hand for the kick off were Olivia Harrison and Yoko Ono Lennon, the widows of George Harrison and John Lennon. The game, which features a broad selection of hits from The Beatles’ classic songbook, will also be available for Sony’s PLAYSTATION 3 and the Wii platforms.
Not to be left out of the party, Apple Computer’s IPhone and IPod Touch were also well represented at the expo. The relative success of video games and various apps that have been introduced for the IPhone in the short time since its launch did not go unnoticed by many key gaming industry leaders.
All things considered, the future looks bright for the video game industry as consumers are being offered a wide selection of video games as well as needed updates for game systems in an attempt by developers and manufacturers to find business opportunities in this very tight economic market environment.




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Portable Audio and Video Players at Affordable Prices

Personal Multimedia Players (PMPs) have come a long way in the last few years thanks to product innovations and the lower cost of flash memory chips. If you are still in high school ask your grandparents to tell you about something called a “boombox” or a “ghetto blaster”. After you stop laughing you will begin to understand significance of the digital revolution that is taking place right before your eyes and ears. The current selection of MP3 and MP4 players have made it possible to store and playback a complete music library, with hundreds of hours of music, along with you in a device about the size of a small stack of credit cards. Image trying to do something like that with a boombox – you’d have to be followed around by a guy in a pick-up truck loaded with tons of audiocassettes!
And if you’re into video, MP4 players allow you to download and watch your favorite movie or television show on a hand-held player that’s able to fit into the palm of your hand. And the innovations and lower price points for these digital MP3 and MP4 players just keeps getting better and better.
Just a few short years ago when Apple introduced its first IPod, the best you could hope for was the ability to carry around lots of stereo music downloaded into a hand-held device via a computer. No video component, no real file-sharing, no Bluetooth™ Wi-Fi downloading - just lots of music at your fingertips. By today’s standards the system wasn’t cheap, but regardless of the price consumers went gaga for the IPod. For a while Apple’s cool-looking PMP was the only game in town. But if there’s one thing that you can be certain of, when it comes to technology, just as soon as you plop down your cash for the latest gadget, a newer, cheaper and better one will be released.
Now the market for MP3 and MP4 players has expanded to the point that price and performance go a long way. Who would have thought that you would be able to purchase a 3-inch touchscreen player capable of storing 8 gigabytes of data for under $80? There are even smaller players with 2GB of storage for under 30 dollars with the capability of supporting not only MP4 and MP3 formats, but also MPEG, MOV, AVI, FLV, WAV, AAC, MPG, DAT, RM, RMVB, WMV, 3GP, VOB, WMA, OGG, RA M4A as well as APE and FLAC. There are even similarly-sized HD players with S-Video out.
As more manufacturers enter the field with stronger products and lower prices, the time will come when everyone will be plugged in to a MP3/MP4 player that also serves as a broadband Internet device, cell phone, video recorder and PDA. But given the current crop of new gadgets on the market, if you’re still thinking about diving headlong into the digital revolution, the timing couldn’t be better.

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It’s a Case… No It’s a Battery Life Extender… No, It’s Both!

The latest fad (or should I say) trend in IPhone and IPod Accessories is a “protective case” that doubles as a battery-life extender. At press time several companies offer variations on this gadget freak’s forward-thinking technological no-brainer. At first blush the idea of a case that is also a battery-life extender sounds like pure genius. Who wouldn’t want an accessory that offers protection as well as providing, in most cases, double the battery life for the notoriously energy hungry IPod or IPhone.
But as is often the case, “the proof is in the pudding” – a quick review of the pluses and minuses of this “dream” Accessory will hopefully put this new-fangled twist on an age-old problem into perspective. Everyone who owns an IPod or an IPhone wants to get the maximum battery life out of every charge. This category started as an updated on the more versatile detachable Reserve Back-up Battery produced by a number of manufacturers (most notably Griffin’s PowerJolt Reserve and Kensington’s Mini-Battery Pack) which not only serve as a basic USB recharging tool for the device, but a detachable battery. The problem with these back-up batteries was that they added a chunky battery to the bottom of the device – not exactly the elegant solution sought out by IPhone owners.
The next logical step was to produce a Reserve Back-up Battery that doubled as a protective case. Several companies have jumped on this bandwagon. One of the first items out of the gate, designed for both the IPod touch and the IPhone was Mophie’s Juice Pack. The soft rubberized protective case fits snuggly over the IPod or IPhone and conceals a lithium polymer rechargeable battery. It is designed to double the run time of the device between charges. It does add 3 ounces to the overall weight of the device. One minor disadvantage is the inability to sync the device with the Juice Pack in place. A new Juice Pack is being marketed for the new IPhone 3G. The company has also announced a second-generation “works-with-IPhone” external battery case for the IPhone 3G dubbed the Juice Pack Air. It is thinner and weighs less and will be able to sync to ITunes.
Case-Mate’s IPhone 3G FUEL Battery Pack is another option. It works as a case and a battery life extender, and it can sync the device while it charges. Case-Mate’s Q&A page notes that this case can also be used the original IPhone (the 1G IPhone is a few millimeters wider than the 3G)– it will be a snug fit – but according to Case-Mate it should work.
The verdict is not in on this new category of double-duty gadgets. Some people have reported that signal loss is an issue with some of the products. But for most people the pluses outweigh the minuses. Nevertheless, a slew of new Accessories will flood the market after the mid-June introduction of the new IPhone 3G and IPod touch.


