GSA Technology Council

The overwhelming majority of Americans (92%) use multiple platforms to get their daily news, according to a new survey conducted jointly by the Pew Research Center’s Internet & American Life Project and Project for Excellence in Journalism.

The internet is now the third most-popular news platform, behind local and national television news and ahead of national print newspapers, local print newspapers and radio. Getting news online fits into a broad pattern of news consumption by Americans; six in ten (59%) get news from a combination of online and offline sources on a typical day.

The internet and mobile technologies are at the center of the story of how people’s relationship to news is changing. In today’s new multi-platform media environment, news is becoming portable, personalized, and participatory:

* Portable: 33% of cell phone owners now access news on their cell phones.
* Personalized: 28% of internet users have customized their home page to include news from sources and on topics that particularly interest them.
* Participatory: 37% of internet users have contributed to the creation of news, commented about it, or disseminated it via postings on social media sites like Facebook or Twitter.

In addition, people use their social networks and social networking technology to filter, assess, and react to news. And they use traditional email and other tools to swap stories and comment on them. Among those who get news online, 75% get news forwarded through email or posts on social networking sites and 52% share links to news with others via those means.

Despite all of this online activity, the typical online news consumer routinely uses just a handful of news sites and does not have a particular favorite. And overall, Americans have mixed feelings about this “new” news environment. Over half (55%) say it is easier to keep up with news and information today than it was five years ago, but 70% feel the amount of news and information available from different sources is overwhelming.

About the Survey
The results in this report are based on data from telephone interviews conducted by Princeton Survey Research International between December 28, 2009 and January 19, 2010, among a sample of 2,259 adults, 18 and older. For results based on the total sample, one can say with 95% confidence that the error attributable to sampling and other random effects is plus or minus 2.3 percentage points. For results based internet users (n=1,675) or “online news users” (N= 1,582), the margin of sampling error is plus or minus 2.7 percentage points. In addition to sampling error, question wording and practical difficulties in conducting telephone surveys may introduce some error or bias into the findings of opinion polls. This survey was conducted on landline telephones (N=1,697) and cell phones (N=562) and is meant to be representative of all adults in the continental United States.

E-Reader satisfaction is high among owners, according to a new report e-Reader Owners: Attitudes and Usage from leading market research company The NPD Group. Almost all owners (93 percent) said they were “very satisfied” or “somewhat satisfied” with their device. Only 2 percent of owners expressed any level of dissatisfaction.

Features are important to e-Reader owners. According to the report, 60 percent of owners said wireless access was their favorite feature on their e-Reader; touch was mentioned by 23 percent of owners.

“Both the display technology and available content on e-Readers are optimized for those interested in books, said Ross Rubin, executive director of industry analysis at NPD. “Pairing these optimizations with wireless technology for transparent access and touch screens for easy navigation has resonated with the avid readers that have been early e-Reader adopters.”

Even with great features, e-Reader owners are still looking for more in these relatively new and still evolving devices. Some recommended improvements from owners include more book title availability, longer battery life, and color screens at 42 percent, 39 percent, and 34 percent respectively. Content is important, and while almost half (46 percent) of owners said they were mostly satisfied with the selection of titles for their e-Reader devices, only 39 percent said they could find every title they were looking for.

But it seems that e-Reader owners aren’t married to their e-Readers to do their reading. About three-in-ten owners say they use at least one other device for reading e-books, such as a PC or a smartphone

“As we have seen with music, photos and video, books and other printed matter are slated to appear on a wide array of devices that offer tradeoffs in such factors as screen size and battery life,” said Rubin. “As the recent introduction of Apple’s iPad demonstrates, applications now on smartphones benefit from larger screens, and industry leaders are recognizing the importance of supporting multiple platforms by supporting multiple clients and open standards.”

via: NPD

Guests of the Hyatt Regency Greenville are now using their iPhones to request everyday hotel amenities and order room service — from anywhere — with a new travel app developed by GBCblue.

