SocialWayne.com by Wayne Sutton » Technology

Guest Post: Remotely Control a Mac From an iPhone

Wayne Sutton — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 21:29:31 +0000

Guest Post Author:

Rebecca is blogger by profession. She loves writing on topics related to luxury and fashion. Beside this, she is fond of books. These days she is busy in writing an article on celeb on beach.

Controlling a computer and accessing it remotely is required to stream down the important data from a system to an iPhone. It helps the work to be done conveniently as the user wishes. Google has launched an application named “TelekinesisG” to access a mac system remotely from an iPhone. Controlling a mac from an iPhone is different, interesting and new. It helps in streaming music, videos, browsing important files, performing online searches, performing mouse clicks, running apple scripts, taking pictures in the icamera, entering text in the system using an iPhone. This application is really helpful and simple to work with.

By following the below mentioned steps, a mac can be controlled from an iPhone:
1.From Google code web-site, an iPhone remote needs to be downloaded.
2.Set the price option as “Free”.
3.Install iPhone remote after it has been downloaded.
4.Click open iPhone remote.
5.Create a login id with required password.
6.Go to apple menu in the iPhone.
7.Select System Preferences.
8.Select Network.
9.Select the network connection on which the iphone works from the pop-up menu.
10. Click on the Tcp/ IP tab.
11. An IP address appears.
12. Go to the iPhone and launch Safari.
13. Enter the IP address as :5010. For example, if the IP address found comes to 192.22.22, enter it as 192.22.22:5010.
14. Enter the user name as password created earlier in the iPhone.
15. A set of icons are displayed on the iPhone screen.
16. Click on the icon you want to access.

The mac can be controlled if the internet connection is active on the system and the iPhone as the iPhone depends on the IP address to access data from a mac. The controlling can be done when there is no Local Network connection. It requires being aware of the external IP address. After getting this IP address, the internet router can be set to pass the external traffic and thereafter, it can be connected to a computer. When iPhone remote is not required to be in use, it should not be launched. It helps to retain the security of the iPhone as it disables other sources to access the mac. Despite the inventions of this Telekinesis and other applications, at times the remote controlling does not happens. It can be blamed to the application crashes that happen in the system. Sometimes, the iPhone and system do not support the Telekinesis application.

This has been considered as a useful technique to access the mac remotely as it serves many problems to be solved easily without sticking to the computers for a long time. It helps to work and fix the important issues whenever the user gets leisure time. It does not require to transfer and to store everything in the iPhone to work with. It only accesses the files and after working on those files, it is again saved in the computer. Eventually, it is proved to be time saving and comfortable way of performing the tasks.

CNN’s Black in America 4 offers GetGlue limited-edition Check-in stickers

Wayne Sutton — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 20:46:30 +0000

It seems CNN is going all out promoting Black In America 4. Expect to see @Soledad_OBrien live tweeting, plenty of Facebook status updates and more. Yesterday CNN announced that viewers watching Black In America 4 can pre check-in and check-in with GetGlue for limited-edition stickers.

GetGlue is offering limited-edition stickers for the next installment of CNN’s Black in America.

Before the premiere of The New Promised Land: Silicon Valley on Sunday, Nov. 13, GetGlue users can ‘check in’ to unlock exclusive stickers.

CNN anchor and special correspondent Soledad O’Brien reports that the ownership of the digital bloom is mostly young, white, and male. For her fourthBlack in America documentary, O’Brien asks why, according to industry analyst CB Insights, less than one percent of all venture capital money went to digital startups with African-American founders in 2010 – and she profiles a unique, technology-focused “accelerator” developed to help African-American digital entrepreneurs secure funding to establish their businesses.

Reminder
Watch CNN Black In America 4 this Sunday 8pm EST on CNN and then go to your computer to watch the official after Black In America 4 online live video panel and discussion with Mario Armstrong called “Innovation Nation:Startup Success”. Join us in the live chat, google hangout and more as we’ll talk about Black In America 4, Silicon Valley and more. We’ll also take questions from the online audience. When tweeting about the online live broadcast use the hashtag #bialive. The Black In America 4 hashtag is #blackinamerica. For more information about the live broadcast visit: http://www.marioarmstrong.com/on-air/innovation-nation-the-official-live-webcast/

How to Check-in

To check-in and claim your Black In America 4 sticker go here: http://getglue.com/tv_shows/black_in_america?checkin=true#checkin Like the page and fireup GetGlue mobile apps and check-in.

More African Americans are needed in technology

Wayne Sutton — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 02:53:40 +0000

Just sad…

If TechAmerica, technology’s largest advocacy organization, would send a banquet invitation to all African-American CEOs of public technology companies, the International Business Times (IBTimes) said, the response would be so small that the tech organization would cancel the event.

Read more at More African Americans needed in technologyvia Capital Outlook.

A QR Code infographic about what you need to know about QR Codes

Wayne Sutton — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 21:00:41 +0000

via SystemID – the barcode people

How Apple could disrupt the QR Code Reader App business and make QR Codes main stream in iOS5

Wayne Sutton — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 02:33:59 +0000

When it comes to the QR Code marketing / implementation business one question I often would get is what is the best QR Code reader for xyz smartphone. That would include blackberry and nokia smartphones that come with a built in QR Code Reader/Scanner. But for the iPhone, Android and windows mobile smartphones you would have to search the various App stores for QR Code Reader or QR Code Scanner, read the reviews and try out the growing list of QR Code reader apps that for the most part does the exact same thing with the exception of a few security features or a faster reader.

With the growing interest in QR Codes being used in the USA (already mainstream and popular overseas) Apple and Google/Android OS could disrupt the QR Code Reader App business and make QR Codes main stream by just adding the “Scan QR Code” option the native camera app. That’s it, that’s all. From there every iPhone or Android powered device would have a built in QR Code Scanner app by default. It’s something that a few apps are already doing with their camera option. I think both AT&T and best buy iPhone apps have this feature as well. The new version of TriOut has the “Scan QR Code” option as you can see in the screenshot below. Apple could add this option easily.

Now, will Apple or Google add or include a default QR Code reader app/feature? Only time will tell but I would think Google would add it first being how a lot of Android apps use QR Codes for quick installation.

Just a thought.

The Evolution of the Web Infographic

Wayne Sutton — Sun, 04 Sep 2011 18:00:46 +0000

Today’s web is a result of the ongoing efforts of an open web community that helps define these web technologies, like HTML5, CSS3 and WebGL and ensure that they’re supported in all web browsers.
The color bands in this visualization represent the interaction between web technologies and browsers, which brings to life the many powerful web apps that we use daily.

Click to enlarge and redirect.

via The Evolution of the Web

Victoria’s Secret uses QR Codes to help you undress women with your smartphone

Wayne Sutton — Sat, 03 Sep 2011 22:35:38 +0000

I almost called this post Victoria’s Secret brings sexy back to QR Codes but QR Codes were never sexy so that would be a lie. Instead I went with “Victoria’s Secret uses QR Codes to help you undress women with your smartphone”. What do I mean? Just take a look at the photos below from Victoria’s Secret new “Sexier Than Skin” ad campaign.

You may not be exactly undressing a women but the QR Code is placed in the right position covering up parts the models body that you can only see after you scan the QR Code. It’s cleaver in terms of finding a way to use QR Codes / sex sells QR Code marketing campaign by Victoria’s Secret. Outside of that, I’m not sure how many people would actually want to be seen stopping and scanning the QR Codes in public unless they just didn’t care. I could see this used in print ads with a higher QR Code scan rate.

I bet Calvin Klein is somewhere thinking why didn’t they think of this earlier this year when they replace an sexy ad billboard with just a QR Code.

Would you scan the QR Code from Victoria’s Secret “Sexier Than Skin” ad campaign if you were walking down the street?

Want more information on QR Codes see:
The QR Code Statistics you have been looking for – infographic
11 iPhone QR Code Reader Applications to get you ready for the QR marketing madness
The iPhone QR Code Reader and Group Chat App for Everyone!
How to find a free QR Code Reader for the iPhone, Android, Nokia, Palm, Windows Mobile & Blackberry mobile phones
11 must see QR Code Marketing and Implementation Campaign Videos

H/T: FastCompany: Americans: Y’All Love QR Codes and 708Media

Video: Mitch Kapor on the value of the NewMe Accelerator and what Kapor Capital looks for in startups

Wayne Sutton — Sun, 26 Jun 2011 02:32:48 +0000

Originally posted on Blackweb 2.0

The NewMe Accelerator just completed it’s first full week of working with amazing mentors and speakers from the Silicon Valley. Closing out the week NewMe startups had a chance sit down for one on one sessions with well known Venture Capitalist Mitch Kapor @mkapor of Kapor Capital. Before the sessions begin Mitch talked to the NewMe Accelerator startups first class on how he learned about the accelerator, why the NewMe Accelerator is important to have in the Silicon Valley and what Kapor Capital looks for in startups when considering investing. Take a look at the video and notes below.

Why the NewMe Accelerator is important for the Silicon Valley?

“Access is inequitable, not everybody has a shot”

“Not everybody has a shot, give them the support they need to compete on a level playing flied, then they’ll do really well. “

“There’s no question that there’s a dramatic under representation of people of color in the Silicon Valley echo system.”

What are the areas that Kapor Capital look for in startups as an angle investment firm?

The founding team… people first before ideas.
mobile web/mobile apps
High social impact startups
Startups that practice the lean startup method

The NewMe Accelerator is supported by generous sponsors, speakers, and mentors. Sponsors include: Interactive One, Google, Tagged, Gunderson Dettmer, Syncom Ventures, PepsiCo, Kapor Capital, Bronze Investments, Justin.tv, and e3 Innovation Fund.

CrunchBase Information

Mitch Kapor

Information provided by CrunchBase

CrunchBase Information

NewMe Accelerator

Information provided by CrunchBase

7 recent QR Code marketing examples by major brands, music artist and publications

Wayne Sutton — Tue, 31 May 2011 11:30:49 +0000

Sometimes I just chuckle and just shake my head when I see tweets or hear complaints and rants about how QR Codes suck, or don’t use QR Codes for this or that and my personal favorite, NFC is better than QR Codes, especially when it comes from “thought leaders” or a super savvy “social media guys/gals”. I chuckle because there’s a huge educational curve for QR Codes to go main stream in the USA but they have taken off and proven valuable as when have seen over the years in Japan/China with all of their smart technology. Personally I think the biggest problem for some marketers is that no one person can claim to “own” the QR Code space and you can’t put QR Codes in a box to say, QR Codes are only good for one thing because QR Codes have various use cases. See 101 Ideas for Using QR Codes.

Also using QR Codes for marketing/promotion in any type of campaign requires more than just thinking of tweets and things to say to make you sound cool. Using QR Codes requires thinking about the time and location of where a QR Code may be seen offline. It requires working with various teams about creating smart, fast, valuable mobile content. It requires thinking about mobile users, social users and offline users along with existing marketing efforts. It requires thinking about in-dept /instant mobile analytics. Thus is one of the reasons I think we have seen a lot of bad QR Code examples so far.

During my recent travels and keeping an eye on QR Code usage in the wile I came across a few smart ways major brands, music artist and publications are using QR Codes. Below are a few photos and examples after I scanned some of the QR Codes with my iPhone app.

1. 2011 Ford Explorer magazine QR Code with Kevin Hart.

After you scan the QR Code you’re sent to a mobile content/video page.

2. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport QR Code ad

After you scan the QR Code you’re sent to an airport mobile directory page.

3. Download load the Delta app QR Code print ad:

4. American Heart Association QR Code Kroger sign

After you scan the QR Code you’re sent to the American Heart Association local information mobile site.

5. deliver magazine QR Code

(note the qr code is on the back but I photoshopped it on the front)
After you scan the deliver QR Code you’re sent to a mobile deliver website

6. Download the Redbox app using QR Codes

via http://qreateandtrack.com

7. Starbucks, Lady Gaga, Srch QR Code Digital scavenger hunt

More on this later but check out the Starbucks qr code frappuccino scan video below via QR Codes Anywhere blog.

To sum it up out of the seven QR Code marketing examples we have.
Scan the QR Code to download a mobile app (2x)
Scan the QR Code to see a promotional video and learn more information about a product.
Scan the QR Code for additional magazine or location or venue information
Scan the QR Code to start a digital scavenger hunt

Note if you’re looking for a fast QR Code reader/scanner iPhone app try my app here.

What are some other creative ways you have seen QR Codes being used recently?

Awesome Google I/O countdown clock landing page with Android app QR Code

Wayne Sutton — Mon, 09 May 2011 03:55:59 +0000

This is just cool. Google I/O starts tomorrow and Google created an awesome countdown clock, along with the Android logo holding a QR Code sign that will take you to the Google I/O Android App or app site page.

To capture the awesomeness I recorded a screencast of the Google I/O page.

Scanning the QR Code with an iPhone took you to the Google I/O Android app page

Scanning the QR Code with an Android App took you to the app’s page in the Android App market.

Via Google I/O 2011. Tip> HackerNews

Wish I going to Google I/O … maybe next year! Are you?

Your internet is wrong! Beware of online “filter bubbles” – TED video of Eli Pariser

Wayne Sutton — Tue, 03 May 2011 00:02:42 +0000

As web companies strive to tailor their services (including news and search results) to our personal tastes, there’s a dangerous unintended consequence: We get trapped in a “filter bubble” and don’t get exposed to information that could challenge or broaden our worldview. Eli Pariser argues powerfully that this will ultimately prove to be bad for us and bad for democracy.

About Eli Pariser

Pioneering online organizer Eli Pariser is the author of “The Filter Bubble,” about how personalized search might be narrowing our worldview.

via Eli Pariser: Beware online “filter bubbles” | Video on TED.com.

