- How do you update friends when you're on vacation: postcards? social media? Has social media killed postcards? http://t.co/yua8Msiko1 ^eo
Archive for the ‘Internet’ Category
Weekend Reading: Smartphone user dating habits, coding for kids and LTE in seven new markets this week
April 26th, 2013 a 11:33am
Ever wonder what your smartphone reveals about dating frequency? Or what apps are available to teach your kids about coding? We cover these plus unveil more exciting LTE news – all in this week’s edition of Weekend Reading.
Who has more first dates? iPhone, Android, Blackberry or Windows users?
If you’re single and wondering which device will score you better odds of a first date, Mashable has the answer in a survey uncovered by Match.com this week.
Of 5,000 people surveyed in the U.S., 49 per cent of single iPhone users went on at least one date in 2012. In a close second was Windows with 46 per cent, then Android at 44 per cent and Blackberry at 42 per cent.
So what does this say about smartphone owners and their dating styles? Check out the full article and survey on Mashable here. Has your smartphone affected your dating life? If so, how?
Coding apps for kids
When I was in school, elective courses included things like music and art. While these are still considered optional, much of today’s curriculum is changing to reflect the needs of our current economy. Coding may not be a widely offered course yet, but you can give your kid a head start on learning one of the most in-demand skills for today’s job market.
This week, Read Write Web highlighted some great apps to teach your kids coding for programming. The six apps are designed for a variety of ages, starting as young as 5 years old. As Read Write Web points out, if you start them off young enough, you could end up raising the next Mark Zuckerberg!
Rogers LTE lights up in seven new markets this week
On Monday, Rogers was proud to announce that only four months into 2013, we have launched LTE in an additional seven markets. As part of our commitment to roll out LTE in 44 new markets this spring, Monday’s new markets include:
- Airdrie, Alberta
- Langley, B.C
- Keswick, Ont.
- Hamilton, including Grimsby, Ont.
- Orillia, Ont.
- Stratford, Ont.
- Ottawa, including Kanata, Nepean, Gloucester, Stittsville and Cumberland, Ont.
Bonus: both the upcoming Blackberry Q10 and Samsung Galaxy S4 are compatible on the LTE network! Learn more about the LTE network and what devices are currently on the market here.
For more details on our latest LTE expansion, check out some great coverage from our friends at The Cellular Guru, iPhone in Canada, Android Central, Android in Canada, IT Nerd, and Brief Mobile.
Kelly is a regular RedBoard contributor.
Tags: Weekend Reading: A suretap update and all things digital
March 22nd, 2013 a 3:48pm
Digital, digital, digital! It’s the word of the week for sure with news headlines focused on digital behaviour between generations, what happens in a digital minute and how much floor space you can save with a digital lifestyle. Plus, we fill you in on some updates to our suretap mobile payments solution. All in this week’s edition of Weekend Reading.
Suretap expands to Android and BlackBerry 10
Last year, we were excited to announce our partnership with CIBC to bring mobile payments to Canada. Since then, we have partnered with suretap to essentially turn your smartphone into a digital wallet. This week, we expanded suretap’s services to work on even more devices, including the Samsung Galaxy S3 and Note II for Android, plus the new Blackberry Z10.
Check out what’s being said online in some great posts this week from Tech Vibes, NFC News, IT Nerd, The Cellular Guru, Mobile Syrup and IT Business. Have you made a purchase with suretap yet? What developments are you looking forward to in 2013?
Digital habits differ between millennials, Gen Xers and boomers
Last week, we told you what millennials (ages 18 to 34) value at work, and the week before that we learned they value their smartphones over their vehicles. This week, eMarketer dug a little deeper to learn how they’re spending their time online.
While watching digital videos ranks highest amongst Gen Xers, millennials consume more social media than the other generations, with more than half of them Tweeting. Don’t count out the baby boomers though – almost 60 million were regular internet users in 2012, but they’re spending more time with video than social media.
These insights into millennials certainly ring true personally! Social media by far uses most of my time every month. Does the same hold true for you? Or are you into other smartphone features entirely?
A digital minute
By the time you finish reading this section, 277,000 people will have logged into Facebook, 204 million emails will have been sent and six new Wikipedia articles will have been published.
