What Makes a Excellent App

A good app is one that provides value. But what determines that value? A large consideration for that answer is the functionality of the app itself, be it practical or entertaining. However, it’s important to consider the design and development put into the app. If Angry Birds crashes unexpectedly in your favorite level, then does that app still contain value? No matter what the case, if you’re debating purchasing a hot new app, here are a few key factors to consider when determining any app’s inherit value.

Stability and Reliability

    A good app is one that has been rigorously tested. There are several outlying factors that can decide how an app will function and, if not tested all possible situations, you might find yourself using an app with limited functionality. Some things to consider when looking at the stability and reliability of an app: does it work without WIFI? Does it work when on airplane mode? Does it work if the service of the phone is interrupted? Depending on what the app is made to do, these factors can be paramount. Make sure to research the testing that went into any app you are considering.

Consumer Consideration

    App developers need to consider how their app will affect the user. Even a cheap app can be costly if it consumes too much data. Most Smartphones come with a limited data plan. A good app will consider the consumer and be designed in a way that will not infer further charges with their monthly cellphone plan.  When deciding on which app to download, make sure to research the data transfer rate needed to use the app as well as any other factors that might create be supplementary charges.

A Well Constructed API

    API stands for application programing interface. In layman’s terms, an API is the part of an app’s programing that controls how it communicates with other apps and programs. This is an important part of any app’s development because it directly affects functionality. If you download an app that connects your smartphone to your Twitter account and the API is dysfunctional and doesn’t connect well, the functionality of that app is rendered useless. Basically, if the API is broken, your Twitter postings will not work. Make sure to research the reliability of an app’s API before downloading.

While an app’s worth can be of objective determination, there will always be several key elements to look for when searching for that perfect new download. For more tips on finding great apps, take a look a this article.

Are We Leaving DOS in the Dust

Do you remember DOS, with its uncomplicated black screen with the patiently blinking cursor? Its full name is Disk Operating System and last week marked its 30th birthday. To celebrate, I thought we should consider the changes it has undergone in the past three decades. DOS could be past its prime but is it gone from our lives? Was it merely a stepping-stone in the evolution of other operating systems?

 In 1981 IBM released the PC and the following options for operating systems (OS).

• IBM Personal Computer Disk Operating System – cost at the time: $40
• Digital Research CP/M-86 – cost at the time: $240
• SofTech USCD p-System w/Pascal – cost at the time: $695

DOS was the only one of these three that was on the market right away and was the most affordable and for that reason became the most popular and commonly used. For a few years the public willingly used the no frills interface of DOS. Then in 1985 Microsoft released Windows, which at that time, was a Graphical User Interface (GUI) that required DOS as an operating system but allowed for easier access to programs. The very first versions of Windows weren’t very well liked but as newer and improved versions were released, each one still needed DOS, until 1995.

When MS-Windows 95 was released it do not required DOS but could run completely independent as it had its own built-in OS. However, it did include some portions of the 16-bit DOS code to function. Like a baby bird, Windows hadn’t quite learned to fly without a little bit of assistance from DOS.

But all things must change and a year later in 1996, Windows-NT was released. It was the first version of Windows that was fully 32-bit with no 16-bit DOS code in it all.  However, DOS didn’t disappear from our lives.

Many people still use DOS believing its simplicity to be dependable and efficient. They don’t want all the bells and whistles that are included in “user friendly” interfaces. Because of this, newer versions of DOS are still being developed and sold. Many computer manufactures still sell computers with DOS as the main operating system. Today we see FreeDOS, ROM-DOS, DR-DOS, and many more on the market. It seems DOS will live on as long as the die-hard fans still demand the simple elegance of cmd enter.

Three devices to help you beat the heat

Gadgets, for the most part, are designed to make our lives easier. We have smartphones to keep us entertained, tablets to keep us connected, and even digital blood monitors to help keep us healthy. But are there devices out there that are designed to help keep us cool? Moderating body temperature is an essential part of staying comfortable and thankfully, technology has worked to make that moderation more manageable. We are all familiar with desktop fans and air conditioners, but here are three unique personal gadgets that can also help you beat the heat.

The Bedfan

It’s natural to sleep best when nestled tightly under a heavy blanket. However, it’s difficult to do this in the hot summer months without running a high utility bill. Luckily, gadgets like the Bedfan are an efficient solution to this problem. The Bedfan connects to the end of your bed with a thin vent that easily fits right under the covers. Then air is pumped out createing a light current. Because the current is insulated between your body and your blanket, the effects are highly noticeable. You’ll enjoy sleeping under a heavy blanket any time of the year. For more information, check out this website.

