Tech Tips

Reasons to Invest in Good Content

jonquinton — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 01:32:03 +0000

Finding cheap and easily sourced content is becoming quick and easy for most companies – but most often this kind of content isn’t going to be high quality, and whilst it may save money on your budget, it could be having a negative effect elsewhere.

By investing in really good quality content from professional writers you are sending out the right message to your clients and customers about your professionalism and your business values. The website content you choose to publish onto your website (and on other websites) is often the first impression a customer or client will get of your brand or product. Do you really want this first impression to be of spelling and grammar mistakes with poorly put together sentences?

By giving your customers something intelligent, thought-out and literate to read you are showing them that you value their time and that you value their engagement in your content. There is nothing more frustrating as a customer when you have to sift through poorly written content, as it makes you doubt the quality of a brand and company as well the quality of the product they’re selling.

Another great benefit to investing in quality content is that it will encourage you customers and clients to engage with content. Poorly written content makes you want to close the tab and move onto another website, but quality content will make you want to share the article with friends and colleagues and perhaps even post it onto your facebook and twitter pages. This is a great way of marketing and getting your brand out there, so embrace it.

Speaking of marketing, this is another place where quality content will help your website and business. Using quality content online will provide endless benefits to your SEO and online marketing schemes because fresh, original content is something which search engines look for and prioritise when ranking websites. The more quality your content is and the more often you update it, the more likely you are to achieve the high rankings you need to keep on top of the game online.

Hopefully, after reading this you’ll be convinced of the benefits of investing in quality online content, so when you start looking for your quality content writer here are a quick list of things to look out for in their work:

Do they promise to deliver original content?
Do they have a quick and efficient turn around period?
Are they confident and fluent in the language you want the article to be written in?
Can they provide you with examples of work?

© jonquinton for Tech Tips, 2012. | Permalink | | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: article writing, website
article writing, website

Best Educational Apps for the iPad

jianjames — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 14:35:03 +0000

Even the youngest children seem to be able to navigate their way easily on iPads, tablets and smart phones. It seems to be second nature for them. Since they love to play with them and love to learn it makes perfect sense that the two would be a match made in cyber heaven – and indeed it is. There are educational apps for every level of learning and in just about any subject you can imagine. Let’s examine some of the ways the iPad can make learning fun and easy. It has literally put education right at our children finger tips.

English Language Arts – There are apps that help with reading, writing, grammar, and building vocabulary.

How Rocket Learned to Read – This fun and interactive app helps young children with letter recognition and learn how to spell sight words.
Grammar Up HD – Helps students improve their grammar, vocabulary and word selection.

Mathematics – There are apps that can help at any level of mathematical education – from number recognition, counting additional and subtraction to algebra, statistics and more.

MathBoard – Basic math drills and quizzes featuring addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.
Motion Math – Super fun math game for grades 3-6 – focuses on decimals, fractions and percentages.

Science – Students can discover the worlds of biology, physics, anatomy, astronomy, and more.

3-D Brain – This apps shows and describes to student all of the parts of the brain.
Frog Dissection – All the educational information gained from dissecting a frog but without the mess.
The Elements a Virtual Exploration – Discover the periodic table in a fun and visually entertaining way.

History & Geography – There are apps and maps that can help students learn about the world today and yesterday. There are videos games and more.

History: Maps of the World – A large variety of maps, old and new

Art & Creativity – Students can draw, paint, make music and even learn about art history and famous works of art.

Art – Students can explore and learn more about historic pieces of art.

Educational Tools – There are an enormous amount of tools, sharing options and study aids that can assist with their studies.

Edmodo – Great for sharing documents and information.