Hyatt Regency Greenville launched the free guest-services app in Apple’s App Store using GBCblue’s mobile e-commerce platform for the hospitality industry, GORION, according to Victor Alikin, CEO of GBCblue. The South Carolina hotel developed the travel app to extend the success of its online guest-services portal, www.HyattRoomService.com, from GBCblue.

The hotel’s GORION app has been “extremely popular” with travelers as 80 percent of Hyatt Regency Greenville guests who visit the portal use their handhelds to get there, according to Mike Roebuck, director of sales and marketing for Hyatt Regency Greenville.

“Since we launched our app, we’ve seen a 300-400 percent increase in usage of our guest-services portal,” Roebuck said. “And orders made through the system are 17-20 percent higher per ticket. We’ve used the app to enhance our guest services and, at the same time, boost our bottom line.”

Hyatt Regency Greenville’s GORION app allows guests with an iPhone or iPod touch to view photo-enhanced menus from Chef Ben Hardaway and place orders on-site or in advance of their stays. Guests of the stylish luxury hotel order amenities such as towels, linens and soaps from their handhelds and learn more about local attractions, including the nearby BMW Performance Driving Center, award-winning golf courses and historical museums.

“In the current economic climate, cost-effective differentiation is essential in our industry,” Roebuck said. “By working with GBCblue to develop an app that enhances our guests’ experience, we’ve added a great service without a large technology investment.”

Roebuck added that the GORION app is tied to Hyatt’s central reservation system. The integration allows guests to make room reservations from their iPhones and iPod touches without affecting the hotel’s back-end operations or PCI compliance.

“The Hyatt Regency Greenville prides itself on being a progressive, fashionable alternative to other hotels in the region,” Alikin said. “By extending the hotel experience to guests’ mobile devices and allowing them to personalize their stays, Greenville is staying at the leading edge of hospitality service.”

via: Greenville Hyatt

Our December event was Gadgetfest 2009. Quite a few members of the GSATC showcased various tech gadgets from online services like Goog411, the Android Smart Phone and inventions by local entrepreneurs.

View photos as a slideshow

Photos by Patrick Greer. See the entire collection on Flickr.

In this episode of our podcast we share upcoming events in the week ahead, answer and share a review of the Motorola Android smart phone and present some interviews conducted during the October Tech After 5 event featuring John Yeary, Mike Gottenauer, Don Crews and Kirbe Crowe. Thanks for listening and don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast via the iTunes link below.

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High-speed Web browsing, voice-activated search, customizable large screen, access to thousands of Android applications and hundreds of widgets and the best 3G mobile network in the country: DROID by Motorola arrives on Nov. 6.

Verizon Wireless, the company with the nation’s largest wireless 3G broadband network, and Motorola, Inc. (NYSE: MOT), a pioneer in the mobile industry, today unveiled DROID by Motorola, the first smartphone powered by Android™ 2.0. DROID by Motorola features the brainpower and breakneck speed of a modern smartphone, designed to outperform where other smartphones fall short.

“We’re proud to work with Verizon Wireless and Google™ on the first smartphone to feature Android 2.0,” said Sanjay Jha, co-chief executive officer of Motorola and chief executive officer of Motorola Mobile Devices. “DROID by Motorola delivers a rich consumer experience with warp-speed Web browsing, a mammoth screen, and Motorola’s expertise in design and voice quality. Combined with Android’s open, flexible graphical user interface and the power of Verizon Wireless’ 3G network, DROID is a smartphone that simply doesn’t compromise.”
“This is an exciting announcement for Verizon Wireless, as the DROID by Motorola is the first device that we are bringing to market under our ground-breaking strategic partnership with Google,” said John Stratton, executive vice president and chief marketing officer for Verizon Wireless. “DROID by Motorola gives customers a lifestyle device with access to more than 12,000 applications that will help them stay in touch, up to date and entertained, using the best 3G network in the country.”
DROID by Motorola has a solid exterior, intelligent interior and is one of the thinnest full-QWERTY slider phones available. It is a no-fuss, high-tech, location-aware, voice-recognizing, over-the-air updating, multi-tasking machine – and it is available just in time for holiday wish lists.

