Can a smartphone replace your other devices? or even your wallet?

Tweet

The Pew Internet Project recently reported that 35% of American adults own smartphones.  In another survey by Prosper Mobile Insights, the smartphone and tablet users surveyed reported that they used their smartphone or tablet to replace these devices/services:

• Alarm Clock: 61.1% 
• GPS: 52.3% 
• Digital camera: 44.3% 
• Personal planner: 41.6% 
• Landline phone: 40.3% 
• MP3 Player: 37.6% 
• Video Camera: 34.2% 
• Newspaper: 28.2% 
• Radio: 27.5% 
• Desktop/Laptop Computer: 24.2% 
• Gaming device: 20.8% 
• Books: 20.1% 
• Internet service at home: 19.5% 
• DVD Player: 14.1%

57.7% of respondents said they would be somewhat or very comfortable using their device to make a purchase in a store.  22.8% are unsure while 19.5% would be not at all or not very comfortable using this new “swipe technology.”  

See the summary of the survey findings here.  Download the full report of the mobile survey here.

Did your smartphone come in handy during your summer vacation?

Tweet

Did you find your that your smartphone came in handy during your summer vacation?  Any plans to have a last-minute vacation over the Labor Day weekend?  Of course, apps like Google Maps and mobile GPS are useful when navigating your way to/from and around a new city, but there are tons of other useful apps that we've been hearing about, check out the links below for app downloads for your next vacation (yes, we're already thinking that far ahead!):

 

• Break Down the Language Barrier Using A Mobile Phone

• Tech Talk Podcast: Vacation Apps

• 10 Best iPhone Apps For Vacationers

•  

  12 Terrific Tips for Taking Tech on Vacation  -  well 11 really, the starter pistol suggestion is a bit extreme!!

• The Best Summer Apps

 

Follow the links below to find apps to download for your kids during your next vacation:

 

• iPhone/iPad: The Best iPhone apps for kids, 25 iPhone apps for kids, PBS on iPhone/iPad
• Android
• Windowns Phone 7
• BlackBerry

Productivity tips and tools for telecommuters, freelancers and businesstravelers

Tweet

Telecommuters, freelancers and business travelers, we found some great tips from Fast Company and Work Awesome to help you maintain productivity while away from your office.

Some of the recommendations include:

• A laptop loaded with all the appropriate software for your business needs.
• Internet access using your home's internet service provider (be sure you have adequate bandwidth for up/downloading files), Wi-fi (if you are working in an airport or maybe a local Starbuck's) or an aircard/wireless modem device (some cell phones can provide this type of internet access).
• Secure your laptop and your web browser with different passwords - particularly if you are working in public places.
• A smartphone - for quick access to emails, calendars and your address book.  You can also download apps to help you track your time and productivity.
• Store documents in the "cloud" by saving to Google Docs.  Google Docs also allows for collaborative editing with co-workers/clients.
• USB drive - for sharing files directly with clients/co-workers or for those times when you don't have web access.
• For teleconferencing, you might want to consider setting up a Skype account (your company may already have a teleconferencing service provider).  You might also want to invest in a microphone and possibly a webcam.

Follow the links to read the Fast Company and Work Awesome articles in full.  Here are some other great tips we found:

• Microsoft at work - Telecommuting tools: Tips for working from home
• Microsoft Tracks Telework Trends, Ranks Top Cities for Home Workers
• 5 Productivity Tools for the Busy Freelancer
• Work from a Coworking Center for an Affordable Office Environment
• Work Smart: Must-Have Mobile Apps for the Road Warrior
• Working from Home? How to Stay Sane
• Visit the Telecommute News website for more tips, resources and suggestions on productive telecommuting.

SECURITY: More on data theft / breaches

Tweet

A few weeks ago, we gave you tips on how to protect your company's data from theft.  To learn more about the cost of data theft and other types of data breaches, read CNet's review of the 2010 Annual Study: U.S. Cost of a Data Breach which revealed that negligence is the cause of most data breaches. 

In December, we also blogged about smartphones being susceptible to viruses and malware.  With the increasing use of smartphones for business, poor mobile security is a key threat to the security of a company's valuable data.  A study conducted by research firm Canalys' study found that many businesses were not doing enough to protect their mobile phones, read more about the study here. 

Are you a business owner?  If so, is your company taking the appropriate measures to secure data?

Your smartphone is not immune to viruses and other malware!

Tweet

We appreciate the convenience of browsing the web and web-based applications on our smartphones but often don't think that these devices are susceptible to viruses and other malware, just like our PC's.  Check out Black Enterprise's 8 Ways to Protect Your Smartphone from Viruses for tips on how to keep your smartphone (and all the personal and private information you have stored on the phone!) safe.