Category: Small Biz Applications

Request DropBox Files From Anyone with AirDropper

by BrothaTech

If you don’t already know by now, I’m a fan of the DropBox cloud storage app/service that allows me to store files in the cloud AND synchronize my files across ALL my devices. DropBox even allows for sharing files with other DropBox users.

But what if the other person is not a DropBox user? If you want to receive a file to add to your DropBox directory from somebody who is not using DropBox, you have to go through the normal challenge of sending it via email (and praying it’s small enough), or using another download site where you are bombarded with a 5000 eleven ads, and other various un-solicited software to download. Once you get the file, you have to upload it DropBox yourself.

If you use DropBox heavy like me and need a simple way to receive files, check out AirDropper – the neat little service that allows you to receive files and send them directly to DropBox.

It works like this: You go to the AirDropper site and connect it to your DropBox account. Don’t worry, AirDropper does not access your files. It simply creates a secure upload site where the recipient of the site (the person you are requesting the file from) can upload the file you are requesting. Once you enter your email address and recipient’s email address and a brief description of the file, they are sent an email with the site where they upload the file.

Once they upload the file, AirDropper doesn’t send you the file to then upload to DropBox, it is actually uploading the file to your DropBox directory using a special “AirDropper” folder. You just go into the AirDropper folder and do what you want with the file. Once you receive the file, it is synched and made available to all your other devices running DropBox.

No software to download, no special instructions to send, no jumping through hoops to receive/get access to a file. The AirDropper service is currently in beta, so they are currently testing things out. One of the things they are aware of and working on is the ability to upload multiple files instead of just one at a time. One thing they are NOT working on is putting a cap on the size of the file you want to send. On the site, they claim to have sent/receive a 75mb file with hopes of supporting 100mb file transfers. So rest assured, it’s highly likely you will get that PowerPoint presentation you requested. Additionally, AirDropper promises secure file transfers to the tune of industry-standard SSL encryption at each stage of the request process. Once the file is sent, AirDropper does not store/archive any files. What you see in DropBox is the only copy out there!

I did mention it’s free (for now) to use AirDropper right?

If you are using DropBox, try them out and send feedback so those guys (and gals I’m assuming) can get out of beta and provide their hardcore users (I plan to be one) with a nice, smooth, and simple AirDropper service to receive files directly to DropBox.

Dropbox + DocsToGo = Match Made in Mobile Productivity Heaven

by BrothaTech

Most of time when I need to do something with an invoice, I am sitting in front of The Precious my laptop, so it never dawned on me that I may be out and about and need to make a quick change on my iPad or my BlackBerry (still waiting to see if Apple will fix the “death grip”). So last night I messed around with opening up a document, editing it and sending it out in an email or saving it for later all on my iPad.

It didn’t take me very long to find the right combination. I am already experimenting with keeping all of my business documents stored in the cloud with Dropbox so I can access all my files no matter what device I am using…and yes, I back it up offline. But that [Dropbox] is mainly for accessing, sharing, and backing up files. The missing link was finding the right app that allowed me to edit files found in my Dropbox, and saving them back to their current locations or emailing them to a potential client. So, I looked on Dropbox’s site to find a list of “friendlies” that worked with Dropbox, and boom, DocsToGo was on the list.

If you are not familiar with DocsToGo, they have been in the mobile documents game for a minute. Since the evolution of smart phones, DocsToGo has given mobile users the ability to open, edit and share documents via many mobile devices.

The cool thing about the DropBox/DocsToGo combination is you can skip the whole “download a document first, then open up an app that can access the file you downloaded, then open up the document, then edit the document, save it, then open up your email client, then find the new document, then send it.” If I am just looking at a document in and decide “hey I need to change something”, I can simply click the “Open With” button and DocsToGo (if installed and configured) will open the document so I can make the changes. When I am done and ready to save, I can save it right to Dropbox. If I want to share the document, DocsToGo will immediately open up my email client to send.

