- He spent a year without the internet, then came back online. Why? Could you spend a day / week without the web? http://t.co/92TSJwDiqK ^eo
Archive for December, 2012
A nation of Nomophobes : 83% of Canadians smartphone users take their devices to the bathroom, 51% to bed
Our annual survey of Canadian technology trends and predictions, is back! We surveyed Canadian smartphone and tablet users like you to find out what you’ve been up to in 2012, and to get a sense of where you think we’re heading in 2013 and beyond. Check out our Rogers Innovation Report infographic below to how you compare to other Canadians when it comes to some of the more common “Day in the life” statistics. From taking your smartphones to bed (51%) and to the bathroom with you (83%), to enjoying your erotica on e-readers and tablets (10%) to streaming Gangnam Style on your devices (43%), 2012 clearly showed that technology has become an integral part of our lives. Why, some might even say we’re a nation of Nomophobes! *
* Nomophobia : noun. A state of stress caused by having no access to or being unable to use one’s mobile phone.
Other interesting stats that emerged from the Rogers Innovation Report:
- 67% believe that mobile payment will be the payment method of choice within 2 years;
- 59% predict that within the next 2 years more Canadians will work from home thanks to developments in cloud technology and faster mobile speeds;
- 82% believe that integrated technology systems that seamlessly connect 2 or more devices will increase in popularity in 2013;
- 78% believe e-book sales will increase significantly in 2013. In 2011, that stat was 37%.
You can access the complete Rogers Innovation Report on Slideshare at slideshare.net/Rogers.
Join us on Twitter to discuss this year’s results using the #RIRExplores hashtag.
Michelle is a regular RedBoard contributor.
New tablet for Christmas? Top apps for your iPad, Android tablet or Windows tablet
It’s that lovely week in between Christmas and New Year’s where there’s little to do but spend time with loved ones and revel in the goodies from Santa! Hopefully you all had a great holiday and got some cool new gadgets to play with, including this year’s number one in demand gift – tablets!
We figured with the launch of all the Android, Windows and iOS tablets, many of our readers might be looking for the best apps to get started. So we’ve compiled a list of some of our faves that every tablet owner should have.
Check them out and let us know if you like them or have other favourites in the comments below.
For the media lovers:
Songza
A personal favourite, this app recently made the iTunes “App Store Best of 2012” list. Stream thousands of original playlists from music experts, select the “Music Concierge” to find the right music for your moments, OR browse curated playlists for activity, genre, decade, or mood. The best part? It’s FREE.
Available for Android and Apple.
Honourable mention: TuneIn Radio on Windows – browse by music, sport, news, comedy, chat, language, country, or even just find a local station with this handy app!
Rogers Anyplace TV Tablet
No time for prime-time? Catch up on your favorite shows with Rogers Anyplace TV Tablet app. Use your tablet to access on demand shows, movies and more anywhere you go. (Some restrictions may apply).
Available for Apple, Android, and Windows.
For the jet-setters:
Flightboard
Winner of the 2012 Webby Award for best travel app, FlightBoard lets you check out the boards of your favorite airports and view all the flight information in real-time!
Available for Android and Apple.
Fotopedia Heritage
Created in cooperation with the UNESCO World Heritage Centre, Fotopedia Heritage provides a virtual passport to the hundreds of sites that constitute the world’s collective cultural and natural human legacy. This gorgeous app is a must-have for any explorer.
Available for Apple.
Honourable mention: Wikipedia on Windows – “featured pictures” will catch your eye, then clicking on any of these drills down to the relevant article, carefully formatted for better display on mobile devices.
For the news gurus:
Create a personalized magazine out of everything being shared with you. Flip through both your social media newsfeeds and publications in one app. See why Flipboard has been named Apple’s iPad App of the Year, one of TIME’s Top 50 Innovations, the top social app at the 2012 Webby Awards!
Available for Apple and Android.
Formerly known as ‘Read it Later,’ Pocket automatically syncs to your phone, tablet, or computer so you can view anything you find online any time, even without an internet connection. A great companion to Flipboard for any online addict!
Available on Android and Apple.
Honourable mention: News Bento on Windows – shows you tiles constantly-updating news photos and headlines from top US sites.
For New Year’s fitness resolutions:
My Fitness Pal
With the largest food database of any calorie counter (over 2 million foods), and amazingly fast food and exercise entry, it’s no wonder PC Magazine made it the Editor’s Choice Selection, and Wired Magazine’s Editor’s Pick for Lifestyle Apps.
