#Its2012WhyYouStill Writing Anything Down: Evernote

That hashtag (#Its2012WhyYouStill) was trending on twitter yesterday. If you look past the grammar, you’ll see the relevance to the squeeze of today’s society to get with the times. On that note, lets get you hip to Evernote, your virtual notebook.

• You can easily make checklists so can keep track of what you’ve actually accomplished.
• A voice recording feature is useful when you have a lot to say, but no time to write.
• Snap pictures with Skitch for those board meeting with more than enough written on the board.
• It’s available on most devices to virtually jot notes down on your computer, tablet, or smartphone. They sync up.
• The web clipper lets you capture the jist of an article minus all the noise that comes with it to view on your mobile devices.
• Tagging your notes makes thing easier to search by category once to get addicted to using the app.
• You can share your notes with others and even give them the ability to edit just in case you missed a key point.

Here’s an example of the Skitch app, for capturing & editing visual notes, in action with Evernote.

I’ve been using it a lot more lately. Evernote made it really easy for me to keep track of the jobs I’m applying to so I can follow back with them later. I’ve talked about it with members of the KJLH team and some have been using it for months already. iPhone and iPad users get a ton of extra features like easy contact sharing abilities that I’m pretty jealous of. Those of you with android should transfer the app to your SD card and download the widget to save room, and keep easy access to the app. So…what do you need help remembering? – @GeicoTheQue
For more tutorials and interesting ways to use Evernote, check out the YouTube Channels of  Evernote Andrew or Butterscotch.

5 Reasons to Start-up your Tech Start-up with NewMe

Have you looked at the latest in tech start-ups like Instagram or Pinterest & thought you could have done that? Get over those jitters & get that new wave idea off the bricks with NewME Accelerator. It’s a 12-week program for developing tech start-ups.

• It’s geared for minorities giving you the strategies tailor-made for your needs.
• They connect you with venture capitalists & teach you how to pitch so you’ll have to worry less about the funding, so you can focus more on the quality of your product.
• You’ll be coached by countless experts in the field.
• You’ll be learning smack dab in the technology capital. Can you say Silicon Valley? If the distance is trouble, you still have the NewMe Community.
• If these weren’t enough, you be privy to various perks from partner accounts.

Here’s a video with the founder, Angela Benton, introducing you to the NewMe Community. If you need more inspiration, check out the NewMe Accelerator Startup House Tour 2012 afterwards.

They are sponsored by Google, Tagged, & HP alike. I know so many people out there with awesome app/website ideas that could use this support system. I have a few, myself. Anybody go live with a start-up already? Be sure to let me know, so I can showcase it right here. I’ve already downloaded the Playdit gamer app, one of the start-ups from the Summer 2011 class. Can’t wait to what you come up with next. – @GeicoTheQue

AT&T 28 Days Campaign for Black History Month

AT&T has one last stop in Detroit for it’s 4th Annual 28 Days series for Black History Month. They’ve been going around the nation visiting African American communities like Howard University promoting the use of technology in making their dreams happen.

• The likes of Common, Holly Robinson Peete, & Mario Armstrong (Tech Guru) have participated on the tour.
• They’ve incorporated Live Stream to allow folks who aren’t so local to be able to view online.
• It’s a free event folks only had to worry about getting a seat.
• An article in the Washington Post reported a girl receiving a laptop when Mario Armstrong saw her taking note on pen and paper.
• They provided leads on websites like Kickstarter and apps like Evernote to help people get the show on the road.

Here’s some inspiring words from Common at their top in Oakland, CA:

It’s an awesome movement. I totally wish they came to Los Angeles. I actually started using the Evernote app myself so be on the lookout for some killer notes on technology, bible scriptures, & whatnot. If you were in attendance let us know how it was. What’s the best technology that you’ve been using to make your dreams come true? - @GeicoTheQue

Pinterest for Business: Boost Your Social Media Marketing

Pinterest is a digital scrapbook. People all over are joining up. If you have a business you might benefit from pinning.

• You create a bulletin board of pictures. This is a great avenue for posting exclusive footage.
• The custom pin-it button makes your website instantly sharable on a high traffic sight also familiarizing people viewing the posters page more aware of your brand.
• Email marketing can be taken advantage of considering that it’s still invite-only. We’ve seen familiar tactics with Google, and you see how that’s flourished.
• Apps for the iPhone & iPad have been made available for the ever increasing mobile users allowing easy navigation and even the ability to pin a photo captured on the go.
• Depending on how many times your pins gets liked or re-pinned, you can begin to gauge the heat of your content.

