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Android Apps That Foster Frugality

Many people argue that in tough economic times such as these, we can’t afford luxuries like smartphones. But in many cases, smart phones are actually a great economic investment. There are scores of applications that you can access through your 4G Slide Android Phone, or other similar mobile devices, that will help the most frugal minded consumer. With a small investment of one of these phones, you can do anything from balance your monthly budget to track your spending habits so you can see where all of your money is going. Here’s a list of a few savings centric applications currently on the market.

My Coupons
This is a new approach to an old idea but the difference is the ease of use. We’re all familiar with when our parents would go through the Sunday paper looking to see the coming week’s deals. They’d clip as many coupons as they could so they could save. With My Coupons, you can do the very same thing only from a single source. You don’t have to go out and get the paper in order to browse through the latest coupon offers. With this app, you’ll get new coupon lists sent to you phone every day. You can even share them with your friends by Tweeting or posting them on their Facebook page. These coupons are offered both locally and nationally. It has the added bonus of being able to scan a product’s bar code so you can see if there’s a coupon available. It’s a must have for any family looking to cut back on their monthly grocery bill.

GasBuddy
Gas prices are always fluctuating but right now, prices have risen so much lately, that it’s a topic on the minds of most consumers. The prices rise to such a height at times that it’s hard to make room for everything else in your budget when the price of gasoline skyrockets overnight and you’re then left with a huge gap in your bank account. For anyone looking to find the cheapest prices around, there’s the application GasBuddy. This app is free for anyone to use and it tells you the station nearest to your location and what their price is. It’s updated by a network of users and you may find it a handy tool at saving on gas.

ShopSavvy:
This application is less about tracking your spending and more about buying at the best deal possible. You can go online and enter in the product you want to purchase. From there you’ll be able to see if anyone else is selling the exact same product cheaper than the price that you’ve found. You can even do this while standing in line at the store before you buy it so you’ll know if you’re getting the best deal. It’s very simple to use and all you have to do is scan the bar code with the device’s camera and then the app will do a massive search online. This app won’t track your spending habits but, it will get you the best deal possible.

If you’re strapped for cash, there are many things you can do in your daily life to curb expenses, and your phone is just another approach. If you’re worried about your monthly bills and are looking for different ways to cut back, some of these apps might work to your benefit. Technology is best used when it’s for a purpose so use it to positively impact your bills and bring your finances under control.

Posted in Apps, Droid | No Comments »

Cool Gadgets and Tech Innovations That Are Wowing The World

It’s pretty amazing when you stop to think that just 10 years ago people were carrying around Nokia brick phones and using dial-up Internet. The age of information technology is here and the advancements are coming almost quicker than we can keep up with them. It’s strange and exciting all at the same time. Innovation is driving technology to forefronts that will likely to wow society even further in the coming years but here are a few current bits of tech that are productions or are slated for near future release.

One of the newest and most exciting innovations out there today is the research and development of nanotechnology. This is an impressive front in, not just the world of cell phone technology, but for the science world as a whole. Nanotechnology, in essence, is the science of very small things. This is being haled as nothing less than a breakthrough in powering many of the devices we use. Apple is hoping to use nanotechnology to power the future generations of cell phones. They will, hopefully, completely bypass the need for replaceable batteries. Nanotechnology can harness energy from movement or vibrations and it’s the hope that, in just five years, we’ll be able to power the devices we use by nothing more than movement or the vibrations of our heartbeat. It will allow us to do everything from a reverse phone lookup to browsing the Internet. Many scientists feel that nanotech is the future of science and it’s likely to have broader applications than we’ve yet to realize.

We’ve seen a lot of breakthroughs in the world of gaming technology but before now it’s been primarily in the field of improved graphics performances. Now there’s a whole new market opening up for movement based games and platforms. We’ve seen several versions of these movement-based games but it hasn’t been until recently that it’s been advanced enough to be a viable market product. The Wii started using movement-based games but its application was somewhat limited. Now, on the market, there are completely hands-free systems that respond totally to the movements of the user. Microsoft has the Kinect and Sony is using a motion sensor controller. By recording the user, these devices allow you to manipulate an onscreen avatar that responds to the slightest moment. It’s not clear if individual platforms will be released on this central concept but chances are the console/controller system will be around for at least a few more years.