With DROID by Motorola, you can:
• Zip through the Web: Access the Internet at 3G speeds via the nation’s largest and most reliable 3G network or from any Wi-Fi hotspot. The multi-window HTML browser with a massive processor delivers the Web the way you expect.
• See it all in cinema-style: View the Web, e-mail, Google Maps™, videos and more in widescreen on a brilliant 3.7” high-resolution screen. Boasting a width of 854 pixels to reduce the need for side-to-side panning and more than 400,000 pixels total, DROID has more than twice that of the leading competitor.
• Run multiple applications at once: Customize your DROID with thousands of applications and hundreds of widgets available on Android Market™. Toggle back and forth between up to six applications at a time to juggle the universe and your apps.
• Perform Google Search™ at the speed of sound: Simply tell DROID what you’re looking for using voice-activated search, and it will serve up Google search results based on your location. If you want more, simply type what you’re looking for into the search bar on the home screen and DROID will also search content on your phone, such as apps and contacts, and the Web.
• Capture moments: Snap digital camera-quality photos with a 5 megapixel camera loaded with the works, such as a dual-LED flash, AutoFocus and image stabilization, or capture your friend’s antics in 16 million colors with DVD-quality video capture and playback. Store it all on the included 16 GB memory card, so you always have it on hand.
• Multi-task like a master: Keep tabs on all your messages with integrated Gmail™ and Exchange e-mail pushed directly to you, but don’t let them get in your way. With the handy Android notification panel, go straight to the message or simply ignore it, and get back to the task at hand. And, a smart dictionary learns as you type and automatically includes your contacts.
• Get where you need to go with Google Maps Navigation (Beta): DROID is the first device with Google Maps Navigation, providing turn-by-turn voice guidance as a free feature of Google Maps. It’s powered by Google and connected to the Internet. Use voice shortcuts and simply say “Navigate to [your destination],” and you’ll be on your way. See live traffic, use Street View or satellite imagery to view your route, and get access to the most recent maps and business information from Google Maps without ever needing to update your device.

Pre-loaded Applications and Enhancements to Google Mobile Services:
• Google Maps: With layers in Google Maps, view geographic information, such as My Maps, Wikipedia, and transit lines, right on the map.
• Gmail: Multiple accounts support and undo for common operations.
• YouTube™: One-touch recording and playback from homescreen widget or app, one-touch sharing with friends, and the ability to view your own uploaded videos and high-resolution videos.
• Google Talk™: Easily switch between chats, search your chat history, and preview pictures and videos sent by links.
• Android Market: Browse and download applications created by third-party developers.
• Calendar: Ability to see who has R.S.V.P.’d to your meeting invitations.
• Facebook: Syncs Facebook contacts to your address book, and a live widget gives the ability to update status and view latest updates from friends.
• Amazon MP3 Store: Download the latest tracks over the air.
• Verizon Wireless Visual Voice Mail: Delete, reply and forward voice mail messages without having to listen to prior messages or voice instructions.

Pricing and Availability:
• DROID by Motorola will be available in the United States exclusively at Verizon Wireless Communications Stores and online on Friday, Nov. 6, for $199.99 with a new two-year customer agreement after a $100 mail-in rebate. Customers will receive the rebate in the form of a debit card; upon receipt, customers may use the card as cash anywhere debit cards are accepted.
• Experience the all-new DROID by Motorola at www.droiddoes.com.
• To get the most from DROID by Motorola smartphone, customers will need to subscribe to a Nationwide voice plan and an Email and Web for Smartphone plan. Nationwide voice plans begin at $39.99 for monthly access for 450 minutes and an Email and Web for Smartphone plan is $29.99 for monthly access.
• For additional information on Verizon Wireless products and services, visit a Verizon Wireless Communications Store, call 1-800-2 JOIN IN or go to www.verizonwireless.com.

via: Verizon Wireless

PriceGrabber.com®, a part of Experian, explores the impact of the economy on holiday spending in its latest Holiday Forecast Consumer Behavior Report. Survey data reveals that the state of the economy is shaping new trends in holiday shopping. More than ever, comparison shopping is on the forefront of consumers’ minds, with 70 percent of consumers doing more research and comparison shopping online, compared with 38 percent last year.