The biggest competitors: Android and Apple

admin — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:47:01 +0000

As Google and Apple continue to add some spice to their never-ending tugs of war, the ever-consuming question certainly arises. Who outweighs in terms of their respective operating systems? More importantly, who has managed to surpass the other through better technology, advanced features and an overall enhanced user experience via tablets and smartphones churned out from their quarters? Although the battle between the iOS and Android always has something up in its sleeves, users generally seem puzzled about which one to sift out. Since there are pros and cons to both operating system models, we have decided to plunge into an inclusive overview of who performs better and which one catches extra points. Take a look and make up your mind!

1. iOS is consistent

Apple has always been particular there. You may find Google Android’s consistency level as well but the former indeed knows how to enhance your overall experience through regular updates that generally work for all iOS devices.

2. A beautiful, intuitive user interface

Although the interface rendered by Android is pretty attractive, we find the iOS UI far better. Not only the interface catches attention for a beautiful layout, but also for the extended functionality which makes it so simple that even a young child will figure out how to get started with an i-device.

3. No Bloatware

Another significant aspect that steams up the situation is no Bloatware offered by Apple. A bit to dismay, Android phone owners generally have their devices integrated with several apps that unfortunately can’t be taken away. On the other hand, Apple devices come just with the iOS and nothing else – which literally enables you to stay away from installing silly applications. Also, the iOS renders enhanced battery life and tethered syncing with the iTunes for an experience that indeed cannot be placed on a comparison scale with any other operating system available on the market.

4. Better support

Apple users will definitely agree here. The Apple Store as well as Apple tech support offer complete support with your broken iOS device. On the contrary, Android fails to do that.

5: AirPlay

While there are several alternatives available to the Apple AirPlay, none of them manages to function so smoothly and elegantly. Apple users who have multiple devices can seamlessly indulge in its awesome two-tap video playback. However, there’s nothing like this for Android-powered devices.

6. iTunes Media Store

We agree that Android gets you entertained through its amazing Amazon Store but Apple still offers a better and larger library of entertainment. Certainly, the entire process of purchasing an app from over 300,000 apps in a quick snap and syncing it to your device is extremely simple and far better than any other store on the market.

Bottom-line

Although Google’s Android operating system is a reliable one, there’s no denying that iOS is peerless. Feature-loaded with an intuitive, winsome user interface, the Apple iOS has quite a lot established a niche that not even Android can displace.

How Email Marketing and Coupons Actually are a Good Mix

admin — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 01:27:46 +0000

If you read any Internet marketing blogs, I will almost guarantee that there is at least one—and there is probably more than one—post about how you need to be building your email list. It doesn’t matter if you’re another blogger, a news site or if you are selling products on your site, having that email list is really important because it is the sure fire way to consistently bring people back to your website on a regular basis and hopefully, turn them into paying customers.

Big companies across the Internet, such as [Insert Company] and [Insert Company], spend tens of thousands of dollars advertising and trying to get people to their website. Some of these big companies utilize email marketing as a means to increase their revenue, but surprisingly, some don’t. According to a study, email is still one of the most profitable means of advertising. For every dollar spent, nearly $20 returns due to email and that right there should be reason enough to start your email marketing campaign.

The problem with starting a new email marketing campaign is that, truthfully, it’s hard to get the email addresses. Sure, you can always buy them, but let’s be honest…If you got an email from a random person trying to get you to buy something, are you going to buy that product? Not likely. Therefore, why waste the money buying other people’s emails? It’s just going to piss them off and potentially hurt your brand down the line.

Because of this understanding, it is important to try a different way to get the much coveted email. And, like I said in the title, coupons/discounts can actually prove to be very useful here in helping you get the email. The reason for this is because people like to get something in return for their troubles. Subscribing to your list might be the best thing they ever do because of the savings or information you’re going to pass on to them. But, if the person can’t find an immediate gain by subscribing to your list, they won’t.

With this in mind, I’m sure you can begin seeing how coupons and email marketing mix.

By using a coupon, you are giving the subscriber something in return for giving you their email address. In other words, the customer is now getting something from you and in exchange, you have their email address to market to them. Before I continue, let me explain that not everyone will stay; people will get the coupon and then unsubscribe. But, the same as people aren’t likely to do something if there is no gain for them, they’re probably not going to unsubscribe unless there is a gain for them.