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IPhone App downloads surpass 1 Billion

It only took 9 months for Apple IPhone users to download more than 1 billion apps for their revolutionary SmartPhone platform. And that is music to the ears of Connor Mulcahey, age 13, of Weston, CT. As luck would have it, Connor was the lucky recipient of a $10,000 iTunes gift card, an iPod touch, a Time Capsule and a MacBook Pro all for downloading Bump, a free social networking app created by Bump Technologies at the App Store on ITunes. And the reason for Connors good fortune was that his selection just happened to be the 1 billionth App downloaded from the App Store and earned him the coveted title of Grand Prize Winner in Apple’s one billion app countdown contest. Talk about being at the right place at the right time.
What is more remarkable, unless you’re Connor Mulcahey, is the fact that one billion Apps were downloaded in only 9 months. For now the App Store is the only place where IPhone and IPod touch users can legally download apps. With a selection that has reportedly ranged between ten and twenty thousand different apps at one time or another – currently there are four thousand apps available – in twelve distinct categories there seems to be no limit to the variety and scope of the present slate of applications for the IPhone and its compatible IPod touch.
Many of the apps developed for the IPhone are homegrown applications created with the Apple’s blessing. Once registered as an IPhone Developer – sign-up is free but there are two program platforms that come with either a $99 price tag for the Standard Program or $299 for the Enterprise Program – you have access to a set of software development tools that enable code writers to create their own software for the IPhone or the IPod touch.
Many clever entrepreneurs have earned a considerable amount of money creating apps for the IPhone. Apple, through its single hand-held device marketing arm - the App Store on ITunes - offers both free and non-free apps. Apple markets and distributes these apps for a 30% fee. Currently over 17 million IPhones have been sold. The release of the next-generation IPhones in June 2009 – the lower-priced 3G and the impressive 3G S – should boost the overall universe of Apple’s SmartPhone users. Some industry experts predict that the number of IPhones could more than double by next year. That means nearly 35 million units will be vying for apps of all sorts and sizes. It has been noted that one of the key factors driving sales is the breadth and variety of applications available for the Apple IPhone and its Wi-Fi enabled techno sibling – the IPhone touch. So if it took 9 months to reach 1 billion app downloads, the question is how long until it hits 2 billion and more. And I always thought that the number of burgers sold by McDonalds was a number that would never be surpassed.
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Asus Netbooks – Inexpensive And Versatile Alternatives to Laptop PC

Already have a tricked out desktop computer and don’t want to spend the money for a full-blown laptop, but still need wireless connectivity for surfing the web, sending and receiving emails, word processing and other business applications, a built-in webcam, shock-proof mobility and 16GB of storage capacity; then the Asus Eee PC 900 Netbook might be the perfect solution. Offering an “easy to learn, work and play” interface and more options for intelligent mobile computing needs than similarly priced micro-computers, the new, lightweight Eee PC 900 (it weighs on .99kg – or approximately 2.5 pounds) comes with an 8.9” display boasting a 1024 x 600 pixel resolution. Priced at just under $400 (MSRP), the Microsoft Windows® XP version of the Asus Eee PC 900, incorporates many genuine Windows® Live features like Windows®Live Messenger and Windows®Live Mail and comes pre-loaded with a version of Microsoft Works for numerous office-related applications provides a familiar Windows® interface for experienced users.
A 1.3M Pixel webcam works synchronously with built-in wireless Internet options (utilizing a backwards compatible 802.11b/g WLAN) to give users instant web-conferencing through Wi-Fi access.
Ideal for students, traveling professionals and vacationers, this versatile mobile PC is great for keeping connected with friends, family members and colleagues. Using Skype – the Asus Eee PC 900 netbook can transform into a fully-functional net phone for most local and long-distance telecom needs. Of particular concern to travelers is the netbook’s sturdy construction and Super Hybrid Engine for longer battery life (up to 7 hours depending on the operating system used –Windows® battery charge life is around 2.5 hours while GNU Linux version is able to boost battery life to nearly 7 hours while offering over 40 built-in applications). SHE offers a selection of customizable power consumption and performance modes to accommodate user needs.
Regardless of which operating system the Asus runs on, Windows® or Linux, the manufacturer has designed its clever micro-computer for quick boot-up time and reliable performance.
But with any product comparison there is a trade off. The Asus Eeee PC 900 uses a touchpad without the possibility of connecting a mouse, it does not come with a built-in optical drive to read the recovery CD, the 900MHZ processor is not super-fast, the small footprint of the computer makes for a compact keyboard and hence smaller than normal keys. Even with the lower voltage utilized by the device it generates a noticeable amount of heat (but it does have a very quiet fan).
But realizing that this computer is not designed as a replacement but as a specialized tool, the pros of the Asus Eee PC 900 are sure to outweigh the cons. But when considering the purchase of any new hardware, be sure to read a few reviews and see what the manufacturer plans in terms of updates and future releases.