Thanks Corvida for the tweet tip:

The truth: Eli Pariser: Beware online “filter bubbles” via @TEDTalks http://bit.ly/kgzSXC cc @waynesutton @idonotes @sarahintampaMon May 02 15:13:11 via bitlyCorvida Raven
corvida

This awesome QR Code example will help you not to hate QR Codes

Wayne Sutton — Sat, 30 Apr 2011 22:40:11 +0000

Looks like my friend Jeff Turner has seen enough bad QR Code marketing examples the he was about to go postal on QR Codes.

I don’t hate QR codes. I hate how QR codes are being used. I hate the lack of thought being given to QR Code use and I hate the hype over their use. But I don’t hate QR codes. QR codes are inert. QR codes are only as good as you make them. via Jeff Turner

I know what you mean Jeff! It’s not QR Codes as the technology but poor implementation and the lack of value people think of when using QR Codes in mobile marketing. Lucky enough Jeff received a tweet from Jason Crouch about the Reporters without Borders book project where they use QR Codes similar to the genius QR code resume idea. Take a look:

via I Don’t Hate QR Codes | Jeff Turner.

Do you hate QR Codes or just the hype and bad implementations of people trying to use them?

Podcast: TheSocialGeeks Episode 35 – Tungle, Delicious, Yobongo and Fring

Wayne Sutton — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 18:04:43 +0000

The whole crew was in the house for this roundtable of TheSocialGeeks. Join Chris Miller, Caleb Elston,Sarah Perez, Jeff Smith, Corvida and myself as we cover todays announcements:

The sale of Tungle to Research In Motion (RIM)
A brief jab at the BlackBerry Playbook
Caleb talks what it is like to launch Yobongo at SXSW and futures
The sale of Delicious to AVOS (the YouTube founders new corporation)
How to get divorced via SMS
Fring new 4-way video chat ability. Look for a full Fring review on TheSocialNetworker.

Click here to listen to the entire podcast: TheSocialGeeks: TheSocialGeeks Episode 35 – Tungle, Delicious, Yobongo, Fring.

QR Codes and augmented reality continue to evolve with Daqri

Wayne Sutton — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 01:44:05 +0000

Looking to see what role QR Codes will have with augmented reality then take a look at Daqri. It’s a new startup that will display custom augmented content after a user scans a QR Code. Cool right? It also reminds me of the “earthmark” technology the guys at Mirascape are using to do something similar. Regardless take a look at the Daqri demo video below.

Daqri had one of the whizziest demos at the Launch conference. This company makes an augmented reality service that overlays 3D images onto the real world through a smartphone, using QR codes as the anchor. In other words, point your iPhone running the Daqri app at the right matrix barcode, and a floating 3D (possible moving) image will appear on the phone’s screen. We’ve seen this effect in magazines and some ads already; Daqri is just trying to institutionalize the function.

Via Daqri connects QR codes to augmented reality | Rafe’s Radar – CNET News.

Have you scanned a QR Code to display augmented content before?

Announcing the SocialWayne iPhone app with QR Code Reader & Group Chat. Plus QR Code Contest

Wayne Sutton — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 12:10:42 +0000

The QR Code Reader and Group Chat iPhone App for Everyone!

As some of you know I’m a huge QR Code fanboy and today I’m excited to announce the new SocialWayne community iPhone app with QR Code Reader, group chat and mobile contest with over $1,000 in prizes from companies such as Mophie, Trackur,Tappinn and more! Just download, scan the QR Code on app.socialwayne.com and chat to win!

The new iPhone app bridges mobile, social, online and offline communities to provide a new way of mobile engagement. Other features of the app include listings of upcoming web/tech events and the ability to update your Facebook and Twitter via the mobile web.

Key app features:

Fast QR Code Reader
Real-Time Group Chat
Web/Tech Events Listings
Social Media Updates
SocialWayne.com updates

QR Code Mobile App Contest
To celebrate the launch of the app, I’ve partnered with friends and companies such as Mophie, Tappinn, Andy Beal’s Trackur, Brand Camp University, Tantrum Apps and more to offer over $1,000 in prizes. To win, use the SocialWayne iPhone app, scan the contest QR Code for the day on http://app.socialwayne.com and use the group chat feature.

The contest is designed to demonstrate how to use QR Codes and group chat feature and what can be built on the TriOut platform. The contest starts Wednesday April 20, at 11:30 a.m., EST and runs for seven days Monday through Friday. Here’s a full list of contest partners and prizes:

Day 1: Free Mophie Juice Pack Air for the iPhone 4

Day 2: One Brand Camp University Conference NYC Free Pass

Day 3: A copy of the Enterprise Social Media Strategy book

Day 4: Six months free Tappinn QR Code Marketing Platform

Day 5: A six month free Trackur plus account

Day 6: Five free Tantrum iPhone & iPads Apps for kids

Day 7: A copy of the Social Location Marketing book

Powered by TriOut
The SocialWayne iPhone app is build on the TriOut platform. TriOut builds mobile community applications for individuals, businesses, conferences and educational institutions.

More information about the SocialWayne iPhone app:
http://app.socialwayne.com

Screenshots and features list
http://l.socialwayne.com/appnews

Download the App from iTunes
http://l.socialwayne.com/appitunes

Share on Twitter:
http://l.socialwayne.com/tshare

Let me know what you think about the new app in the comments. If you always wanted your own iPhone app for yourself or business email me!

Is the iPad a job killer? Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. Blames The iPad For Killing Jobs

Wayne Sutton — Sun, 17 Apr 2011 19:58:21 +0000

From: Real Clear Politics Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. (D-IL), who admits to owning an iPad, blames the Apple Inc. product for “eliminating thousands of American jobs.”

“A few short weeks ago I came to the House floor after having purchased an iPad and said that I happened to believe, Mr. Speaker, that at some point in time this new device, which is now probably responsible for eliminating thousands of American jobs. Now Borders is closing stores because, why do you need to go to Borders anymore? Why do you need to go to Barnes & Noble? Buy an iPad and download your newspaper, download your book, download your magazine,” Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. (D-IL, Chicago) said on the House floor Friday afternoon.

Ironically, it was only last month that Rep. Jackson was promoting the Apple iPad and Amazon on the House floor.

My thoughts:

Ok I try to avoid talking about politics but this one touches a nerve. First make sure you watch the video on Real Clear Politics website. I mean, I get what Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. is saying and If you really think about it, he’s part right. The iPad is made in China, and Borders is closing stores. But there’s a lot more other factors that come into play to why Borders is closing doors. Also note Borders has their own ebook (digital book) reader as well. So Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. you can’t blame the iPad.

Also as the publishing industry has been under “attack” from the decline in newspaper sales and more, changes must happen for the industry to continue. It’s called innovation and adoption. It’s what the New York Times is doing with their apps and why we have new apps like the Daily. Also not to mention how much money Apple has allowed for developers to make. If I’m a publisher or write or in the publishing industry I would have been thinking about mobile like… 4 years ago.

So while “I get” what Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr is saying, I believe it to be a very incorrect statement and a sign of how technology is progressing industries into new directions. Also it’s up to each individual to continue to learn and grow to stay current with today’s job / technology industry. It’s not easy but it’s life.

RealClearPolitics – Video – Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. Blames The iPad For Killing Jobs.

No, Google did not kill the QR Code but your bad mobile marketing ideas will

Wayne Sutton — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 15:42:31 +0000

Update

Looking for a fast QR Code Reader / Scanner? Try my new iPhone app: CLICK HERE

Google did not kill the QR Code

A few weeks ago Gizmodo writer Adrian Covert and a few other tech blogs started a QR Code war with various QR Code evangelist. It started with Google announcing they were going to stop using QR Codes with Google Places in support for NFC technology. That’s it, that’s all. Google was going to stop using QR Codes for those Google Places window clings. Simple. This decision is smart by Google and it’s supporting where they are investing resources into such as mobile payments and using NFC technology in the Nexus S and future Android powered smartphones. Google has also recently joined the NFC Forum. With that being said you would think a good inspiring blogger or journalist would write a blog post title about Google’s move from QR Code to NFC would read something like this: “Google ends QR support for Google Places switches to NFC technology” or something like what ReadWriteWeb posted “Google Ditches Barcodes for NFC” but what started the QR Code mini war was post titles like “QR Codes: Goodbye and Good Riddance” from Gizmodo. What this is simply put, “sensational technology journalism” for SEO, eyeballs and comments. It’s what I call “the game”, we know it, good bloggers do it all the time and smart bloggers get a way with it. Example I could write a post called “Gizmodo to join to the dead pool after site traffic continues to decline due to terrible redesign.” Would I be right? No, the title catches your attention and sounds half way right if you look at their initial site traffic after the relaunch.

Captain of the QR Code and founder of Tappinn QR Code platfrom, Nick Ford ways in on the Gizmodo post and you can tell he’s upset. I don’t blame him, Gizmodo is messing with his money/company with post titles like that. You can see his reaction in the video below.

Here’s another post called “Why the QR Code is Fine and Gizmodo is Full of S***” A quote from the post:

“The article, QR Codes: Goodbye and Good Riddance, is ridiculous.”

Google did not invent the QR Code

FYI, Google did not invent the QR Code and therefore can not kill the QR Code. A QR Code history lesson:

“The QR code was a kind of two dimensional symbology, and the DENSO WAVE (established under the name of DENSO) developed with a main objective of “Code read easily for the reader” in 1994″ via denso-wave.com

But for a lot of people their first encounter with a QR Code was a Google Places window cling that Google randomly mailed to over 100,000 businesses in 2009. Don’t believe me? Read the post here: “Explore a whole new way to window shop, with Google and your mobile phone” via the Official Google Blog. Now let’s backtrack a little. QR Codes were invented in 1994, Google was founded in 1996, just sayin. Here’s an excerpt from the Google Blog explaining Google’s orginal plans for the QR Code:

This launch is part of our overall effort — online and offline — to provide you with the best local business results whenever you’re trying to figure out where to go, whether it’s a trendy Cuban restaurant in Philly, a comics shop in L.A., a hip hotel in NYC or a little bit of photographic history in Rochester, N.Y.

. Google was on the right path with QR Codes just a few years to early in my opinion.

Google is experimenting

Google can remove the beta label from gmail and other products but as a technology leader they’re still in beta mode. If you’re an marketing agency, social media consultant, national brand that wants to know what the next big thing is or what technology trends you should be following Google may not be your best option immediately. Remember Google Wave? I do and I miss it.

During SXSW 2011 I had a chance to ask Marissa Mayer, VP, Search Products and User Experience at Google about my post “How Google plans to dominate location in 2011 with 9 different products” and it seemed that Google was all over the place. Her response, “Google is experimenting to find the best solution to fit with the company future plans”, or something like that. So, in 2009 Google was experimenting with QR Codes, in 2010-11 Google is now experimenting with NFC technology in their smartphones. I guess you can look for a new batch of window clings in the mail soon after you purchased a new smartphone with NFC technology next year or in two years when your contract is up. Also note Google Android Market Place supports QR Codes for installing apps.

One more thing, Bing just launched a new business portal smiler to Google Places with QR Code support. FYI, Google makes a great search engine at google.com.

But why all the “Good Riddance” to QR Code post?

Here’s the number one reason why some people are already tired of QR Codes and it’s not because you can’t customize them with shinny colors like a Microsoft tag or you can’t find an app to scan a QR Code with. The number one reason most people are frustrated with QR Codes already is because of a bad mobile experience after scanning a QR Code. Above are a few QR Codes from SXSW, I didn’t scan all of QR Codes I saw at SXSW because there were way too many, but let’s say I scan the QR Code on the T-shirt and it takes me to a flash website that I can’t see on my iPhone or takes forever to load on an Android powered phone? I would be frustrated, like what’s the point, you’re better off putting your company URL on the T-shirt vs a giant QR Code.

My point being if you’re going to have a user complete any type of action such as, stop what they’re doing, open an app on their smartphone, scan a QR Code or check-in you better provide some value or good mobile content/experience or something interesting or cool. That will not only make a brand connection but increase word of mouth online and offline about your QR Code marketing efforts.

QR Codes are just starting to take off in USA. Just take a look at the “QR Code” google trend search volume from 2008 to 2011 below.

With that being said, if QR Codes die, it won’t because of Google but because poor QR Code marketing and implementation from you.

My QR Code Defense

As you can tell, yes I’m a QR Code evangelist as well and I’m launching a few more QR Code projects soon.

In closing I could be wrong about QR Codes but I doubt it and unlike my love for Google Wave I’m not following Google by ending support for QR Codes. In reference to NFC technology, I believe NFC technology has it’s purposed and will be used for mobile payments along with other online / offline technology mashups with location based services and more in the future…

Here are some QR Code links and resources

How do you plan to use QR Codes?

Cartoon: Are google, Facebook, amazon, Apple, and Twitter trying to be like Microsoft?

Wayne Sutton — Sun, 03 Apr 2011 17:30:01 +0000

Funny cartoon from The Joy of Tech: I call it , “Are google, Facebook, amazon, Apple, and Twitter trying to be like Microsoft?” The Joy of Tech calls it “Everyone’s an Innovator”.
via The Joy of Tech

Marketing research on the use of QR Codes – infographic

Wayne Sutton — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 19:59:17 +0000

via austin-williams.com

Want more information about QR Codes? I was quoted in the “Marketers embracing QR codes, for better or worse” on CNN.com article.

Update:

Looking for a fast QR Code Reader / Scanner? Try my new iPhone app: CLICK HERE

How Effective Are QR Codes?

Wayne Sutton — Sun, 27 Mar 2011 18:23:12 +0000

About 72% of smart phone users say they would be likely to recall an advertisement that contained a QR code, according to a recent study by Baltimore advertising agency MGH. Of course, that’s just people who own smart phones, which is only a fraction of the overall population (about 27% according to Comscore).