I am a neat freak when it comes to documents. So the ability to keep all my documents in Dropbox, and use DocsToGo, regardless of the device, to open, edit, and share my documents is a must. With DocsToGo and Dropbox, keeping all my files in sync with the many devices I use, in addition to editing and sharing those documents regardless of what device I use, is a match made in mobile productivity heaven.

Now If I only could print the darn thing…

If you have any suggestions or know of any other combinations out there, drop in and leave a comment to let us know what works best for you?

Create the Android App You Need with App Inventor

by BrothaTech

Unlike Apple, where all iPhone mobile apps can be found in their App Store, if you own an Android phone, then you know searching for that perfect app that aids your productivity can be tedious. Since Android is an open platform software, anybody can create and distribute apps from anywhere, which adds to the problem of out of the 50,000 apps in the Android Market alone, where do you find the one that will work for you and your business?

Here’s an idea, why not make your own Android App? Now when I hear a question like that, the first thing (the only thing actually) that pops into my head is “I don’t know anything about coding, programming, or application development.”

Now I am pretty sure there are others who feel the same way, and Google wants to address people like us with their new App Inventor for Android project that might just start your mobile business application motor turning. due to the fact that using App Inventor requires NO programming knowledge. Instead of creating code from scratch, you are taking pieces (Inventor calls them blocks) of functions and mashing them together visually to create a full functioning app. Sounds simple right? Below is a video of App Inventor in action

WHATEVER your Android phone can do, Inventor has a block for it, which you can assemble with other blocks to make your own app. Now of course, if you do know a thing or two about mobile app development, then you can take Inventor to the next level and crank out some serious apps. But the purpose behind App Inventor is to turn technology consumers into technology creators (and you should know by now how this site’s owner feels about that)

Mario’s “beef” ties right into Google’s idea behind the App Inventor Project:

“The educational perspective that motivates App Inventor holds that programming can be a vehicle for engaging powerful ideas through active learning. As such, it is part of an ongoing movement in computers and education that began with the work of Seymour Papert and the MIT Logo Group in the 1960s.”

So before you start digging through the Android Market and/or scouring the net looking for an app that will pull all of your business financial statement emails, print them to PDF, and save them on your phone, think about creating it first with the Android App Inventor by Google Labs.

*Maybe I should have patented and trademarked that idea before I said it*

HTC Aria smartphone with Android is a sharp tool for small business!

by Mario Armstrong
HTC Aria phone on AT&T

For the past few weeks I’ve been testing out the new HTC Aria. I was more anxious than the LeBron James NBA decision to get my grimy hands on the phone! Reason for my excitement? I really like the Android mobile operating system and because the search still continues for the phone that can have that “iPhone” impact.

I gotta tell ya, I’m REALLY loving the HTC Aria & as of right now it is a smartphone that gives a beautiful user-experience and some awesome features. To me it’s a great alternative to the iPhone and shows the most competition to the iPhone. The HTC Aria is a serious competitor and brings some great diversity to the smartphone arena. Its 4 inches long, which is a tad smaller than the iPhone and is lightweight at 4 ounces. I love that it has both, a touch screen and a joystick which gives you more options to navigate the phone. The screen is 3.2 inches and is very crisp with color! The camera on the HTC Aria enables you to shoot video or 5-megapixel stills-one bonus I like about the camera is that you can touch anywhere on the screen to take the photo, most phones force you to click a specific button or touch a very specific area on the phone screen to take the photo. The HTC Aria also uses an integrated GPS, a digital compass, light sensor and has a microSD card slot for memory storage.

One of the features of the HTC Aria that I also like is called “Scenes” this gives you the ability to have your phone customized with certain on-screen apps and dashboard programs called widgets depending on your selection. I have a scene for travelling which changes my desktop and other screens to be customized with all my needed travel apps etc… OR I can change it to my “Work” scene and all the screens and apps will chnage to reflect my productivity and business-related apps. This ability to have quick-changing personalization is awesome! The phone costs $129.99 on a two-year contract (after $100 mail-in rebate, of course).

