- Have you entered in our contest? Write a haiku about your Mom and you could win an HTC One. #HTCMom http://t.co/Kdw4KAg7cR ^eo
Archive for the ‘trends’ Category
Weekend Reading: Smartphone user dating habits, coding for kids and LTE in seven new markets this week
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.
Weekend Reading: A suretap update and all things digital
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.
: Weekend Reading: “Millennials,” Samsung Galaxy S4, and mobile shopping
From New York to Toronto – we’ve got your biggest stories this week including more on “millennials”, news on the Samsung Galaxy S4 and a look at mobile shopping habits – can you guess who’s leading the pack with online purchases? Find out in this week’s edition of Weekend Reading.
What “Millennials” really want from work
In last week’s Weekend Reading we told you about “millennials,” those in the 18-34 demographic who value their smartphones over their cars. This week, millennials are in the media again, this time for their work values.
According to Business 2 Community, the average millennial checks their device 34 times a day, which says a lot about this age group and how they are re-defining what is valued in the workplace. For instance, 45% of those surveyed said they would take lower paying jobs in exchange for more mobility, BYOD (bring your own device) options, and social media privileges.
Being a “millennial” myself I can relate to lot of what’s being said in the article. Smartphones are personal and unique, and I absolutely value being able to use the device(s) I’m most comfortable with at work. That said though, I’m not sure if I’d be willing to sacrifice my wallet for my phone, as would half of those surveyed by Cisco.
Check out the full article for more on what motivates this generation and how to work with their tech needs. How often do you check your device during the day? Or would you take a lower paying job in exchange for more mobility?
Samsung Galaxy S4
After much suspense, the new Samsung Galaxy S4 was “unpacked” last night in NYC.
The Samsung Galaxy S4 will include features like Smart Pause, an eye-tracking technology that automatically pauses a video when you look away from the screen, and Sound & Shot, which adds sound to the pictures you capture.
Check out all the great features on the Samsung microsite here, watch the unveiling on the Samsung YouTube Channel and stay tuned to RedBoard for more details on availability.
Moms lead the mobile shopping revolution
Mobile commerce is slated to become one of the biggest online trends for 2013. Not only are people doing most of their browsing online, but they’re becoming less hesitant to makes purchases online as well– especially moms.
According to a new study from eMarketer, 70 per cent of moms surveyed reported using their smartphone or tablet to shop, while one-third said the devices accounted for almost half their shopping time if not more! Retail apps play the largest role in purchasing decisions, though advice and ratings from fellow moms still ranks highest when it comes to deciding to buy.
Have your shopping habits changed with technological advancements? What are you looking forward to with future developments?
Kelly is a regular Redboard contributor.
: Weekend Reading: Students creating mobile apps, mobile tech benefits for health care, and the latest issue of Connected Rogers
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.
Weekend Reading: HTC One, 31 years of cell phones, smartphones vs. PC’s, and business mobile trends
It’s been another exciting week for mobile tech with the announcement and preview of the upcoming HTC One, plus we take a visual look at the last three decades of cell phones, speculation on smartphones overtaking traditional PC hardware, and mobile’s effect on business. All ahead in this week’s edition of Weekend Reading.
Hands on with the HTC One
This week HTC unveiled what is being hailed as one of the must-have devices for 2013 – the HTC One.
Earlier this week the device was showcased at an HTC event in New York City, where our friends at Connected Rogers were lucky enough to get a sneak peek. You can get all the details on the design, camera, and specs in their post here, plus a few other top industry sources including CNET, Network World, and iClarified (with video).
The HTC One will be available at Rogers this spring – stay tuned for more details!
Infographic: 3 decades of cell phones
Can you believe cell phones have been around for a whopping three decades already? It’s true! The Next Web posted a fantastic cell phone timeline infographic this week showcasing just how far cell phones have come over the last 31 years. A few personal faves from the infographic include the Dynatac 8000x (aka Zack Morris’ phone on Saved by the Bell), and my very own first cell phone, the Nokia 5110.
Which blast from the past makes you most appreciative of today’s tech? Alternately, is there anything you miss about them or see a comeback for?
Smartphones to replace PC’s?
After seeing how far smartphones have come, how long do you think it will be until they fulfill all our tech needs and take over completely?
Writer Eliot Van Buskirk provided some insight in his latest article for The Huffington Post. After accurately predicting the success of the iPod before others saw its value, he’s fairly certain that his hunch on hardware peripherals will be next. His article outlines six things that point to smartphones becoming “the center of our digital lives,” including tablet keyboards, and The Cloud. Check out the full post and let us know your own predictions in the comments below.
