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Archive for January, 2012

Hooked On Apps

Thursday, January 26th, 2012

By Dennis Powell, e-Management

A couple of years ago Apple (with its flagship iPhone devices) launched TV and radio ads to persuade people, who swore they’d never buy a smart phone, that they could not in fact live without the devices. Out of those commercials, the pop culture expression “There’s an app for that” was born. Other smart phone providers using the rivals Android platforms quickly followed Apple’s lead. Given that smart phone penetration in North America was a little more than 60% at the end of 2011, I’d say that smart phone providers were very successful in getting people to become hopelessly addicted to the applications, or apps, which live on the ever popular smart phones.

Smart phones allow you to listen to music, read books, check the stock market, get directions, and find new ways to cook. No wonder so many of us are hooked on apps.

Smart phones allow you to listen to music, read books, check the stock market, get directions, and find new ways to cook. No wonder so many of us are hooked on apps.

I became a “smart phone addict” once I had to replace my older Android with a new Samsung Galaxy II with a larger screen, bold colors, and longer battery life. Since three of out of every five mobile phone users own smart phones like the iPhone, Android, or Microsoft based devices, I decided to pull together a list of apps that can get you hooked.

Drum roll…Here are my picks for six kinds of app that you must have:

  1. Apps to protect against bad guys: Android users who are prone to misplacing things will love the AntiDroidTheft app. Features include special e-mail alerts when your phone’s SIM (subscriber identification module) card has been removed. It also allows you to track your phone online using GPS or mobile technology. You can even activate your camera remotely to take photos. So bad guys beware.
  2. Apps for foodies: Do you like delectable cuisines? You might want to check out the Digital Recipe Sidekick (DRS) in the Android marketplace. The app allows you to import all recipes from Allrecipes.com directly to your smart phone or Android device. There you can add your own recipes to your phone and edit existing recipes. But the app is more interactive than that, it also acts as a “GPS” and actually reads the instructions while you cook. iPhone foodies might want to try the Allrecipes.com Dinner Spinner app that boasts more than 40,000 recipes! Great thing about this app is its “Shake for Ideas” feature. How does it work? Whenever you are indecisive about what you want to cook or eat, simply shake your phone or touch “spin” and voila, it serves you up a random selection of dining ideas! Bon appetite.
  3. Apps for shopaholics: QR Code readers are must haves for “your inner smart consumer.” Basically, QR codes are those strange looking rectangular, two-dimensional bar code that stores information about products and companies such as addresses and websites. When the app is installed you can use your smart phone camera to scan the barcodes. QR codes can store a lot more information that the barcodes most of us are accustomed to seeing. Why are QR code apps a must have? Well, mainly because more and more companies are using them in their marketing in magazines and online. In the past, you had to write down the information or rely on your memory; QR codes make it a cinch. Just snap your camera and all of the information you’ll need will be stored on your phone.
  4. Apps for the literature enthusiasts: e-Book apps are great for those who love to read and want to leave the bulky books at home rather than on public transportation, during flights, or on vacation. iPhone has several apps such as B&N e-Reader, Kobo, and Kindle to name a few. Android e-readers include Google Books.
  5. Apps for music lovers: If you were to ask me what’s the best thing since slide bread, I’d probably tell you music apps. My favorite is Pandora® Internet radio. First of all, it’s free! Next, the app allows you to stream your favorite music from the web to your smart phone for free. It allows you to personalize your play list so you only listen to the music you love! I cannot get enough of my jazz, Motown, and classic rock channels!
  6. Apps for sports junkies: Sports fans will love sports apps such as Android’s College Hoops Radio or the iPhone’s College Basketball Radio Live, which allow you to listen to your favorite sports team events live! If “hoops” isn’t your thing, you can always follow your favorite athletes and sports team on the go with ESPN Radio app. In addition to regular ESPN content, users will have access to more than 35 different ESPN Radio podcasts.

So, yes there really is an app for everyone!

