ARE YOU PART OF THE NEW MOBILE WORLD?
We are all spending more and more time on the road, whether for business or pleasure. The operative word now is “Mobile.” Are you ready? To be a true “road warrior,” you must be able to:
– Select a mobile device (iPhone, Android, Blackberry, iPad, etc.) based on your needs.
– Choose the right provider (Verizon. AT&T, Sprint, etc.)
– Understand the differences between “data” and phone plans.
– Understand the rules for accessing the internet while traveling.
– Use mobile apps for travel sites (hotels, flights, etc.) as well as information such as restaurants, weather, news, movies, online banking, stocks, etc.
– Control your telephone costs.
– Manage your e-mails.
– Text messaging.
– Access your contacts.
– Maintain your calendar.
– Set up reminders.
– Access your critical files.
– Store important personal information such as medications, emergency contacts, passwords, etc.
– Watch movies.
According to the most recent report issued by Ericsson, the number of worldwide mobile subscribers in 2011 was 6 billion. Within the next five years, the number will grow to close to 9 billion.
The population of the United states is 315 million. There are over 325 million cell phones in use in the US. Smartphones (iPhones, Androids, Blackberries, etc) now represent over 50% of all mobile phone sales.
I can make you a true “road warrior.” To set up a free consultation, I can be reached by phone at 917-921-4518 or by e-mail at jblue@bluetutor.com.
ARE YOU CONFUSED BY AT&T’S PLAN TO REDUCE YOUR DATA SPEED?
On the front page of Friday’s Wall Street Journal, http://on.wsj.com/wlmlws, AT&T announced their latest attempt to control their costs for providing broadband services. They are planning to reduce the speed of your data service on your mobile device once you have surpassed your monthly purchased data limit.
With the growing popularity of mobile devices (smartphones such as the iPhone and the Android) as well as the iPad, the appetite for broadband services has surged. Last year, over 50% of all cell phone purchases were smartphones, whether new users or upgrades.
Most consumers don’t understand their data plans. Cell providers (AT&T, Verizon, etc.) offer “tiered data plans” based on data usage. What this means is that it is important to know your data usage and determine which plan is right for you. This information is available by simply contacting your provider. Streaming video from sites like Netflix will use up a lot of your data allotment.
The problem with this program is that, as their customer, you are being penalized for their inability to keep up with the demand for broadband services. Why not make sure their customers understand their data plans and make sure that they are subscribing to a program based on their usage? This is done for your calling plans without the risk of diminishing service once you have surpassed your purchased minutes.
Let’s hope that their competitors don’t follow this strategy. I called my provider, found out my average monthly usage and purchased a plan that was right for me. I suggest you do the same.
If you need help understanding your data plan, do not hesitate to contact me at 917 921-4518 or by e-mail at jblue@bluetutor.com. Feel free to click here to receive my free white paper on Technology Tips on setting up a home office and becoming a true road warrior.
WHAT TOOLS DO YOU NEED TO COMPETE IN THE DIGITAL AGE?
This century will clearly be remembered as The Age of Technology. Wireless technology permits us to communicate with friends, family and business associates instantaneously, regardless of location. Information is no more than a key stroke away, whether from your computer or mobile device. Skills acquired in the past century alone put you on the wrong side of the Great Digital Divide. Today’s younger generation, having grown up in the digital world, is well positioned to push baby boomers and seniors aside as they enter the job market.
How are your basic computer skills? Whether you use technology for strictly personal use or for professional purposes, you will need the right tools to take advantage of the many changes that have occurred in the worlds of communication and information gathering.
The following are some basic questions you should be asking yourself.
– Whether you use your home based computer for personal or professional purposes, are you comfortable with the software applications you are using?
– Are you able to write, format and properly file documents?
– How about sending and receiving attachments?
– Do you know what updates are important?
– Do you have an active anti-virus program?
– Do you have a backup program?
– Is your wireless network secure?
– Do you have the right cell phone provider for your location?
– Have you upgraded to a smartphone? (iPhone, Android, or blackberry)
– Are you using any cloud based services?
We are living in a mobile world. Within the next 2-3 years, over 50% of Internet access will be done through a mobile device. Are you ready?
If you or someone you know needs help crossing the “Great Digital Divide,” or any other technology issues, do not hesitate to contact me at 917 921-4518 or by e-mail at jblue@bluetutor.com. Feel free to click here to receive my free white paper on Technology Tips on setting up a home office and becoming a true road warrior.
