Information Technology of the Week | HeyWire Landline Texting

Ever sent a text message only to get a quick rejection to the tune of "This is a landline, better luck next time"? HeyWire, already "boasting 3 million monthly users" is hoping to change that not only for personal mobile users but for businesses. 

The service allows landline numbers to text internally and send and receive messages to any mobile numbers. Users don't even have to be at the physical location of the landline for it to work; instead they can login on their mobile or web browser. This means that this tool has the potential to be a very powerful innovation for telecommuters and remote workers.

The service essentially works like Google Voice or Skype, the main difference being it will incorporate the office landline as well. The idea is to allow more separation between personal and business communication by adding the processes individuals prefer, like texting, to their business communication toolbox. It will be interesting to see how services like Skype and Google Voice respond, and especially how professionals respond. Is opening ourselves up to more text communication going to make the work day more efficient, or just more tedious? 

Click here to learn more about this landline SMS and texting technology 

Innovative Technology of the Week | Touch Screens on the Back of your Phone

Is Autcorrect ready to handle input from the back of your phone and four additional fingers? Google has recently applied for a patent to add touch screen capabilities to the back of Android devices. Luckily, the touch capabilities are likely to be limited to window/screen control functionalities like scrolling and clicking rather than composing messages. How will the technology differentiate between your shoulder holding your phone to your ear and intentional directions from your other fingers? I guess we'll find out. 

Click here to learn more about touch controls on the back of your future Android devices 

Innovative Tech of the Week | An iPad App for Sharing the Super Bowl Experience

TOK Football is a new app that allows you to call up to four friends (who have also downloaded the app) from your iPad and hold a group discussion with running updates on any football game currently airing on TV. For those stuck watching the SuperBowl on their lonesome this year, this is a great way to enjoy gametime banter and Half Time Show commentary with those you hold dear to your game watching experience.

While they regret to inform you that "Beer and hotdogs are not included" the app does allow you to invite friends, find the game you want to follow, watch live updates and commentary from the game, and even let's you contribute a variety of cheers via the "Sound Carousel." We think the Sound Carousel sounds worth it even if you and your four friends are watching the game together. 

Click here to download the TOK Football iPad App 

Innovative Technology of the Week | Electric Imp, Taking All Your Devices Online

Imagine having all the devices in your home or office synced and operable remotely via the web. Now meet Electric Imp, who can make that happen today. 

"The little cards appear almost identical to standard SD cards but have Wi-Fi antennae and embedded processors. You can install them to existing devices using some of the circuit boards Imp sells, and the company is in talks with OEMs to get them Imp slots pre-installed on a range of products. Once installed, they connect to the internet and Imp’s cloud-based software controls, allowing them to both be controlled remotely and work in conjunction with other connected devices." 

Fridge, A/C, sprinkler, computer, TV, alarm clock, house alarm, printer, copier...all operable from one platform, no matter how near or far you are from them. Not too shabby...

 Click here to learn more about Electric Imp and taking all your devices online

The Jobsite of the Future | Construction Executive

from SmartBidNet.com - a product of JBKnowledge

Construction Executive Magazine | January 17, 2012 

The Jobsite of the Future  
By James M. Benham  

Thirty years ago, construction projects involved a great deal of snail mail, phone calls to landlines, stacks of blueprints and a few Rolodexes. Today, microwave-sized desktop computers are a fading memory, and customized project management software comes to the rescue at least once a day. There’s also a 40 percent chance readers will view this article on their smartphones.  

The construction industry wasn’t always so progressive. During the last 10 years, industry professionals started to see the benefit of paperless plan rooms and automated systems. Now imagine what technology will be used in the next 50 years. From holograms to self-sufficient robots, developing technology suggests what a construction site of the future might look like...

Click here to read the full article