Here’s my HTC Aria video overview, take a peek:

Get more scoop and details on the HTC Aria phone!

Join WebEx Meetings From Your Smartphone…Then “Handoff” To Your PC

by BrothaTech

Most small business owners I know are road warriors – always on the go looking for the next opportunity. That leaves a very small amount of time to sit in an office knee deep in meetings. As a result, the ability to conduct or attend a meeting while mobile is essential to staying on top of all that’s going on.

But merely dialing in and listening to others while they “ohh” and “ahh” over eye-catching, color-filled slides and screenshots of fascinating accounting figures isn’t enough for your typical jet-setting entrepreneur who needs to be included in all aspects of the meeting.

One of the most well-known web conferencing services that has recognized the need for people to attend meetings on the go via a smartphone is Cisco Webex. Download the WebEx App and via your iPhone or BlackBerry mobile device (other smartphone users can join meetings via mobile web browser), users can attend meetings and communicate/collaborate with other attendees with the same type of functionality of your typical desktop or laptop WebEx meeting.

The cool thing about the WebEx app is if you are attending a meeting en route to your office and want to continue the meeting on your desktop or laptop computer, with the flick of your wrist, you can “handoff” the meeting from your iPhone to your computer without interrupting your current session. No logging out of the meeting on your iPhone, just to look through your email inbox to find the link to the meeting and log back in hoping you didn’t miss any of those entertaining sales projections!

So if you are one of those road warriors who needs a more interactive way to attend meetings via your mobile device, check out the Cisco WebEx Mobile app …because we all know you wouldn’t dare miss all those presentation slides!

[/sarcasm]

Get To Your Files Locked Up On Your PC with iTap RDP

by BrothaTech

Yeah, we have all heard about cloud computing where you can store all your files “in the cloud” to access them anywhere at anytime. But we all know the ONE TIME you forget to sync up or upload that document to your online storage, is the one time you will need to refer to it while on the go.

Traditionally, before the cloud, folks would use the tried and true Remote Desktop function as a last ditch effort to get to that file located up on your computer. Even still, you needed another computer to access your files stored on a computer at home or in the office. We all know that it is all about smartphones now, so wouldn’t it be nice to Remote into your desktop or laptop and get to that one file using your smartphone?

Enter iTap Mobile RDP available for all Apple iPod touch, iPhone, or iPad mobile devices running iOS 2.1 or later that gives Windows users the ability to remote access their PC and tackle many of the remote functions they are used to when logging into their PC using another computer.

Using the same convenient gestures as iTap touchpad, iTap puts you in full control over your desktop. Whether you need to scroll, drag and drop, or just right-click, you can perform all your tasks without having extra buttons or bars cluttering up you screen.

The built-in keyboard features all the keys and modifiers found on a traditional PC keyboard. Additionally it has full support for international languages, including eastern asian input methods.

In other words, with iTap, you know can remotely access your computer via mobile device and without much fuss, browse, navigate, and control your computer using your Apple mobile device. So if you absolutely NEED that document that you forgot to dump into your DropBox folder, you can access the file via iTap, and email it your yourself…or better yet, drop it in your DropBox folder from your computer via iTap for instant access without waiting for an email. Now at 12 bucks, this is pricey for a mobile app, but for accessibility like this, it might be well worth the price tag.

My only issue with the app is that it’s only for Apple mobile devices and only for Windows computers (yes, there are some people who haven’t completely converted). Not sure if iTap has plans for additional mobile devices and Mac Access, But i’m pretty sure there are similar apps that can handle your specific smartphone/computer configuration. Check out Xtralogic Remote Desktop Client for Android phones to name a few.