WHY YOU NEED TO EMBRACE TECHNOLOGY
A recent article in the Wall Street Journal http://on.wsj.com/Aqb8dW envisions “The Coming Tech-led Boom.” If the past century produced the Industrial Revolution, this century clearly will be the age of Technology.
Why? Information is no more than a click away and virtually free. Wireless technology permits us to communicate with someone anywhere in the world instantaneously. Technology has already impacted manufacturing through the introduction of automated systems.
The job market has changed radically. Companies are looking to hire innovators who are able to utilize their knowledge of technology to develop new products and services which will increase productivity. Without basic computer skills, people in career transition, either because of corporate downsizing, looking to start their own business, or re-entering the job market, will find it extremely difficult to be competitive. Skills acquired in the past century alone puts you on the wrong side of the Great Digital Divide. Today’s younger generation, having grown up in the digital world, is well positioned to push baby boomers and seniors aside as they enter the job market.
Does your technology support your efforts, either on a personal or professional level? How good are your basic computer skills? Do you know how to determine what you need to be an effective Road Warrior?
If you or someone you know needs help crossing the “Great Digital Divide,” or any other technology issues, do not hesitate to contact me at 917 921-4518 or by e-mail at jblue@bluetutor.com. Feel free to click here to receive my free white paper on Technology Tips on setting up a home office and becoming a true road warrior.
PLANNING A NEW CAREER IN THE NEW YEAR?
How long have you been thinking about a career change? Is 2012 the year you will finally act and follow your gut? Whether you are stuck in an unrewarding job or just burned out, you are not alone.
Below is a link to an article that appeared in the Wall Street Journal containing portraits of several people who found a “second act” rewarding.
Do you need to brush up on your basic computer skills, require help choosing the right computer or any other technology issues, do not hesitate to contact me at 917 921-4518 or by e-mail at jblue@bluetutor.com.
A TRUE PORTABLE EMERGENCY DEVICE FOR EVERYONE
Several weeks ago, a new product was reviewed in the Wall Street Journal that should be a staple for those of us that have become more mobile, whether it be the frequent business traveler, senior citizen out for a stroll, or anyone, at any age, that spends time out of the home or office.
As quoted in the WSJ, “GreatCall’s 5Star Responder is one of the first truly portable emergency-call devices. It runs on Verizon’s network, giving it coverage anywhere a Verizon phone works. Other emergency-call devices like Medical Alert by LifeStation, work in the home and are geared toward seniors who rarely go out.”
Some of the features of GreatCall’s 5Star Responder include:
– Nationwide coverage that provides you with access to live help 24/7, anywhere wireless coverage is available.
– Agents who, based on GPS technology, identify and locate you, assess your situation and then either contact appropriate personnel or dispatch someone for help.
– In addition to dispatching 9-1-1 emergency services, agents can conference in family and friends, and will stay on the line with you until your situation is resolved.
At this time, you can either purchase the unit through their website, where you can review all its features and pricing, or download an app to your iPhone. The company indicates that an Android app is in the works.
If you don’t have a smartphone where you will be able to download an app, you should consider the stand-alone unit for all family members, parents, children, etc. The monthly service charge is $15 and $9 for each additional members of your family.
If you have any questions about this or other technology issues, do not hesitate to contact me at 917 921-4518 or by e-mail at jblue@bluetutor.com. If you are in career transition, feel free to click here to receive my free white paper on Technology Tips on setting up a home office and becoming a true road warrior.
HERE COMES YET ANOTHER SMARTPHONE
Last week it was the iPhone 4s, and now, the new Motorola Razr. With a new smartphone being introduced almost daily, making the right choice can be a daunting experience. Here is the link to an article in Mashable comparing the best selling models.
While my earlier blog of October 5th, http://bluetutor.com/?p=1008 explains the mobile phone war in greater deal, below is a summary of important facts to consider before buying.
1. Make sure you select the right provider (Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, etc) – Not all providers are created equal. The name of the game is coverage. Are you experiencing dropped calls or poor reception? Check with your neighbors to see which provider works best for them.
2. The three major smartphones are RIM’s Blackberry, Apple’s iPhone, and Google’s Android. They are all different and comfort level means a lot. Not all providers offer the same models. The iPhone is an attractive phone with lots of apps but you better be comfortable with the touch screen. The Android phone’s market share has increased steadily and it offers a choice of using the touch screen or a slide out keyboard while Blackberry’s market share has reduced significantly with the advent of both the iPhone and Android.