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To Tweet or Not to Tweet

TO TWEET OR NOT TO TWEET – IS TWITTER RIGHT FOR YOU

First it was Instant Messaging, then Blogging and the rise of Social Networks and now the latest craze to hit cyberspace is Twitter – a real-time micromessaging service that allows people to instantly communicate with a group individuals who choose to follow, for any number of reasons, their thoughts or activities.
Twitter is the brainchild of author Jack Dorsey (@Jack), and although it’s only been around in its current form since 2006, Dorsey and co-founders Evan Williams and Biz Stone’s simple application is on target, according to Neislen.com, to be the most-rapidly growing Member Community phenomenons for the foreseeable future.
Drawing from the Short Message Service (SMS) platform, Twitter allows people to post “tweets” – little bursts of text-based content that communicates status updates and, on occasion, “pearls of wisdom” - to a network of followers on the Twitter website, and the subsequently SMS devices and other external applications. Due to size limitations dictated by SMS devices (most basic cell phones were constrained to160 characters before a short message was split) Dorsey choose to limit a tweet to 140 characters leaving 20 characters for the user name. Best of all, Twitter is currently a free service, and all indications are that it will remain that way.
The ubiquitousness of cell phone capable of receiving SMS has fueled Twitter’s remarkable growth.. But a study published on the Harvard Business Publishing website June 1, 2009 presents a fascinating set of conclusions. Examining a random sampling of 300,000 Twitter users, the survey found that a small percentage (10%) account for the majority of tweets (90%). The suggestion here is that Twitter is more of a one-way (or one-to-many) communication network as opposed to a peer-to-peer social network. Also the survey concluded that more men follow tweets posted by other men than tweets posted by women. There is a certain reverse voyeurism implied by this conclusion than can be explained by the fact that Twitter is a text-based application – no photos allowed. The survey also concluded that more women than men have signed up on Twitter.
So the question remains, “Is Twitter right for you?” Harvard’s survey aside, by focusing on specific interests, Twitter can be an excellent means for local networking and viral marketing. Well-composed tweets can inform followers to breaking news and tweets have even been used in criminal investigations. The great thing about Twitter is that anyone can follow anyone else’s tweets. There are very few restrictions. To find out how Twitter works, create an account and search for subjects that interest you. If you are willing to tweet rather than follow, answer one simple question (“what are you doing”) and see what happens.

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The verdict is in on E3's 2009 Expo

THE VERDICT IS IN ON E3’s 2009 EXPO

E3, the world’s biggest video game expo - held this year in Los Angeles - is history. And as the dust settles, all reports are that the premiere marketing and preview event for the video gaming industry was able to get back to its roots and regain some of its former glory. The annual Electronic Entertainment Expo opened its doors to over 40,000 attendees from 78 countries. On display were the latest video and computer games, as well as all the electronic gadgets needed to access this virtual digital wonderland. This year’s high-profile gathering, hosted by the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), was deemed a success by industry insiders following less than stellar reports in recent years when the expo was split into a consumer expo as well as an industry gathering and stodgy think-tank.
Taking advantage of rapidly growing interest in sub-compact computers and smart phones, as well as Nintendo’s phenomenally successful Wii franchise, those who were brave enough to trek through the crowed exhibition halls were treated to eye-popping displays and remarkable product innovations. The most unlikely event staged during E3 took place during Microsoft’s June 1 press conference when Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, the last surviving members of the The Beatles were trotted out during the company’s announcement of the September 9 release of THE BEATLES™ ROCK BAND™ video game for Microsoft’s XBOX 360. Also on hand for the kick off were Olivia Harrison and Yoko Ono Lennon, the widows of George Harrison and John Lennon. The game, which features a broad selection of hits from The Beatles’ classic songbook, will also be available for Sony’s PLAYSTATION 3 and the Wii platforms.
Not to be left out of the party, Apple Computer’s latest cellphones - the IPhone and IPod Touch were also well represented at the expo. The relative success of video games and various apps that have been introduced for the IPhone in the short time since its launch did not go unnoticed by many key gaming industry leaders.
All things considered, the future looks bright for the video game industry as consumers are being offered a wide selection of video games as well as needed updates for game systems in an attempt by developers and manufacturers to find business opportunities in this very tight economic market environment.