The BEX Runner

Exercising at a temperature above your internal body temperature can be dangerous. This is problematic in the summer months, especially for anyone who enjoys a nice outdoor stroll. While the BEX Runner is not necessarily a safe solution to extensive exercise in high heat conditions, it does offer a new level of comfort. The BEX rests on your palm and conducts and stores your body heat. Basically, it draws the heat away from your skin to help make you feel cooler. To learn more, read over this article.

The iPocket Fan

While this gadget doesn’t provide the most effective means of cooling down you off,  it is definitely entertaining to use. This fan is affixed to a charging dock for your iPhone that displays an animated fan on your phone’s screen. If you spin the blades on the screen faster, the blades on the dock spin faster. While you shouldn’t expect to replace your air-conditioner with this gadget, you can at least expect to have a fun time creating a light breeze. For a closer look, check out this link.

Keeping cool is easy with the right gadgets. Make sure and beat the heat this summer by moderating your temperature. If you’d like to read up on some more cooling gadgets, take a look at this article.

The Influence of Space Technology in Our Everyday Lives

Millions of people watched as the space shuttle Atlantis finished its final voyage last week. This moment concluded the American space shuttle program however the program has left a legacy behind that will not soon die out. Thousands of technologies that improve our lives owe their invention to the space program. We see it in our homes, hospitals, cars, as well as on vacation.

Most people think of rockets, spacesuits, and Dippin Dots, the frozen treats of the future, when they think of space shuttle technology. You may be surprised to find out just how many things would not exist if it weren’t for NASA’s drive to enhance the space shuttle program. Check out NASA’s annual publication, Spinoff, its goal is to inform the public about technologies designed or commissioned for the space shuttle program that have been commercialized.

It may shock you to realize that if it weren’t for the development of space shuttle technologies, these products may not exist:

Athletic Shoes – Some are made employing a method called blow rubber molding which was developed to produce space helmets. This enables companies to make soles hollow and fill them with a shock absorbing substance. Nike Air is probably one of the most commonly known shoe utilizing this technology.

DustBusters – NASA commissioned engineers at Black and Decker to formulate a cordless power drill to use for moon landings. The technology is actually a software program that enables motors to perform well even when using hardly any power. Black and Decker then expanded this and gave us the DustBuster.

Smoke Detectors – These were originally developed in 1970 for America’s first space station, Skylab. They are now so important in households that it is against the law to construct a house without installing a functioning smoke detector.

Human beings have forever been moved by the idea of exploring space. The drive to do this has inspired incredible technologies. Although the space shuttle is going to be greatly missed, NASA will not stop creating new technologies that we will find a way to implement in a more terrestrial fashion. As we think about all the ways everyday life has benefited from the space shuttle program, we see that it will live forever within our homes as well as our hearts.

The Creative Business Card

Business cards are an integral part of capable networking. The standard is simple, a small piece of rectangular paper with fundament contact information printed somewhere on it. However, more and more businesses are getting creative with they way they use their business cards. These new creative designs are increasing memorability and therefore producing more positive networking results. If you’re looking to create a business card that won’t be easy to forget, consider a few of these great tips.

Add Texture

This is one of the most common ways businesses create a more memorable business card. The effect is simple; creating a unique texture for the card gives the brain one more thing to remember due to the extra sense that is being engaged. Take a look at this great example of adding a simple texture to any business card.

Make Them Share-worthy

If your card is worth sharing, the results from networking will be multiplied. Adding a rather simple and creative design to your card will make the receiver want to show his or her friends or hang it up in his or her office. Consider the hilarious mustache-design included on this creative business card. The idea is that the card can double as a quirky mustache disguise. The receiver places the card in front of their face and shows it to their friends, which is genius, because then their friends see the card as well. It’s inventive marketing. Here is an example.

Make Them Digital

There is no rule that demands business cards be actual cards. Creating a digital business card that your audience can access remotely is a great way to engage your audience. The easiest way to do this is by generating a QR code that leads to a digital copy of your card. QR codes are great ways to engage your audience with any information you want, combining them with your business cards will help increase your networking efforts. Check out these tips on using QR codes.

Exploring Virtual Teams

As technology grows, the definition of team is evolving. It is now common to see people from different time zones and different countries collaborating as a team. A growing number of companies are applying the organizational strategy of virtual teams, also known as geographically dispersed teams (GDT). You have probably heard the term but are not sure if it fits your business model.