It’s absolutely staggering to see consumption by the minute and realize just how much is happening on the internet in a mere minute, let alone a day, month or year! Can you imagine what it will be like two years from now? ReadWriteWeb breaks it down in their infographic featuring how much internet data we go through in a minute, plus where we’re headed by 2015.
Are you surprised by any of these figures? Can you believe more than 320 Twitter accounts were just created?!
Smartphones free up your floor space
Living in a condo approximately 500 square feet by myself, space has been a constant sore point in an otherwise lovely dwelling. So when I saw Mashable’s headline Your Phone Can Replace 62 Cubic Feet of Furniture, I knew it was a must-read!
One of the main conveniences of mobile devices has become the cloud, and its ability to store tangible items virtually. But how many people stop to think of the space they could be saving in their home as a result? By transferring music and books to online libraries you can eliminate furniture such as bookcases, shelving and CD racks. Mashable actually demonstrates the space you could save by transferring storage in a fun graphic.
Is this the way of the future? How will this affect home decor? Guess I know how I’ll be spending my weekend – transferring everything online!
Kelly is a regular RedBoard contributor.
: Tags: Tablets by the numbers
March 21st, 2013 a 8:39am
You love your tablet, and why not? It’s portable, powerful and always connected – as long as you have a wireless internet plan. Chris Powell of Connected Rogers magazine shares the latest tablet stats.
It’s hard to believe that Steve Jobs once said in an interview that tablets, as a new product, would fail. He changed his mind, obviously, and look what’s happened since. Today, about one in 10 Canadians owns a tablet – an iPad, a Samsung Galaxy Tab, a BlackBerry PlayBook or otherwise – and that number is on a serious upswing. As tablets get more useful, the number of tablets on the market keeps growing rapidly. Tablets are portable and powerful – simply put, they’re awesome. However, that awesomeness plummets significantly if you’re relying on Wi-Fi alone to get your tablet online. We’re using our tablets for everything these days, from on-the-go gaming and TV viewing to web surfing and shopping. But all this requires a wireless internet plan – one that’s super-fast, affordable, reliable and secure. Connecting your tablet to the Rogers LTE network means you can more fully enjoy your device, wherever you are. Still on the fence about getting a wireless internet plan for your tablet? Consider the following:
About 1/3 of tablet use occurs outside the home
Approximately 33% of all time spent with tablets happens outside the home, whether at work/school (15%), in the car/commuting (14%) or while out shopping (4%). Tablets offer a whole whack of ways to enhance those out-of-home occasions, from maps, apps and TV streaming to comparison-shopping tools. But many of these tools rely on internet connectivity, and there’s no guarantee you’ll be able to establish a Wi-Fi connection wherever you are, especially if you’re on the move. You don’t use a pay phone for calls while you’re out, so why be limited to Wi-Fi hotspots to get online? Don’t let your chance at a great shortcut or killer deal be compromised by spotty internet.
53% of tablet owners watch video or stream TV on their Tablet
Whether they’re being used as part of two-screen viewing or to watch full episodes, tablets have become an integral part of the 21st-century TV experience. What they lack in screen size, they make up for with portability, accessible controls (no more losing the remote) and, with headphones on, an immersive viewing experience. At the same time, new tools, like the Rogers Anyplace TV tablet app, allow you to catch up on full episodes of shows or watch trailers for upcoming movies. Watching live streaming requires a reliable internet connection, however, and a wireless internet plan can ensure you don’t miss a moment of Modern Family or Seed.
For more tablet stats and support, check out the full article in Connected Rogers magazine.
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Weekend Reading: Internet consumption, smartphone or car, and the HTC One
March 8th, 2013 a 3:27pm
If there’s one thing I love writing about, it’s the endless stats that pop up online surrounding how important technology has become in our daily lives. This week we found some great articles that opened our eyes to how much we rely on the internet on a daily basis and what age group is more likely to give up their car before their smartphone. As well, we tell you about a new HTC Cash Back Offer for customers. Catch up with us in this week’s edition of Weekend Reading.
How much internet do we consume daily?
Ever wonder just how much data you really consume in a single day? If like me, you’re in for a surprise.
Internet Service Providers posted an infographic this week that’s pretty mind blowing, considering there are only 24 hours, 1440 minutes or 86400 seconds in one day.