Adopting your business to 2013 mobile trends
It may only be the second month into the New Year, but analysts are already making predictions about the effects on mobile tech on businesses. The Telecom Blog explored various reports recently suggesting that a mobile transition is happening amazingly quickly and if your business isn’t quick to adapt to mobile trends as are their customers, it could represent some challenges for them in 2013. Now, how is this this reflected on Canadian soil? A quick example could be how mobile is changing television. Canadians don’t limit their tablet or smartphone usage to browsing the Web. Turns out mobile devices are also great for watching TV, and especially for watching shows on demand.
One of our recent Rogers Innovation Reports also suggested an increase in mobile trends, with 80% believing more people will be connected to the web via mobile devices than desktop computers in 2013. I’m definitely one of the 80% using my smartphone for everything I can these days because it’s so convenient! It’s always on me, has instant LTE internet access, and a world of apps at my disposal.
Is your business ahead of the game when it comes to mobile tech? If not, are you shifting your plans for 2013 in that direction? Let us know in the comments below – we’d love to know where you’re at.
Kelly is a regular Redboard contributor.
Weekend Reading: Go-to devices, Blackberry 10, apps for kids, and apps created by teens
I’m always inspired to read about all the different ways technology is changing our lives for the better. It gives us so many more options as to how we access news and information, for example. Not to mention that it opens new and exciting opportunities for education. That it motivates some students to develop talents that lead to fulfilling careers is so great. This week we look at people’s viewing habits, why more developers should be focused on kids apps, and introduce you to the latest teenage whiz-kid developer.
What’s your go-to device?
When it comes to sourcing out your entertainment, programming and news, television still reigns supreme. But those habits are shifting, and according to a new study by eMarketer, your age plays a part in which device you prefer.
For instance, 28% of people 18 to 24 claim that their laptop is their main source of news and entertainment. TV remains the number one source for 30% of people from that same age group, but for how much longer? On the gender front, women are more likely than men turn to their smartphones or tablets to watch their favourite shows. Personally I’m torn – I still love watching TV and live tweeting and checking in to the shows I’m watching, but on the other hand, there’s something to be said for the convenience of accessing Anyplace TV on your tablet at the cottage too!
How about you? What’s your go-to source for news and entertainment? Read the full eMarketer report online to see how you compare.
The Blackberry Z10 is here!
Last week we brought you some of our favourite blog coverage from the Toronto and NYC events that introduced the Blackberry 10 platform to the world. This week we were proud to launch our first ever LIVE blog here on Redboard, capturing some of the first Blackberry Z10 sales in the world!
Catch the excitement filmed earlier this week in Toronto – were you one of our featured customers lucky enough to score a Blackberry Z10 on launch day?
Kids need more apps
When cellphones first came on to the scene, most parents were reluctant to hand one over to their kids. Those who did usually had restrictions in place to ensure the device was used for emergency purposes only. Though these devices are still handy for emergencies, parents are increasingly seeing the benefits of their kids utilizing them for fun and education too.
What’s also changed is how kids use their phone. While it’s true that gaming apps rank highest among kids 12 and under, educational apps were right up there with more than half using their devices for learning purposes too. Schools have even begun to take notice with 1.5 million tablets already being used by students in the US.
Upstart Business Journal referenced an eye opening infographic that app developers may want to capitalize upon – check out their post for more kid tech trends and share some of your favourite educational apps with us in the comments below!
High school student creates “Clipped”
We also stumbled across a fascinating interview with a 15 year old student who created an app in between homework and hanging out with friends. When I was 15 I was making mix tapes and experimenting with makeup!
Fast Company caught up with Tanay Tandon for a quick chat on how his app “Clipped” came together what this Flipboard competitor can do for you, and what’s next on his agenda.
It’s amazing what opportunities technology provides for teens today that can lead to such promising careers tomorrow. How is tech affecting you and/or your kids upbringing in 2013?
Kelly is a regular Redboard contributor.
Talking Winter White Rogers phones and red hot fashion with style blogger Neha Lobana
Traditionally, wearing white after Labour Day was considered a fashion faux pas.
But not anymore!! Fashionistas everywhere know that storing your whites until May is an antique notion, white makeup is super-cool and white accessories add snap to black.
To celebrate this white-hot trend, Rogers is having a Winter White Event, featuring up to $100 off select white devices from Samsung, BlackBerry, Nokia, LG and HTC for a limited time.
We also spoke with fashion blogger Neha Lobana of La Lobana about wearing white in wintertime and what your phone colour says about you.
Q: Wearing white in winter: Fashion fail or win?
A: Wearing white is always a win! Not too many people dare to wear it since it’s known to do no justice for your figure, and it’s easier to get dirty. However, I feel that individuals need to be more daring and give it a try, because rocking a white outfit once in a while can really make you stand out.
Q: In your opinion, does fashion influence our technology choices? How?
A: Fashion definitely influences our technology choices. The way I see it, someone who works at, let’s say Vogue or Elle … you’ll most likely see them with an iPhone or even a BlackBerry (in their hand). At the end of the day, it comes down to whether or not you’re a “brand” person. If you’re one who buys most things brand related, then you’ll most likely have an iPhone, a Samsung Galaxy or a BlackBerry in your hands.