Available for Apple, Android, Blackberry, and Windows.
Nike Training Club
Get lean, toned and strong with more than 114 custom-built workouts. Just choose a workout that fits your goal, set it to your music, share your progress, and earn rewards, Finally, your own personal trainer, anytime, anywhere!
Available for Android and Apple.
Which apps are your favourites?
Kelly is a regular contributor to RedBoard
: Keep calm and merry on: holiday essentials guide
The big day is a mere week away. The last minute purchases and hectic scheduling of holiday engagements prove that this is one of the most chaotic times of the year. I try to stay peaceful each holiday season by maintaining a handful of my own annual traditions. My top activity is simply being up north and trekking through the snow, and eventually heading inside to linger by the fireplace with a hot chocolate and classic festive flick in hand.
I also recommend these five holiday essentials listed below. They may help you rejoice in the festive spirit of the season, without getting too exhausted before the New Year.
1. Get the Fireplace (channel) burning (channel 204) – Sadly, I don’t have a real fireplace in the city, that being the case, this is the modern equivalent to lighting up that warm glow in your home. Did you know that it actually sounds like a crackling wood log.
2. Establish your musical mood- Galaxie holiday music channels on your TV – I always have music playing in the background and these channels are the perfect excuse to crank up the carols while I’m entertaining or feverishly baking away. Rogers digital TV customers can enjoy the following:
- Holiday Favourites - channel 710
- Franco Fêtes – channel 750
- Smooth Jazz Christmas - channel 744
- If you’re by your computer, click on the Holiday music video playlist here.
3. Holiday movie marathon mode- The Holiday Cheer collection on Rogers On Demand, channel 100 has the movies you’ve been eagerly waiting to re-watch while you’re snuggled up indoors such as Miracle on 34th Street (classic and remake), National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation and one my childhood favourites, All I want for Christmas. This year Ed Burns came into town for the premiere of The Fitzgerald Family Christmas. I absolutely fell in love with this film, which he wrote, directed and stars in. It’s also available on RogersAnyplaceTV.com.
4. Reconnect with loved ones – if you’re a Rogers wireless customer and have friends and family across Canada and around the world, sign up for Rogers One Number to extend your mobile number to your computer and compatible tablets. Bonus: users have unlimited Canada-wide calling when using the Rogers One Number web phone on their computer or tablet. This way if your cousin abroad can’t make it to dinner or for the unwrapping of gifts, just save a chair for your computer or tablet and have them virtually present (I have yet to do this, but it does seem highly entertaining).
5. Rock out - Electronic dance music fans out West, check out Contact powered by Rogers; Western Canada’s largest EDM festival at BC Place in Vancouver taking place on December 26. Featuring Deadmau5 unhooked, Alesso, Nero and more. Rogers Wireless Box Office ticket holders get in early and Rogers pays the ticket service fees. If you’re shopped out, this is another great way to spend Boxing Day.
Wishing you a very merry next couple weeks!
I’m curious, what’s your favourite holiday film or song?
Kaili is regular contributor to RedBoard
Away over the holidays? Stay close to home with Rogers Smart Home Monitoring
Home Alone is my all-time favourite Christmas movie. Left to his own devices, young Kevin McAllister manages to fend off house burglars Harry and Marv – otherwise known as the Wet Bandits – by setting a complicated series of traps, which they manage to walk into at every turn.
Like the Wet Bandits, many burglars across the country view the holidays as prime break-in season. As many Canadian families take off on vacation, houses are left filled with new gift items like electronics, jewelry and other valuables. That’s why protecting your home has never been more important.
You may already be aware of Rogers Smart Home Monitoring, a home monitoring and automation service that lets you control sensors, cameras, thermostats, lights and small appliances remotely through your computer or smartphone. So whether you’re visiting the in-laws for a weekend, have taken off to Florida for Christmas break, or you’re skiing with the family this holiday season, you can keep a close watch on your home and be alerted the instant a problem occurs.
Rogers Smart Home Monitoring doesn’t just keep your house safe and secure from outside intruders. It is an ultimate in ‘peace of mind’ technology, monitoring everything from water seepage, carbon monoxide levels, to lighting, and now with a new feature, it allows you to tailor and personalize the system to meet your needs. So if you’re like me and manage to leave your hair straightener on every morning, you can turn it off remotely on your way to work.