Consumers are also crossing acquaintances (57 percent) and coworkers (53 percent) off their gift lists. Other findings from the PriceGrabber.com survey of 2,018 online consumers conducted from Sept. 24, 2009 to Oct. 12, 2009, reveal:

Consumers are cutting back — 53 percent plan to spend less

Many consumers have made a concerted effort to cut back over the last year due to the recession. A recent PriceGrabber.com survey revealed that these efforts will continue into the holiday shopping season and set the stage for new trends in holiday shopping. Fifty-three percent of consumers are planning to spend less than they did last year. Of the consumers who are planning to spend less this year, 48 percent reveal that one of the reasons that they are spending less is due to an increase in prices (necessities, gas, etc.), 45 percent cite lack of confidence in the economy, and 38 percent indicate making less money as a reason for spending less.

Shopping starts earlier to ease the impact of holiday spending — 22 percent start their holiday shopping in October

Cutting back on spending is not the only holiday trend being impacted by the recession. In past years, Black Friday (the day after Thanksgiving) has been the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season. This year, consumers are planning to start their holiday shopping long before Black Friday, with 22 percent of consumers starting their holiday shopping in October and 29 percent starting in November.

Gift lists are trimmed down to manage budgets — 57 percent are not purchasing gifts for acquaintances

Consumers are also making some significant cuts to the number of people on their holiday gift lists. When consumers were asked to compare this year’s gift list to last year’s, 57 percent of consumers revealed that they are not purchasing gifts for the acquaintances that they purchased gifts for last year. Fifty-three percent of consumers are not purchasing gifts for the co-workers that they purchased gifts for last year. When it comes to holiday spending this year, 36 percent of consumers expect to spend between $100 and $499, 28 percent plan to spend $500 to $999, and 30 percent anticipate a holiday spend of $1,000 or more.

Consumers are using more money-saving techniques — 50 percent shop at discount or outlet stores

This year, in order to meet holiday spending budgets, more consumers are utilizing money-saving techniques for their holiday shopping when compared with last year’s PriceGrabber.com survey, Holiday Consumer Spending Survey (2,641 respondents, conducted from Oct. 20, 2008, to Nov. 10, 2008). Fifty percent of consumers are planning to shop at discount or outlet stores this year, while only 43 percent did so last year. Twenty-nine percent of consumers are planning to purchase gifts for fewer people this year, while only 10 percent did so last year.

via: pricegrabber.com

With its official launch, the Log for Life glucose logging application and its companion iPhone app provide insulin dependent diabetics a simple and effective way to manage blood sugar levels for a healthier, longer life.

What is diabetes? The American Diabetes Association defines diabetes as “a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life.” Diabetes requires close management of blood sugar levels (glucose) to improve quality of life and reduce the risk of severe health complications. Managing diabetes may involve lifestyle changes, but for more than 3 million diabetics in the U.S. alone, managing this disease requires daily glucose checks and insulin injections. Log for Life is here to help empower and support these diabetics, though Log for Life can be used by those affected by either type 1 or type 2 diabetes.

The inspiration for Log for Life came from Ethan, a type 1 diabetic and a graphic designer at the software company Gnoso. Ethan explained, “I tried many other sites and tools and none were easy to use or gave me the insight into my log data to help me make changes. Since I log my glucose levels multiple times a day, I wanted a tool that was fast, functional, and beautiful.” With the help of a team of experienced web developers and successful entrepreneurs, Ethan’s passion for building a helpful tool for himself and others grew into Log for Life.

Log for Life allows diabetics to quickly enter glucose levels, carbohydrate intake, medication intake, time spent exercising, weight, and additional notes. These entries can be made in multiple ways to make logging fast and easy. Any mobile phone that can send email, connect to the web, or send a text message to an email address can also log entries. Additionally, the Log for Life: Diabetes Quick Entry iPhone application allows entries to easily be made from an iPhone or iPod touch.