Recalling an ad with a QR code in it is one thing. Actually using the barcode is quite another. According to the survey, only 32% of smart phone users say they’ve used a QR code. Of those that have, they tend to use them to enter contests or to access extra information or other content.

via RWW

In short, this data shows that: (1) consumers are interested in interacting with advertising that bears a QR code – thus, the promise of additional benefits in the form of deals, coupons, videos, sweepstakes, social media interactions, etc.; and (2) QR codes can help an ad break through the clutter by increasing the chance it will be remembered, great news for advertisers who have already integrated a QR code strategy into a traditional advertising campaign or are looking to insert them in a future campaign.

QR Code Survey Results and Executive Summary via mghus

Update:

Looking for a fast QR Code Reader / Scanner? Try my new iPhone app: CLICK HERE

The QR Code Statistics you have been looking for – infographic

Wayne Sutton — Sat, 05 Mar 2011 16:51:45 +0000

As you know I’m a big fan of QR Codes. Since mid last year QR Codes have been on the rise in terms of use by brands, and with the growth of smartphones more people are scanning QR Codes but many people are saying show me the numbers. JumpScan a company that combines all your contact and social media information in a QR Code provides us with some much needed QR Code statistics to show who’s using QR Codes, what mobile platform people are scanning QR Codes with, and some background information on the history of QR Codes in the infographic below.

via JumpScan, tip Mashable

If you’re looking for more information on QR Codes see:

Update

Looking for a fast QR Code Reader / Scanner? Try my new iPhone app: CLICK HERE

Do you use QR Codes for marketing?

The History of Computers – from mainframes to tablets – Infographic

Wayne Sutton — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 22:27:31 +0000

A Comprehensive History of Computers by Tech King

How Google PageRank works – infographic

Wayne Sutton — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 18:05:11 +0000

Via: zippycart

Google releases the official Honeycomb/Android 3.0 Preview video

Wayne Sutton — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 01:54:16 +0000

If you are currently using Google’s Android OS on a tablet you’ll notice at times it’s not as slick or intuitive as a tablet OS should be especially one from Google. That’s because the current Android OS wasn’t really made for tablets. That will all change soon as Google is set to release Android 3.0 what is also known as Honeycomb.

A few days ago Google released a teaser video of the new tablet optimized Honeycomb/Android OS as the wave of tablet announcements are being made at CES this week running the new OS. Take a look.

Are you excited about new Honeycomb/Android powered tablets being announced at CES this week?

Update: Android 3.0 Honeycomb shown off in new series of videos via BGR

New Skype video to promote making Skype Video calls on the iPhone. Now what T-Mobile?

Wayne Sutton — Thu, 30 Dec 2010 17:12:01 +0000

Last night Skype finally announced the capability to make video calls using the iPhone. The new version of Skype for the iPhone supports video calls on the iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, and iPod touch 4th generation with i0S 4.0 or above. It was rumored that Skype was going to announce Skype video calls for the iPhone at CES after a leaked document but I guess Skype wanted to give everyone a New Years gift being that New Years Day is one of Skype’s most active days of the year.

To help promote the new version of Skype for the iPhone, Skype launched a new promotional video/commercial. I’m not sure who has the worst product promo video Skype or Google’s Nexus S. You can watch the Skype for iPhone video below.

The song used in the Skype commercial is called “Those Dancing Days” by the band Those Dancing Days. I get the video but whoa. Is Skype trying to start a viral Skype video movement or just have people look crazy while making Skype calls. I’m sure some agency had a meeting saying this video will go viral on YouTube! Personally, I would have made a video showing more realistic, practical, business and family examples of making Skype video calls versus a video of former college buddies dancing around in random places. I will confess, I did think about tweeting that if someone calls me in the next hour I’ll be dancing on Skype to “Those Dancing Days”.

Regardless of the video, Skype in one night solved a problem for Apple and AT&T that T-Mobile was attacking in one of their recent FaceTime/AT&T/iPhone attack commercials. The ability to make video calls without wifi using the iPhone and connecting multiple devices. You can see the T-Mobile commercial below.

Now what T-Mobile?

Note, there are other iPhone Video Call apps such as, Fring and Tango that you can use to make video calls not only from iPhone to iPhone but from iPhone to other mobile phone such as the HTC EVO. I’m expecting QIK to launch a this feature soon as well.

Did Skype just conquer the mobile video calling space? What application do you use to make mobile video calls?

Cartoon – Maybe Yahoo wanted to load-test the new Delicious export feature

Wayne Sutton — Sat, 18 Dec 2010 04:59:44 +0000

I’m sure by now you have read the news about Yahoo’s PR nightmare surrouding the social booking marketing site Delicious. It was first leaked that Yahoo was going to shut down the Delicious down then Yahoo/Delicious posted the “What’s Next for Delicious?” message saying they changed their mind. Hm

Regardless Rob Cottingham of Noise to Signal posted a funny cartoon saying maybe Yahoo was justing looking for a good way to get people to test their new Delicious export feature.

FYI if you’re looking for a Delicious alternative, read 6 Solid Alternatives to Delicious via TheNextWeb. Personally I use DIigo for social bookmarking.

HatTip: RWW

Use QR Codes to create a mobile vCards and websites with Tappinn

Wayne Sutton — Sat, 11 Dec 2010 20:35:49 +0000

I first came across Nick Ford Co-founder of Tappinn earlier this year after a few conversations with Robert Rice of Neogence. Robert and I were having coffee as he continues to work on his augmented reality startup. After the meeting with Robert I started to do a lot of research on QR Codes use in the United States and Tappinn case studies kept show up. Primarily it was Tappinn’s work with TAG Heuer the makers of swiss watches. Of course that lead me to following Nick Ford on Twitter and subscribing to Tappin’s QR Anywhere blog.

Nick’s tagline on the QR Anywhere blog reads “Captain of the QR Code galaxy” and he’s not lying. If you read his blog you’ll find out that he’s been waiting for QR Codes to take off in the USA for a while and he has Tappinn in prime position to be a leader in the space. In the past few months his clients have been featured in WIRED Magazine, USA Today and he even scored the first ever QR Code on a NASCAR car with Danica Patrick.

Nick and I exchanged a few tweets after seeing my excitement for QR Codes and working with TriOut. With TriOut we built a QR Code reader into the app to allow business to create quick check-in QR codes. A TriOut QR Code will allow users to check-in with Facebook, Foursquare, and Gowalla at one time.

Nick created the QR Code you see at the top of the this post and on my sidebar with the Tappinn platform.

Tappinn is the world’s first mobile “smart site” mobile tagging platform. With Tappinn, anyone can design and build vibrant mobile web sites

. After scanning the QR Code it will take you to my Tappinn mobile vcard and website as you can see below. On the back end of the Tappinn platform I’m able to see how many times the QR Code have been scanned, the location of where the person is after they scanned the QR Code and more. It’s create for business cards, T-shirts, conference badges, websites and more. Thanks Nick! As in a few of my previous blog post about QR Code analytics platforms here and here Tappinn is one of the best.

Disclaimer: Tappin provided me with a free QR Code analytics account. Still this is not a sponsored post but if you’re interested in a sponsored post contact me.

What QR Code generator platform do you use to create vCards and/or mobile websites?

Update

Looking for a fast QR Code Reader / Scanner? Try my new iPhone app: CLICK HERE

10 new QR Code generators with analytics to bridge the mobile social online offline worlds and increase consumer engagement

Wayne Sutton — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 15:20:15 +0000

Update

Looking for a fast QR Code Reader / Scanner? Try my new iPhone app: CLICK HERE

To say QR Codes are taking off is an understatement despite some calling QR Codes old technology and everyone not seeing the value of using them. But with the growing number of smartphone use and mobile marketing, QR Code campaigns from major brands, movie posters, jewelry companies and consumer products, tons of QR Code case studies are being created.

Yesterday TechCrunch posted an article about a new social profile QR Code platform called SPARQCodes. “SPARQCodes can contain any type of content such as websites, phone numbers, addresses and invoke any app on your mobile phone.” Sounds familiar right? SPARQcodes are using QR codes to increase mobile engagement. While the use of QR Codes to add a website, phone number and other content is not new but with SPARQ Codes it links to your Twitter, Facebook, Yelp, Urbanspoon, Foursquare and Gowalla locations. Smart! It’s one of those simple ideas and it’s good for stores that would like to increase mobile engagement while promoting their social profiles at the same time by having customers scan their QR Codes. Especially since most of the time you’ll only see a Twitter, Facebook or Foursquare window cling on stores causing the user to search for profiles. Now all they have to do is scan a QR Code. It’s something similar we build into TriOut. With TriOut a business can create a quick check-in QR codes that allow customers to scan and check into Facebook, Foursquare and Gowalla at the same time.

Still there’s an increasing amount of QR Code generator platforms being launched. In September I wrote a post called 8 QR Code Generators that provide analytics/tracking. Here are 11 new QR Code Generators with analytics to bridge the mobile social online offline worlds and increase consumer engagement.

1. likify – Generate Facebook likes using QR Code

2. BeQRious – A robost QR Code campgina and trackign platform

3. Good Survey – Use QR COde for market research in documents

4. OK QR ME – Mirascape QR Code Generator – Generate a QR Code; get real-time stats on who is scanning it and where.

5. Jumpscan – JumpScan combines all your contact and social media information for quick, on-the-go sharing. http://Jumpscan.com/

6. itsmyurls – Put your complete online presence on one QR code

7. SPARQcode See above

8. myqr.co – URL shortener and QR code generator rolled into one.

9. deliver – Delivr generates a QR Code for each mobile-friendly URL.

10. wikkit – Creates Create, Sell, and Scan tickets to any event with QR Codes

Also since the post in September both Google (goo.gl) and Bit.ly have added the ability to create QR Codes using their url shortener platforms.

As you can see there are various ways to create a QR Code and receive tracking on who’s scanning, how often a QR Code is scanned, the location where the QR Code was scanned and more. But remember, just adding a QR Code to a website, poster, window cling or other marketing material should be clearly thought out and planned to receive maximum benefits.

Are you using QR Codes for marketing?

infographic – If Web Browsers Were Celebrities, I’m using Samuel Jackson

Wayne Sutton — Sun, 05 Dec 2010 19:37:26 +0000

This is a funny infographic by the guys at Walyou comparing web browsers to celebrities. I’m currently using Safari so that would Samuel Jackson. The funniest is IE 6 which is Betty White and I like the no browser version which is Keanu Reeves (Matrix version).

If Web Browsers Were Celebrities is brought to you by Wix.com
Use creative design to make a Flash website.
You are most welcome to share this infographic with your audience.

via If Web Browsers Were Celebrities [Infographic] | Walyou.

Which celebrity browser do you use?

The best iPhone QR Code Reader Application is?

Wayne Sutton — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 13:30:24 +0000

While looking at my analytics I notice a lot of people searching for the best iPhone QR Code Reader Application or one of the following QR iPhone app related terms:

qr code reader iphone
qr code generator app
qr code, iphone
qr code reader for iphone
QR iphone
iphone qr code reader
qr readers

Although I’m a little biased when it comes to what iPhone QR Code Reader to use as I would love for everyone to use TriOut to scan QR Codes but it’s a little more than just a QR Code Reader app. With that being said, in my opinion, the best iPhone QR Code application or apps is a close race between Optiscan – QR code scanner and generator and QuickMark QR Code Reader 4. Both apps are great with QuickMark with a slight edge over Optiscan due to additional features and linking to online profiles.

But if you’re looking for a location-based check-in app that works with Facebook Places, Foursquare, and Gowalla, that also includes a QR Code Reader, then give TriOut a … try!

The apps:

Update

I’ve launched the FREE SocialWayne iPhone QR Code Reader app: You can download the app here.

FREE

$0.99

$1.99

If you’re looking for a QR Code to scan and test with your new QR Code Reader app feel free to scan the QR Code above which was created using the Tappin platform. For more iPhone QR Code reader apps, see my post: 10 iPhone QR Code Reader Applications to get you ready for the QR marketing madness

If you’re not using one of the three iPhone QR Readers above, what is your favorite iPhone QR Reader app?

Spotify USA Playlist from Kanye West Day on Twitter

Wayne Sutton — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 04:45:52 +0000

If you’re one of the lucky Spotify USA beta users and a Kanye West fan, I created a play list of the songs from Kanye West day on Twitter. As I stated in the tools and tracks post Spotify was one of the apps that help me create the tweets. Also it looks like Kanye was wondering if Spotify was working in the U.S. yet. Not yet Kanye!

Does Spotify work in the U.S.?Sun Aug 01 15:47:02 via webKanye West
kanyewest

Regardless here’s the Spotify USA Playlist from Kanye West Day on Twitter. The widget was provided by http://www.spotidj.com

If you’re using Spotify and have Spotify social enable, use the image below to find me if you want to share your tracks.

Are you looking forward to the Spotify USA release?

Adobe Air QR Code Generator Application

Wayne Sutton — Sun, 31 Oct 2010 02:01:46 +0000

Tonight on twitter, the adobe air twitter account posted the following.
“@adobeairme: With the QR Code generator application for Adobe® AIR™ you can create your own QR Codes for mobile tagging http://fb.me/uIdO92lh” Which takes you to the page below.

From the post: http://adobeair.me/qr-code-generator

With the QR Code generator application for Adobe® AIR™ you can create your own QR Codes for mobile tagging. The QR Code itself contains several types of information such as a weblink, a complete short message with target number, a phone number or simple text. With a camera phone one can read the information in the code and immediately start the corresponding action – like accessing a mobile website or sending a short message to the target number. That is where the code got its name from: “QR” for Quick Response. To be able to read these 2D barcodes you need a small software on your mobile phone. We recommend the free Kaywa Reader from our friends at Kaywa, which is available for many phones: http://reader.kaywa.com/en. Please note that this version of the application only works online, we may provide an offline version in the future. For more information about QR Codes in general, please have a look at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/QR_Code and for the latest news http://mobile.kaywa.com/ Also have a look at this coole Website for the use of the QR Code: http://www.petshopboys.co.uk/splash.html

If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to create a QR Code, this Adobe air app may be what you have been looking for.