And upgrades and enhancements are always being made to the product. Here are just a few new Rogers Smart Home Monitoring features:
- Outdoor wireless night-vision camera: now stay alerted of activity in your own backyard
- Appliance switch: remotely turn any appliance or lamp in your home on and off, with no extra outlet required
- Free Android™, BlackBerry® and iPhone Smart Home Monitoring Apps: Available to all Rogers Smart Home Monitoring customers, these apps let you securely view and control your system from anywhere, using your smartphone or tablet
We’ll continue to update you on news and new features of Rogers Smart Home Monitoring over the coming months. Not only that, we will keep you informed of how some of our customers are experiencing the system and how they’ve tailored Rogers Smart Home Monitoring to meet their families’ needs.
To find out more about Rogers Smart Home Monitoring, go to www.rogers.com/smart
How do you plan to keep your house safe this holiday season?
Michelle is a regular contributor to RedBoard
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Live basketball coverage from Sportsnet and NBA TV- no matter where you are
You know that feeling when a pivotal game is playing on your TV and the final critical minutes are approaching, and you need to step out the door or even worse you’re rushing home, trying not to miss the intense conclusion? At Rogers, we live and breathe sports, which is why we understand the sense of urgency to catch the court action in real time. With Rogers Anyplace TV, you have basketball at your fingertips; live streaming Sportsnet and NBA TV coverage on both your computer and smartphone.
The Raptors have tipped off the season, and the next Sportsnet broadcast, against the Detroit Pistons is on Wednesday December 19th in Toronto. Fans have been getting ramped up for a dramatic series of games ahead. The team has undergone some considerable changes in the off-season. Additions like Jonas Valanciunas, Kyle Lowry and Raptors rookie Terrence Ross have basketball enthusiasts eager to see how the season will unfold.
Here’s how to stay close to your hoops action:
On your computer: Rogers digital TV customers who subscribe to Sportsnet and Sportsnet ONE can click on Rogers Anyplace TV.com/sports to catch all the live b-ball action at no extra cost. Live stream additional out-of-market games on your computer via NBA TV Canada (over 100 games).
On your smartphone: From coast to coast, Rogers wireless customers with iOS, Android, Windows and BlackBerry smartphones can download the Rogers Anyplace TV Live app. You can live stream additional out of market games via Sportsnet on your phone. For $5/month, the app provides 5 hours of viewing with overage charges of $1 per additional hour. Until April 30, 2013 overage charges are waived providing unlimited viewing.
In your opinion, what’s the one sport you absolutely need to watch live?
Kaili is a regular contributor to RedBoard
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Weekend Reading: The Year in Review
Well folks, 2012 has been a blast and I hope you’ve enjoyed our Weekend Reading series as much as I’ve enjoyed sharing them. With the holidays upon us, we’ve decided to take a short break – this is our final edition for 2012! Don’t worry Weekend Reading will resume January 4, 2013 bringing you trends, hot topics and stories from around the globe.
Since this is the last Weekend Reading of the year, we thought it might be appropriate to take a look back on some of the top stories that were shared online in 2012. Facebook, Twitter and Google all came out with reports this week on what was being shared, tweeted and Googled worldwide, while Time Magazine and Mobile Mag both expressed their opinions on the top gadgets and innovations of 2012 respectively.
So sit back with some cocoa or eggnog by the fireplace, and review the past 12 months with us – Happy Holidays everyone, see you in the New Year!
2012 online year in review
With only 2 weeks left in 2012, some of the biggest names synonymous with social started releasing their year-end reports on some of the hottest trends this year.
On Wednesday, Facebook posted a look back at the people, moments and things that created the most buzz in 2012. Categories included events, songs, movies, check-ins, public figures, books, tech, politics, TV, sports, and memes – now that was a mouthful! Check out the comprehensive list here and see how many you posted about. Interestingly, you can also create your own “Year in Review” to see your own 20 biggest moments you shared with your network.
Twitter also posted their “Year on Twitter” where people can check out Golden Tweets, Pulse of the Planet, Only on Twitter, Trends, and New Voices. Unsurprising, a lot of the topics mirrored Facebook’s results as well – but who could have guessed #throwbackthursday would be such a hit, coming in at #9 in Conversation Starters! You can also check out your personal year on Twitter at Visify.