Every now and again entertainment takes a huge leap forward and “Skinput” is one such leap. It’s currently being designed for the Xbox 360 and it will allow users to have an interactive experience that, to date, has only been seen in Hollywood. It effectively turns the human body into a joystick. A two dimensional image of a series of options and commands are projected onto the user’s skin and would, basically, turn your arm into a joystick or remote. This tech is based on the science of specific vibrations that move through the body which are acoustically distinct from one another. Depending on the location, the area of the skin that a command would be applied holds a specific resonance to allow users to control a game through touching their skin. It’s likely that this will be applied in many ways but Microsoft is currently the only company with current designs using this new tech.

Similar innovations have totally streamlined the way media and information is consumed. No one could have imagined how the iPod would change the way we look at music and movies. From there we saw the evolution if the iPhone and the iPad. Similar devices are being seen on the market all over the world and it’s amazing to ponder all of the possibilities for computing software and its various, real world, applications. These initial innovations aren’t just changing the way we are entertaining, they’re changing the world.

Posted in iPhone, News, Uncategorized, Web 2.0 | No Comments »

Updated Technology For Old Habits

Everyday technology plays a larger role in our lives as investors and companies push for products that increase convenience and accessibility of services. This has especially been true for computer technology, which has undergone a metamorphosis from a large desktop to portable handheld systems. In only a few years, cell phones evolved from simple screen capabilities to touch screen technology with Internet access. The increased usage of technology has caused many to rethink other inventions, which have barely changed since their inception.

Here are a couple of products that have received a technology-based makeover, thus changing the way they are advertised and used,

Cigarettes

Cigarettes, specifically tobacco smoke, have a long history in religious ritual, medicine, and recreational usage. Usage of tobacco can be dated back to 3000 BC when the substance was cultivated in South America. Tobacco found a home in the US in Jamestown around 1612 as a cash crop. The usage of tobacco was re-popularized upon the advent of advertising media and subsequently movie film. As smoking bans increase across the US, technology has served an alternative method for smokers, which is the exception to the smoking ban legislation – electronic cigarettes. The e-cigarette mimics the taste and nicotine content of a cigarette without the smoke.

Books

Writing systems can be traced to ancient civilizations, particularly the writings from ancient Egypt on papyrus scrolls, around 5,000 BC. The first recording of a book format was around 2400 BC. From their birth in ancient history, books have been created on wax, wood, clay, and metal. Book underwent a metamorphosis in consumption when Johannes Gutenberg invented the movable type printing press in 1450, which fueled education, book availability, and increased literacy across Europe. The development of digital printing began a new age for the consumption of reading material. Although electronic books or e-books were invented in the 1970′s, they weren’t widely available or affordable until the wide release of e-book readers, such as the Amazon Kindle, in 2009. The pageless “book” changed the way books are bought and stored, since hundreds of books can be stored and bought through one e-reader.

Music

Although music has seen many forms over the last few decades the change from the CD to mp3 changed the way most music is stored and bought. Using the increased popularity of personal computing systems, music stores and music labels have found another market for selling the music of musicians by song or album though availability online. Technology for portable storage of music in mp3 form has also become more affordable with the ability to hold thousands of songs.

While some technology will eventually lose relevance to the daily lives of consumers, other invention will benefit from a technological makeover that will refuel an interest in its benefits.

Posted in Libations, Web 2.0 | No Comments »

Google to Change Search Engine Results to a Simpler Model

Google has begun testing simpler and cleaner models for the search engine results page. The designs vary, but they all have more white space between results, fewer secondary links, like cached and similar, and no underlining in common. Another version of the search engine model has dashed lines between results, as well. These models have been filtered around the net, presumably to test which are easier for users to navigate.