– Post From My iPad

Janet Jackson + QR Codes = The For Colored Girls Movie Poster with QR Code mobile experience

Wayne Sutton — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 15:53:11 +0000

For Colored Girls is a movie based on a stage play by Tyler Perry and will be available in movie theaters on November 5. Today while reading about QR Codes I saw a post on the 2D Code blog called For Colored Girls Gets a QR Code. The post says “Lionsgate has teamed up with Augme to promote the upcoming movie “For Colored Girls” with a QR Code poster” and also says they used a negative QR Code in terms of black, white and red usages which may not work with all QR Code readers. I understand they wanted the QR Code to match the text and Janet Jackson’s shirt but if you want it be truly effective why not keep it simple and create a standard QR Code that works with most QR Code readers? The post does mention once the QR Code is scanned it takes you to a mobile site for more information about the For Colored Girls movie as you can see below.

It’s good to see more movies and agencies use QR Codes to interact with potentially movie viewers and learn more about them at the same time. One question I’m constantly being asked is when do I think QR Codes will become main stream. WIth the way marketing agencies and other brands are pushing QR Codes it will be faster than it took for most to catch on to the Twitter / Facebook social media wave. Plus being that QR Codes are something you can easily track if done right, you can measure the results and show the value of using them without being too expensive outside of creating a good mobile experience for QR Code readers to scan.

For Colored Girls will be in theaters November 5th! Have you seen the trailer? http://bit.ly/ColoredGirls -Janet’s TeamTue Oct 05 22:58:36 via webJanet Jackson
JanetJackson

If you have not seen the For Colored Girls Movie trailer take a look below.

For Colored Girls IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1405500/
Website: http://www.forcoloredgirlsmovie.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/lionsgaterise
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/madea

If you need a Free QR Code reader TriOut v2 for the iPhone has a built inQR Code reader. Here’s the iTunes App store [iTunes link]

Have you seen other movie posters with QR Codes?

Raleigh loves QR codes! Locate the R-Line on your smartphone with a QR Code

Wayne Sutton — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 23:33:10 +0000

It looks like the QR Code movement is picking up steam downtown Raleigh as today the downtown Raleigh Alliance dropped of posters saying locate the R-Line on your smartphone that features a QR Code to local businesses. If you scan the QR Code it takes you to the R-Line Mobile HTML5 app. Take a look!

This seems like the popular way many app developers are using QR Codes making it easy for people to install apps on their smartphones. Other ways people are using QR Codes on signs are sending people to mobile content.

Also, if you’re downtown Raleigh you may see a Chevy Volt poster with a QR Code on it like the one below.

The QR Code on the Chevy Social poster takes you to the eventbite RSVP URL ( http://chevysocial.eventbrite.com ). Ryan @therab & I suggested the QR Code be added to the poster for mobile users who see the poster can easily scan the QR Code and RSVP on the go.

Have you seen other QR Codes downtown Raleigh or in your neighborhood? If so what type of content do they take you to after you scan it?

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:N Person St,Raleigh,United States

Just because you don’t get QR Codes doesn’t mean they won’t become relevant in the future of marketing & customer engagement

Wayne Sutton — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 15:31:09 +0000

For those of you have been reading this blog over the past month know that I’ve been covering the various use cases for QR Codes and how to effectually implement QR Codes for marketing and customer engagement. You can thank Kipp Bodnar who introduced me to QR Codes a few years ago and Robert Rice who re-energized my QR Code infatuation earlier this year for that. Since then I’ve done a lot of research on how to measure QR Codes, create QR Codes for various types of content such as Facebook like actions, vcards, mobile websites and help launched two QR Code projects in Raleigh, NC. One being the state fair QR Code scavenger hunt and the second being a community wide event adding QR Codes to posters so people could scan the QR Code for scheduling information.

I’ve also added a lot of QR Code focused blogs to my Google Reader and met virtually some very smart individuals who have been using QR Codes for years and/or have created QR Code generators/analytics platforms such as Nick Ford and Dan Smigrod. The use cases for QR Codes are growing rapidly in the last six months and recent reports have stated that QR Code scans are up 500%. Not to mention both Google and Bit.ly implementation of QR Codes with creating short urls and providing analytics with them. Also we implemented QR Codes for checking into locations with TriOut by providing businesses with custom quick check-in QR Codes.

QR codes: Next big thing or 3D optical illusion. @hazenj (and me) still not sure. #triamaWed Oct 20 17:34:54 via TweetDeckallison najman
mbagrrl

But even with the growing list of case studies and major brands using QR Codes I’ve seen a few blog post and tweets saying they have their doubts about the future of QR Codes or they don’t get QR Codes and don’t see a practical use case for them. Some are saying the same about location-based services but that argument is for another blog post. Regardless this reminds me of four years ago when people said that @Twitter was a fad and Facebook was irrelevant and blogging was for people who just stayed home in their pajamas. Look at where we are today. I’m NOT saying that QR Codes and/or other 2D Codes or even Microsoft Tags are the next big thing or run to add QR Codes to your next “social media marketing campaign strategy” #jk so you can look cool and sell to your clients that you half way know what you’re talking about but I’m saying don’t doubt the technology and give it time.

In the mean time here are a few QR Code blog post and examples that I hope can show you the value of QR Codes and various ways you could potentially use them in the future.

Update

Looking for a fast QR Code Reader / Scanner? Try my new iPhone app: CLICK HERE

What are your thoughts on the future of QR Codes?

How to find a free QR Code Reader for the iPhone, Android, Nokia, Palm, Windows Mobile & Blackberry mobile phones

Wayne Sutton — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 16:21:02 +0000

Update #2:

Looking for a fast QR Code Reader / Scanner? Try my new iPhone app: CLICK HERE

Update: TriOut v2 for the iPhone with built-in QR Code reader is now available. Here’s the iTunes App store [iTunes link]

Last week we announced the first ever NC State Fair location-based scavenger hunt powered by TriOut that will take place on Thursday, October 14 from 3:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. To navigate the scavenger hunt we have placed eight QR Codes around the NC State Fair that you will need to scan with a QR Codes Reader for clues. The first QR Code is placed at the Deep Fried TriangleTweetup tent which has the first clue to get you started, where you can pick up a map to help guide you and met Lawrence Ingraham @lawpower, Founder/lead developer of TriOut to answer any questions you may have. Once you start the scavenger hunt look for the QR Code signs around the NC State Fair like the one below to scan.

Note you must start at the Deep Fried TriangleTweetup tent and go in order from one to eight to successfully complete the scavenger hunt and finish back at the tent to claim your prize.

Although the location-based scavenger hunt is powered by TriOut, we would love for everyone to use our new iPhone app [iTunes link] to scan the QR Codes around the NC State Fair but we realize that everyone doesn’t own an iPhone. Keeping that in mind while working with the fair’s planning/pr team we made sure that any mobile phone user with a QR Code reader could participate in the scavenger hunt. Still, with QR Codes being fairly new to the majority of the USA population most mobile phone users are unaware if they have a QR Code reader on their mobile phones. With that being said here’s a list of resources to find a free QR Code reader for the iPhone, Android, Palm Windows Mobile, Nokia & Blackberry mobile phones so everyone can participate in the scavenger hunt.

Blackberry:
Blackberry Messenger has a build in QR Code reader or search blackberry app world for QR Code Reader

Windows Mobile:
i-nigma (tip @karlkoelle )
Scanlife.

Android:
QuickMark QR Code Reader
i-nigma

Nokia:
Nokia barcode reader

If you have a Nokia N82, N93, N93i, N95, N95 8GB, E66, E71, E90 or 6220 Classic (APAC variants) you will find the Nokia Barcode Reader pre-installed on your device, ready to scan mobile codes around you. For Nokia N78, 6210 Navigator, N96 and 6220 Classic (non-APAC variants) you can download the application via the following link: Nokia Barcode Reader. Download to a computer and transfer it to your mobile device. Via http://mobilecodes.nokia.com/scan.htm

Palm OS:
i-nigma

iPhone: Again we would love for you to use the new TriOut iPhone app [iTunes link] but other iPhone QR Code reader apps are:
Mirascape [iTunes link]
QR Code Reader and Scanner [iTunes link]

Scanlife seems to have a QR Code reader for most mobile platforms too:

Also note if you downloaded the SPARKcon iPhone or Android app it has a built in QR Code reader as well.

Other QR Code Reader resources are:
PercentMobile – QR Code Reader Finder
http://getqrreader.com/
QR-Code Readers
QR Code readers
QR Code and 2d Barcode Readers

Good luck to everyone participating in the NC State Fair location-based scavenger hunt powered by TriOut. If you have any questions during the scavenger hunt we’ll be monitoring Twitter most of the day so feel free to send a tweet to @TriOut if needed.

If you use a QR Code Reader that’s not listed above let me know in the comments.

#GEOchat live show tomorrow from SCVNGR HQ & SCVNGR window clings/poster with QR Code spotted in Boston

Wayne Sutton — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 19:56:31 +0000

Tomorrow while I’m in Boston for #geoM and FutureM events I’m stopping by SCVNGR HQ to host another #GEOchat live show. The live show will be hosted on the SocialWayne.com/live url and feel free to leave any questions you have for SCVNGR and/or about location-based services in the comments. Also while walking downtown Boston last night I saw both of the images included in this post. The SCVNGR window cling and the “Play SCVNGR” poster. Is interesting to see other location-based services do offline marketing and/or provide a way for businesses to promote their location special offline. Have you seen other location-based services provide window clings & posters for businesses using their platforms?

About SCVNGR

SCVNGR is a game. Playing is simple: Go places. Do challenges. Earn points and unlock rewards! (Think free coffee!) Individuals and enterprises build on SCVNGR by adding challenges and rewards to their favorite places.

Guy makes giant QR Code that you can see from space and Google Earth captured it

Wayne Sutton — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 14:11:55 +0000

Hat tip to 2D code blog for posting about the giant 625 sq ft QR Code that Eric Rice is making in his drive way. Eric is calling the QR Code project “nerdscaping”. I assume that means “nerd landscaping”. Although the QR code is not finished it looks like Google flew over his house and grabbed a picture of it. Eric tweeted the following yesterday.

IT WORKS! Google flew over my house, photographing my barcode driveway from 423 miles up (before it was finished) #QRCODETue Sep 28 02:28:09 via Tweetie for MacEric Rice
spin

Here’s what a photo a what Google captured.

photo By Eric Rice

I’m already asking myself, now why didn’t I think of that.

Update

Looking for a fast QR Code Reader / Scanner? Try my new iPhone app: CLICK HERE

Would you build a giant QR Code in your yard? Do you see more people using QR Codes?

The Geospatial Revolution Project – Penn State teaches us the past, present & future of location technology

Wayne Sutton — Sat, 25 Sep 2010 16:25:40 +0000

While going through my Google Reader this afternoon I came across the Geospatial Revolution Project by Penn State University. The project goal is to cover location mapping, GPS technology and how the world is using it today. For the project they’re releasing a four-part YouTube video series. I just watched episode one. It was very inspirational and educational on various ways GPS/location data can be used in crises situations. It was also a history lesson on GPS technology. Take a look below:

About the Geospatial Revolution Project from their website:

The Geospatial Revolution Project is an integrated public service media and outreach initiative about the world of digital mapping and how it is changing the way we think, behave, and interact.

The mission of the Geospatial Revolution Project is to expand public knowledge about the history, applications, related privacy and legal issues, and the potential future of location-based technologies.

Geospatial information influences nearly everything. Seamless layers of satellites, surveillance, and location-based technologies create a worldwide geographic knowledge base vital to solving myriad social and environmental problems in the interconnected global community.

Learn more about the Geospatial Revolution project the following ways:
Web: http://geospatialrevolution.psu.edu
Twitter: @geospatialrev
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/geospatialrev

Podcast #15: On The Record with Eric Schwartzman: Getting started with QR Codes

Wayne Sutton — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 12:49:38 +0000

Last I was a guest for the On the Record podcast hosted by Eric Schwartzman. During the podcast we discussed the recent intrest in QR Codes by marketeers, how to deploy and implement QR Codes and some QR Code use cases. Also on the podcast was Don, who gave a few examples how he’s using QR Codes overseas.

The On the Record…Online: Get the story behind the story as reporters from the mainstream media and newsmakers discuss how information technology is changing the news media and entertainment businesses.

Listen:
[audio:http://socialwayne.com/audio/ontherecord.mp3]

Length: 27:18 minutes

You can subscribe; to the SocialWayne.com Podcast on: iTunes; or subscribe to the podcast XML feed at http://feeds.feedburner.com/socialwayne

Thanks Eric for having me on the show.
You subscribe to On the Record the follow ways:
Podcast: iTunes
Twitter: @ontherecord
Blog: http://ontherecordpodcast.com

What are some QR Code examples you have seen? How are you using QR Codes?

Six examples of downtown Raleigh businesses using QR Codes

Wayne Sutton — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 17:10:04 +0000

The QR Code marketing movement is underway across the USA and Raleigh is right there joining other major cities such as New York and Boston with various businesses using QR Codes. Especially downtown Raleigh, were there are two startups with QR Code reader iPhone apps, one printing company, a community event and other businesses with window QR code window clings. In the upcoming months everyone will be adding QR Readers to their existing mobile apps along with various marketing agencies looking to see how they stay ahead of the other and add QR Codes with their clients marketing efforts… good luck. Regardless here are six examples of companies using QR codes downtown Raleigh, NC.

1. SPARKCon Posters

2. Design Box Window Clings

3. Exhibit booths (Used at the Museum of Life and Science last weekend for the Heroes, Villains and Special Effects Exhibit)

4. Internation Minute Press Window Poster

5. iPhone apps made from Raleigh/Triangle, NC:
Neogence’s Mirascape (based in Raleigh, NC )

SPARKcon App dev. by ACME, Inc. Sal Conigliaro (Triangle NC)

TriOut version two iPhone app (private beta)

6. Google Maps QR Codes

Have you seen other QR Codes used downtown Raleigh or in the Triangle, NC area?