So what did they find? For starters, there are 2.4 billion internet users worldwide. Of them, there are 2.8 million emails sent every second, 320 new Twitter accounts made every minute, and 780,000 apps downloaded every hour! This translates to about 133,333 years online, can you believe it?!
More crazy stats in the full infographic here.
What do you value more – your car, or smartphone?
This answer could likely vary depending on your age group, as showcased by a recent survey from The Huffington Post. According to the survey, “Millennials” (ages 18-34) were the only group to put their mobile device needs before that of transportation.
That being said, they were also the more conscious of the groups to make an effort to utilize things such as public transit, carpooling, and walking or biking. With so many alternatives, it’s easier to see why 30% were more willing to give up their car before their smartphone.
How do you feel about the results? Are you a “millennial” who passionately stands by your device? Or in another age bracket who defies the stats and would sacrifice your vehicle for your smartphone? I think no matter what demographic you fall into, it’s a tough decision. As one of our previous Rogers Innovation Reports indicated, 4% of Canadians would be willing to sacrifice bathing to keep their internet – maybe it’s not such a difficult choice after all! What do you think?
HTC One awards and promo offers
Those of you looking to upgrade to the new HTC One couldn’t have picked a better time! After winning “Best New Mobile Handset, Device or Tablet” at the Mobile World Congress, HTC decided to supply a $100 (CDN) credit to HTC customers who trade in their older HTC model to purchase the HTC One.
For a limited time, customers can register for the HTC Cash Back Offer, purchase and activate a new HTC One before March 31, 2013 then send in their old phone with proof of purchase of their new phone. HTC will then send a Prepaid VISA card worth minimum $100 (CDN) in value! Full details on the phone and HTC Cash Back Offer available here. A fantastic offer for a fantastic device!
Kelly is a regular Redboard contributor.
Tags: Weekend Reading: Students creating mobile apps, mobile tech benefits for health care, and the latest issue of Connected Rogers
March 2nd, 2013 a 10:29am
This week is all about looking to the future of tech! Connected Rogers latest issue gives us a sneak peek for what to look forward to this spring in tech and TV, plus we look at some articles highlighting high schools adding mobile app development to their curriculum, and ways mobile tech could save billions for developing countries by 2017 -all in this week’s edition of Weekend Reading.
Latest Connected issue now online
I look forward to these issues for so many reasons – not only are they on top of all the latest tech news themselves, but they provide fantastic info on Rogers products and services including how-to’s, essential tips, and previews for the world of sports and entertainment this spring.
This month’s issue of Connected highlights 10 Essential Travel Apps just in time for March Break, things to love about the new BlackBerry Z10, and a section on social media support solutions.
My favourite article in this issue though has to be on “Internet Then and Now,” where they remind us how things used to get done “pre-internet.” There’s sharing photos and shopping, but most of all communication when it comes to keeping in touch and expressing yourself. I’ve got to say, aside from the convenience of communicating and sharing, I especially don’t miss having to set foot in a mall these days! The more shopping I can get done online the better – how about you?
Students developing mobile apps
If you can’t beat them, join them! That seems to be the change in thinking when it comes to technology and kids these days. Instead of limiting tech use, many students and teachers are starting to see the benefits of getting kids into tech early, particularly when it comes to career aspirations. The potential for the mobile app market is big, so much so, that some schools have even begun to add related courses to their curriculum.
This week the Daytona Beach News Journal published a report on Flagler Palm Coast High’s new app class, where kids are picking up tech skills that typically aren’t accessible until college or university. In their “App Creation” class, students are given a brief history of tech before getting introduced to basic programming skills. It’s through these classes that many other transferrable skills come to light as well, including design, problem solving, and time management. Begin College wrote a similar article on The Perks of Taking Mobile App Development Courses, as did the Community College Times in their post exploring how apps are helping students think like programmers.
I definitely wish we had had a course like this when I was in high school – what about you? Or are you hoping these programs come to your area for your children?
4 ways mobile tech could save $400 billion in developed countries in 2017
Gigaom released a great report this week on the benefits of mobile tech for the health care industry, particularly in developing countries. We’re already aware of the convenience benefits of mobile tech, but for the health industry it can save money, increase opportunities and enhance health and safety in the coming years.
