Stop Tedious Business Card Data Entry – Use QR Codes Instead
June 22, 2011
Does this sound familiar?
You rush around at conferences collecting business cards from exhibitors and your peers. In the back of your mind you promise that just as soon as you get back to the office you’ll key in all those contacts to your computer.
Did you know there’s an easier way to enter in that contact information?
Some business cards and advertisements now contain a tiny bar code symbol called a QR code. This is Quick Response code. They bar codes can embed more than what they’ve been traditionally used for — either inventory item numbers or tracking numbers.
Using a free web site like ZXing you can input your own contact data and create a free bar code.
Here’s my contact information that I’ve created using the site above.
Now all you need is free scanning software for your smartphone. On Android I use Bar Code Scanner and on iPhone Red Laser is good (both are free).
Once you start the scanning application on your smartphone you simply hold it over the QR image and within seconds if the QR code contains address and contact information that data will display on your phone.
There are obviously some challenges to this concept of doing away with re-keying business cards – mainly that people need to use the QR codes on their cards and your smartphone (assuming you have one) needs free third party scanner software.
Gradually we (hopefully?) ‘ll see more widespread adoption of QR codes – and less re-keying.
LinkedIn for BlackBerry 1.0 Connects
March 30, 2010
LinkedIn has just released version 1.0 of their new application for BlackBerry smartphones.
Users of the BlackBerry Tour, Curve and Bold can download the application from BlackBerry App World. Unfortunately there is not (yet) any support for the popular BlackBerry Storm though I suspect that will be added pretty quickly.
From the LinkedIn Blog:
LinkedIn for BlackBerry is a continuation of our efforts to help you leverage the power of your professional network anywhere, anytime. Now, you can walk into any interview, any customer engagement or client meeting with the ability to look up the details on over 60 million professionals worldwide, in real-time.
LinkedIn for BlackBerry includes a full, rich feature set designed to bring the most useful features of LinkedIn to your business smartphone. The application features six modules, each with a user experience designed from the ground up for BlackBerry devices:
* Network Updates. View and share crucial business intelligence and updates with your network. Perfect for those spare moments between meetings.
* Search. Search across over 60 million global professionals, and get the answer back in seconds. We’ve implemented a unified search across both your direct connections and the entire LinkedIn network.
* Connections. LinkedIn is your address book in the cloud. Get quick access to any of your connections to get their up-to-date profile information, and the ability to send them a message immediately.
* Invitations. Why wait to get back to your desk? Accept outstanding invitations immediately.
* Messages. Messaging is one of the reasons that BlackBerry owners love their devices, and we’ve worked hard to integrate your LinkedIn Inbox.
* Reconnect. You can’t leverage your network if you don’t build it. This module brings suggestions for new connections to you anytime. Now you can build your network from anywhere, in seconds.
While the interface of the BlackBerry LinkedIn application is not as pretty as that of the iPhone version – the deep integration to the BlackBerry inbox is a key feature.
When you receive emails from anyone you can quickly use the BlackBerry shortcut menu to lookup their LinkedIn profile – quite a handy feature for those of us who spend most of our time on the road.
For more information -
LinkedIn for BlackBerry Curve, Bold and Tour – Now Available
Connect:
Wayne Schulz on LinkedIn
Google Nexus One vs Droid : Pros and Cons
January 7, 2010
Google’s entry into the phone world – the Google Nexus One – is out. I’ve been testing it for the last day since FedEx dropped one on my doorstep. I paid $529 for an unlocked version which means that I am able to use it on my existing T-Mobile account simply by swapping the tiny SIM card that is inside my BlackBerry 9700.
What many people have been asking is whether the Google Nexus One is the best Android phone or whether the much advertised Droid might be a better choice.
Well since I own both phones I’ve taken a few minutes this morning to write up a pros and cons comparison between the two.
You can read my Google Nexus One vs Droid Pros and Cons on my gadget blog for the full details.
In a nutshell I like everything about the Google Nexus One – especially the speed. If you’re comfortable using T-Mobile as the carrier (which is the only carrier supporting the phone for now though Verizon is slated to provide service come Spring 2010) and if you’re a heavy Gmail user (which I am) then you’ll love Android and I think the Google Nexus One.
Based on my repeatedly poor experiences with the Droid voice quality – I don’t recommend you purchase a Droid.