To make this little “trade” work, you need to do two things. First, set up an email collector on your website that says three things. The first, it should say what they’ll be getting. In this case, it’ll be a “25% off any one product” coupon on your website. It can be more specific, less specific, it doesn’t matter. You figure out what you want to give away. The next thing that it should say is what you’ll be sending them in the emails. This can include: special offers, information about upcoming events and other stuff they might find interesting. Finally, at the bottom, include a promise never to spam or sell their email addresses. This puts people at ease and will likely increase the subscription rate.

With the collection form set up, the next thing to do is set up an autoresponder. When the person subscribes and confirms their subscription—an important step for some list collecting companies—you want them to get the coupon immediately. However, you can’t sit by your computer all day sending an email with the coupon. That’s where the autoresponder comes into play. Set up a basic autoresponse that is sent to them when they confirm that welcomes them to the newsletter, includes the coupon, but also includes links to your Facebook, Twitter and other social networking accounts. This first email will be the beginning to you networking with them and that’s how you will increase your business even more.

With that single coupon, two things might happen. The first is that you get their email account. The second is that you might get a sale from that coupon. But, even if you don’t, what you have gained is the person’s email which you can then market to. If, for example, during next year’s holiday season, you’re having a huge sale, this list will come in handy. You send out a blast saying it’s 75% off whatever and all those people will come.

Some people think of the email list as an ATM. If they want money, they just send out an offer in the list. Instead, think of it as a marketing tool. It’s another way to get your message across. If you have a coupon, send it out. But, don’t spam them and don’t treat it like an ATM. While it might work for a while, if people get annoyed, they’ll unsubscribe.

Email marketing is a fantastic tool at getting people to purchase from your site. And, since you can offer coupons whenever you want, it’s a great way to get people to subscribe. Utilizing it will help see your online business grow month after month and year after year.

How to view Conversations in Seesmic Desktop

admin — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 02:24:22 +0000

Seesmic is among the most popular desktop clients for Twitter. If you are a voracious Twitter user, a good desktop client is a must for your daily use to keep up with the most important updates. Seesmic is a very powerful Twitter application and it lets you see your updates, direct messages and mentions on separate columns. But as nothing is perfect, the Seesmic’s desktop client for Windows is also no different. One thing that I miss on Seesmic Desktop is its inability to open conversations view. But if you want to have this functionality, there’s a cool plugin for it.

The Conversation View plugin for Seesmic lets you view your Twitter conversations with another Twitter user. Installing the plugin is quite easy. On the Marketplace column, click on the Search tab and search for “Conversation View”. You will see the app in the list. Click on it and Install it in the next step. You will be required to restart Seesmic once the installation is complete.

You will need to authorize the app for Twitter, just as you authorize Seesmic before using it. Now click on the Settings button at the bottom left corner and then click on the Plugins tab. Click on Conversation View and go through the process of authorizing it. Once you obtain the token and enter it in the settings for Conversation view, you are ready to roll.

Now right click on any Tweet that is a part of a twitter conversation and click on View Conversation. If the tweet is a part of a conversation, you will see the conversation view of the tweets in a new column. Thus View Conversation can be very handy if you want to view Ttwitter conversations on Seesmic Desktop.

What to expect from Apple iPad 3?

Divya Rawat — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 14:52:35 +0000

With high expectations for the launch of Apple’s iPad 3 going on in the tech world since March 2011 when tech pundits hinted on an early released of Apple iPad 3, the world has shifted its focus towards Apple’s head office in California. With rumors that the iPad 3 may be released as early as September 2011, many Apple loyalists and techies have opined on various pros and cons of such an action by Apple. However the same didn’t happen (to the delight of Apple iPad 2 owners) and the release date was again speculated to February 2012.