Update

Looking for a fast QR Code Reader / Scanner? Try my new iPhone app: CLICK HERE

Video: Square Card Reader reviews and silent unboxing

Wayne Sutton — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 22:46:49 +0000

@waynesutton Congrats! Happy swiping.Fri Sep 10 21:38:38 via CoTweetSquare Support
SqSupport

My Square Card reader arrived a few days ago and now I can swipe your credit card to accept mobile payments. After picking up my Square Card reader I decided to record an unboxing video. Things were going well, until I decided to swipe an actual credit card. Note you can only record an unboxing video one time. After a few tries I stopped the video and realized I didn’t have the card reader smashed all the way down. Regardless I now have the “power” to swipe credit cards and accept mobile payments.

As for reviews, the square card reader doesn’t work as well on my iPhone 4 as it does on my iPad for some reason. Also it seems you have to swipe the card at just the right speed for it to work. Besides that it works great. As more Square Card readers are shipped I get the feeling that Square will change offline commerce allowing millions of businesses and individuals to buy and sell goods via mobile credit card payments using the Square Card reader and software. Congrats to Jack and the team for innovation and delivering a great product.

Here’s my Square Card Reader Silent unboxing video

Square Background

In February 2009, Jim McKelvey wasn’t able to sell a piece of his glass art because he couldn’t accept a credit card as payment. Even though a majority of payments has moved to plastic cards, accepting payments from cards is still difficult, requiring long applications, expensive hardware, and an overly complex experience. Square was born a few days later right next to the old San Francisco US Mint.

Today the Square team is focused on bringing immediacy, transparency, and approachability to the world of payments: an inherently social interaction each of us participates in daily.

Feel free to stop by TriOut HQ at Design Box if you would like to see my Square Card reader in action. Have a great weekend.!

Follow Friday: 11 QR Code blogs to subscribe to for all things QR Codes.

Wayne Sutton — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 14:16:20 +0000

It’s Friday and you know what that means! Follow Friday but today instead of following a few Twitter accounts how about subscribing to a few new blogs? For this weeks Follow Friday I’m sticking with the QR Code trend and listing QR Code Websites. Here are 11 QR Code blogs to subscribe to for all things QR Codes.

Two Awesome blog post on QR Codes:
the list of massive brands using qr codes
101 Uses For Quick Response (QR) Codes: Creating Audience Engagement With The Next Killer US App

Update

Looking for a fast QR Code Reader / Scanner? Try my new iPhone app: CLICK HERE

What websites do you read for information about QR Codes?

Getting started with QR Codes Pro Tip #1. Remember the K.I.S.S. rule!

Wayne Sutton — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 14:30:57 +0000

If you have been reading my blog lately to say I’m excited about QR Codes is an understatement. I’ve blogged about QR Code iPhone App Readers, QR Code videos and QR Code generators that provide analytics. Over the weekend I read an awesome QR rant post from Nick Ford about how HBO’s New Series “Boardwalk Empire” are using a QR code in GQ Magazine. His rant starts off about the design of the code and then goes into how important the content of the QR Code is after you scan it is. Here’s an excerpt

The first thing that struck me about the use of this particular QR code was the “designer” effect it had. Don’t get me wrong, I love “designer” QR codes and I think they can serve a unique purpose for any campaign but they shouldn’t be used in an ad like this. QR codes are still at their infancy with consumers and recognition is HUGE at this stage in the game. The code in this ad is too small and the effect it was given only deflected attention from it. A standard black and white code that was 25% larger would have been MUCH more engaging to potential users IMO. I don’t even want to mention the money that was probably spent trying to make this code look “cool” on the ad.

Nick who’s byline reads “Captain of the QR Code galaxy” makes some great points and even though I’m a fan of designer QR Codes, he’s so right. For example look at the green QR Code above. If you look closey there’s a light emebed image in the code. It’ big and green with one major problem. It doesn’t work! As I was walking by the location I tried to scan it with 4 different QR Code readers and none of them were able to scan the QR Code. In today’s marketing/social web world in which everyone talks about branding and design I know plain black and white QR Codes may not be the most attractive design but they work. For example look at the Sparkcon poster below with a QR Code.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/waynesutton/4970528433/” title=”Sparkcon Posters with QR codes by waynesutton12, on Flickr”>

Don’t get me wrong, you can be very creative with QR Codes designs, take a look at a few awesome QR Codes custom designs below.

But remember, for 98% percent of America QR Codes are still new and should be kept as simple but effective as possible. Therefor when you’re starting your QR Code marketing project remember the K.I.S.S. rule…. Keep it simple …..

11 must see QR Code Marketing and Implementation Campaign Videos

Wayne Sutton — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 12:25:12 +0000

Update

Looking for a fast QR Code Reader / Scanner? Try my new iPhone app: CLICK HERE

Lately I’ve been focusing on two areas, location-based marketing and QR Code implementation with various clients. Both can work without the other but can have some awesome results when used together such as scavenger hunts, check-in at food trucks along with location verification and analytics. During my research I’ve been reading various blog post and looking at videos of pervious QR Code implementai across the globe. Notice I said across the globe being that while there are a few QR Code examples from brands in the USA, overseas they have been using QR Codes for years.

Being that QR Code use is still new in the USA, sometimes you may need additional marketing efforts to educate your audience on what a QR Code is, what app to use or download to scan a QR Code and/or a sneak peak of what they will receive if they scann a QR Code. With that being said here are 11 must see QR Code marketing and implementation campaign videos.

Zoo Records “Hidden Sound”

via 2d code

Hyundai QR Code Car video

via 2d code

Enter the secret world of Labrinth using QR Codes.

First Designer 2D Barcode for TV – True Blood Season 3 Trailer Designer QR Code (don’t blink, you’ll see it for 1 second at the 25 sec. mark. FAIL)

Tissot Models Wearing QR Code Shirts at MotoGP Race

TriOut2 Beta Demo: QR Check In

All The Lovers – Kylie (QR Codes on exploding milk cups.. awesome)

Moscow QR Code Treasure Hunt

via 2d code

QR Codes Make Me Wanna DANCE {VIDEO}

via QR Anywhere

History of Symbology & 2D

Via 2D Code

QR Code Spam ( Don’t let me catch you doing this)

via 2D Code

QR Code Resources:
2d code
QR Anywhere
the list of massive brands using qr codes
101 Uses For Quick Response (QR) Codes: Creating Audience Engagement With The Next Killer US App

How are you marketing your QR Codes?

QR Code Generator. 8 QR Code Generators that provide analytics/tracking.

Wayne Sutton — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 15:49:02 +0000

UPDATE: Also Read: 11 new QR Code generators with analytics

UPDATE #2

Looking for a fast QR Code Reader / Scanner? Try my new iPhone app: CLICK HERE

QR Codes which stands for quick response codes are taking off among brands and agencies looking for new ways to gain attention and engage with customers/users. Sound familiar right? Regardless just look at the graphic below that shows the amount of google searches from 2004 to now for the term QR Code.

via 2d code

There have been a few recent blog post about how HOW TO: Create and Deploy Your Own QR Codes and a rebuttal response saying HOW NOT TO: Create Your Own QR Codes. One provides the step by step guide for creating a QR code and the other talks about how the guide leaves out the part of actually creating a QR Code. Regardless most of the people I consult with who are looking to implement QR Codes are looking to use them for their marketing efforts and you know what that means? It means at some point in time you’re going to have to show the results of your QR Code implementation strategy. Yes, the ROI and/or at least some analytics of how many times a QR Code has been scanned, the location of the individuals who scanned it, how many scans were unique and the website traffic from a QR Code if that’s where you have QR Code pointing to or sales from the QR Code. But to track the needed information you first have to start off with a QR Code Generator that can provide those analytic for you.

When most people who are new to QR Codes Google the term QR Code Generator they land at Kaywa’s website http://qrcode.kaywa.com which provides a simple way for anyone to generator a QR Code from a Website URL, Text, Phone Number or SMS. ~~But to my knowledge Kaywa doesn’t provide tracking or analytics which are very important~~ (Kaywa does provide analytics)deepening on your QR plans as I stated above. If you’re looking for a QR Code Generator that provides analytics/tracking here are seven options.

http://qreateandtrack.com (free and paid options)
http://www.qreatebuzz.com
http://www.insqribe.com/barcodes ( free and paid options)
http://www.i-nigma.com/CampaignDashboard.html
http://www.tappinn.com
http://pingtags.com (Track QR Codes on business cards to linkedin profiles)
http://www.qrme.co.uk
http://api.qrcode.kaywa.com

If you’re looking for a QR Code Reader see my blog post: 10 iPhone QR Code Reader Applications to get you ready for the QR marketing madness

As we see more QR Codes across the US expect a wave of new QR Code generators that provide analytics to be launched along with the mashup of QR analytics in current analytics platforms that focuses on social media analytics or website statistics.

What QR Code generator are you using and does it provide analytics/tracking features?

UPDATE: Kaywa sent me the following Tweet. Oops! Thanks for the information.

@waynesutton Kaywa has QR Code analytics for ages (since 2006)
Check our Guide: http://bit.ly/12NDFh and API http://api.qrcode.kaywa.comTue Sep 07 15:03:05 via webkaywa
kaywa

8 recent examples of using QR Codes for marketing and/or brand awareness

Wayne Sutton — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 14:26:13 +0000

It seems that QR Codes are finally catching on in the USA. The geeks have been screaming about QR codes and talking about how cool they are for years and if you find the right geek you might even receive a business card with a QR code on it. QR which stands for “Quick Response” was created by Japanese corporation Denso-Wave in 1994. A QR Code is a matrix code (or two-dimensional bar code). QR codes are huge overseas and are used in various ways such as purchasing products to check-in users to locations

QR Codes recently have become a hot subject for marketing agencies and social media practitioners looking to stand out from everyone else to do something creative, cool and new. In the last two weeks, in at least four of my meetings QR Codes have been a topic of discussion and implementation. If you’re wondering what are my plans are for QR Codes, lets just say that QR Codes are going to be a huge asset moving forward in the development of @TriOut. For a hint read the blog post here: TriOut v2 Dev Journal: User Interface. Also QR Codes are going to play a role with Neogence, a NC startup that I’m doing some consulting with.

But for now, it seems that New York is becoming the testing grounds for QR Codes with the recent Calvin Klein Get It Uncensored campaign where Calvin Klein replaced what some would call a “racy” photo with a giant QR Code. If you scanned the Calvin Klein QR Code it would take you to a Calvin Klein “racy” movie. Video is better than photos right? Also in New York the Department of Sanitation are featuring QR Codes on 2,200 NYC sanitation trucks linking to a “How to Recycle” Video Created by Howcast. I’m not sure when you’re going to be close enough to a sanitation truck to scan the QR Code or why you would want to but it could be a New York thing but I give them an A- for trying to be creative with QR Codes and sanitation education. If you’re looking for other examples of brands, agencies and/or companies using QR Codes here are 8 recent example of using QR Codes for marketing and/or brand awareness.

Tissot Watches Utilizing QR Codes and Augmented Reality

Danica Patrick QR Code Scan

QRious Wallpaper By Rollout Inspired By QR Codes

QR Codes Used to Help Clean Up the Gulf

Verizon “Droid” Posters Feature QR Codes

Recycled Fashion Embraces QR Technology

Taking QR Codes to the next level (visually)

Tissot Models Wearing QR Code Shirts at MotoGP Race

Sources: LazyFeed.com

Is it just me or does it seem like agencies are linking QR Codes and women together a lot? #Justsayin

Have you seen any recent examples of QR Codes used for marketing or do you have plans to use QR Codes with your future projects?

Update

Looking for a fast QR Code Reader / Scanner? Try my new iPhone app: CLICK HERE

iPhone 4 Launch Day at Crabtree Valley Mall (Raleigh)

Wayne Sutton — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 23:14:35 +0000

Guest post by: carleemallard

Although the mall apparently had been open all night for people to start lining up at the Apple store’s front doors, I arrived at Crabtree bright and early at 5:00am, thinking that the mall wouldn’t open until 5:30am. To my surprise, we found two separate lines forming, one for those with iPhones reserved and another for those without a reservation. There were only about 50 people in the reservation line by the time we arrived at 5am, but unfortunately we found ourselves behind at least 150 others without reservations.

The lines already forming on either side of the Apple store at 5:00am

As early as it was, people were generally in good spirits and playing nice. Some were still sleeping from the overnight camp while others took the time to catch up on their laptops or iPads even though the reception and WiFi service was pretty slow. One person even brought his guitar and played it in the beach chair he brought. Everyone slowly started making friends with their neighbors in line knowing that they may be in it for the long haul.

Around 6:15am a few Apple employees brought out 10 dozen or so Dunkin Donuts to feed the early morning crowd. A good sign of things to come!

Anticipation grew as 7:00am neared. A few minutes before 7am, employees took down the black curtain that prevented us from getting a sneak peak into the preparation for all the madness that was about to ensue and the crowd cheered for the first time.

You can see how fast the donuts went!

Immediately after the curtain fell (at 7:00am on the dot), 20 or so Apple employees came rushing out of the service door, running, screaming, and high-fiving everyone in line. We were all surprised, but it seemed like a great way to get the started!

Minutes later the doors finally opened at Apple and they started letting in about 10 people from the reservation line for every 1 person in the regular line. Needless to say, the reservation line moved pretty quickly for the first few hours while us in the regular line sat in the same place (only moving perhaps a foot an hour) for those first few hours.

The beginning of the non-reservation line...not moving

But around 11am we at the middle/back of the non-reservation line started heering loud mysterious cheers from the front of our line. Ended up they were just cheering every time someone from our line got to enter the Apple store, approximately every 10-15 minutes. It was pretty motivating, to say the least. After being there for 6+ hours I think Apple realized they needed to keep us customers still in line motivated as well. They started going down the line handing out packs of pretzels and Ritz crackers, bottles of water, and then all sorts of candy just as if it were Halloween.