So if you haven’t quite got a handle on the cloud storage trend, or just need to make sure your can spring that document from its ‘desktop jail’ without too much fuss, you might want to try out iTap RDP

The Most Fun Eye Candy in the iTunes App Store – Uzu [Appsauce] 4th of July Edition

by Song

Uzu bills itself as a “kinetic multitouch particule visualizer” which translates into really fun frickin’ fun interactive light show. By touching it with your hands you can freeze, move, contort, and change an explosion of multicolored lights through up to 10 points of contact. It doesn’t serve any practical purpose, but it’s probably the neatest app in the iTunes store right now that any iPad owner will use to show off the device’s “cool” factor.

From Uzumotion:

Points of light will shoot across the screen and fly to your command, twirling in a vortex of color and motion. Freeze and move Uzu in 3d space while contorting spirographic curves with your fingers. Uzu lets you quickly switch between 10 different modes of real-time animation by simply changing the number of touches you’re using. You can spend countless hours discovering the many unique ways of playing and interacting with Uzu.

Uzu is very happy when multiple people touch it. Uzu loves parties, children, music, cats, and pubs – although not necessarily in that order. Uzu has many plans for the future, but Uzu would like to hang out with you now if that’s cool.

It’s easier to see it in action than to describe it, so here’s a video from the creator. Althought it’s for the iPhone OS, right now it’s only available on the iPad in the iTunes store and is currently free for the July 4th weekend.

Trendspotting: Mobile apps that sync with their Desktop counterparts

by Sam Aparicio

One of the defining characteristics of modern office life is that we divide our work and attention between the big screen (our computers) and the small screen (our mobile phones). Smart application developers have spotted this trend and designed their software to better support this workflow.

The critical feature that you should look for when evaluating these apps is how well they keep your information and configuration in sync between the two screens. Applications that excel at that will allow you to seamlessly switch screens and waste no time getting your work done. You should be able to enter items in the mobile app and see them in the desktop app, check items in the desktop app and have the new state reflected in the mobile app.

Here are 3 fantastic applications that exemplify this new development approach:

Twitter client: Tweetdeck

TweetDeck desktop
The TweetDeck Desktop app

TweetDeck is a client for social networks such as Twitter, Facebook and Google Buzz. TweetDeck is ultra-configurable and the tool of choice for a lot of social marketing experts, who use it to monitor and engage customers in discussions about products and services.

TweetDeck uses an online account that you can sign up for from the client to save all your configuration, primarily what columns and saved searches you want to see.

Then, you can configure your mobile app with those same views, columns and searches.

TweetDeck for iPhone
TweetDeck for iPhone

It’s easy to turn Twitter into a time-waster and productivity sink, but used with good criteria, it can turn into a powerful marketing tool. The trick is to make Twitter an integral part of your marketing diet… and encourage employees to engage customers online.

To-list management GTD-style: OmniFocus

OmniGroup produces some of the finest Mac software. They have great attention to detail and OmniFocus is a paramount example. Omnifocus is a power tool for well organized people. It allows you to track all your to-dos and projects using the Getting Things Done methodology popularized by David Allen and idolized by geeks worldwide.

The OmniFocus for Mac application allows you to capture to-dos from any of your Mac apps, organize them into projects and lists by dragging and dropping, reviewing them on a regular basis and prioritizing them according to a number of criteria such as how long they take to complete, their dependencies and much more.

The big payoff of having a well structured task management system like GTD is that it relieves you of the stress of worrying about all the things that you have to do and helps you focus on what you can actually do right now, with the time and energy that you have available.

For this system to work, to get todos out of your mind and into your GTD system, you need to be able to enter them whenever they occur to you, and your iPhone is a perfect device to do that, as you probably carry it with you most of the time.

OmniFocus for Mac
OmniFocus for Mac

OmniFocus can sync your tasks between your Mac and your iPhone in a number of ways, but the two most useful are:

OmniFocus for iPhone
OmniFocus for iPhone
  • Syncing via your wifi… whenever your iPhone is roaming in the same wifi as your Mac both versions of the program find each other via Bonjour technology and exchange the latest tasks.
  • Syncing over the Internet… if you sign up for the wonderfully simple and powerful Spootnik service, you can sync via their servers… with the added benefit that you can sync with Basecamp, a project management service. Using Basecamp, Spootnik and OmniFocus you can set up a company wide GTD system… an incredible productivity tool worth a future post

Virtual PBX and Contact Sharing software: Ringio

Let’s say that you want to increase the chances that when somebody calls your business phone number, or the cell phone of one of your employees that you will know who they are, how to greet them, who they’ve talked to before and what they want.