If however you’re company is stoic in its use of Microsoft Exchange Server or you are not on Gmail (and don’t plan to be) then I think either the BlackBerry (for heavy emailers) or iPhone (for those with light email needs but strong desire for third party applications and music/video) are better choices.
IM+ introduces speech recognition to BlackBerry All-in-One Messenger client
July 15, 2009
A new speech recognition feature is being tested in the BlackBerry version of Shape Service’s IM+ All-in-One Instant Messenger. This handy IM client also supports push services so that you can save your BlackBerry battery by closing out of the program while still remaining available for chat. A free 7 day trial is available which also supports AIM/iChat, MSN/Windows LIve Messenger, Yahoo!, ICQ, Jabber, Google Talk, MySpaceIM, Facebook, Skype and Twitter.
IM+ Version 8.1.0 with Speech Recognition
New iPhone pre-announced by Walt Mossberg
June 4, 2009
So far as I’m aware there has not been any official announcement of a next generation iPhone from Apple. And, don’t panic, I know the graphic in the image above is of the new Palm Pre – and not an iPhone. The graphic is part of Walt Mossberg’s just released Palm Pre review.
Sure, there’s tons of speculation. And there’s a new rumor that seems to pop up each week (see this graphic for a nice compilation of rumors).
But until now there wasn’t anything “super authoritative” to indicate that a new iPhone “for sure” would be announced by Apple on Monday at their WWDC event.
That is until Walt Mossberg of the WSJ published his Palm Pre review. In the review he clearly states (twice) that a “new iPhone to be unveiled next week”. He does not make any indication when the new iPhone might ship.
Interesting to note that he didn’t say “iphone – S” (plural) as some have speculated.
CPA Exam Review Software for iPhone now available
May 6, 2009
Are you a CPA candidate looking for a portable study solution for the CPA Exam? CPAMasterMobile Business 2009 is now available for $1.99 in the iTunes App Store. This application focusses on the business section of the CPA exam in what the developer say’s is a user friendly format that presents exam questions in multiple choice format that tracks your scores and progress.
If you’ve got an iPhone or iPod Touch then look no further than the iTunes App Store. Appearing now are two applications – CPA Regulation and CPA Business. Both feature practice exams that can be taken again and again. As someone who passed the CPA exam largely as a result of repeatedly taking practice exams I can vouch for the effectiveness of this method.
While drilling on old exams won’t teach you new topics, it is an invaluable way to build confidence and measure your readiness for the test. At only $1.99 I’d head to the App Store now and download one or both of these.
CPA Regulation (iTunes)
CPA Business (iTunes)
MAS 90 for iPhone type solution announced by third party developer Blytheco and bMobile
May 1, 2009
Using a Providex-based technology (PVXPlus) Sage Business Partner and Developer Blytheco is announcing a new mobile solution which appears to render standard Sage MAS 90 and MAS 200 screens to html for easy display on remote devices such as the iPhone as well as desktops.
This type of technology isn’t completely new. Sage Business Partner and long time developer Hightower Associates use PVXPlus technology to render their Timekeeper software remotely over a web browser as well.
At least a portion of the appeal of bMobile from Blytheco appears to be the elimination of the need to use Citrix or Terminal Services. While this is a good thing for smaller clients, most larger corporations already have some remote solutions in place and may already be using them with Sage MAS 90 or 200.
No word on whether the iPhone specific version of this solution will be available in the App Store (we think it will) or whether it will require a special type of iPhone referred to as jailbroken and meaning that the iPhone can accept applications from outside the official Apple iPhone App Store.
It’s also too early to tell what the implications will be for end user MAS 90 and MAS 200 license requirements and whether a full license for MAS 90 or MAS 200 will be required for all who are remotely connecting to the system via bMobile (we think it likely that licenses will be required).
The most unique announced feature appears to be the self-service portal capabilities. Many times companies want to allow vendors or employees into the system to do very limited data entry. Until now most were creating remote access desktops in Citrix or Terminal Server which can create security concerns.
There’s no word on availability though we expect to hear further information at the upcoming Sage Insights conference May 11 to 14 in Nashville.
From the Blytheco site, here is some more information about bMobile:
Access your MAS 90 or MAS 200 system when and how you need it.
BlythecoDev’s bMobile solution offers four deployment options:
Web browser-based MAS 90 or MAS 200 eliminates the need for expensive remote access tools (like Terminal Services or Citrix), and provides full system screens and capabilities for remote or traveling users. Run your system on a Mac or a Linux system, or on an alternative browser like Safari. Deploy one user or an entire remote office.