Apple employees handing out snacks

Not only that, but just around lunch time, Subway staff came around passing out mini ham & turkey subs! Lunch? Really? Amazing. Then more candy. Then more water. Followed by Lindt chocolate passing out those little chocolates to anyone who wanted some. In the late afternoon Bare Essentials even passed out free makeup samples to all the girls. This line wasn’t actually half bad, huh?

Subway ladies passing out free lunch!

The line was moving about 5 minutes per person in line. I calculated I wouldn’t get into the store until 4:00pm at the earliest, but I stayed optimistic that perhaps it would start moving more quickly. By 3:00 I could start feeling the finish line as there were only 40-50 people ahead of me to go. We stayed energized by our new friends that we had just gotten to know over the past 10 hours. It was as if we’d known these people for months. We were never bored, but still eager to get through the line and back to our lives.

Here we could see the end of the line ahead...

But then something amazing happened. A young man approached us in line asking how long we’d been waiting here in line (this was typical as all the regular mall-goers had been asking all day what we were

Robin Patterson (a.k.a. God for the day) of Best Buy mobile

waiting in line for). When we told him since 5am, he told us that he worked over at Best Buy mobile and had a reservation for one of the 16GB iPhones cancel and he was offering it to me. Pure luck? An act of God? Either way, I left my place in line and followed “God” to his Best Buy mobile store and promptly paid for, activated, accessorized, and left the store with my new iPhone 4 in hand.

Upon leaving the mall I walked past my new friends who were still waiting in line and showed off my new gear.

They probably waited in line for another hour. Sorry Apple, you treated me really really well for those 11 hours, but in the end Best Buy mobile man saved the day!

Poll: QR Codes vs Barcodes: Which one will foursquare and other location-based services use the most for check-ins? StickyBits hopes its Barcordes

Wayne Sutton — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 22:41:29 +0000

As location-based services continue to be in a marketing industry beta lab and a buzz topic for blog post, users and startups are looking for better ways to make the check-in process easier and more valuable. Some users have mentioned they would like a way to auto check-in to a location and others would like to scan a barcode or qr code while entering a location. RFID is another technology being rumored to be implemented by Facebook but I believe QR Codes or Barcode along with better smart phones will the take lead in improving the check-in process.

A few startups offering QR Code and Barcode check-ins are Stickybits and φ². Stickybits is unique being that you can scan a barcode, use the barcode to check-in, add a comment, photo or even a video. The idea around stickybits is great being that it’s a social network, allows user generated content and lets brands manage “bits” to control the content. Recently Pepsi partnered with Stickybits for social media sponsorship campign. You can read more about it here: Stickybits Rolls Out “Official” Branded Bits, Signs Up Pepsi As First Advertiser via @TechCrunch

For more about Stickybits see the video below:

The φ² project markets itself as allowing “physical check-ins with Foursquare”. Basiclaly anyone can create a QRcode via their website that allows you to check-in when a user scans it. If you’re a business you can create your own window cling and encourage users to check-in with any QR code scanner. Watch the video below for more on φ²

Foursquare Physical Checkin from mobile life on Vimeo.

Other location-based applications/services are using QR codes such as Brightkite and Google Places. As for user adoption far more people in America are aware of barcodes in our society than QR code but I’m starting to see a big shift do to the recent incrrease of location-based applications use of QR Codes. At this time I believed QR codes if used properly have their advantages but the Stickybits barcode scanning platfrom is a great way to implement gaming and social content creation along with marketing in a simple concept.

What do you think, QR Codes vs Barcodes? Take the poll below:
Which one will foursquare and other location-based services use the most for check-ins?

Now, if you’re wondering what those QR and Barcodes on my blog are, now you know. If you’re interested in location-based marketing see my presentation: Getting Started with Location-based marketing in 2010:

Update

Looking for a fast QR Code Reader / Scanner? Try my new iPhone app: CLICK HERE

5 How to use Google Wave YouTube videos to watch for better understanding of real-time collaboration

Wayne Sutton — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 16:41:16 +0000

Google Wave has been out now for little over a year and depending on who you ask it’s a great tool or it’s a flop. Personally I’m a big fan of Google Wave and use it almost daily with my partners. Note I said with my partners because collaborating with others is the number one way to use Google Wave in it’s current state. Yes you can take notes, make a to-do-list, or write blog post in Google Wave but to really understand the power of Google Wave it’s best to use it working with a team on projections.

@waynesutton people still use google wave?less than a minute ago via EasyTweetsAlex
ayb

Often I’ll Tweet how much I like Google Wave and then I’ll get a response like the one above or that people are trying to compare Google Wave to another social network such as Facebook or Twitter. Google Wave does have friends list/contacts and you could look at the inbox as a wall but I don’t think that’s the correct approach. At one point I remember saying that Google Wave could even replace email. I still think it could but for right now Google Wave is all about collaboration.

To help users learn how to get more out of Google Wave, Google created a series of getting started YouTube videos. Here are 5 how to use Google Wave Youtube videos if you’re new to Google Wave.

1. Meet Google Wave

2. Managing your inbox

3. Google Wave: 15 features

4. Replying to waves

5. Editing waves

Do you use Google Wave if so how? If not why not?

Google Wave turns one, then tweets and how to embed a Google Wave blip into any website

Wayne Sutton — Sat, 29 May 2010 01:51:38 +0000

Happy birthday Google Wave! A year ago Wave made its debut at I/O — now anyone can try it out. http://bit.ly/dzhj8qFri May 28 16:19:09 via webA Googler
google

In case you missed it, Google Wave turned one year old today. I’m not sure what Google or the Google Wave team did to celebrate but the @Google Twitter account tweeted Happy Birthday about the news and soon the @googlewave team retweeted the message as you can see above and below.

RT @google: Happy birthday Google Wave! A year ago Wave made its debut at I/O — now anyone can try it out. http://bit.ly/dzhj8qFri May 28 17:17:51 via webGoogle Wave
googlewave

Back in January I wrote a blog post called 9 practical ways to use Google Wave for business and fast forward six months later I’m still using Google Wave for business. Little did I know it was “Wave’s birthday and earlier today I tweeted the following message:

If you’re not using @googlewave for collaboration you’re missing out. It has flaws but it works. The key is have a project/team to use it.Fri May 28 14:47:03 via Twitter for iPhoneWayne Sutton
waynesutton

At the time I tweeted the message it was after reviewing some of the Google Wave “blips” / conversations that the TriOut team were having and some of the milestones we were reaching. Fast forward a few hours later Google Wave Product Manager Steph Hannon @twephanie tweeted the following:

@waynesutton This is a nice tweet to read on our first birthday – thank you!Fri May 28 23:06:18 via TweetDeckSteph Hannon
twephanie

No, Steph Hannon @twephanie thank you and the Google Wave team for continuing making a useful FREE collaborative tool for entrepreneurs like myself to use for team projects.

Since Google Wave launched from closed beta to public access one of the most requested features was to make it easy for people to embed Google Wave blip messages into a blog post or any website. I’m not sure when it was released but you can embed a google wave into any website with a Google Web Element called “Wave Element”. To do so go to: http://www.google.com/webelements/wave/ and just past the wave url you want to embed in the box and the Wave Element will provide you with the code to embed. Here’s an example and closing question below.

How are you using Google Wave?

Short Film: Is the Semantic Web the Future of the Internet and will it be called Web 3.0?

Wayne Sutton — Tue, 11 May 2010 17:10:52 +0000

If you’re a geek or manage a web based startup or a web developer/programmer or have an internet related business I think you should watch the video below. Ok, I think everyone should watch the video below. What is the video? It’s a short film by Kate Ray called Web 3.0. Kate Ray is a recently graduated Journalism/Psychology student from NYU called Web 3.0.

The video includes some of the pioneers of the internet and leaders who are shaping the future of the Internet. Some will call it Web 3.0 others the Semantic Web. Regardless the internet is changing and the question is will you be ready for it?

If you’re asking what is the Semantic Web, according to Wikipedia:

The Semantic Web is an evolving development of the World Wide Web in which the meaning (semantics) of information and services on the web is defined, making it possible for the web to “understand” and satisfy the requests of people and machines to use the web content.[1][2] It derives from World Wide Web Consortium director Sir Tim Berners-Lee’s vision of the Web as a universal medium for data, information, and knowledge exchange.

via http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Semantic_Web

Enough text, check out the Web 3.0 video below.

My favorite quote from the video is near the end where Tim Berners-Lee says “It’s a platform…… the idea of it is that it’s not to promote one particular application”.

[Tip to Mitch Joel]

Video: The Geek Shall Inherit the Earth! – How can we help kids build rockets?

Wayne Sutton — Sat, 08 May 2010 21:08:24 +0000

I just watch the “The Geek Shall inherit the earth” commercial by Connect a Million Minds on TV and immediately I “google” the name of the video. Even though I don’t have kids and clearly not a kid I connected with the video in many ways. Here’s how:

It’s how I felt growing up during my high-school days… I’m talking about photoshop 1.0, Mac OS 9.5 & QuarkXpress. I’m old!
I often tell people I don’t do “marketing” but I understand people, relationships, gadgets/technology on the social web, so call me a geek not a marketing guy.
I believe in education and empowering kids to learn and be confident in their dreams/goals for entrepreneurship.
I love technology!

So what did my Google search results find me? The video was made for http://www.connectamillionminds.com From the Connect a Million Minds website:

In November 2009, Time Warner Cable launched Connect a Million Minds (CAMM), a philanthropic commitment of $100 million cash and in-kind donations. This five-year program was designed to inspire students to pursue learning opportunities and careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).

Time Warner Cable announced its commitment to STEM in conjunction with the White House’s announcement of Educate to Innovate, President Obama’s plan for improving STEM opportunities for U.S. students. In his statement, President Obama highlighted the importance of public and private partnerships in addressing STEM readiness in American students, and singled out Time Warner Cable as a leader in the STEM space with its Connect a Million Minds program. According to national experts, the next generation of youth in the United States is not prepared to take on the challenges of the 21st century.

Although the video and program inspired , the last sentence above is just sad, “According to national experts, the next generation of youth in the United States is not prepared to take on the challenges of the 21st century?” Now as an grown-up geek I’m asking myself what can I do to help educate kids and build some rockets!

How can we help/inspire today’s youth to learn more about technology and be confident while doing so?

“We’re building rockets!”

Is Google Chrome that fast? Video and Poll: What is your favorite web browser?

Wayne Sutton — Thu, 06 May 2010 12:30:09 +0000

Ok, if you have not seen the Google Chrome video you have to watch it just for the geek in you. Forget the speed test part but the creative energy behind the video is just awesome. Take a look:

From the YouTube video description:

These speed tests were filmed at actual web page rendering times. If you’re interested in the technical details, read on!
Equipment used:
- Computer: MacBook Pro laptop with Windows installed
- Monitor – 24″ Asus: We had to replace the standard fluorescent backlight with very large tungsten fixtures to funnel in more light to capture the screen. In addition, we flipped the monitor 180 degrees to eliminate a shadow from the driver board and set the system preferences on the computer to rotate 180 degrees. No special software was used in this process.
- 15Mbps Internet connection.
- Camera: Phantom v640 High Speed Camera at 1920 x 1080, films up to 2700 fps

Earlier this year I switched to Google Chrome on my Mac but then I switched back Safari. What is your favorite web browser? Take the poll below.

Thanks!

New iPad app Penultimate surges to #1 in Apple's app store on the top paid apps list

Wayne Sutton — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 05:22:09 +0000

This is interesting, yesterday I wrote about how I used Evernote to take notes during a lunch meeting and how one of the other attendees had a MoleSkine notebook but didn’t use it. As a fan of MoleSkine products I know what it’s like to be always traveling with a notebook to not only take notes but to doodle/draw on as well.

Looking at the app store today I noticed an app called Penultimate surge past Apple’s Pages App and the popular utility app GoodReeder. So what is Penultimate? Well among first launching the app it reminds me of…..my old Molkeskine.

Penultimate is made by Cocoa Box Design who apparently made an iPhone handwriting app and seems to have captured the magic of Moleskine notebooks by giving us the same experience in an iPad app.

Will I use Penutilmate on a regular basis? I don’t know yet as I like how Evernote saves my notes on the “cloud” and I can access them from anywhere. But you can email your “handwriting” notes to review later or you can email an entire Penutilmate notebook.

To see how Penutilmate works take a look at one of my “hot” handwriting notes below.

Also I’m sure it’s not something Apple may or may not have intended to do but I think the iPad is bringing back the stylus! It’s something you may need to assist you in writing notes. Today I picked up a pogo sketch from the Apple Store.

I’ve seen the pogo stylus used not only for note taking but for many of the drawing apps made for the iPad too.

App description from http://www.cocoabox.com

PENULTIMATE HANDWRITING
The ultimate notes app for iPad®. Write, sketch, imagine and remember. Your touch creates beautiful ink. Organize your ideas into infinite notebooks, and share by email with your coworkers, classmates, and friends.
Write everything from love letters to doodles with your own Handwriting, on your iPhone® or iPod touch®. Share notes by email, Facebook, or Twitter.

*Disclaimer: I have no relationship with the makers of Penutilmate & this is not a sponsored post.

What iPad app do you use for taking notes/sketches and why?

– Post From My iPad

Location:Turtle Point Dr,Raleigh,United States

We had iPads for lunch and loved it. Multi-touching our way to productivity 1 app at a time.

Wayne Sutton — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 23:59:11 +0000

Today during a lunch meeting I looked around at the table and I saw one Moleskine notebook, one regular “old school” notebook and 3 iPads among myself and 4 others. When we first sat down immediately the conversation started around how hard or easy it is to type on the iPad and what apps are we using for note taking. Backgrounds of some of other attendees included two designers/app developers, a web developer and a marketing/project manager.