Here’s a video from Digital Mom Blog’s YouTube page explaining the iPhone app.

We have seen lots of posting websites & apps emerge lately delivering pretty much the similar capabilities for sharing content. What you can’t deny is how viral this is going. I’m actually in the process of posting some snapshots of this beautifully architected park I’ve seen. Got some hairstyles you want to show off to future customers, or show off your ink designs for future tattoos? This site is for you. Feel free to leave links to your Pinterest profile or ask for a invite so you can get your foot in the door in a comment. – @GeicoTheQue

Here’s a nice Pinterest 101 for the website in general.

5 Reasons To Use Bit.Ly To Put Power in Your Post

So everyone is getting twitter now. If you’re one of the newbies/noobs just jumping on the train, it’ll take a lil adjusting to get your thoughts into 140 characters. You definitely could use bit.ly for these reasons:

• You’ll have room to actually let people know what you’re posting about before providing a link.
• When you post a link to a picture and video on Facebook and Twitter, content will actually show up on your timeline without them having to leave your page, or at least a preview.
• Lots of social media clients have integrated the use of Bit.Ly so you don’t have to go far to use it.
• Bit.Ly actually tracks clicks and delivers analytics so you can see demographical information about who’s responding to your posts.
• It also ensures less chance of a mistake on the end-user to getting to your link. Some people have trouble with lengthy links and one typo can cause a misconnection.

I use this all the time. I have a Google Chrome extension that lets me automatically shorten a link of any page I’m on and it copies it to my clipboard for easy pasting as well. Hootsuite has it’s own url shortening system that adds a sharing feature at the top of the page you’re referring to. Let me know if this helps you or if you have any questions. – @GeicoTheQue

7 Ways This App Helps You Stay Strong for Lent

Whether you’re giving up cupcakes or anything else for Lent, it’s going to take some serious support to get you through these 40 days. I’ll using the bible app from YouVersion myself. Here’s why you should too:

• Read from over 200 bibles between languages & translations made available. Different translations of the passages help you get to the core meaning of the passage.
• Some versions are available for download to keep access for times when you don’t have too much service while you’re in service.
• They offer countless reading plans for all different kinds of topics like the bible in a years, relationships, or even Lent.
• You can bookmark & write notes on passages or a collection of them. If you think someone else could benefit from your insights, feel free to share them on your social networks.
• It’s available on blackberries, androids, the iFamily, & more. If you feel like starting a plan online but finishing up on a tablet in bed, that’s no problem.
• If your hands are full, you can listen to a reading as well. This help when driving or during your morning run.
• It’s an online community offering cool features such as Live that allows you to observe highlights of a local upcoming sermon & interact through voting, answering questions, etc.

I could really go on about the cool things you can do with this app. The funniest thing is seeing the looks on my pastor’s face when he sees the congregation on our phones, & tablets following along with the sermon. The kids love it. Definitely a tool for the family. So what plan will you start?
-@GeicoTheQue

Turn Your Phone Into A Mobile Hotspot for Mardi Gras

Having trouble connecting to your local Wi-Fi hotspot? The airport asking you to pay for internet? Sounds like you could use this app called FoxFi. It lets you turn your phone into a Wi-Fi hotspot. Here’s why you should be downloading it:

• It’s free. Purchasing this feature through a cellular provider can cost around a C-Note a month. That’s $1200 a year.
• It allows you to connect multiple devices, instead of Bluetooth and USB tether which usually only allows one connection at a time.
• You don’t have to worry about carrying around an extra device to provide internet access, let alone charging up something else. Your phone is all you need.
• Nearly everyone has a 4G phone nowadays, so you know the connection will be decent enough to navigate on. I’ve heard of online multiplayer games being played with these.
• You can add a password to keep your network private so people like me can’t take all your bandwidth when I see an open network.

So far, it’s only available on the Android Market. I’ve seen a similar app called MyWi that requires you to jailbreak your iPhones first. I’ve always said that an Android phone delivers stock what iPhone/iPad users have to hack their devices to do, but hey. Download the app and tell me how it works for you. Is the speed of the internet up to par? Were you able to upload your pictures and videos to Facebook, Twitter, & YouTube like normal? – @GeicoTheQue
Here’s a link to an informative page on Wi-Fi tethering.

Beat Western Union Transaction Fees With PayPal

Do you have a college student out of state? Are you running an online business? Tired of giving Western Union all your shillings? PayPal might just be the move for you.