There are apps that can tell you how much to eat; where there are speed traps; and even how to dump someone. There’s probably an app to help curb my new smart phone dependence. But why would I want that? Besides, I cannot be the only apps junky out there. What are you favorite apps? How have apps helped you in your day to day activities? On the other hand, are apps and the app-crazed people annoying? I want to hear from you. Let’s chat…because there’s an app for that too! :-)

Tags: , , , , ESPN, , GPS, , Kindle, , Pandora, QR code,
Posted in Gadgets, Internet/Intranet, Lifestyle, Social Media, Uncategorized | 26 Comments »

Maybe It’s Time We Do an “Energetic” Reality Check

Monday, January 9th, 2012

By Dennis Powell, e-Management

The Department of Energy through research and development at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) is working to improve renewable energy technologies such as wind power that could lead to energy independence for the USA and job creation.

The Department of Energy through research and development at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) is working to improve renewable energy technologies such as wind power that could lead to energy independence for the USA and job creation.

Pretty much everyone knows what the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) do. But how many of us really understand the role of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)? Recently, one prominent political figure talked about abolishing the Department. What’s interesting is the lack of protest from voters regarding the prospect of a country without DOE. Why am I so emphatic about the Department? Well, because the agency is here “to ensure America’s security and prosperity by addressing its energy, environmental and nuclear challenges through transformative science and technology solutions.” In other words, DOE is responsible for energy policy including clean energy innovation, energy conservation, nuclear weapons program management, radioactive waste disposal, and so much more. Did you know that DOE developed the nuclear space power systems which powered NASA’s mission? But wait, there’s more…

Are you sick of the increasingly higher cost of fuel?
Well, I am and guess what? DOE is actually helping to make high energy cost a thing of the past. Did you know that DOE oversees the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)—the only national lab for the advancement of renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies. Renewable energy is clean and unlike other forms of conventional power, it never runs out. Renewable energy is great for the economy because it creates jobs and reduces our national dependencies on international sources of energy such as oil. Simply put, the work at NREL leads to commercial applications that may mean more sustainable, green energy that could save all of us money

Are you comfortable with radioactive waste being dumped in your backyard?
Probably not. It’s a good thing we have DOE’s Office of Environmental Management (EM) to keep us safe by cleaning up “the environmental legacy of the Manhattan Project and the Cold War.” Since the passage of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (the Stimulus Bill or ARRA) by Congress, there has been a rigorous debate on whether the Stimulus worked. Well not only is EM’s disposal of radioactive materials vital to our safety, the program office has been highly successful in the implementation of Stimulus projects. According to EM, the program office advanced its “mission to clean up the waste generated during the Cold War, by reducing that footprint by 613 square miles.” Plus, EM ARRA-funded projects put thousands of Americans back to work while giving them new skills that may be leveraged in the future. Did I mention EM completed its ARRA-funded projects ahead of schedule and way under budget!?

Extending a helping hand to low income families.
Last week, DOE’s Weatherization Assistance Program announced how the Department is helping families save energy and money. Through this program, DOE has supported the weatherization of more than 750,000 homes of low-income families across the country. According to an article by April Saylor, online content producer, DOE Office of Public Affairs, the program reduced energy consumption up to 35% resulting in an average savings of $400 during the first year.

High-Powered Awareness Check.
DOE’s mission may be murky to some. But from where I stand, the Department’s activities are commendable and relevant. But this blog posting isn’t all about me; what do you think?  Should DOE stay or go? How important is energy independence to the future of the USA’s economy? What are you doing to conserve energy?

Tags: clean energy, , Department of Energy, DOE, , energy efficiency, EPA, IRS, NASA, NREL, Office of Environmental Management, , renewable, The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
Posted in Corporate, Dining, Economy, Energy, Entertainment, Events, Family, Gadgets, Government, Green Computing, Healthcare, Information Security, Internet/Intranet, IT Infrastructure, IT Strategy & Management, Leadership, Lifestyle, Risk Management, Social Media, The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), Uncategorized | 18 Comments »