A typical business misconception is that output is a result of being in close proximity to a manager or team. Companies are realizing that productivity is instead a result of the abilities and compatibility of team members and that performance can be measured by the quality of the outcomes of the team. If a team consists of individuals that are motivated by personal career success and advancement, they are personally invested in the work they are doing. Individuals who are motivated by the desire to prevent being reprimanded are apt to have very little personal investment and will probably not push themselves. Virtual teams are often comprised of the former; because of this they can be powerhouses of efficiency and productivity.

In many businesses, virtual teams are not feasible, as certain tasks call for physical interaction to perform. However, many businesses where this is practical are embracing this reorganization of teams. If you are considering virtual teams as a strategy, here are some advantages and disadvantages to consider.

Advantages

• Recruitment based on competence not proximity
• Team members are able to work during the times when they function most effectively
• Teams are comprised of members who are self-motivated and self-driven
• More accommodation for team members’ personal and professional lives
• No commuting time or cost
• Reduced overhead, as there is no physical location
• IT expenses are lowered as most teams use web-based tools for collaboration
• Managers can better examine the team’s performance because there are less social pressures

Disadvantages

• Less social interaction, which may be a demotivator for some people
• Loss of trust between team members if there is not assurance that everyone is pulling their own weight
• Creativity might be stifled, as the physical dynamics are lost
• Team members may overwork themselves as managers can not physically see the amount of time each task takes
• Managers may lose track of the team’s progress, i.e. out of site out of mind

Online technology is the primary way that virtual teams interface with one another, including email, audio conferencing, and file sharing programs. Here is a list of a few websites and products that support teams that interact virtually.

• Go to meetings – an inexpensive option to have remote meetings
• Yammer – a exclusive social network for companies that allows quick communication and interaction
• Drop Box – a free way to share files
• Second Life – allows for interactive meetings with the use of avatars

If you want more information on virtual teams in action, look at the articles below: 
http://www.theanywhereoffice.com/mobile-work/telework-viritual-teams-midmarket-companies.htm
http://www.forbes.com/2010/08/19/virtual-teams-meetings-leadership-managing-cooperation.html
http://www.openforum.com/articles/7-effective-tools-for-managing-a-virtual-team

Another tech bubble

It’s easy to get a feeling of deja vu nowadays.

Every week brings big news of another tech IPO. We hear about super-sized valuations for businesses that haven’t turned a profit. Sounds familiar doesn’t it? It has a certain late 1990s flavor.  Are we experiencing another tech bubble? A reprise of dot-com mania?

If you’re foggy on the meaning of tech bubble, here’s Investopedia’s definition:

“Tech Bubble – a pronounced and unsustainable market rise attributed to increased conjecture in technology stocks. A tech bubble is highlighted by rapid share price growth and high valuations based on standard metrics like price/earnings ratio or price/sales.”

So should we be anxious? Is history doing it’s thing again — repeating itself?

You may think so when you scan headlines. Let’s go through the list of recent and impending IPOs that have made news lately: LinkedIn.com, Pandora.com, Groupon.com, Zynga.com, Twitter.com, and Facebook.com.

Are investors irrationally exuberant about these businesses? Perhaps. Consider that Pandora and Groupon aren’t profitable. LinkedIn posted its first profit ($12 million) last year. Twitter has managed to produce a little net income, however the social network is still trying to find a long-term moneymaking method. On the plus side, Zynga and Facebook, which are anticipated to go public soon, are pocketing big profits.

(But is the maker of Farmville really worth several billion dollars?)

What about the companies that aren’t making much or any money? Are investors crazy to pour money into them? Maybe, maybe not. Remember, profitability today is not the same as profitability next week. Amazon.com didn’t post profits until 2004 — practically 10 years after launch. But now the company takes in money by the truckload. Last year the Amazon’s net income exceeded $1 billion.

So who knows, maybe Twitter will discover a way to parlay its big user base into a moneymaking machine, a la Google and Facebook.

If you’re concerned, you might find comfort in Jolie O’Dell’s recent Mashable column, which points to some important variations between the today’s tech climate and the dot-com era. To begin with, the amount of tech IPOs in 2011 (25 so far) pales in comparison to 1999 (308), the height of the dot-com bubble.

Another difference is quality. In 1999, you could take a vague idea, write a half-baked business plan (or not), and somehow convince investors to throw money at you. This year’s crop of IPOs are extremely buttoned up by comparison.

But there’s still reason to fear a bubble, even if things have changed since 1999.

If Limp Bizkit stages a comeback, I would recommend hitting the panic button.