• You can send & receive money free over the internet once you register your bank account.
• Adding your bank account as a source of funding is secure & easy requiring responses that only you can verify.
• Once set up, all the recipient of the funds needs to provide is their email linked to their PayPal account.
• To make it faster & easier to use the funds in your PayPal account, one can request a debit card, that can actually earn cash back depending on the type of transactions & card.
• And of course, they have a mobile app for Blackberry,iPhones/iOS, & Android. They’ve even got a nice Mobile Browser site for those with Feature Phones.

Here’s a video showing you a couple of fun ways to use your PayPal Account

My mother used to send me cash instantly when I ran out of Top Ramen money with ease. If you use debit/credit card there is a fee but it pails in comparison to Western Union’s & MoneyGram’s transaction fees. Sending $100 dollars would cost around $3 that could run you around $12 through Western Union. I’d rather have fun, pay less, & lower my blood pressure. What have been your wants in sending money? I’ll let you know if PayPal can help you in any way with that. – @GeicoTheQue
Check out one of the latest in their developments.

5 Reasons To Rock Out With This YouTube Remote

We all love surfing through YouTube videos. Everyone uses it from that college student sharing a viral video, to that CEO getting a laugh when those office hours are taking a toll. Often, we’re even using it on a professional level showing off interviews & presentations. No matter what, we should be making it easier on ourselves. That’s what this YouTube remote app called Clik is for:

• The only installation needed is the app on your phone. All you have to do is go to the link on your browser and it connects with your phone just by scanning a QR code. So easy.
• You can save your posture now instead of having to hunch over a screen or constantly go back an forth to where you’re video is showing.
• It has a multiplayer feature for those of us that are often going back and forth saying, “Now, Check this out.
• You have full control of playback like pausing, skipping, and volume. Some people just want to get to the good part.
• You can mark your favorite videos for easy access. No having to search several times for your favorite #KobeSystem commercials.

This is a video I found on CNET’s YouTube Channel To Show You How To Get Started

I know there are plenty of apps out there turning your phone into a remote for your online video entertainment, but I highly doubt you’ll see any as easy, time-/cost-effective, & universal (Android/iPhone) as this one. I suggest you connect your laptop using that more commonly seen HDMI input & get some quality HDTV YouTube watching in. I was jamming the the Black Eye Peas “I Gotta Feeling” video within seconds. For more details, check out this article from TechCrunch on it.Tell me how you like. What interesting way will you plan to use it? What was the first thing you watched with it?

- @GeicoTheQue

5 Ways ColorDict Can Help Your Presentation Skills

Been putting eBooks on the map like crazy so I know lots of people are diving into some good literature. Chances are you’ll come across some words that you might have to do some research on.
Enter the ColorDict app for Android:

• This app lets you search multiple dictionaries so you can really grasp every avenue of a word.
• You can mark favorites for words you often refer to for ease and quick review.
• It can search Wikipedia which is something we often refer to.
• It has translation capabilities for those of you going on trips or just in a very multicultural environment.
• It’s great for spell checking so you can avoid mistakes costing you a job or sealing the deal with a proposal.

I’ve had so many instances winning arguments over proper word usage because of this app. I never have to go far or look long for a definition. I get a lot of compliments on my diction as well. If you have an iPhone, there is a similar app called Dictionary Universal. Find any better app or have any questions about this one? @GeicoTheQue is here for you.

5 Reasons to Play Words With Friends this Valentine’s Day

Do you know a game that plays more than just a game to be played? Ding, ding, ding. I think we’ve found a winner in Words With Friends. Let me put you on game about this game:

• It’s almost identical to the family favorite we know as scrabble making it easy to get into.
• You can get it on all types of platforms. Not only is it available on android and iPhone; but for those of us that can’t afford expensive smartphones, it’s available on Facebook.
• That vocabulary will definitely rank up after a couple rounds of this making you a better equipped conversationalist at dinner.
• If you don’t have enough real-world friends that play, it has a random opponent feature so you can keep the fun going.
• Playing games sometimes spells Love, as in the occurrence referred to in this Fox News Article.

It’s a pretty addicting game. My line brothers and I go at it like war on this game, and talk just as much smack. You can play multiple people at a time compensating for the time some players take with contemplating world domination in a board game. Have you ever enjoyed playing this game? What’s the fanciest or highest scoring word you’ve ever spelled on it? Have you ever met anyone playing this game or something similar? – @GeicoTheQue

Here’s a video of the game in action on an iPhone.