Mobile Mag also devised their own Top Mobile Technology Innovations of 2012 revealing what they thought were the most innovative mobile technologies making their way into the “mainstream” this year. Wireless technology and NFC technology made the cut in Mobile Mag, while in a similar report, Time Magazine ranked the iPhone 5 as its Gadget of the Year.
But what was Canada in particular interested in this year? According to Google’s Zeitgeist 2012, Toronto is the most searched city in Google Maps, bacon is the most searched Canadian food, and teacher is the most searched career/job. More quirky stats in the full report here.
What stood out for you in 2012? Any surprises?
Kelly is a regular contributor for RedBoard
Bringing to life all that’s fast with Rogers this holiday season
Rogers has placed their bets on superfast speeds this holiday season.
We are offering you the latest, blazing fast tech gear on the fastest network and internet speeds available. In fact, Rogers is offering our fastest LTE speeds in Toronto, Ottawa, Vancouver and Montreal, and has introduced its fastest internet yet – the new Rogers Ultimate internet has doubled top-download speeds from up to 75 Mbps to up to 150 Mbps. So whether you need to do some last minute online shopping with your smartphone, or download holiday music on your computer for the family, you can rest assured all your last minute tasks will get crossed off your to-do list.
We also have a great holiday lineup of superfast devices and gift ideas for the whole family. Going with the theme of speed, we sought the help of Guinness World Record holding fast talker, John Moschitta Jr. to give us a superfast run-down of this season’s lineup, including Canada’s fastest smartphone and Rogers exclusive, the LG Optimus G 2600:
And we’re giving Canadians the chance to have the ultimate Rogers Speed Experience. What is the Rogers Speed Experience you might ask? Participants enter what feels almost like a wind tunnel or roller-coaster ride, and are invited to upload their ‘speed face’ video on to their own Facebook page.
Here’s your chance: The Rogers Speed Experience will be touring in Montreal and Toronto throughout December, so you too can experience revolutionary speed. Check out upcoming locations on our Facebook page.
Holiday Speed Showcase Event
We wanted to bring all of our superfast devices and services together for media and bloggers to experience, so last week, Rogers hosted a speed showcase event. It was a speedy-themed affair where guests were invited to experience our product lineup, take part in a speed talking challenge, hosted by John Moschitta Jr., and enjoy the Rogers Speed Experience for themselves.
Here are a few highlights from the day’s events
Rogers Holiday Speed Showcase
Michelle is a regular contributor to RedBoard
Top 5 reasons to switch to online billing
I don’t know about you, but I hate clutter and piles of paper. A while back, I changed all my monthly bills to arrive online instead of in the mail and I’ve never looked back. It’s easier to keep track of, more convenient and it certainly helps cut down on those piles of paper.
If being more organized is on your list of New Year’s resolutions, why wait till January to set this up? Here are 5 reasons you should switch to online billing now.
- Recent changes – Based on your feedback, we’ve added more detail to your online bill to make it easier to read and navigate. For example, we updated the summary so that all your subscribed services are in one place. So now, if you have internet, digital TV and a wireless plan, you can easily see a breakdown of the charges together rather than toggling between pages. Also, extra charges, outside your base plans, are now displayed separately in a summary. Just click for a more detailed explanation of the charges. The new online bills also show how much of your data bucket you’ve used and how many days you are into your billing cycle.
- Environmentally friendly – Switching to online billing helps cut back on paper consumption. Did you know, in the last two years, eBill usage went from 25% to 42%? In fact, we will distribute 33.5 million eBills in 2012 which means we were able to save a whopping 1,608,000 kg of paper! Why not help make that even higher in 2013?
- Easier to track and analyze – Rather than having folders full of bills, all of your billing data is available online. It’s easier to access past bills and monitor your usage each month so you can make changes if necessary.
- 18 months of history available – Forget keeping 18 months of paper in a pile in your home office. Reduce your clutter with online billing and access up to 18 months of previous bills conveniently from your computer. The bills are available in PDF for easy archiving.
- Anytime, anywhere access – Speaking of your computer, no need to be at home to access your past billing information. With online billing, you have access to your account history from anywhere, anytime. You can also pay your bill easily at any time as well.
To switch to online billing, just set up or login to your My Rogers account and select “Enroll in Paperless billing.” For more information, go to www.rogers.com/onlinebilling
Miranda is a regular contributor to RedBoard
December 31st, 2012 a 10:34am
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