Craig's Week in Tech - Newsletter

June 11, 2011 - Volume 1, Issue 2

Newsletter!

Last week, I did a random thoughts post. It was a good way to get lots of little thoughts out from the week without having the time to write entire posts. I think I'll continue that! I'm going to turn it into a newsletter format... a little more polished up. I'll try to get them out on Saturdays. Here is the first one (in the new format)! :) 

Google +1

Google has implemented it's +1 button on the search page. It also now has given websites the ability to put +1 buttons on specific pages similar to a like button that facebook has. It is a way for excellent articles by social voting to gain relevence. When you search, hot +1 items from your social sphere will be displayed. Here is an 31 things you should know article from the week with suggestions.

QR Codes/June Challenge

Take a look at the June challenge from ActiveRain. It is going to push the envelope for us to use these things in innovative ways. QR code is the bridge for a person on their mobile to jump to a mobile-ready site (info page, tour, video, etc). Done right these codes are great, problem is many do it wrong. C'mon ARs let's show 'em how to do it!

Google Wallet/NFC

Here's a new technology to keep your eye on. Google has introduced its wallet smartphone app. It depends on NFC (near field communication, wireless receiver has to be within a couple inches of object). Use your NFC enabled smartphone to pay for your purchase at select retailers and the list is likely to grow fast. Limited phones work yet (android) but watch as this tech grows!

Apple

Apple introduced something coming soon called iCloud, successor to mobileMe. For those with various apple devices, this is a way to have your content synced 'in the cloud.' 5GB will be free for starters. I'm at present not an apple person (though my wife just got an iPhone) but this is an interesting development. (apple side note, have you seen the building Apple is proposing dubbed 'spaceship' by observers, for their new HQ starting to build next year...)

Gold Star Posts

Here are a few bookmarked posts from my recent list that are interesting and let me share. Michael Thornton (resident statistician) - how many posts on ActiveRain on a single day (interesting!). Robert Hammerstein helped find an IE9 fix for AR that worked for him, see if it helps you. Deborah Garvin asks us to examine what others see in our virtual presence, is it good or bad?

Empire Avenue

Empireavenue is a website where users get accounts and then trade shares or 'invest' in other online users. I have not signed on yet so I really don't understand it. It is becoming VERY popular. Now I agree it kind of sounds like fun, but I have zero hours left in my day. Can anyone lend their viewpoint into this? Is there any business value? It is a way of social networking, but how valuable? or is it just for fun?

Video

We are having some fun in the video department last week with Charita and Alan. Please check out our VBloggers group to catch up if you missed the fun (plus many wonder vlog posts). Meanwhile on a serious side, I came across Sue Adler, an agent in NJ, doing wonderful community videos. If you want some great inspiration, check out her youtube channel and here's a specific example to look at. I'm awestruck, it's that good! :)

Recent Classroom Posts

If you missed them, here are my last three classroom-type (teaching) posts:
Getting Points for Comments
Where is that Blog Post? I Know I Wrote it!!!
Using Google Bookmarks [tutorial video]

Until Next Time...

Well I think this new newsletter format works well. I hope you enjoyed it! :)

About the Author - Craig loves technology and loves to teach others about it!
If you'd like to learn more about Craig, see recent post "Who Is Craig Daniels?"
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