7 Reasons to Get a Google Voice Number Valentine’s Day

Anybody needing to stay in contact with others needs to know about this. That means pretty much everyone. I’m going to jump right into why you should get a Google voice number:

• You can place and receive calls to your lovers over the internet to real numbers using Gmail.
• The other person doesn’t have to own an app or set-up an account on a website.
• You can send text messages to up 5 people at a time for those of you with more love to give. You can receive text messages as well.
• It has a visual voicemail system that lets you control playback instead of waiting for prompts.
• If the speaker is clear enough, the site will transcribe (write out) the message so you can read it when you don’t have headphones to keep that steamy message to yourself.
• You can screen calls from that person that you didn’t want to go on a date with. You can actually have them announce themselves prior to you accepting their call.
• It’s all free and there are plenty of smartphone apps that allow you to manage it.

I’ve had Google Voice during my entire college career & I’ve been months without having an activated phone. This has gotten me through situations that otherwise would have been even more detrimental. What’s more is that no matter what phone I change to, I’ll be able to keep my Google voice number which forwards calls to whatever phone number I have at the time. I seldom ever hand out my direct number anymore. Does this sound like something you’d be interested in? Could you use a second number for business purposes? Are you always losing phones, text messages, and/or number? Let me know in a comment. If you have any questions, I’d love to answer em.

5 Tech Teachings From Egypt's Facebook Revolution

Heard an inspiring interview of Wael Ghonim, the leader of the Egyptian Facebook revolution, on my  NPR news app which lets me listen to news when I’m walking or at least too busy to use my hands or physically read an article for that matter. Here are some important things I took away from the dialogue:

• Your voice is important. If you have something to say to the world, speak up. You can achieve results. If you have a righteous cause, chances are there are a million people thinking the same thing.
• Protect your identity when needed. Sometimes shouting to the rooftops may not be as advantageous as you think it is.
  Interview of Wael Ghonim, the administrator of the Facebook Revolution in Egypt
  Anonymous posting can be an asset.
• Before posting something, please take your time. Slip-ups like posting from the wrong account, or something as much as T9 misinterpreting what you intended on writing can be detrimental to your cause.
• Reach out to multiple platforms. Wael used twitter as well. Sometimes different types of media are more suitable for different types of networks. Facebook is info intensive, and twitter is more for like quick updates or redirection.
• Keep your message organic. You don’t have to fight so hard for a sense of professionalism all the time. People these days are responding to feeling and emotion. This post is an example of technology and feelings colliding. Passion propels purpose.

We really have to take time an appreciate the liberties we’re given in this country. If we consider how bad it could be and what we do to give reason to restriction, we’d be more thankful and prove to those that seek to shackle a people more belief in productivity with the proper tools. Follow @GeicoTheQue for all your tech advice. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. I’m here for you.

Scan this for the NPR News App

5 Ways Tagxedo Can Improve Your Valentines Day

This a word cloud created from Tagxedo derived from a search on love. A word cloud is a visual representation of common things written around a certain topic. Here’s how you can use Tagxedo to improve your valentines day:

• You can plug in the URL (web address) to your profile on a dating site to see what stands out to people from the outside looking in.
• With the Tagxedo Twitter App, you can see what the people you’re following are about based on their bios. This will help steer your community to something more preferable.
• You can make that cover page to that V-Day card a little more personalized. Try writing all the admirable qualities you like about that special someone and see what sticks out.
• It’s awesome for resume editing. Plug in that curriculum vitae of yours and you just might be able to adjust enough to get that job. You’re gonna need it if you’re the one paying for the date. lol
• Type in a subject that your partner likes to talk about so you can bone up on some common terms. If you don’t know diddly squat about what they do for fun, at least the might get a kick out of you misusing niche lingo.

tagxedo: creating a word cloud
- YouTube

The website offers 101 ways to use Tagxedo, just in case my 5 suggestions weren’t enough. I’ve also came across a similar website called Wordle that offers similar word cloud capabilities. Looking forward to see what creative ways you come up with using it. Leave a comment with those interesting ideas. Feel free to tweet them to me at @GeicoTheQue. Make sure you join the site through Google friend connect on the side for quicker updates when I post.

7 Reasons The Path app is the Facebook App Killer

Path is an app available for your iPhone and Android. It’s a timeline of your life, like a Journal. Not unlike Facebook. Here’s what you should know about it.

• It allows you to upload the usual types of content like pictures, tag songs, and location.
• It offers the ability of a profile photo as well as a cover photo so you can express yourself visually.
• You do have the ability to privatize your account or just specific content, hence the whole journal theme.
• Not only can you leave a comment on someone's post, but it also lets you attach an emoticon to it. Sometimes the like button just doesn’t cut it.
• You can simultaneously post to Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, & Foursquare as well making it super easy to push content to all your favorite networks.
• People can’t blindly search your name & add you. It does allow you to search your contacts & Facebook friends for possible acquaintances.
• You can track how much sleep you’re getting with the unique feature that posts the location and weather based upon where you wake up upon with your.