Some critics of the filtered designs have complained that the designs are too similar to other search engines, such as Bing, and the new designs are too different from the comfort of the original model. Some users have started using Twitter as a vehicle for opinions about the separate test pages. The test is apart of a plan called the bucket test, where changes are shown to only a small amount of viewers can see the changes.

The models have less information per link and fewer results on the page. This allows a cleaner, streamlined look, but many users are not pleased with the possibility of these changes. Some users say the results pages with less information is counterintuitive to Google’s reputation for the amount of information from results. Fewer results per page will force users to scroll more often and click through to more pages than before.

There is an agreement between users on two possible reasons Google is choosing to test this type of layout, including:

Provoke a Feeling of Accuracy

By limiting the number of result on a page and clearing the rest of the space of most secondary links, user will have the illusion of a more accurate and considered search.

For example, if you were to search for medical assistant schools, Google would only list a few of the most relevant keyword specific sites found online, without linking to a myriad of other different secondary sites.

For More Advertisement

There is a section of the critical pool that believes Google is opening more white space for new forms of advertisement. This might also allow them to insert multimedia formats of advertisement, instead of the usually text or photo-based ads.

However, Google has made no other statement, except that the model were a part of a test, but not necessarily the final set-up. User found, if they deleted cookies from their computer, the screen display would return to the original format. Google will be collecting data from user in the test group to get a sense of the parts of the designs that worked or didn’t work.

Posted in Internet, News, Web 2.0 | No Comments »

ESRB Switches to Computer Automated Game Rating

In an attempt to combat the influx of online games that have become popular in every computer lab across the US, the Entertainment Software Ratings Board has announced a new system for rating games through a computer automated network and questionnaire. Digital gaming growth placed a strain in the self-regulated organization, and it has made the process of assigning age ratings to games an antiquated model. Since several game platforms won’t release games without a rating, the former system was a problem, but the new system should solves some of the former qualms.

The new system would place a lot of trust on the game publisher. With the help of the questionnaire a computer program will evaluate every aspect of the game, including violence, sex, profanity, drug usage, and bodily function. Publishers will be expected to fill out detailed questionnaires on these categories to help the machine with the rating process. Once the game is evaluated, the computer gives the game a rating, and the game will be available for release. Some distributors will require a follow-up evaluation by a human of the computer’s rating, but the computer will do most of the work.

The questionnaire begins with eight basic questions about the content of the game. Based on the yes answer, there will be more detailed questions. For example, if you answer yes to sexual content, the questionnaire will then ask about the context of the content, etc.

The publishers will also be expected to submit a video with the example graphics detailed within categories on the questionnaire. The ESRB is relying on the publisher to submit each scene that could affect maturity ratings, but there is no system in place when a publisher does not disclose portions of the game. Presumably, game sales would halt until the case is evaluated. Most publisher would benefit from complete honesty in regards to the questionnaire process, since game ratings are more strictly enforced than movies and music, according to the Federal Trade Commission.

Although, this system only applies to digital releases, eventually box releases and casual gaming environments may have the same process. The perk of this system is it’s a more cost-effective way toward a game release for the publisher and ESRB.

This new ESRB system is more of an experiment, until the organization has a better idea of the effectiveness. If the program is successful, there may be an expansion of the process within the next few years.

Posted in Video, Web 2.0 | No Comments »

Growing Popularity of Online Gaming Having Real World Effect

Once a niche market among a select few, gaming has grown by leaps and bounds from its humble beginnings. As various role playing games and more mainstream console based games grow in the popularity, the Internet has encouraged the change in the way our society views and uses these brands. Online gaming has become the dominion of no single market, and has pervaded pop culture on an epic scale.

As the number of personal computers grows, so does the online gaming world. It is fueled by this massive influx of potential users. Everyone remembers World of Warcraft and it’s staggering figure of 1 million registered online users. This was a watershed moment for online gaming, yet the figures continue to grow and has long since dwarfed WOW’s boastful number.