For instance, health care workers will be able to monitor medication and treatment for patients, and text alerts can be sent out decreasing missed appointments. Aside from lower costs and higher efficiency, check out the remaining points from the full article in Gigaom. It’s exciting to see the full potential for technology and realize it’s not just about cool gadgets; there are ways it can change lives and bring hope to those less fortunate too.
Kelly is a regular Redboard contributor.
Tags: Roam where you want to with Rogers: Introducing worry free Wireless Data Roaming Rates in the United States
February 8th, 2013 a 12:06pm
Canada spends more time online than any other country. And we know you want to be just as connected while travelling outside of Canada. But you’ve also told us that the cost and complexity of roaming rates get in the way of using your phone on the road the same way you do at home.
We’ve heard you. And that’s why we’re launching a new wireless data roaming rate for customers travelling to the United States.
Our new roaming rate, which launches this spring, is designed to be an easy and worry-free roaming solution. Here’s how it works:
- For a rate of $7.99, customers will get access to 50 megabytes of data over a 24 hour period while travelling in the U.S.
- The new rate will provide customers nearly twice the data that they would typically use domestically
- Customers will be alerted before reaching 50 MB which means they will be able to control their roaming costs.
- It will be available to all Rogers wireless consumers and business customers
Why 50MB per day? The roaming rate was designed to give customers the maximum amount of data for the lowest price. Currently, more than 99% of our customers use less than 50 MB of data per day when roaming. Here are some examples of what 50 MB will allow you to do on your trip in the U.S.:
- Browse 50 maps or
- Browse 200 web pages or
- Send 1,000 emails or
- Send 5,000 Tweets or
- Send 128 photos
Do you use your phone differently while travelling than you do at home? Will this new rate help you to roam worry free?
Michelle is a regular Redboard contributor.
Weekend Reading: Couch commerce, tablet publications, and 2013 predictions
January 25th, 2013 a 5:14pm
Happy weekend everyone! It’s been an icy cold week with no signs of warming up unfortunately – so there’s no better time to grab some cocoa and bunker down with this week’s headlines in our latest edition of Weekend Reading!
Couch Commerce
When I think of tablets, I think of the convenience it provides while on the go with a larger screen than a smartphone. However, Mobile Commerce Daily posed a different perspective this week -
“Tablet devices are now known as “couch devices” because consumers are reaching for them while they are sitting at home.” Read the article for yourself and you’ll see its true!
Many of us use them in place of our laptops as a companion device to our televisions – and televisions host commercials. Commercials with fancy fashions, new products, and limited time offers. All of these factors come into play as reasons why online shopping from a tablet has increased by more than 300 percent in the last year alone! You can read more on their convenience and popularity in the entire article here.
I’m pretty sure I’ll have my tablet alongside my cocoa this weekend when I’m curled up inside because it’s minus 30 outside! How many of you are reading this edition of Weekend Reading on your tablet right now?
Are you reading tablet publications?
Keeping with the tablet theme, according to Tech Vibes, tablet publications are faring better in Canada than other parts of the world. In fact, publication apps account for 15% of all apps in iPad’s top 200 grossing apps! In the same category, they are also the second highest grossing apps next to games.
So who are the top publishers Canadians are reading? Do we prefer magazines to newspapers to newsstands? Find out in Tech Vibes infographic with more telling stats here.
2013 – The year of mobile?
That’s what The Mobilists are predicting in their post this week on 2013 Mobile Trends and Predictions, with a wish list that includes converting big data to actionable data, the rise of mobile payments, an increase in mobile shopping, and BYOD (bring your own device) to name a few.
But what do they think about mobile advertising, QR codes, or augmented reality? Check out their thorough article and share your thoughts on their lists in the comments below.
Personally I’m most excited to see developments in mobile use in everyday scenarios – from remote control access to household functions, to deeper control within our cars and even watches (as seen in Tech Zone 360 from this year’s CES.) I’m also eager for mobile payments to advance and become a regular form of payment now with our CIBC agreement for mobile wallets and suretap technology. 2013 is shaping up to be an innovative year already!
Kelly is a regular contributor for RedBoard.
