Category Archives: Tech Trends

Tech Tony’s Appy Hour: let’s discover (and discuss) what apps you should be using

Hunter_Mason_Logo_pms_Nov2011

We will review the below apps and answer your questions about iPhones, iPads and Android mobile devices. Your host for this session is one of the top real estate technologist alive! Since I am drafting my own biography, let’s just say that I know a few things…

The below list is linked to the App and Play Store. Just click the link on your device and let the magical elves take over from there…

  • Zillow.com Mobile Usage Statistics of Home Buyers [Link]
  • What’s the one thing an agent should NEVER spend money on? Last week, we asked where agents should be spending their money to get ahead. Now we want to know: What’s the one thing agents should avoid spending money on? [Link]
  • How to Use Google Alerts- Google alerts is a service that generates search engine results, based on criteria provided by you, and delivers the results to your e-mail account. This service is useful for many reasons such as monitoring the web for specific information about your company, your kids, your online content’s popularity or your competition. Use it also to keep up to date with new advancements, celebrity gossip or current trends. [Link]
  • What is Postlets? Postlets is a real estate classified listing creation and distribution platform owned and operated by Zillow. Agents, property managers, and landlords, as well as sellers/FSBOers, can create a property listing just once, and we’ll help you distribute it to many of the leading classifieds sites, search, and social media sites. We’ll also host a dedicated landing page on our site and give you additional tools such as widgets and a personal Gallery to help you gain even more exposure. [Link] Example site: 9sunnyfield.com
  • N.A.R. Realtor Action Center app [Link] [iPhone, iPad & Android] – You can be anywhere because the new REALTOR Action Center mobile app contains a host of features to help you VOTE, ACT and INVEST on to go
  • MyScript Calculator (IOS & Android– Free) Easy, simple and intuitive, just write the mathematical expression on the screen then let MyScript technology perform its magic converting symbols and numbers to digital text and delivering the result in real time.  The same experience as writing on paper with the advantages of a digital device (Scratch-outs, results in real time, …). Solve mathematical equations by hand without actually having to crunch the numbers yourself.
  • CamScanner ( IOS & Android– Free & $4.99) Turn any Smartphone into a Scanner with CamScanner for Intelligent Document Management.  CamScanner is an intelligent document management solution for individuals, small businesses, organizations, governments and schools. It is the perfect fit for those who want to scan, sync, share and manage various contents on all devices.The world’s No. 1 mobile document scanning and sharing app today!
  • Pro HDR – Take Pictures Like You Mean It (IOS & Android– $2.99) Automatically create stunning full-resolution HDR images with just a single tap! Pro HDR supports iPhone, iPad, and iPod natively. New version 4.5 now works great on iPhone 5, iPad 4, and iPad Mini!
  • LogMeIn Pro ( IOS & Android– Free $99 per year) – LogMeIn Pro gives you fast, easy remote access to your PC or Mac from your browser, desktop and mobile devices. Premium features like file transfer, file sharing and remote printing help you stay connected and productive wherever you go. As an added benefit, phone support is available for Pro users 24 hours a day, 5 days a week.
  • Lastpass (Desktop, IOS & Android– Free Desktop- $12 per year) Download and setup with LastPass in minutes. Once you’ve created your account, LastPass prompts you to save new sites as you browse – so you’ll never lose another password.  Why should you care?  One major reason… Heartbleed. [Link]
  • Stronger security for your Google Account with 2-Step Verification, you’ll protect your account with both your password and your phone. [Link]
  • Animoto Video Maker (IOS & Android– Free & $30 per year) Turn your camera roll into beautiful, pro-quality videos. Choose some of your favorite photos and video clips, mix them with one of our engaging styles, and pick a soundtrack from our huge library of music. Within moments you’ll have an amazing video to share with everyone! “Supercharged videos more akin to music videos than slideshows.” – The Wall Street Journal
  • A little fun with iMovie– Mason decided to produce a video for a school report on the Santa Barbara Mission. [Link]
  • 5 DNS Services to Block Porn Sites without Installing Software- The Internet is so vast and uncensored that it is capable of plaguing the young minds if the parents do not play their role in making sure that the bad websites are being filtered and blocked. Unlike previous generations where they probably hide their adult magazines under their bed, all they need is a device such as smartphone, tablet or desktop computer with an Internet connection to access the hundreds of thousands freely available porn sites by clicking the “I Agree” button to comply with the displayed conditions. [Link]
  • The Self Family uses OpenDNS- Family Shield- OpenDNS secures the networks used by more than 50 million people to connect to the Internet. Across all continents, in Fortune 50 enterprises and small businesses alike, at one in every three U.S. schools and hundreds of thousands of homes. Our services are smart and lightweight, yet more powerful than anything else available. They require no software or hardware, and can be set up in just minutes, immediately taking effect across all devices that connect to the Internet — tablets, smartphones, even gaming consoles. Ask anyone who’s deployed a network service across an enterprise and they’ll tell you just how revolutionary that is. We’re changing the face of Internet security. [Link]
  • The Future… not an app, but it will change our lives– Just press go: designing a self-driving vehicle [Link]