The reason why online gaming continues to remain popular is the way in which it continues to grow and redefine itself. Online gaming is anything but static. Online gaming has found safe harbor in the world of social networking where, one of the world’s largest gaming companies, Zynga, has continued to captivate the market and users through games, such as Farmville, YoVille, and Mafia Wars.

Zynga, for example, remains committed to the idea of introducing gaming to the world. Their company’s mission, as stated by founder Mark Pincus, is designed to create an interconnected world using gaming as the vehicle in which to do this. This is a bold statement, yet the company seems to be making good on their promises. They have been able to do many things to enact real world change through the use of online gaming.

American Banking and Market News recently reported on the impending Zynga Pokercon event to be hosted at the Palms Casino and Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada. It’s expected to gain a lot more traction for this company that’s already proven to be a powerhouse. The goal of this tournament was born out of the company’s mission statement: to bring the world together though gaming. The company wanted to bring all of the players that currently partake in the increasingly popular world of online poker, and bring them to the real world, together under one roof. The convention hosts a lineup of celebrity poker players and regular users. It’s expected to have a huge turnout, but Zynga didn’t stop there. The events will also have appearances by celebrity musicians, such as rapper B.O.B. of the #1 hit song, “Magic.”

The company has begun a campaign using its vast financial resources to enact social change. The website, Zynga.org, discusses how the company has been collecting money for a while, through their various gaming platforms, for donations and funds in order to assist in the preservation of wildlife, habitat conservation, and third world aide. Each year will have a different theme – 2010’s theme was water. The goal of the donation is to bring the world together through gaming and to contribute to efforts to raise awareness on various global and social issues that impact us all.

Gaming has come a long way since the days of dingy dark basements and one bit graphics. Ever since online gaming came to the forefront of pop culture, it has continued to captivate audiences and surprise us in all in a myriad ways. One can only guess at how much further the gaming industry will grow, but only time will tell.

Posted in Business, Internet, Web 2.0 | 1 Comment »

Great Laptops for Under Six Hundred Dollars

As computer companies flood the market in an attempt take control of the computer technology industry, it can be difficult to choose a laptop that fits your unique needs. When computers first hit the market they were terribly cost prohibitive, so technology was only available to the elite few who could afford it. Contrary to popular belief, you no longer need to pay large amount for a high performance computer. Thanks to innovations and more efficient production techniques, you can get a really good computer under the 600-dollar mark.

If you’re looking for a piece of hardware to perform your basic computing needs, such as internet browsing, email correspondence, and other basic computer applications, one good brand on the market is the Acer Aspire 5315. It’s designed as an economical choice for a student budget. It possesses Windows-compatible software, such as Word, and “even if you’re not a student, this is a great product for someone looking to create spreadsheets, balance budgets, or just surf online.,” said Ben Stein from LaptopReviews.com.

The Aspire has a 15.4-inch screen, which is great for watching movies or browsing through photos. It weighs about 6 pounds with three USB ports and a large keyboard. This computer does the trick for anyone who wants the freedom of a laptop without the hefty price.

The Dell Vostro V13 is a .65 inch-thick, aluminum-shelled piece of premium hardware for anyone who wants a workhorse of a machine that meets a wide variety of computing needs. This laptop only has two USB ports to the Aspire’s three, but balances out at around three and a half pounds, which is almost half the weight of the Aspire. The Vostro laptop it great for those working professionals, students, or travelers with an on-the-go lifestyle. It has a 13.3-inch, and is a compact model that would be easy to carry anywhere. This economical choice can be purchased for about 550 dollars.

The oddly named Gateway NV5387u is one the most powerful laptops on the market for the price. This computer has a duel-core processor, 4GB RAM, and if that isn’t enough, this little piece of hardware has a massive 320GB hard drive. It has a 15.6 display screen that provides superior graphics for your viewing needs. You will be amazed at the estimated three hours of battery life.