As you might have noticed, (if you change your calendar regularly) February is almost here and so maybe (fingers crossed) one of these days some guy from Apple inc. may stand in front of a big screen and utter the whole list of mesmerizing features the Apple iPad 3 has got to offer the world. So in anticipation of the coolest gadget ever, (fingers still crossed) let us check what the Apple iPad 3 is rumored (Believe only what you see!) to have.

Following are some features which many tech pundits have hinted which iPad 3 may come with:

Quad-core processor

The iPad 3 is believed to come with the latest A6 processor which will definitely be an ARM based quad-core processor, going by the trends in the market. Also it is said that the same processor will be supplied by Samsung. (Now was the fight between Apple and Samsung a publicity gimmick?)

Retina display

Samsung with its retina display screen boasting of 200-400 ppi in the pipeline is the undisputed king in the tablet display section. However rumors are there that maybe Apple may use Samsung’s Retina display in its iPad 3. Now there is every reason to believe this rumor, as Apple already uses chips manufactured by Samsung. (Remember the A5 dual core chips in the iPhone 4)

4G compatibility

It is believed that the iPad 3 may support LTE which is a mobile communication standard for 4G services. Cnet.com has even reported that Apple may use Qualcomm 4G LTE Gobi 4000 chip for 4G support. Indeed a good news (or rumor) for Apple fans.

SD card

Many Apple fans were left disappointed when the Apple iPad 2 was released and despite much speculation on the same, there was no SD card slot integrated with it. The same however may be considered with the Apple iPad 3 however the chances are slim as Apple usually doesn’t provide any external memory capabilities and goes with the standard inbuilt memory format of 16GB, 32Gb and 64GB.

Gesture control

Well, with the Siri application in Apple iPhone 4S revolutionizing the way we use smart phones, maybe the Apple iPad will come with some better application with the Apple iPad 3, maybe a gesture controlled application!

More storage

The Apple iPad 3 is expected to deviate from the standard 16/32/64 GB storage capacity format and may include a higher 128 MB storage option.

Carbon fiber enclosure for iPad 3

Kevin Kenney was recently hired by Apple. Now according to the sources, he was a Senior Composites Engineer and his expertise is on carbon fiber. Does it ring any bell? Maybe the new iPad will be made with carbon fiber enclosures. This will definitely help in reducing the weight of the device and at the same time provide sturdiness.

USB port and flash support

Apple fans have always asked for a USB port for connecting various devices directly to the iPad. Also no flash support for viewing sites like youtube has always pestered the iPad users. Hope that the men at Apple have listened to their prayers this time and have included these features in the iPad 3.

With more and more tablets rolling in the market every second, it will be interesting to see how the iPad 3 will be able to continue or over the success of its predecessors. However with the ever increasing number of Apple fans there is not much doubt that the iPad 3 will definitely be the most wanted gadget in the year 2012.

MSN Visualizer – A visually appealing music showcase

admin — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 02:21:48 +0000

Ever wanted to enjoy music while watching beautiful handpicked pictures? MSN Visualizer, does just that for you. It is a music showcase app developed by Swiss design house Hinderling Volkart. The app pulls pictures from Flickr and song lyrics to render music videos for a group of tracks. The lyrics for the songs are shown on the screen word by word and they sync perfectly with the song. MSN visualizer is much similar to the Metro UI found on Windows phone. Each word of a song appears in their own tiles while the window automatically scrolls down to the subsequent page of the lyrics. The tiles produce words from the lyrics as we move the mouse over them. The image is pulled from Flickr in a random manner. So, you will get a different image, each time you fire up a new song. The portions of the image also occupy the tiles on the screen.

The application currently features songs from Ninja Tune Label. You can also setup your own message that will be added to the music. It would have been great if the app let you save the music along with the animated live tiles as a video. All in all, MSN Visualizer is a great app to play with for audiophiles of all kinds.