All in all, I found it to be quite easy to use especially in comparison to the Facebook App. It’s pretty, personal, and practical. Are you going to make the switch? Be sure to follow @GeicoTheQue for more updates on cool apps.

Here’s a QR code to get to the app easily:

Verizon proposes to RedBox: 3 Blessings the Union Brings

Verizon announced today that they plan a joint venture with Redbox, a popular company that administers DVD Rentals in Kiosks. Here are 3 things to look for:

• Not having to burn gas going to your local Vons, Walgreens, or Walmart to access movies, shows, and the like.
• Verizon is known for it’s spectacular broadband services, namely Fios, so you can expect high quality video streaming from the two providers coming together.
• Expect to be able to view content on your smartphones, internet televisions, and tablets for those viewers looking for personal flight entertainment or that person that really knows the Waiting Room takes its name seriously.

A video talking about the venture in December 2011

Don’t be afraid. It’s not Verizon exclusive, if that’s what you’re thinking. In my experience, Redbox has been a delight. Redbox reignited my use of DVD’s because it’s ease of use and cost effectiveness. I’ve used countless promo codes on them. I have no problem following them online with Verizon capabilities. Here’s a link to the original announcement so you can read it from the horse’s press release. How do you feel about this unity? Follow @GeicoTheQue for more.

5 ways #NothingFeelsBetterThan upgrading to Skype 5.8

 

If you’re not familiar with Skype, it’s software that let’s you make audio and video calls over the internet. They’ve just released version 5.8. Here’s why you should be upgrading as soon as possible:

• HD video in 1080p calling is now enabled. It does require an HD webcam. That’s encouragement for video bloggers to step up their came.
• The person you’re connecting with doesn’t even have to have the software if they have a Facebook account. Everyone has a Facebook account.
• Premium accounts allow you share your screen in a group conference. It saves you having to be too wordy  when they can actually see your demonstrations.
• There is a new hotkey for the Push-To-Talk feature. For that walkie-talkie feel when you want someone to hear what you want them to.
• We’ve got friend all over the nation and sometimes a call just isn’t enough. You can use Skype to stay in contact with your missed soldier oversees, your homesick child at Howard University, or maybe just that special someone you just felt like seeing right then and there before you go to sleep.

Here’s a video of Skype being Exhibited at CES 2012

There are other alternatives like Oovoo amongst a host of other programs that offer similar services, but none quite as popular as Skype has grown to be. Considering Microsoft acquired them, you know they have the financial backing to produce high quality product. Think you could benefit from Video-Chatting it up? Leave a comment. I plan on keeping in contact with my Tuskegee Alumni and Friends with it. Don’t forget to follow @GeicoTheQue for more updates.

5 Reasons To Get This For The Next #BigGame

Heard via usatoday, Vizio will release the XVT 3D CinemaWide in March. Use your refund on it because:

• This 58’ screen with an aspect ratio of 21:9 versus 16:9 is the closest thing you’ll get to a home theater.
• Shows stats during the game with plenty room to do it. Good for individuals like myself that need an extra curve to keep up in sports convos. Good for business.
• It’s an Internet TV with apps meaning plenty of entertainment opportunity outside your cable/satellite provider. You could rest easy with having a basic plan.
• Of course, it’s HD. It does provide a 3D experience. It comes with 4 pairs of glasses to accompany it. Tell your friends to get one for their household if they say you don’t have enough.
• Don’t you dare touch the TV after the it’s set-up because it’s bluetooth enabled. Everything is connected these days. You’ll still have to manually pass the chips, for now. lol

Vizio Promo

Found that video on Engadget

Definitely a must have of the season. Aside from the game it’ll be great for the whole family. Grab that digitally remastered version of Beauty and The Beast and make memories. Do you plan on putting one in your living room? Leave a comment why or why not. Follow @GeicoTheQue for more.

5 Things You Should Know About Facebook Stopping Privacy #IPO

The Initial Public Offering of Facebook has been talked about being put into action as early as today. Here’s what @GeicoTheQue has to say:

• Facebook is being valued as critics say as much as $100 Billion
• It means more jobs. Mark Zuckerberg is already building more office space.
• Being held to more responsible to the public mean customer service will greatly improve as to facilitate any technical difficulties.
• More money also means less technical difficulties.
• There is definitely going to be more tailor-made advertisement. Privacy issue or custom shopping assistance? You decide.

Here is a link to more detail from the Chicago Tribune. What are your concerns about Facebook and where it’s going? Leave a comment.