Tags: Rogers is your go-to NHL destination: start off the season with perks and mobile streaming
January 17th, 2013 a 1:50pm
Hockey is back, woot woot! Who is going to be tuning in when the puck drops tomorrow? There are some great free previews, deals, and ways to stay close to the ice action. Here’s an overview of what hockey fans can expect.
Free preview of NHL Centre Ice:
- Rogers customers can enjoy a free preview of NHL Centre Ice from Jan. 19 to Jan. 31
- Approximately 600 games available for the full season
- NHL Centre Ice is available as part of the Rogers Super Sports Pak, which also includes OHL Action Pak, NBA League Pass, MLB Extra Innings, a subscription to Sportsnet magazine and more
- Rogers customers can also purchase NHL Centre Ice à la carte for the reduced cost of $49.99 for a one-time fee for the full season
Get your hockey fix from Sportsnet: Sportsnet will deliver unparalleled NHL coverage across broadcast, radio, digital and print, including Sportsnet’s Hockey Central Tonight, Hockey Central @ Noon, Sportsnet.ca and Sportsnet magazine
TSN HD free preview – Rogers digital TV customers who subscribe to TSN can tune into TSN HD for 3 months (until April 30) at no additional cost
Rogers wireless customers from coast to coast can catch CBC’s Hockey Night in Canada on their smartphones
- The Rogers Anyplace TV mobile app features live CBC Hockey Night in Canada broadcasts of all national games
- 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
Follow the puck on your tablet with live streaming in the home with the Rogers Anyplace TV Home Edition app
- Supplement your TV watching with live streaming of Sportsnet and CBC on your tablet from the comfort of your couch
Where will you be watching the game on Saturday?
UPDATE: January 30 2013, 1:27pm On your computer (coming soon to tablet) : Rogers digital TV customers in the GTA who subscribe to Sportsnet Ontario and/or Leafs TV can log into RogersAnyplaceTV.com to live stream Toronto Maple Leafs broadcasts. This includes live games aired from Sportsnet Ontario and Leafs TV only .
UPDATE: February 26 2013, 9:24 am: The Sportsnet Leafs Live app is now available on iPad. See url here: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/app/sportsnet-leafs-live/id600547579?mt=8
Kaili is a regular Redboard contributor
Tags: Minigraphics: Technology trends and predictions
January 17th, 2013 a 10:19am
Late last year, we surveyed 1040 Canadian smartphone and tablet owners to see how they used technology and what they predicted for the future. We presented the results in our latest Rogers Innovation Report, available through Slideshare. We also pulled together some of the statistics we found most interesting into a Rogers Innovation Report infographic. Now, we’re releasing some of our favourite individual statistics in dynamic minigraphic format.
Where do you stand on the following questions?
Looking back, in 2012…
Did you download a racy novel to a mobile device?
Ah, 2012: the year of E.L. James’ 50 Shades of Grey. Were you among the one-in-ten Canadian smartphone and tablet users who decided to opt for discretion and convenience by buying the electronic version of the novel and others like it through Amazon, iTunes and other online retailers? Hover your mouse over the dynamic minigraphic above to get other e-reader stats from around the world.
Have you ever used your smartphone in the bathroom? If so, how often?
An astounding 83% of Canadian smartphone users take the device with them to the washroom. A similar survey conducted in the UK last May concluded that 75% of respondents used their smartphone in the bathroom. We’d consider those people nomophobes – or people who experience stress when they’re unable to use their mobile phone – but I certainly wouldn’t consider them germophobes!
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement ‘In the next 5 years babies will be using technology before they can walk or talk.’
Did the 44% of Canadian respondents who answered “yes” to this question have this video in mind? I know I did. Hover your mouse over our interactive baby minigraphic to access other similar precocious tablet baby videos on YouTube.
To get non-interactive versions of our Rogers Innovation Report minigraphics, visit our Pinterest page.
So? Where did you rank? Are you following Canadian trends? Ahead of them maybe? Tell us where you think technology is heading in the comments below or join us on Twitter to discuss the results using the #RIRExplores hashtag.
Michelle is a regular contributor to the Redboard blog.
Tags: Keep calm and merry on: holiday essentials guide
December 18th, 2012 a 2:05pm
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
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