Hunter_Mason_Logo_pms_Nov2011

Real Estate Tech Trends… Mobile Galore

 

We will review the below apps and answer your questions about iPhones, iPads and Android mobile devices. Your host for this session is one of the top real estate technologist alive! Since I am drafting my own biography, let’s just say that I know a few things…

The below list is linked to the App and Play Store.  Just click the link on your device and let the magical elves take over from there…

  1. Trello- Forget Nothing (IOS & Android– Free & Subscription) Organize anything, together.  Whether you’re managing a team of freelancers, tracking million-dollar sales leads, writing an epic screenplay, or just making a list of stuff to get done, Trello makes sure you’re organized and on top of it all.   Like a whiteboard with super powers, Trello is simple to use and infinitely flexible. You’ll know exactly what needs to get done, who’s going to do it, and what’s coming up next. And, everything you do is synced and saved instantly to Trello.com. Use the web site to stay organized while you’re at your desk, and the app to stay up to date while you’re out and about.  With Trello, you can create boards to organize anything you’re working on. Use them solo, or invite colleagues, friends, and family to work together.
  2. CamCard Free – Business Card Reader (IOS &Android– Free & $8.99) CamCard, read your card, mind your business.  CamCard reads business cards and save instantly to phone Contacts. It syncs all your cards across smartphones, tablets, computers and the web app.  Brand new AR Card feature allows you to better demonstrate yourself, your products and company by adding various contents in text, graphic, video, audio or file formats. It keeps you posted with the latest updates of your partners and help you attract more business opportunities.
  3. (REMOVED FROM APP STORE) SiteGiest – Scary Demographic Information (IOS &Android- Free) Understand and uncover the identity of a location with a tap.  Sitegeist is a mobile application that helps you to learn more about your surroundings in seconds. Drawing on publicly available information, the app presents solid data in a simple at-a-glance format to help you tap into the pulse of your location anywhere in the United States. From demographics on the people and housing to the latest popular spots or weather, Sitegeist presents localized information visually so you can get back to enjoying the neighborhood. Sitegeist was created by the Sunlight Foundation with support from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation and is the third in a series of National Data Apps. 
  4. TED – Educate Your Soul (IOS & Android– Free) Riveting talks by remarkable people, free to the world. The official TED app for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch presents talks from some of the world’s most fascinating people: education radicals, tech geniuses, medical mavericks, business gurus and music legends. Find more than 1,400 TEDTalk videos (with more added each week) on the official TED app — now for both iPad and iPhone.  The entire library is at your fingertips to browse at any time, even when you’re not online. Watch TEDTalks with subtitles in over 90 languages directly on your device through our new video player, or use AirPlay to watch them on your home entertainment system. Curate your own playlist. Download full videos to your device and watch them when you’re offline. Listen to an on-demand playlist of TEDTalks audio at any time.  The TED app updates almost every day with new talks from TED events around the world. Sort the featured library by recency or popularity. Browse talks by tags, themes, or language. Share your favorite talks with your friends. Tell us how much time you have and let us guide you through a delightful playlist.
  5. Built-In Dictation- Yes, The Future is Here (IOS & Android- Free) All IOS and Android software offers an amazing dictation tool that will become your best friend.  Next time your keyboard pops open try using the dictation tool instead- hint… it looks like a microphone and don’t have any screaming babies nearby.
  6. Google Now (Productivity- Free) The powerful Google search app has been upgraded with a powerful function, once reserved exclusively for the Android market. Think of it as ESP for your phone. See helpful cards with information you need throughout your day, before you even ask
  7. PS Express (Photo & Video IOS & Android– Free) ADOBE® PHOTOSHOP® EXPRESS: Edit and share — anywhere. Adobe Photoshop Express software lets you use simple gestures to quickly edit and share photos from your mobile device. Enjoy having your photo and video library right in your hand — without wasting your device’s valuable storage space.
  8. Pro HDR (Marketing IOS & Android– $1.99) The absolute best HD picture app made for both Android and IOS. Transform the way your pictures look and become an expert photographer with the easy to use interface
  9. Find My Friends (Productivity IOS– Free) For finding your way to the party, keeping track of family at a crowded amusement park, or getting picked up at the airport, Find My Friends is your app.
  10. Lumosity Mobile (Education IOS– Free/Membership) Train your memory and attention. Used by over 50 million people worldwide, Lumosity creates a Personalized Training Program that challenges your brain.
  11. Zite (News IOS & Android– Free) Zite is an intelligent magazine that helps you discover interesting things to read.  Your Zite is as unique as you are. Zite learns what you like and gets smarter as you use it. Zite analyzes millions of articles each day and brings you the best of your favorite magazines, newspapers, authors, and blogs.  Zite also helps you discover content that you won’t find elsewhere. We offer over 40,000 topics that bring fresh voices and different perspectives to explore.
  12. Waze (Map IOS & Android– Free) Waze is a fun, community based mapping, traffic & navigation app, 70 million strong. Join forces with other drivers nearby to outsmart traffic, save time & gas money, and improve everyone’s daily commute.
  13. CamScanner (Productivity IOS & Android– Free & $4.99) Turn any Smartphone into a Scanner with CamScanner for Intelligent Document Management.  CamScanner is an intelligent document management solution for individuals, small businesses, organizations, governments and schools. It is the perfect fit for those who want to scan, sync, share and manage various contents on all devices.The world’s No. 1 mobile document scanning and sharing app today!
  14. Google Drive (Productivity IOS & Android– Free) Google Drive is one safe place for all your stuff. Upload photos, videos, documents, and other files that are important to you, then access what you need wherever you go, on any device. Get going with up to 15GB of storage. Free.-Edit and create documents and spreadsheets with Docs and Sheets
  15. Polaris Office (Business IOS & Android– Free) POLARIS Office is a mobile office solution that allows users to view/edit MS Office documents on iPhone/iPad. Users can view/edit text files and view .pdf and .hwp files. POLARIS Office supports convenient features for mobile users such as direct opening of email attachments, cloud service, file manager and more.  View and edit MS Office documents / View .pdf and .hwp files / Interoperability with cloud storage services (Google Docs, Dropbox, Box.net, more cloud services will be available later) / 15 templates / 18 2D/3D charts / 80 figures / 300+ functions / Camera mode that allows photos to be directly applied to documents / Direct opening of zip files / Slideshow mode / Rotated animation effects for slideshows / Pointer and memo for slideshows / Slide note
  16. Researchers Are Making A 3D Printer That Can Build A House In 24 Hours
    At The University of Southern California, Professor Behrokh Khoshnevis has built a colossal 3D printer that can build a house in 24 hours. Khoshnevis’s robot comes equipped with a nozzle that spews out concrete and can build a home based on a set computer pattern.  (BusinessInsider.com) Full Article
  17. VicTsing Magnetic Detachable Fish-Eye Lens Wide Angle Micro Lens 3-in-1 Kits Red for iphone 5 5C 5S 4S 4 3GS ipad mini ipad 4 3 2 Samsung Galaxy S4 S3 S2 Note 3 2 1 Sony Xperia L36h L36i HTC ONE Smartphones with flat camera for $8.99
  18. REALTOR ® Content ResourceStay in touch with consumers and brand original homeownership content with your name. How? The REALTOR® Content Resource gives you access to hundreds of authoritative homeownership, buying, and selling articles ready to use in your consumer communications. When you log in, you’re just three simple steps away from sharing original content via social media, e-mail, your website, blog, e-newsletter, or printed handout. The REALTOR® Content Resource is the member version of HouseLogic, NAR’s consumer website.Learn Morehttp://members.houselogic.com/landing/decorate-tips-122013/?cid=eo_sm_nartw_rcrpromo