Q: What do you think makes someone choose a particular colour smartphone?
A: We all know the typical “pink is for girls and blue is for boys,” but with phones, from what I’ve seen, guys lean more towards devices in the colour black, whereas girls lean towards white phones. But again, it also depends on the person’s personality and their personal preferences.
Q: Have you ever changed the look of your phone with a skin or case so that it matched your outfit?
A: Never! But, that’s only because I buy cases that I know will go with any outfit I wear. It would bother me so much if I was wearing something and my phone’s case clashed with it. It basically ruins your look. The best advice I can give to those who also want their phones to pair well with their outfits is, although they’re hard to turn down, don’t purchase a million phone skins or cases. Pick ones that look great and you know will go with most, if not all of your outfits.
Q: If someone has a white smartphone, what does it say to you about their sense of style?
A: I have a white smartphone and I picked it because the colour stood out. So, I guess it just says the person prefers brighter shades when it comes to styling their outfits.
In addition to our Winter White event, we’re also giving away six white smartphones with our Winter Whites Pinterest contest. Full details here.
How do you wear your winter whites?
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Weekend Reading: BlackBerry 10, new Rogers Wireless Innovation Centre, and mobile commerce
One of the reasons we started our Weekend Reading series is because of the sheer volume of things happening in the tech world, from innovations and advancements, to product releases and events. This week alone: we saw the launches of BlackBerry 10 and the new Rogers Wireless Innovation Centre. It doesn’t stop there. We also look ahead at what to expect in 2013 from mobile commerce. Happy Friday everyone!
BlackBerry introduces BlackBerry 10
Without a doubt, this week’s top story was the worldwide introduction to the new BlackBerry 10 platform. Just about every tech blog in the universe reported on the news, eager to demo their favorite features and share their insights.
We were lucky enough to not only attend the BlackBerry media event in Toronto, but get an exclusive hands-on video showcasing the BlackBerry Z10. The device is available to Rogers customers as of February 5th but you can pre-register for yours today through the Rogers Reservation System.
Here’s a roundup of our picks for some of the best live coverage available online, so you can catch up on everything BlackBerry:
Tech Crunch: Live feed from NYC
Gigaom: Live feed from NYC
Tech Vibes: Live feed from Toronto
Mobile Syrup: Live feed from Toronto
Will you be making your next smartphone a BlackBerry Z10?
Rogers New Wireless Innovation Centre
It was a busy week at Rogers, and not only because of the BlackBerry 10 launch. We announced this week that we’ve opened a new Wireless Innovation Centre in Toronto to help accelerate innovation and adoption of connected wireless tech in Canada.
Our very own President and CEO Nadir Mohamed joined executives from SAP, Women’s College Hospital, and Canadian Tire at a round table discussion on connected technology, where they talked about how big data and analytics will affect Canadian businesses and consumers. Here at Rogers, we are expecting to surpass one million M2M connections before end of year.
We also took this opportunity to show off the new space by showcasing hands-on demos of technology that businesses and consumers use today including ATMs, parking meters and GPS locating tools.
Nadir was quoted at the event: “Internet is the foundation for a truly digital world and as our lives become increasingly connected we will see an explosion of valuable data for businesses, governments, healthcare providers and consumers. To position Canada at the forefront, we are making investments in networks, strategic partnerships, and big data and analytics platforms to build a robust ecosystem that will power a connected future for Canada.”
With our Toronto launch, we’ve expanded our network of Wireless Innovation Centres, which were already up and running in both Montreal and in Vancouver. Check out what the folks at The Globe & Mail, Digital Home and Cartt had to say about the event, and visit www.rogersm2mbusiness.com to learn more about Rogers M2M business.
Mobile Commerce will be huge in 2013
Shoppers are already using their devices to redeem coupons, research products, and make online purchases. As a result, we’re seeing trends that include mobile payments, tablet commerce, and local mobile marketing – all key factors in looking at where mobile commerce is headed for 2013.
The Business Insider cites a recent report from BI Intelligence which explains that the rate of mobile commerce growth, coupled with the availability of mobile payment solutions, tablet consumers, mobile marketing, and mobile fashion apps, combine to provide indicators that clearly show that mobile shopping is on the rise. BI Intelligence gives a great overview of these stats and shares thoughts on mobile commerce based on this data.
Check out the full article and let us know what you think in the comments below. The Business Insider definitely resonated with me since we committed to mobile payment in November, after launching a mobile payment solution in partnership with CIBC. I can’t wait to see what’s ahead for 2013!
Kelly is a regular Redboard contributor.
Weekend Reading: Couch commerce, tablet publications, and 2013 predictions
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.
April 26th, 2013 a 11:33am
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