For that to happen you are going to need a call collaboration solution that will help you get those phone calls routed to the right person in the right department, and that will enable each user to share their online address books and call histories.

You’re also going to need some sort of screen pops that allow you to see the information about them in the context of the phone call.

That, in a nutshell, is what Ringio does.

The Ringio Desktop software sits neatly on your Windows, Mac or Linux computer and gives you all this info at your fingertips. When a call comes in, you get a screen pop on your computer and then you can decide to take the call or send it to somebody else. Ringio will then log that phone call.

Ringio Desktop software
Ringio Desktop software
Ringio Mobile for Android
Ringio Mobile for Android

Ringio is a great example of a new generation of applications that takes syncing one step further. Not only does it sync between the desktop and the Android mobile app, it syncs between users in the same company and between the Ringio service and online address books such as Google Contacts / Gmail.

In conclusion

Over the next few years we will see an emerging super-class of mobile apps that is very much aware of all your data, whether it sits on your computer, your mobile or the internet, and will be able to help you stay productive and informed.

Let “Lookout” App Watch Over Your Mobile Data

by BrothaTech

What can happen when you download software…A Virus right? This idea is (or at least should be) at the forefront of your mind when you download anything to your desktop of laptop computer.

My guess is that for mobile app downloads, most folks throw caution to the wind and download away without even thinking about the possibility of getting a virus that could potentially damage any and all information stored on your device.

Truth of the matter is, smartphone usage has climbed astronomically in recent years. With that growth comes the possibility for lost/corrupt data, or a lost device altogether! So it would make sense for any user that relies on their smartphone for any task to invest in a good data backup/retrieval service.

The company Lookout hopes to aid those who want to make sure their smartphone data is safe from virus, spyware and malware attacks. The trick to Lookout’s web-based, cloud-connected service is that it doesn’t just backup your data in the event that you do get a virus; Lookout acts as a virus protector much like security software downloaded to a computer by identifying and blocking threats on a user’s phone. The Lookout app also includes a service that has helped users retrieve over 130,000 lost or stolen phones.

Currently the app is free to download to all BlackBerry, Windows Mobile, and Android devices (Sorry iPhone folks!). So do yourself a favor, quickly browse over all the photos, contacts/clients/customers, documents, music, and any other pertinent and important information. My guess is you wouldn’t want to lose any of it to a hacker, virus, malware or spyware. Yes, you now have to protect your smartphone from these threats, so it would behoove you to head on over to Lookout and find out how you can lock down your phone…for free!

Join Web Conferences Easily with the GoToMeeting iPad App [appsauce]

by Song

Video conferencing sounds sexy, but it will be a while before the new iPhone makes it accessible enough to be a part of everyday life. As a small business owner, maybe it makes more sense to focus on things that will help you sell your product. GoToMeeting is a web conferencing tool that makes it easy to set up and lead web-based presentations or product demonstrations in a matter of minutes. Attendees watch in real-time on their computers what the meeting leader is demonstrating on their computer and GoToMeeting makes it simple to set-up appointments through Microsoft Outlook containing info like a link to sign into the meeting and a number for a group phone call.

They’ve recently released a free app for the iPad, so you can join a meeting at no cost. The iPad version is very nice as it allows you, somewhat out of necessity, to use the tablet’s built-in speakers and mic to talk in a meeting without having to use your hands to hold a phone. Another nice feature is the ability to pinch-in to zoom on content so you can get a clear view of what’s on the meeting organizer’s screen. Click below to get a quick video demonstration of the iPad app.

Download the GoToMeeting app for the iPad.