As our lunch meeting continued we started working on our project and I started noticing what apps we were using and how the Moleskine and notebook guys were keeping up. Note that the Moleskine guy had an iPad too. I think he opened it twice, once to pull out another paper and the second time was to show a note he had perviously wrote. The other designer/developer guy was sketching web mockups that looked close to the goal of the project in his notebook. For the 3 iPads at the table we all used them in different ways during the meeting. I was taking notes using Evernote, along with creating a website layout using iMockups and used the CameraForiPad app as a scanner to send a paper schedule from my iPhone to the iPad. The other apps used by one of the other two iPads were Adobe Ideas for stretching and Stick It notes. Note that I didn’t see Stick It notes used during the meeting, it was one of the apps we discussed at the beginning of lunch.

Many have said the iPad is a media consumption device, claiming it will be used for entertainment purposes only. Others have asked what are the business uses for the iPad and how will be it be used to create content. If you just look at today’s lunch for example you’ll see the following uses for the iPad.

Digital Note taking to make it easy to edit and share via email or in other collaborate format later.
On demand website/interface mockups
Document Scanner (yes, iPhone needed)
Online demos

If you look at the above notes you can easily say, you can do all of that with a laptop. True, but one bonuses of the iPad is the form factor along with the apps being created to preform simple but productive task. Can you image 3 MacBooks on the table during lunch and trying to eat at the same time? No! The iPad doesn’t replace the laptop but it’s defiantly a perfect digital asset to travel with and today it made our lunch meeting a lot more productive and comfortable if we didn’t’ have it.

*Disclaimer: No iPads were eating during lunch and I don’t have any relationship with any of the apps linked in this blog post.

If you have an iPad what are some of your favorite apps and how are you using it?

How to go VOIP only & ditch your cellphone contract with @Phonebooth, @googlevoice, the iPad and a MiFi card.

Wayne Sutton — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 20:13:58 +0000

Yesterday I tweeted that I’m on the verge of ditching my cell phone contract and going VOIP only. After the tweet, I got a few responses from @jasontclarknet and @ayb asking how and what I’m going to do about sms and making phone calls on while traveling. So here’s my solution of what I think is needed to go VIOP and ditch your cell phone monthly contract.

1. A mifi card for Always on internet

I currently have a Sprint 3G MiFi card but I recommend a Sprint overdrive or similar device. I keep hear great things about Clear & Verizon MiFi cards too. Note: You can use a pocket router that turns your USB modem into a hotspot as well.

2. PhoneBooth or Google Voice for multiple numbers

Currently I have a cell phone number, a Skype number and multiple @PhoneBooth business phone numbers . I can use my PhoneBooth or Google Voice number as my main number and let one or the other route the calls to the device I’m connected to a the time or send calls straight to voicemail.

3. Google Voice for voice mail and Free SMS

Thinking Google Voice may be my main number allowing me to filter my calls, access my voice messages via email. I can also send sms messages via email and use the Google Voice website (mobile/desktop versions) to send sms messages for free.

4. Skype

I currently have a Skype number and a Skype Out plan to call any phone or other Skype users and for my number to show when I make calls.

5. iPad/iPhone

Yes, I could do all of this with the iPhone but now with the iPad and the battery life it provides makes the process a lot easier. I can leave Skype running and access my voice/sms messages on a bigger device increasing my user experience.

Simple Pros:
Saving money: I’ll have a simple $40 to $60 data only bill vs a $100 plus AT&T iPhone bill along with being able to have a mobile hotspot that I can use anywhere.
Doing something geeky.

Simple Cons:
Carrying multiple devices: I often travel with my Macbook Pro but what about on a casuly night out? I’ll have my MiFi card and/or caring my iPad, iPhone and mifi card.
Battery life on the mifi card: I’ll have to keep a close watch on my MiFi card to make sure I don’t run out of battery power in case I need to make an emergy call or waiting for a call.
Call Quality: Quality of the call will be dertimed by the MiFi signal and Skype until/unless I can make VOIP calls using other apps.
No MMS: I’ll have to go back to sending emails for as MMS messages but it’s something Google Voice has a work around for.
New Number: Giving people a new number and no Google Voice number porting. But I have read reports that soon I’ll be able to port my mobile number to Google Voice.

Other:
I’m not sure if AT&T will block VOIP calls using when the iPad 3G version will be released later this month but if they don’t then you could use the built in 3G instead of a MiFi card.

*Disclaimer the Sprint MiFi card I currently have is a blogger/loaner and I do some consultant work with Bandwidth who owns Phonebooth but this is not a sponsored post for either.

Your thoughts? Are you ready to switch to a mobile VOIP solution? Do you think we’ll see data plans be more important that voice plans in the future?

9 practical ways to use Google Wave for business

Wayne Sutton — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 14:15:08 +0000

It goes without saying that to some Google Wave was one of most overhyped technologies to launch in 2009. From being called a failed product to users widely complaining about how to just use the platform. And we’re not talking about just the average users, even some of the social web elitist such as Kevin Rose who tweeted “playing w/google wave, what does this do exactly?” and Robert Scoble who tweeted “I don’t like Google Wave and am avoiding using it until they make major UI fixes.”

Other complaints about Google Wave have been that there is no real value to using it over other web services such as instant messenger. Plus there were hundreds of other blog posts asking will Google Wave replace Gmail/email or Facebook and what are Google’s long term plan for Google Wave. I don’t have all the answers to satisfy the frustrated Google Wave user, but I do know how I’m using Google Wave and I love it. I use Google Wave daily at Twine Interactive on various projects, and Lawrence Ingraham and I use it while working on TriOut. I also use Google Wave for event planning and blogging. How you ask? Here are 8 practical ways to use Google Wave for business.

1. Collaborative note taking:
Using Google Wave for collaborative note taking can happen in meetings or conference calls. Often I find myself taking notes in Google Wave then adding other team members to the wave to review notes and add feedback from the meeting.

2. Crowdsourcing conference notes:
Let’s say you’re at a conference and there are multiple sessions at one time that you want to attend. You can make a conference wave and ask a friend to take notes in Google Wave for the other session and add you to the wave. Also you can ask others in other sessions to add their notes to the wave too by just adding them to the wave.

3. Task List for application or project development
It’s easy to make a task list inside of Google Wave, but the best part about it is that you can easily have conversations about each task, including listing marking pros and cons of the task.

4. Shareable resource library
With Google Wave it’s easy to create an information list. You may already be part of a Google Wave that is full of links on how to us Google Wave. If you want to create a list of links about a project, just add the links to the wave and add other team members to the wave. Everyone added to the wave can also add their own links to the wave.

5. Unclutter your inbox
If you’re like me, you receive too many emails every day. Even though I do belive Google Wave will “someday” replace Gmail, you can have colleagues cut down on email and just contact you via Google Wave.

6. Low risk internal communication platform
Are you looking for a simple inexspenive way to communicate with all of your employee or coworkers? Or to share files with everyone in your department. Just create an internal Google Wave company policy and Google Wave can handle the rest as a bare bones minimal platform.

7. Customer feedback forum
If you’re designing a prototype or uploading a beta release of a product and would like to organize all of your feedback about various versions of the files, then Google Wave is a perfect platform to handle inline feedback. With postings in Google Wave that look like threaded comment, it’s easy to follow who addressed each comment.

8. Event planning:
Recently I was planning a social media club meeting in Raleigh, NC. Instead of emailing my partners I made a Google Wave with the details and added the team to the wave. I not only helped unclutter my inbox, but it served the purpose of our entire communication process by making sure we were prepared for the the event.

9. Lunch orders
Have you ever had to take a lunch order from your coworkers and you’re stuck being the one to write all of the orders down? Well no more. Just create a Google Wave and ask each one of them to add their order to Google Wave and your simple, self serve lunch order is done. As adoption increases, we’ll add restaurants to Google Wave to fulfill our lunch orders.

Basically if you have a project and you need to have some sort of collaboration, you can find a use for Google Wave for the project.

What are some of the ways you are using Woogle Wave in your business?

Feel free to add me to your Google Wave contacts by using: waynesutton@googlewave.com

Location based apps by the numbers & the month @FourSquare passed them all, but why?

Wayne Sutton — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 15:28:17 +0000

As we get closer to 2010 one of the items I’m sure you have read on probably every end of the year predictions post is that location based apps are going to be big in 2010. Locations based apps are not new for example, Brightkite has been around since 2005 and was clearly growing as one of the leaders in the location based market. I’m not sure who came next but soon to launch was Whrrl, Loopt, and now we have Gowalla and Foursquare. Foursquare has been all of the buzz latley and by looking at the compete.com numbers they’re on one roller coster ride up the vistors chart.

I was told in August is when they switch domains from playfoursqare.com to foursquare.com but regardless from September to now Foursquare their traffic growth has been amazing. Moving into 2010 not only Foursquare but all of the location based apps will have tons of competition with new apps launching such as stalqer, nextstop, TriOut. I’m sure more to launch in 2010 as looking back on a 2008 post from Read Write Web saying Location-Based Social Networking to Generate $3.3 Billion by 2013.

Besides all of the buzz as being labeled as the next Twitter by the early adopters and social media enthusiast what do think is the reason for Foursquare recent growth?

Google Wave review part 2: screencast, thoughts, examples and resources.

Wayne Sutton — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 16:59:56 +0000

As Google Wave invites continue to spread like wildfire and more than just geeks are starting to explore Google Wave, I’ve seen an increase in the “what are your thoughts on Google Wave” questions. I’m humbled that individuals are interested in my thoughts about Google Wave, I’m also seeing a lot of consultants ask the same question, to see if I’m using Google Wave for any business/marketing use. Regardless, after spending a few days over the weekend to clean out my Google Wave inbox and do some research myself, I’m made a social bookmarking group of Google Wave resources. Also I recorded a video screen cast about how I’m using Google Wave now. Back to what are my thoughts on Google Wave and how I’m using it; here’s a list below.

I think Google Wave will replace Gmail in the years to come
I think Google Wave will be used by companies internally for communication and collaboration in the future
I think Google Wave will be a part of Google’s social network that will include Google Reader
I’m using Google Wave to collaborate on projects, where I upload files and brainstorm ideas in real-time with others
I think Google Wave will become more popular to use for note taking at conferences
I think Google Wave will be used to for training and webinars
I think Google Wave will find use in the media / entertainment industry but I don’t know how yet besides communication or a commerce buy and sale music system
I think Google Wave will become more social by integrating with Facebook and Twitter
I think Google Wave will be used as a video chat solution
I think Google Wave should be used with Google Chrome on Mac and windows for best performance.
I think there’s a slim chance we’ll see a Google Wave/ Chrome gadgets/extensions app store or just all listed on Google Gadgets site
I think I could be wrong about all of the above.
I think it’s to early to put limits on Google Wave or predict all the uses for it.

If you’re new to Google Wave, I would start here: The Complete Guide to Google Wave is a comprehensive user manual by Gina Trapani with Adam Pash.

You can add me as a contact on Google Wave by entering: waynesutton@googlewave.com

Now, it’s your turn. What are your thoughts on Google Wave and how are you using it?

18 social web and technology related trends that will shape 2010

Wayne Sutton — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 21:16:36 +0000

The new year is approaching, and we’re already starting to see blog posts looking back at the big trends in 2009 and posts predicting what will be big in 2010. David Armano recently wrote Six Social Media Trends For 2010, and you should read it. As we move forward into 2010, and social media continues to mature, this won’t be the only hot topic from 2009 that everyone will be blogging and tweeting about in 2010. I’m no psychic, but here are a few trends and concepts that I think we’ll see maturing and growing in popularity in 2010:

Real-Time Search will become uniform and standardized:
Mainstream media will discover and use sites such as Cliqset, Collecta, Topsy, and LazzyFeed. These sites and others will create partnerships with other established web properties.
There will be a rise in social media monitoring and measuring platforms
More apps will think “local”:
As Twitter works on its GEO API, and as TriOut, Whrll, Brightkite, Foursquare, Gowalla and Loopt battle for mobile location based app supremacy, Google is quietly making Google Latitude more useful. I think we’ll see a lot of web and mobile apps implement location based services.
The return of video:
Video ads are taking off, after ayear of being pushed to the back corner by tweets and status updates. Video content and online video aggregation sites such as Boxee, Jinni and Clicker will be huge (see number 9).
Traditional Media will continue to struggle:
Here’s my two cents on this – I wish traditional media would focus more on building trust and value and stop trying to be first. Traditional media should realize that news comes from people; not the other way around
Smart Brands will become more creative, but they will continue to fail to listen to their customers until it’s too late
Google vs. Twitter vs. Facebook:
Will someone just buy the one in the middle?
Twitter will start making money
iPhone/Apple “iTablet” vs Everyone:
The iPhone 4th Generation will be nice, but when Apple releases the iTablet, it will be an ebook reader and video device that will change the game for everyone, allowing people to have mobile video chat, and the ability to create and watch videos on the go.
Hardware will become more social:
We’ll see more TVs, gaming platforms, and cars with social capabilities. Example: a weight scale that tweets…but why?
Mobile Providers will provide us with faster data speeds:
We want 4G and we want it now.
Content/People/Information filtering becomes easier:
As with Twitter List and Facebook friend groups, we’ll start filtering how we intake information from our networks.
There will be more tech/social media conferences than you can blink at:
But you should attend this one. ( http://socialmediabusinessforum.com)
Augmented Reality will be the social media of 2009:
I think augmented reality will really start to grow in 2011.
Conversation tools will remain the same:
If you look at it, we have email, tweets, instant messenger, sms and various inboxes on social networks. Google Wave is a year or two off, and various platforms will launch to mash up the conversation channels like Gist. But in the end, most will stick to Outlook and web based email, such as Gmail.
The Google social networking puzzle will be solved:
Google has Google Reader, Wave, Chat, Gmail, Latitude and their OS. Put it all together and you have one powerful social network.
Blogs will continue to grow.
RSS is not dead.
We’ll focus less on social media and more on doing business on the social web.
Show me the ROI and stop playing games.