MAS 90 or MAS 200 on your smart phone. Access key system components easily and quickly using your iPhone, Blackberry, or other ‘smart phone.’ Customize your mobile screen using the standard Custom Office module.
Self-service browser-based portal for your customers, vendors, and employees. A streamlined MAS 90 interface combined with the power of your system gives them the ability to review their accounts, update contact information, place orders, and more.
Web- Based MAS 90 & CRM Integration
Your integrated front- to back-office system on the web. Proven Dynalink technology for SalesLogix Today enables users to have a complete view of all customer interactions on a web browser, increasing efficiencies and improving customer service.
Link: bMobile – Blytheco
Imagenet from Mitek offered by NCR to enable remote deposits by smartphone
April 28, 2009
Imagine being able to use an ordinary cell phone to photographs a check. Then without doing anything more complex than sending the photo via software loaded to your phone (Most phones with at least a 2 megapixel cameral including iPhone and BlackBerry Bold will be supported ) that check is deposited right to your bank account.
There’s no waiting in line. No more embarrasment of producing that driver’s license photo that makes you look like a crazed maniac.
NCR is the company behind this technology. They’ve partnered with Mitek system to create this mobile solution that’s perfect for anyone needing to directly deposit small numbers of checks.
“NCR selected the Mobile Deposit product to extend the number of deposit choices our
customers can use with our self service suite of remote capture solutions,” said Michael O’Laughlin, vice president and general manager, NCR Financial Services Solutions. “Mitek
Systems application will provide the first mobile phone deposit option for our customers, which is a strategic benefit to banks who are looking to attract young consumers and small
business owners who conduct much of their business on the road.”
Mitek Systems ImageNet Mobile Deposit is the first and only application that allows banks to
accept check deposits from merchants and mobile professionals via camera-equipped cell phones. Mobile Deposit is easily downloaded to most mobile phones equipped with a two-
megapixel camera including the Apple iPhoneTM and BlackBerry BoldTM. Mobile Deposit is available to financial institutions or mobile banking software vendors looking to add remote
deposit capture to their mobile banking platform.
via: Mitek Systems via Gizmodo
reQall Pro for BlackBerry – interesting to-do list manager with voice to text
March 26, 2009
There’s an interesting new program for BlackBerry users that has just been significantly upgrade. The program is reQall and it is a combination web service and mobile application. There’s a program available to run on BlackBerry devices that are running OS version 4.2 and higher.
reQall offers voice to text transcription of your ToDo items, Notes and Appointments
By speaking your task into the BlackBerry, you can avoid having to take your eyes off the road or typing a lengthy message on the keyboard. Your voice is recorded, transferred to reQall’s servers and transcribed.
The process takes about 5 minutes. You can set your BlackBerry to synchronize with reQall’s main server as frequently as every 15 minutes or as infrequently as once per day.
Accuracy Surprisingly Good – Features Not Working As Promised
There are two interesting features that are promised in this latest version of reQall Pro ($25/year). I tested both of them and was not able to get either to work.
First, the software is supposed to integrate to Google Calendars (which I use). After adding several to-do items and appointments with dates that were described accurately I sat back and waited (and waited) to see the item appear in my calendar.
The second new feature that is supposed to be added to reQall Pro is GPS awareness. If you set a reminder to only display while at work — the software is supposed to detect your location (via GPS reading) and automatically pop up a reminder that a task is due at the place you presently are located.
Problem that I had is the GPS feature did not work in my testing.
After creating a To-Do item called “Give lauren her backpack at bus stop” and tagging it properly to the location “Bus Stop” — I was reminded of absolutely nothing when I ventured back to the location where I had specified (via GPS setup) that the bus stop was located.
reQall is a handy software program for making notes on the go. The company needs to get their promised features working before I’d recommend that anyone lay out $25 per year for their Pro version (which adds the integration to Google calendar and GPS aware features).
T-Mobile’s BlackBerry Curve 8900 brochure
January 13, 2009
The BlackBerry Curve 8900 (aka Javelin) is rumored to be arriving on the T-Mobile network on February 11, 2009. There is some information that it may launch sooner for business network customers with a date of January 19, 2009 being rumored.