Five Tips to Get the Best Plasma TV

admin — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 15:53:38 +0000

It is not without reasons that many people want to have plasma TV for their home entertainment. Well, in case that you need some justifications to follow some people who have their own plasma TV, here are some reasons that you need to know. First, plasma TV has a great picture quality. There are various colors that can be displayed by each individual pixel of plasma TV. This makes the images very vivid and lively. Second, plasma TV does not take large space. Instead, with only less than six inches deep, you can just hang it on a wall. Third, plasma TV is very flexible, for it can display from standard TV display, Blue Ray, gaming images, to HDTV. So, why should spend your relaxing time watching your old TV if you can have a more vivid entertainment with a plasma TV?

There are various models and types of plasma TV available on the market today. With that wide array of option, choosing the best one should become many people’s problem. Five tips bellow may be useful when you want to buy plasma TV.

1. Choose Proper Screen Size

Consider the space between the audience and where the TV plasma is placed. Remember, you do not want to damage your eyes by watching your TV too close. For your preference, at least there is 8-inched space between the audience and a 37-inched plasma screen, and there is at least 15-inched space for a 50-inched plasma screen.

2. Make Proper Connections

Choose plasma TV with some outlets you need for devices you need. For example, you may want plasma TV with HD multimedia interface, S-video, A/V jacks, video players, etc.

3. Plasma TV with HDTV

Find plasma TV with HDTV availability. For this, at least it should have 720 wide pixels. For example, 1024×768 plasma screen is high definition, because the width has 760 pixels.

4. Mounting Plasma TV

Mounting plasma TV can be done in some ways. It depends on your space availability. For example, with limited space, you can mount plasma TV flat against wall. Or, with little more space, you may want to mount your plasma TV on a stand.

5. Enjoy the Fun

After choosing your plasma TV and install it on your lazy room, just sit down and have some fun!

Tips for Setting up a Server Room

Batman on Google Maps

admin — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 15:45:03 +0000

Google Maps is by far the most popular maps application on the web. But besides regular maps, you must have come across lots of interesting stuff on Google Maps. You must have seen bizarre and funny people or some interesting places on Google Maps. But how about a Batman signal on Google Maps? See the map screenshot below.

This is a place somewhere in Japan. If you want to see it on Google Maps, search for “26.357865.127.283782” or simply follow this link. The place clearly shows a batman logo that we all are familiar of.

How to easily add your app to your page on Facebook

admin — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 15:03:34 +0000

You must be familiar with beautiful landing pages on Facebook. A lot of companies these days have set a default landing page for their Facebook like page that looks beautiful and in most of the cases, very interactive too. You can also create a Facebook landing page by creating a HTML page on a directory within a website and then embed it to a canvas on Facebook. You can then add the canvas to a fan page on Facebook where it appears as a separate tab. If you are a Facebook developer, you must have noticed that recently, the option for adding a canvas to a page on Facebook has disappeared. But don’t worry, there’s a neat little trick for adding a canvas to any Facebook page, even if the option for adding it is missing on the interface.

The option previously used to appear on the Canvas Settings page for an app. You could then add it to any of the pages you admin by going to View App profile page and then to “Add to my page”. But now, the option is completely missing. However, you can do it with a direct link

http://www.facebook.com/add.php?api_key=[your-app-ID]&pages=1
You can find your API key by opening the app settings from Facebook developers page. Replace the your-app-ID above with the app ID you just copied and follow the link. You will see options for adding the app or the canvas to your pages.

This enables you to add any app to a page you admin, even if the option isn’t available in the Facebook Developers section.

Tech Tips

Reasons to Invest in Good Content

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Best Educational Apps for the iPad

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The biggest competitors: Android and Apple

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What to expect from Apple iPad 3?

Quad-core processor

Retina display

4G compatibility

SD card

Gesture control

More storage

Carbon fiber enclosure for iPad 3

USB port and flash support

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MSN Visualizer – A visually appealing music showcase

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Five Tips to Get the Best Plasma TV

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Batman on Google Maps

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How to easily add your app to your page on Facebook

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