Thursday, June 29, 2006

Google to Go

Back in April, I finally bit the bullet and started wearing a company issue BlackBerry on my hip. Of course, being the gadget head that I am, I took every opportunity to customize it. In short order I found two great applications from - guess who - Google. I started using both Google Talk and Google Maps right away on my BlackBerry and received instant gratification from each of them.

For starters, Google Talk helped push me to push more of my friends to start using this IM/Voip service. Now, even when I am on the go, I can get IMs from people at work and friends. It also has several key features that differentiate it from amongst other IM services - namely, I can start a conversation on my BlackBerry, and seemlessly continue it on my PC. I simply go to the talk client on My PC, double-click the name of the person I am chatting with and Voila!, my conversation history is already there. The other feature is that it integrates with the BB's inbox, so when new chats arrive I automatically get notified as if it was an e-mail coming my way.

Maps has also turned out to be a lifesaver. Never again will I need to carry tiny scraps of paper directions with me on business trips anymore. It's great, just put in an address and go.


And now Google has promised to improve and expand its wireless offerings, I am looking forward to them.

Monday, June 12, 2006

Can you hear me now?

Apparently, kids not only outsmart adults when it comes to computer tech, but in bio-tech too. As reported by CNet, kids have taken advantage of the fact that there are certain sounds that are inaudible for adults, but that kids can hear just fine. Using this fact, kids have created ringtones that their teachers can't hear, thereby making it easier for them to pass text messages in class.

We've come a long way from the 'clothesline' note-passing system of the 80's.