Pinterest :Why you should be pinning right this instant!!

Many business entities have taken to social media as a great tool for advertising. It is a smart move because advertisement costs are downsized tremendously. Successful stories of entrepreneurs who did not have any physical outlets for their products or spend a dime in advertising are common. Every tech-forward entrepreneur is delving into frugal innovation, a concept that allows them to generate more income with less resources while creating a greater social value and presence; sounds like something i learned in economics called economies of scale. The cost conscious, tech savvy, Eco-aware consumer is the main drive when it comes to social marketing.

Facebook and twitter are on the forefront of advertising, Instagram as well, which mainly favors celebrities who may propel product sales through endorsements. The target audience is immense, that is why it is important for any business person to make an impression and have a huge audience in the internet sphere.

Enter Pinterest.Heard of it? It's a social image bookmarking system that allows users to share photos from the internet sites and share, like and repin photos on pin boards. It quite popular with bloggers. It allows the users to share their interests, likes and events and for businesses, acts as both a marketing and educational tool. There are free iPhone, android and i Pad apps that allow you to pin on multiple devices. Personally, I adore it. To get a feel of what i mean, log into pinterest, create an account and search for something you have a liking for. The interface design gets an A+ for its visually pleasing and engaging nature.

We are what we wear, we are what we eat.. consistent slogans that place fashion and food as popular sectors of discussion in social media; same case applies to technology. However, of late, real estate is gradually cropping up in the maximization of social and commercial collaborations. Pinterest essentially offers the critical visual element that many home buyers and sellers crave for - the eye candy dipped in large resolution and intelligent and smart content. Many potential home buyers have been known to use Internet resources as their initial search option when looking for houses. For better search engine optimization for websites, pinterest gives your audience a chance to follow links to your website after you have pinned photos of the properties available. This in turn drives traffic to your website aligning you to top spots when real estate firms are looked up. A recent study showed that it drove more traffic to sites threatening to unseat Google+, YouTube and Reddit!

If your firm has a verified website, you can use the Data Analytic tool which offers relevant statistics and business updates such as the number of people who have pinned from your site, what they pinned and whats most popular! To get your website verified, you need to download a HTML code that tags your site with the Pinterest tracking code.

Real estate companies can create pin boards in line with the niches they encompass such as having boards of beach houses, condos, homes with swimming pools, apartments and holiday destinations . Its important for companies to be aggressive when it comes to embracing technology. It will be unfruitful to adopt a Luddite attitude since aggressive internet strategies have increased returns for different business entities tremendously. Kenya's e-commerce is still growing but in the meantime, why not tap into the free advertisement and branding? Furthermore, capturing a worldwide audience is good for real estate since in most cases, most searches are generated by tourists, or people abroad who have the need to settle here. From brand studies, it is estimated that pinterest users spend an average of $180 while Facebook users average at $85. It is also the most effective when it comes to driving sales. Its all about knowing your target market and reaching out to them.

The diagram below offers a summarized insight on more ways of maximizing marketing a business through pinterest. Happy pinning!!

Lenovo Yoga 13 Ideapad: flexibility and Compactability

The Lenovo Yoga 13 idea pad has an excellent ultra book design concept. Lenovo has positioned itself in the forefront of innovative technology and design manufacturing providing strong, reliable and powerful machines over the years. (See review of the Lenovo S400 here)
So why exactly makes this laptop stand out? It has extremely flexible hinges that allow the screen to flip 360 degrees making it one of the best and simplest hybrid tablet-computers available in the market. Its convertible status is spectacular since it provides 4 modes that capitalize on consumer content for easy creation and sharing. This is because it perfectly incorporates the windows 8 usability that goes perfectly well with the many applications and eases use of the windows 8 O.S due to its tablet status. ( Have you read about the Dell Inspiron Duo Hybrid tablet? )

The specs :

• 8 hours battery life, 4 cell lithium polymer with 54Wh capacity.

• 3rd generation Intel core i7 processor, dual core, 64 bit computing with Max turbo speed 2.6 GHz

• Windows 8 64 or windows pro 64

• Intel HD graphics 4000 integrated

• 13.3'' 1600*900 resolution HD+IPS display that is capacitative multitouch.

• Memory of 4GB, 8GB DDR3, 128GB SSD

• Weight of 1.54 kg

• 1.0 MP HD integrated webcam

• USB 2.0 and 3.0 ports, combo jack, 2-in-1 card reader (SD and Micromedia card) and HDMI

• Bluetooth 4.0 and Lenovo 802.11 wireless b/g/n

• 10*7 cm track pad that allows pinch-to-zoom, two finger scrolling and clicking 

Some of the preloaded applications include Skype, one key recovery, McAfee antivirus and eBay. It retails for $1000. On my part, too much an amount for the specs, but then again, you pay for the architecture and creativity does not come cheap.You can order one to be shipped since am not aware of a retailer in Nairobi currently stocking it.