Below is the product information sheet for the BlackBerry 8900 on T-Mobile which lists it’s specifications and features.
Blackberry Curve 8900 FactSheet
PhoneTag transcribes your voicemail and emails the results
November 21, 2008
Do you receive many voice mails during the day? If you’re like me you often receive voice mail during times when you may be in a meeting or other location where calling in and listening to a lengthy recording is not convenient.
For the last month I’ve been using a service called PhoneTag. When I receive a voice message my system (Gotvmail) automatically sends a copy (WAV or MP3) to a special address that I’m assigned at PhoneTag.
Then the service has my voice message transcribed and sent to me via email. This usually occurs within 5 minutes of the voice message being left.
Transcription isn’t perfect. People’s names can be tricky to transcribe. Whenever there is a word the system doesn’t understand it will put a (??) next to the word so you know that it may not be correct.
The big benefit of PhoneTag is that you can now read all of your voicemail instead of having to find a quiet place to call into your mail and listen to messages. In many instances this lets me know at a glance of my iPhone or BlackBerry Bold screen whether I need to excuse myself from a client apointment to return an emergency phone call or whether it’s only a routine message.
PhoneTag costs $9.95 per month for 40 transcribed messages (.25 per message overage fee). If you need more they offer an unlimited plan for $29.95 per month. Those who prefer to pay as they go can elect to pay a flat .35 per message transcribed.
I’ve found PhoneTag to be indispensable and a great tool for helping me manage my voice mail when I’m on the road.
Link: PhoneTag
BlackBerry Storm review summaries
November 19, 2008
Thinking of getting a new BlackBerry Storm when it’s released on Friday? The first reviews are starting to trickle in with the Wall Street Journal posting the first official review.
Unfortunately Walt Mossberg of the WSJ spends a large amount of time reminding us of why the BlackBerry Storm is different from all other BlackBerry’s (anyone not know the answer here — hint – look at the picture and try to find a keyboard).
Overall he pronounces is faster on high speed cellular data than the iPhone but couldn’t test it on Wi-Fi — because the BlackBerry Storm lacks any Wi-Fi capabilities. Unfortunately he also doesn’t say much about the multimedia capabilities of the phone (only one sentence).
As more reviews are released, I’ll compile them below so you can access them easily.
Note: Most reviews of the BlackBerry Storm are under embargo meaning they cannot be released online until a date set by Verizon. As soon as we spot sites posting their reviews (which should be soon given that the Wall Street Journal already has published) we’ll be linking them below.
Wall Street Journal Reviews BlackBerry Storm
Summary: Cursory review that focuses on reminding anyone living under a rock the past year that the BlackBerry Storm is different from prior BlackBerryies because it has no keyboard. There’s no analysis (save for one sentence) of multi-media capabilities or any discussion of APPS that are unique to this new touch device.
Rating: Duh.
Link: WSJ BlackBerry Storm Review
Mobility Today Video Review
Additional Reviews We Like:
BoyGenius Report – Verizon BlackBerry Storm review
Wired – RIM’s First Touchscreen Device Almost Eclipses the iPhone
ZDNET - Hands On: The BlackBerry Storm
JkOnTheRun – BlackBerry Storm, yes it can cut and paste (includes video)
CrunchGear – Review: BlackBerry Storm for Verizon Wireless
BlackBerry screen capture software eliminates the need to cable to grab a screenshot
November 16, 2008
Last night I stumbled across CaptureIT software for BlackBerry devices running OS version 4.3 or higher.
The program does one thing that I had been wanting to do for quite some time. It allows you to take screenshots of your BlackBerry device WITHOUT needing to cable it via USB to your computer.
This is the first time I’ve noticed a software only solution for BlackBerry screen captures. The prior solutions required that you cable your BlackBerry to a Windows PC and run a Javaloader application. Under the old method your screens would be captured and saved onto your PC. With CaptureIT the screen image is saved right to your BlackBerry’s media folder.
From the media folder you can email yourself the photo (or even better email it out to Flickr for hosting).
Link: CaptureIT OTA (over the air) download via BlackBerryForums
Blackberry Storm Manual Online
November 1, 2008
The user manual for the Research in Motion’s first touch screen device has just appeared online. The Blackberry Storm has yet to be priced and there’s no formal release date. Expect to see it on Verizon Wireless in the US – possibly before the Thanksgiving Holidays.