3. Once you have decided which provider works best for you, go into a store and play with the available models. Make sure you are comfortable with the weight, size, and screen. Touch screens are handy but not not be right for everyone. If not, you might want a pull out keyboard.
Mobile technology is growing. Within the next couple of years, more people will be accessing the Internet on a mobile device than with a computer. Choose wisely!!
If you have any questions about this or other technology issues, do not hesitate to contact me at 917 921-4518 or by e-mail at jblue@bluetutor.com. If you are in career transition, feel free to click here to receive my free white paper on Technology Tips on setting up a home office and becoming a true road warrior.
IS YOUR NEXT FLIGHT WITH AN AIRLINE OFFERING INTERNET ACCESS?
According to a recent article in the Wall Street Journal, airlines are racing to include Internet access on their flights. By 2013, the expectation is that more than 50% of passenger planes will be equipped with wi-fi. The following is a summary of the current situation and some projections.
1. About a third of all US passenger planes are now offering Internet access
2. Currently, 3 out of the top 4 airlines (American, Delta, and Southwest) offer the service on many of their flights. While United has lagged behind, their expectation is that they will be completing a deal shortly and expect to have all their planes connected within the next couple of years.
3. The services include e-mail and Internet access which, according to a number of surveys, appears to be the greatest interest of most fliers at the present time.
4. As for the future, airlines are expected to offer streaming services such as live news and sports along with movies and TV shows. These services will probably be fee based. This week, Delta starting offering movies ($4.00 each) and TV shows ($1.00) on a limited number of their passenger planes.
As indicated in past blogs, we have become a mobile society, with Internet access available in hotels, coffee shops, airline terminals and now in the air. Isn’t it time for you to make sure you have the right technology to support your needs on both a personal and business level?
If you have any questions about this or other technology issues, do not hesitate to contact me at 917 921-4518 or by e-mail at jblue@bluetutor.com. If you are in career transition, feel free to click here to receive my free white paper on Technology Tips on setting up a home office and becoming a true road warrior.
CONFUSED BY YOUR CELL PHONE BILL?
What is a Tiered Data Plan?
Recently released statistics (as reported by CNN.com) indicate that more than a third of U.S. adults now own smartphones. The Nielsen Company reports that smartphones represent over 50% of all new cell phone purchases.
By definition, a smartphone is any mobile device that combines functions such as telephone, e-mail, Internet access, contact information, and calendar. The three major suppliers of smartphones are Apple’s I-Phone, RIM’s Blackberry, and Google’s Android.
Cell phone providers (Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, etc.) offer a variety of telephone plans based on your usage. While the telephone plans are the same for smartphones, there is an additional charge for “data,” meaning e-mail and Internet access. These charges add an additional $30 and up to your bill.
Several weeks ago, following the lead of its competitors, Verizon ended its “unlimited” data plan and introduced “tiered” pricing. The end of the unlimited era has confused many consumers who do not understand the new pricing structure which is based on the amount of data usage. Verizon now offers monthly plans of $30 for 2GB of data, $50 for 5GB of data and $80 for 10GB of data. Additional fees will apply if you exceed the limits of your plan.
In order to determine what plan is best for you, below is a list of functions that will impact your data usage.
1. Streaming video – Watching video on programs such as YouTube or full length movies on services like Netflix and Hulu on your smartphone or I-Pad.
2. Streaming Audio – While it is OK to play music from your I-Tunes library, using Internet Radio programs such as Pandora eats into your usage (although not as much as video).
3. Navigation systems – Using your smartphone on the road as opposed to an in-car navigation system.
4. Internet Use – Sites with significant amounts of data.
Accessing social media sites such as Facebook will not consume a lot of megabytes. However uploading photos will. Twitter is fine since it deals mainly with small amounts of text. No need to worry about e-mail, since it is basically plain text. However, if you receive attachments with high resolution pictures, your usage will increase.
An alternative to using your cell phone provider’s data service is using Wi-fi wherever it is available, whether that be at home, in your office or a “hotspot.” There are no data limitations with a wi-fi connection.
As for me, I am on the road quite a bit and use my smartphone all day. An analysis of my usage indicates that I am well under 2GB per month, which should be more than sufficient for the average mobile warrior. I suggest you check with your service provider who is able to provide you with an analysis of your usage prior to selecting a pricing package.
If you have any questions about your cell phone situation, want to discuss a possible upgrade, or any other technology issues, give me a call at 917 921-4518 or send an email to jblue@bluetutor.com.
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