What were your top Tech Conferences of 2009?

Wayne Sutton — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:24:43 +0000

So last night while at the Internet Summit pre-party I was chatting with Simon Cole @simonjcole, Meg Crawford @Postgrad and Tessa Horehled @tessa about what drives attendees for tech / social media conferences and what are the top conferences that people should attend in 2010. Most people would say it’s the content or the speakers that drive attendees, for me it’s networking.

As we start looking at budgets for next year people are already starting to plan what conferences they should attend in 2010. While talking last night we were listing conferences that were valuable to us such as SXSW and BlogWorld (of course) but then after that the list is wide open. I would also add my conference (The Social Media Business Forum ( http://socialmediabusinessforum.com ) #shamelessplug .

With that being said, what were your top Tech Conferences of 2009 and why?

How are you using Google Wave? The comments talk.

Wayne Sutton — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 20:19:21 +0000

A few days ago, I recorded a screencast of Google Wave and uploaded it to YouTube, then posted it here on Social Wayne. After the post a few lucky 100,000 users were granted access to Google Wave and reviews were written by both Louis Gray and Robert Scoble. As for the viewers of my screencast here on SocialWayne.com and YouTube it looks like they were left out but they still left comments about how they would use Google Wave. Below are a few of the comments.

Nathan Driver said:
I’m looking forward to it just from the POV of project management. The next level of desktop sharing for project management. Instead of multi-layering IM’s – it’s an all in one.

cloakanddagger31 said:
If I had a google wave invite, I would use to work with my training organization to collaborate on lesson materials and instructions. I also work with another non-profit and because i am in another state, I would use it for administrative projects, meeting minutes and program development collaboration. It is great, I just need to get more users to create a google account. Thanks for the? screencast Mr. Sutton, it’s nice to see a bro on here discussing tech work.

luanlessa13 said:
I believe this will be great way to collaborate projects. Atleast I’ll use primarily? for that.

rouleduke86 said:
That looks really cool. I’d use it for business primarily. It’d be great to coordinate the Google Wave collaboration features with a Skype call. Or, it’d be great? to have a video feature on Wave…

Eleanor Thorne said:
I think we could use this in the mortgage industry to show people live examples of their costs? I’d be worried about the security though – but I might see a way to use this in a practical business fashion… thanks

T3CK said:
If I had a Google wave account I would use the account to stay in contact with fellow blogger’s in my niche and I would also you use Google wave as a documentation calibration tool with guest blogger’s for my site.

Evan Roberts said:
Not sure what I would do with Wave just yet, the concept of real-time editing of documents or whatever in the form of “conversation” is interesting though. Thanks for this screencast for those of us who weren’t cool enough for an invite lol

The Google Wave Screencast:

If or when you gain access to Google Wave, I can be reached at : waynesutton@googlewave.com

Do you agree with the comments above? If you received a Google Wave invite, since Wednesday how are you using it?

A Google Wave screencast – If you had an account, how would you use Google Wave?

Wayne Sutton — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:02:54 +0000

Here’s a lite Google Wave screencast. I may not be the best person for a screencast on Google Wave but since it’s like “Wave” day I figured why not to show everyone what they’re missing or assuming what Google Wave is and can do. Regardless take a look at the screencast and let me know in the comments if you had a Google Wave account how would you use it?

Update: If or when you gain access to Google Wave, I can be reached at : waynesutton@googlewave.com

Google announces push email / Gmail support with Google Sync, iPhone users rejoice!

Wayne Sutton — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 15:39:00 +0000

If there has been one feature that iPhone users have been wanting natively without buying Apple’s mobile me service or using yahoo’s ymail is push email. Push email also has been one of the most requested features for the million of mobile Gmail users and today the wait is over.

Using Google Sync, you can now get your Gmail messages pushed directly to your phone. Having an over-the-air, always-on connection means that your inbox is up to date, no matter where you are or what you’re doing. Sync works with your phone’s native email application so there’s no additional software needed . Via Google Mobile Blog

According to the post push gmail should be rolling out soon. As an iPhone user who have seen a recent wave of push email apps such as Gpush and PushMail it will be interesting to see how Google’s announcement will affect these two services.

Thanks Google we have been waiting on this, well at least iPhone users have been.

Update: iPhone users looking to use Google sync with push email support go here: http://www.google.com/mobile/products/sync.html#p=apple

Tweet & you shall receive: Real-Time iPhone RSS push notifications. Superfeedr FTW! ->

Wayne Sutton — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 20:45:47 +0000

Just the other day September 8, to be excat I was thinking that “I want real-time iPhone RSS reader app with push notifications to alert me when a blog updates on the second along with sms notifications” Well guess what, you know the saying “there’s an app for that” well now there is via an app called Notification [iTunes link $1.99] .

The Pitch
App Notifications is an iPhone app that acts as a client for the Apple Push Notification Service.
Use our ready-made Twitter, Gmail, and RSS notification services to instantly receive new tweets, search results, emails, RSS feeds, or create your own custom notifications with our simple REST API.

You may be thinking why do I need Notifications app. We’ll it depends on your industry, but here are a few examples how I would use it.

I want push notifications when a blog updates in real-time
I’m tracking an event, person, or tag and want to know when someone mentions them on Twitter
I want push notifications for emails sent you to me by certain people
If you’re a media company you could use push notifications for all of the above reasons.

So why is this special? Well, if you have read the RSS news lately, then you’re aware of the PubSubHubbub and RSSCloud technology that is turning RSS from a pull technology to a push technology. The Notifications app uses Superfeedr @superfeedr that uses a group of “helper” services to push RSS updates to the iPhone. Basically RSS is growing up in 2009. Why did it take so long RSS?

A big thanks to Julien @julien51 and the team. For more information on Notifications and how to configure it read the original blog announcement: Real-time RSS notifications on your iPhone

Now I’m making a list of RSS feeds that I want to be notified of instantly when they are updated. Any suggestions?

FriendFeed the home for geeks, real-time news and the RSSCloud back channel

Wayne Sutton — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 01:47:52 +0000

It’s labor day and I thought things would be quiet online and in the world of FriendFeed. Boy was I wrong! Earlier today, I saw on FriendFeed first before any blog the news about the Spotify app available in the iTunes app store. Then if you follow any of the who’s who on FriendFeed, I’m sure you have seen the whole RSS is dead, long live RSS back and forth between Steve Gillmor and Dave Winer. Months have gone by proclaiming RSS is dead but by watching Dave’s Friendfeed post I knew he was up to something big and today it was announced; RSSCloud and the implementation of RSSCloud with WordPress.com blogs and a plug-in for self hosted WordPress.org blogs.

For more on RSSCloud see the Read Write Web post: WordPress Just Made Millions of Blogs Real-Time With RSSCloud

I must say I’m glad to see FriendFeed still going strong after the recent Facebook acquisition. As for the RSSCloud news, personally I think it’s going to be a big deal being that CNN and other news outlets use WordPress.com. Also in less than four hours we’re starting to see other feed readers implementing RSSCloud such as LazyFeed

PS: This is my first post after installing the RSSClould plug-in. Real-Time updates FTW!

What are your thoughts on RSSCloud?

99 problems with the iPhone but the battery ain't one with these six attachments

Wayne Sutton — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 20:11:38 +0000

There have been a few post recently about the disappointment with the battery life of the new iPhone 3Gs. I guess the upgrade Apple made wasn’t satisfying and people are still having to regularly charge their iPhone daily. But don’t worry if keeping your iPhone charged for a full day is your problem then take a look at one of the options below.

Incase battery back.

Mophie iPhone juice pack

Richard Solo battery

FuelTank battery

Thanks for the fueltank tip James Wong @communitymgr on Twitter

Kingston Kensington

IV from fastmac

There you have it folks a few battery options to keep your iPhone charged. As for the 99 problems, to me I think there’s only about three or four problems with the iPhone 3Gs now. A missing front face camera, Safari flash support, background applications and the AT&T exclusiveness.

As an iPhone power user, I have the incase iPhone extended battery. Do you have an extended iPhone battery? If so what brand and model.

– Post From My iPhone

Weekly Pitch: BabelWith.me a group translation chat room web app.

Wayne Sutton — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 01:02:03 +0000

The Pitch
BabelWith.me is a simple chat tool that allows you to hold conversations in up to 45 languages. Invite your friends through Twitter, Facebook and email to join you in a conversation without language barriers. Or you can simply share your unique chat room URL anywhere you would like.

As users from around the world join your chat room, they’re given the option to choose a nickname and their language. Choosing any language other than English will immediately translate the entire chat room into the language they choose, including the chat log and all static copy.

BabelWith.me implements Google Translate’s API and runs on Google App Engine’s Python platform. This offers BabelWith.me great reliability and flexibility as we continue to add usefulness to the application and expand the opportunity for real-time, multi-language communication.

LifeChurch.tv is the non-profit organization behind BabelWith.me.

My first impressions:
I’m very impressed with the design and the usability of BabelWith.me, it’s simple and it works.
Will I use it?
Maybe, but I don’t have to many international conversations but a free group chat room is nice to have around.
What features I like?
The speed of the site, and social networking integration to promote your chat room.
What features would I like to see:
Although I haven’t spent to much time with BabelWith.me I would like to see a login profile linked to a custom permanent chat room name.

You can find BabelWith.me on twitter as @BabelWithMe

If you would like for me to cover your product or site please email: pitches at pitches at socialwayne dot com . Disclaimer:, I have no investment or relationship with the creators of this site. Thank you.

14 things I learned about Matt Mullenweg and WordPress at WordCampRDU

Wayne Sutton — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 14:49:03 +0000

Photo via WordCampRDU

This past Saturday, I had a chance to participate in WordCampRDU. Matt Mullenweg (Ma.tt), the co-founder of WordPress and AutoMattic, was the keynote speaker at the event. After WordCampRDU several of us had a chance to spend some time with him over burgers and bbq downtown Raleigh. Matt had my full attention, as I always try to learn as much as I can from successful individuals, especially those in the online/technology world. Here are 14 things I learned about WordPress and Matt. Some were new features of WordPress, while others were reminders about existing features that I hadn’t used.

1. VideoPress:
VideoPress is WordPress new video hosting feature. It costs $59.97 a year as an upgrade feature for WordPress.com users, but there is also a beta VideoPress plugin for WordPress.org users. You can custom design the VideoPress player and additional player branding features are on the way.

2. WP.com:
Matt recently acquired the domain WP.com and told the WordCampRDU crowd that it “may” become a tinyurl service for WordPress blogs. It’s something Matt has thought about, but he mentioned how spammers abuse existing tinyurl services. I’m confident that the WordPress team will find a way to implement this feature.

3. P2 WordPress Theme:
I’m not going to say Matt doesn’t like twitter but, have you really taken a look at the P2 Theme for WordPress? It’s not your normal blog theme. By installing the P2 theme you can have your own microblog platform with threaded replies. I use the P2 WordPress theme on http://smhustle.com. Search for other examples of P2 being used to see the many things you can do with this new theme or watch the video below:

4. Press This Button:
WordPress includes a Press This button under the tools section that allows you to blog from any web page. It acts like a bookmarklet for your blog.

5. Matt is a “stat-a-holic”:
Matt love stats. Just ask Matt about downloads of WordPress 2.8, plugins being installed, or how much bandwidth his company uses and he can tell you the numbers off the top of his head. If math is required, he can calculate it easily on his iPhone.

6. WordPress for iPhone app:
You have to like a someone who’s honest about his own product. Matt mentioned in his keynote that he’s not a fan of WordPress for iPhone application and to expect a new version a few months after iPhone 3.0 OS has been released.

7. Matt is more than just WordPress:
At just 25 years old, Matt has already accomplished more than what some have done in a lifetime. With those accomplishments comes experiences and although Matt co-founded WordPress he sometimes would rather talk about other topics such as entrepreneurship and life. He told us a story about a talk he given about a man who had a perfect memory. If you ever get a chance to meet Matt ask him about it.

8. Matt is not the CEO of Automattic or WordPress:
I was writing a blog post on my iPhone blog and Matt kindly corrected me that he’s not the CEO but the co-founder.

9. It’s AutoMattic and not Automatic:
You get it it? It’s Auto”Matt”ic … nice one, Matt.

10. Matt is a forward thinker:
Matt is a forward thinker. We were talking about how the Kindle and the iPhone touch was ready a few years before public knowledge. Matt and the WordPress team are already working on making WordPress better to work with software and hardware three years from now. “If you start now you’ll be ready vs starting in three years and playing catch up.” Matt says.

Photo via Jason Keath

11. Matt is not a Mac guy:
Surprisingly, Matt doesn’t carry a MacBook around, but a Sony PC. He also started Palm users group back in the day. But he does have an iPhone now and most of the AutoMattic team uses Macs.

12. What Matt likes about NC?
Matt loves NC sweet tea. We tried to take Matt to one of our famous BBQ places but it was full. I think he still ordered BBQ, but I didn’t get a chance to see what he thought about NC BBQ vs other states BBQ.

13. Email a post to WordPress.com
Did you know you can create a unique email address for your WordPress.com blog and email post with attachments. You can even email .mp3 files to your WordPress.com blog and they’ll post and play automatically.

14. OpenID and Jabber:
WordPress.com is an OpenID provider and you can use your WordPress.com user name to for Jabber chatting. I think there’s something WordPress may have to turn on to get Jabber to work with your username, or it may be a user error on my part. But it does work. Update: Matt emailed me to let me know the way the WordPress Jabber account work is username@im.wordpress.com.

Overall all after spending a few hours with Matt, I left with the impression that Matt is one of the smartest and coolest guys in technology. He doesn’t get as much credit as he deserves for contributing to the success of others, and to the internet as an whole. Thanks, Matt, for creating an awesome platform and I hope we’re able to cross paths again soon.

Photo via Kipp Bodnar.

Also I did get a chance to interview Matt for the upcoming relaunch of WayneSutton.TV. Be on the lookout for the interview online soon.