Blackberry Storm Manual Online (PDF) download via: Crackberry
Gmail offers free SMS text messaging to US phones
October 30, 2008
Google just introduced a new feature that allows Gmail users to send free SMS text messages to their contact’s cell phones. These short messages can be sent while using the Gmail chat feature which is part of the Gmail interface. Unfortunately these messages can only be sent to US phones and it is send only — you won’t receive replies.
In order to use this feature you must first enable it via the settings tab in Gmail. Since this is a Labs feature – you should consider it experimental.
At this time the capabilities have not been added to any of the Google widgets or instant message clients, though I would expect that they’d appear soon.
via: Geardiary
Best Buy prices the Blackberry Bold at $399 with 2 year contract
October 26, 2008
There’s been a lot of speculation over not only the ship date for Blackberry’s latest flagship model – the Blackberry Bold – but over what the ultimate pricing will be.
It looks like at least one major reseller will be pricing the Blackberry Bold at $399 after a 2 year contract.
(NOTE: After visiting the Berlin CT Best Buy, I am convinced that even though the sales circular lists $399 as the price for the Blackberry Bold — the store price will be $299 for new activations on a plan of $65/mo or more and $349 on a plan that is less than $65/mo).
If you are an existing AT&T customer eligible for an equipment upgrade you can get the device at only $20 more – or $419 the price is $349. If you’re not eligible at all for an upgrade then you’ll pay the full boat price of $659.
This pricing is surprising because AT&T had announced that their price on the Blackberry Bold would be $299 when it is officially released in their stores nationwide November 4, 2008.
This will be an interesting story to watch. The wildly popular iPhone is a cheaper choice at $199 for an 8GB model and $299 for a 16GB. Arguably the iPhone has more capabilities with a vastly larger inventory of downloadable programs and the same (or similar) monthly data service pricing.
Will a $399 $299 Blackberry Bold sell into an economy that is facing more bad news each day? Will Best Buy lower their pricing to meet the AT&T announced pricing?
Click the photo at left for a larger image of the Blackberry display in the Berlin CT Best Buy. If you look closely at the price tag you’ll see the advertised pricing for new plans, upgrades and outright purchases.
Metro North (MTA) Grand Central train schedule for your iPhone
October 24, 2008
Do you ride the Metro North commuter train into New York City? Do you have an iPhone?
If so, here’s a way you can take the full schedule into and out of Grand Central Terminal on your iPhone. There’s no internet connection required to read the schedule as everything is stored on your iPhone.
To use the program you key in whether you are going into or out of Grand Central (one flaw is that you can’t use this schedule to show intermediate stops such as whether the train stops at a certain station on the way into Grand Central Terminal).
The resulting schedules is displayed on your iPhone which also includes the estimated travel times and whether the fare is considered to be peak or off peak.
This is a nice little application for those of us looking to eliminate some paper and make fuller use of our iPhones to carry useful information.
Link: Station Stops (iTunes)
Link: Station Stops Web Site
T-Mobile G1 Android phone goes on sale today
October 22, 2008
The wait is over.
Google’s open source phone operating system is shipping today (October 23, 2008) initially at T-Mobile. The current selection of phones is slim (and ugly in my opinion) with only an HTC slider (The G1). Since Android is an open source phone software, it means that carriers can freely incorporate it into their handsets.
Unfortunately the G1 design, while incorporating a keyboard, is a rather tired looking copy of the T-Mobile Sidekick. Currently this is the only phone on the market that comes pre-loaded with the Android operating system. There will undoubtedly be several additional models introduced by other carriers over the next six to nine months.
Remember that since Android is an open source operating system that carriers are free to use it without any payment. They also likely will modify it to provide a customized look and feel. Due to the open source nature of the software there will not be any exclusivity period with one carrier.
You’ll quickly see other carriers pick this up and by the middle of next year I think all the major USA based operators will have at least one Android phone.
Here are the quick specifications:
- Touch Screen
- QWERTY Keyboard
- One-Touch Google Search
- Real Web Browsing
- Easy Access to Google Apps
- 3G Network and Wi-Fi Access
- IM/Text/E-mail
- 3.2 Megapixel Camera
- YouTube™ Videos
- Music Player
- Android™ Market
- Customizable Home Screen
For more information you can check out T-Mobile’s Android G1 site at the link below (My recommendation is to wait and see what other phone models might be introduced in the next 6 months).
Link: T-MobileG1.com
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