appy hour: let’s discover (and discuss) what apps your should be using this May 2013

20121016-125429.jpgWe will review the below apps and answer your questions about iPhones, iPads and Android mobile devices. Your host for the hour session is one of the top real estate technologist alive! Since I am drafting my own biography, let’s just say that I know a few things…

Cheers,

Anthony Self

  • Dooid (Marketing- Freeimum) we We all have multiple web sites and social accounts. How do you market theses accounts and links to your client without overwhelming them? Enter Dooid- set up and customize an awesome website in a matter of minutes, no web design skills required
  • Google Now (Productivity- Free) The powerful Google search app has been upgraded with a powerful function, once reserved exclusively for the Android market. Think of it as ESP for your phone. See helpful cards with information you need throughout your day, before you even ask
  • PS Express (Photo & Video- Free) ADOBE® PHOTOSHOP® EXPRESS: Edit and share — anywhere. Adobe Photoshop Express software lets you use simple gestures to quickly edit and share photos from your mobile device. Enjoy having your photo and video library right in your hand — without wasting your device’s valuable storage space.
  • Feedly (Reference- Free) Zite is a free personalized magazine for your iPad that automatically learns what you like and gets smarter every time you use it. Zite delivers all the great news, articles, blogs, and videos you want – and helps you discover new stuff that you’ll love.
  • Drippler (Education- Free) Drippler helps you make the most of your smartphones and tablets! Drippler’s mobile app automatically detects the device it’s running on and keeps users updated with personalized usage tips, software updates, app recommendations, accessory reviews, and more.
  • Pro HDR (Marketing- $1.99) The absolute best HD picture app made for both Android and IOS. Transform the way your pictures look and become an expert photographer with the easy to use interface/li>
  • PDF Provider for IOS (Productivity-Free?) PDF PROvider is the most enhanced PDF converter, viewer, merger and manager in one pack. Create reports, research papers, material selections from different sources, offline reading packs, etc. It allows converting Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Pages, Numbers, Keynote files, HTML pages, Photos, Maps and Contacts and merging all types of documents and ready PDFs into a single PDF file. It also enables you to annotate created PDF documents, so you can add text notes, images
  • APP Box Pro (Productivity- $1.99) Get professional tools in One app. The App is called the Swiss Army knife for IOS
  • Don’t worry if you missed a previous Appy Hour, we save all the sessions and erase nothing! And we didn’t even harm one tree, just burned a bunch of coal to power the computer…