The Much Anticipated SAMSUNG S4

The much anticipated Samsung S4 is being released later on today (3 pm P.T and 6 pm E.T) in New York. The eye speculation software is rumored to be a major feature after Samsung filed for an Eye Scroll patent in January. With this software, screen movements will result from eye movement that the user does. The phone will be able to respond to any intentional eye movement that will allow clicking by blinking and automatic scrolling up, down and to the next page, a concept that has been previously researched on desktop computing. 

Much as it is a commendable application of artificial Intelligence, there may be certain cons that come with it. For instance, the behavior of the tracking software could be easily disrupted by public distractions and could bring some awkwardness in public for the user if they have to move their eyes in certain ways. 

Another speculation revolves around the floating touch technology that allows for screen movements with as much as the hovering of the finger on the screen without actually touching it. Wireless charging is another feature anticipated for and may even allow for the communication of the phone with charging mats and stands that may allow data transfer which will help with syncing data to the phone.

Other budding rumors include the impressive Exynos 5 processor (8 processors!!). To cater to the problem of battery life that most smart phones face, the LITTE architecture ensures 4 powerful Cortex-A15 cores for power hungry functions and additional 4 Cortex-A7 for simple functions. This way, in most instances the powerful cores will shut down unless warranted to work depending on the gravity of the functionality. 

In conclusion, key features include

·         System: Android 4.1 O.S

·         Screen : 5-inch screen

·         Resolution : 1920*1080

·         Camera 13mp rear and 1.9 mp front, LED flash, Video 1080p

·          Memory :2GB SD RAM, 32GB expandable

·         Network : GSM/ WCDMA/LTE

·         Transmission : GPS, WIFI, Bluetooth 4.0

Samsung prides themselves in being at the forefront of dynamic technology and constant innovations .From the past gadget releases, they hardly disappoint. Looking forward to the Samsung S4.

How campaigns can go wrong.

Designers Jennifer Shannon and Andi Cheung came up with an eye catching magazine spread dubbed 'Women in Technology' that showcases a model in a bikini made from junk computer parts. This campaign was supposed to highlight the negative stereotype of how women are more into fashion than technology and that the one of the most effective ways of 'attracting' them in this field is to fuse the two aspects together.

Personally, i do not think its a form of objectification when they made a piece that shows off her entire body..because when it comes to bikinis, there is always a form of double standards that always crops up.If she was near a swimming pool wouldn't it be fine? (Though a decent pair of clothing would have still sent the message home) What i have a problem with is the fact that i cannot get a comprehensive message from the campaign. What goes through your mind when you see the pictures? All it resonates is a heightened level of creativity especially when it comes to e-waste usage. By saying that women are more likely to approve and understand the concept of wearable technology is utterly false because i do not.

I think the campaign was a case of misplaced priorities and took a wrong turn by emphasizing more on the negative stereotype than coming up with a thought provoking method of relaying the functionality and existence of the relationship between women and technology and rather comes off as a sexist affair.
Me no likey :(

World's largest Laptop.

Ok, so it was released close to a year ago at the ceBIT gala in Germany but we are still in awe at the world's largest Laptop. Though normally we wouldn't call it that, because we cannot tell whose lap it would fit on. It is a Fujitsu, Siemens production.

It is difficult to understand how one would type on it, by playing hopscotch maybe? Or what would happen if the cover happened to close when one was on the keyboard. Anyway, we doubt it has been made for practical functionality but more of exhibition value. All in all, its a remarkable technology production.

Details of the MapIT event.

MapIT, together with it's Kenyan partners, Integrat, will be hosting this event on Monday 25th March 2013 at the Fairview Hotel, Nairobi.This event is aimed at developers and Business Development Managers who would like to learn more about location based services. You will be able to learn all about the new features available on deCarta's LBS mapping platform covering both web and mobile applications whilst focusing on the latest version of its JavaScript API.
Leveraging cutting-edge HTML5 technologies developers will learn how to develop once and deploy
everywhere with the cross platform device API that will allow for building applications that run seamlessly on tablets, smartphones and desktop devices. DeCarta's platform supports some of the largest LBS services in the world and is available as a cloud based service or as a self-hosted solution.
This is a day not to be missed.

If you currently utilise web or mobile LBS applications or are interested in learning about these services their technology platform is perfectly suited to meet your requirements. Users of our LBS platform will receive support from mapIT's & Integrat’s support teams, quality mapping data, full control of your content and an online free DevZone portal for 24/7 support. Most importantly you will have free access to their software during the development phase of your application.