Perhaps you’re looking for a computer for your child before they leave for college or you’re just shopping around for yourself, and you may be concerned whether or not you’re getting the right computer for your needs and desired quality. Research reviews or consumer reports website for consumer opinions or you can also check out other comparable laptops online for other great prices until you find a laptop that will work the best for your lifestyle.

Posted in Business, Internet, Mac | No Comments »

Moving to http://wordead.tumblr.com

Most of my ramblings — including topics found on NearlyANerd.com — will now be over at http://wordead.tumblr.com.

– Josh Dippold

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The dreaded ‘Idea’ — Part 4: Housing ‘product’ to bridge renting and buying

Rent or buy? That’s it? Are you kidding? We are talking about where we live our lives and we only have two choices? Seems like the streets or life on the road would be better at times.

Then why not have a Real Estate product that puts a portion of current rent towards a slowing growing chunk of (pseudo-)equity in owning a (potential) future home from the same property owner.  In other words, you wouldn’t be pissing away all of your rent money knowing you’re getting nothing except more and more rent coming due.

Say your rent is $500 a month. $10 of that $500 would go (into a fund) toward owning a home from the same property owner — if you ever decide to buy later. Best of both worlds.  Participating property owners would have a great edge by offering such incentives while renters wouldn’t constantly lose money keeping someone else’s roof propped up.  Renters would get a tiny slice of what they are hopefully trying to do anyway: gradually striving towards a real stake in owning a home.

Potential markets may spring up to roll over this pseudo-equity from one property ownership company to a different property ownership company.  And time would tell if such a product could fall victim to its own version of messes pivoting the current housing crisis like default credit swaps and mortgage backed securities.

Sure this is kind of a radical housing product, but it may take something a little different to pull us out of this crisis and restore faith and credibility to how and where we live.

Please chime in on why this wouldn’t have a chance in hell, or what you believe needs to happen before a scheme like this could take hold.

By the way, the awe inspiring stuff below deals with building new and innovative structures. I credit this for spawing the question, “This is awesome, but what do we do with the houses here today?  And how are we to better finance all of this?”:

Dan Phillips: Creative houses from reclaimed stuff — Dan uses building and construction waste to build unique dwellings.

John Gerzema: Liquid Living And Modular Homes — Definitely not mobile homes. These energy-efficient, low-cost homes comprised of green materials fold up into shipping containers to go anywhere for quick and easy assembly.

Lookotels — “LOOKOTELS is a new concept in the design and construction of hotels for a cost effective price, thanks to reduced construction times and raw material costs.”

Corn Waste Transformed Into Versatile Building Material — “a proprietary corn-based composite board that can be used as a construction material instead of plywood or fiberboard.” Creating building material from corn stover (the corn husks and stalks remaining after harvest) seems more profitable than letting it rot in the fields like it often does.

The Multi-part postings “The dreaded ‘Idea’” addresses minor world needs that I’d like to see happen but don’t believe any single one is important enough (for me) to go to anybody with.

Part 1 spouts freely about Twitter and iPhone/iPod Apps & iOS along with a short treatise-like rant on ideas in general.

Part 2 explores needs in the web media landscape.

Part 3 tackles eReading and Music.

Posted in Business, Design, Meatspace, Science, Video | No Comments »

The Johnny Cash Project

Saved a quick blog post draft about the The Johnny Cash Project back in April of last year when I first learned of it. The collaborative project site describes it:

Working with a single image as a template, and using a custom drawing tool, you’ll create a unique and personal portrait of Johnny. Your work will then be combined with art from participants around the world, and integrated into a collective whole: a music video for “Ain’t No Grave”, rising from a sea of one-of-a-kind portraits.

Strictly Global just aired he the ever evolving video of “Ain’t No Grave” on regular old TV and it is high past time to blog it.

The video itself as of 9/30/10 starts around the 2:45 mark.

Posted in Art, Music, Video | No Comments »