To register email your full details to wanja@ke.integrat.co.za
Conference Details
Date: Monday, 25 March 2013
Venue: Fairview Hotel, Upper Hill Nairobi, Kenya
Cost: USD100 (Kshs 8,500) per delegate
Agenda
9:30 - 12:00: Web and Mobile Maps API
They will cover the fundamentals of maps, map overlays, routing, address search and other advanced LBS features including local content search. They will also cover native and mobile LBS applications on several mobile operating systems and mobile browsers. They will also have three clients presenting on their applications.
12:00 - 13:00 Lunch
13:00 - 17:00 Inter-active Session & Competition
A license key to access the deCarta platform will be provided. The time slot will be allocated to developing your app for the competition. mapIT specialists will be on hand to help.
Places are limited, book today to avoid disappointment!

My MWEA (Mobile Web East Africa) experience.

The MWEA 2013 technology event went down last week at the Southern Sun Mayfair Hotel. It ran from 19th of February til the 21st. I got to attend it for one day but was so bummed since i wish i had attended the conference on all the days. The main focus for this year was taking Monetisation and content creation dialogue to the next level.

There were several speakers from world renowned organisations that shared priceless information concerning trivial matters that every budding or established developer should put in mind. The sessions were interactive as well because of the round table format and the 15 minutes break that was offered to discuss and internalize on what the speaker had presented. Not only did it offer a chance to exchange ideas on trivial marketing issues, it also offered an awesome platform for networking and meeting new people in tech industry because most of the attendees were major key players from different major tech organisations throughout Africa . The open bar after the Wednesday session was a particular delight :)

Some of the key aspects that were discussed during the Mobile Marketing East Africa Focus day(19th) included highlighting major factors for monitoring and measuring mobile web marketing campaigns and how to go about conceptualization, construction and execution. It also focused on how to apply creative and design principles to mobile marketing and its fusion with responsive design especially in matters to do with digital marketing. With relevant case studies such as Guinness VIP, presentations were made to show how mobile has, and can enrich the presence of brands. Lastly, the speakers explored on future considerations that can be implemented to increase impact and deliverance.

The Main Conference day offered an array of insight to me. Some of the key issues that were highlighted include suggestions on how creativity can contribute to the tech mobile platform and if the more creative and traditional industries can intertwine with the technology industry. One speaker talked about how creativity can be used as a catalyst for disruptive innovation and creation through citing very helpful case studies. Another key highlight was the subject on distribution and entertainment in relation to the mobile savvy consumer with relevant examples from key companies such as Buni t.v, IROKO partners and Retroviral Digital Communications.

This is just but a brief summary of some of the key aspects that made me a bit more insightful than i was before. Hopefully, i will be able to share each and every aspect that i have talked about in detail to spread the insight. It was simply awesome and i have no idea why i have never attended the previous conferences. Looking forward to next year's Event and i hope to see you there.

ps: The venue was spectacular.

Some little fun!

Try this fun exercise. Stare at this picture for 30 seconds then stare at a blank wall. blink continuously for about 6-7 times and be amazed at what you see!!

The techie genious behind Beyonce's electric perfomances.

If you happened to watch Beyonce's performance at the Superbowl and during the Billboard Awards, you would be taken aback not only by her strength, high energy levels,flexibility, incredible voice, but also by the graphics play that takes place in the background. A while back, critics were on her case because the videography was very similar to that of the Italian pop star Lorella Cuccarini. Beyonce says she was inspired but critics say she lacked originality by using someone else's idea. Whichever the case, the tribe inc. company is to blame for all this. Kenzo Digital and Rodgers Bruce are some of the masterminds. They did both productions and did not variate them much. These media artists focus on playing with video art on white screens, using digital dancers, interactive objects and frontal projections. quite spectacular. have a look:

In case you missed both performances, have a look at the awesome effect of technology:

Here is one from Lorella Cuccarini:

Kick boredom out of the bathroom!

Do you get bored while you pay the bathroom a visit? Don't worry, many people do! For a boredom-free bathroom visit with a mix of technology..here’s introducing the Pedestal Stand for iPad from CTA Digital! Entertainment at its best.

The Pedestal Stand is meant to aid your use of the Apple ipad while you do whatever you do in the toilet. Its made of chrome, has a heavy base (7.5 inches / 19 cm in diameter) to prevent toppling. 

The Pedestal Stand weighs 3.3kg minus the ipad.

It has a 10-inch (25 cm) bendable gooseneck stand that holds your iPad securely in place/position. 

 The neck is adjustable to any viewing angle and the stand reaches upto 81cm in height.

The toilet roll holder is optional and a replacement in the form of a cupholder is in progress.

For all those who want to kick the boredom out of the bathroom, the Pedestal Stand is the thing for you (of course plus an ipad if you don't have one).

Don't worry, the stand is compatible with the ipad 2 and iPad (3^rd gen and 4th gen) and goes for a mere Kenya Shillings 3,950/= online (minus shipping costs)!

A boredom free Bathroom!