Since entries can be made in less than 10 seconds, Log for Life effectively replaces paper log books and complicated glucose meter software. Even those who are not in the habit of logging their glucose can start logging with minimal effort. Diabetes can strike at any age and supporting a diabetic can involve a whole team, so Log for Life is designed to be used by anyone, from children to parents, doctors to teachers. The effectiveness of the design was confirmed in 2008 when Log for Life won an industry design award that included judges from the world renowned IDEO design firm.

Log for Life can be shared with family, friends, or a health care team, so anyone can monitor and provide support. The data analysis features on the web site allow a diabetic to review past entries for trends, then print the log for a Doctor’s appointment, or export the data for further analysis. Log for Life puts diabetics in control of their information and their diabetes.

With ease of use, multiple entry and reporting features, Log for Life empowers diabetics to be the best they can be without the hassle.

via: Log for Life

With tropical storms churning in the Atlantic Ocean, South Carolinians are urged to finalize their emergency communication plans as the 2009 Tropical Hurricane Season heats up in the Southeast. Verizon Wireless, which operates the nation’s largest and most reliable wireless network, offers residents these tips to be safer during strong weather and other emergencies:

• Keep wireless phone batteries fully charged — in case local power is lost — well before warnings are issued.
• Have additional charged batteries and car-charger adapters available for back-up power.
• Keep phones, batteries, chargers and other equipment in a dry, accessible location.
• Keep a list of emergency phone numbers, including police, fire, and rescue agencies; insurance providers; and family, friends and co-workers, programmed into your phone.
• Distribute wireless phone numbers to family members and friends.
• Forward your home phone calls to your wireless number if you will be away from your home or have to evacuate.

If a storm already is striking or threatening, Verizon Wireless suggests these tips:

• Limit non-emergency calls to conserve battery power and free up wireless networks for emergency agencies and operations.
• Send brief text messages rather than voice calls for the same reasons as above.
• Check weather/news reports available on wireless phone applications when power is out.

“Thorough preparation is the key to staying safe and in touch during emergencies,” said Jerry Fountain, Carolinas/Tennessee region president for Verizon Wireless. “Residents should take prudent steps now, just as our teams have been in preparing the network to provide strong coverage and services to residents and emergency responders, no matter the situation.”

Verizon Wireless has continued the intensive investments and preparations that proved critical during and after past years’ storm seasons. In the aftermath of devastating severe weather, the Verizon Wireless network in South Carolina remained strong while many other wireless communication networks struggled to serve emergency response officials and residents.

Additional highlights of the Verizon Wireless 2009 Tropical Hurricane Season preparation and network enhancement include:

• A comprehensive emergency response plan, including preparing emergency command centers across South Carolina in the case of a storm or other crisis.
• Verizon Wireless network technicians traveled more than 11,225 miles across the state this past year in six vehicles (valued at $250,000 each, equipped with phones, wireless data devices and computers) to measure the quality of calls on Verizon Wireless and other carriers.
• The company has a fleet of dozens of Cells on Wheels (COWs), Cells on Light Trucks (COLTs), and Generators on Trailers (GOaTs) that can be rolled into hard-hit locations or areas that need extra network capacity.
• Pre-arranging fuel delivery to mobile units and generators to keep the network operating at full strength even if power is lost for an extended period of time.
• Erecting during the past year numerous new digital cell sites, of which about 100 percent have their own on-site generators and new expanded fuel tanks to extend their power-generating capacity.
• Verizon Wireless 3G high-speed wireless network throughout the state, allowing customers to access advanced wireless services more reliably and at even faster broadband speeds.

These new technologies, facilities and network-strengthening efforts are part of an investment of more than $683 million in South Carolina since the company was formed in 2000.

via: Verizon Wireless

Yahoo! will provide official coverage of the NASA Space Shuttle Discovery launch and 24-7 video footage of the 12-day mission — including take-off, space walks and shuttle landing available live at Yahoo! and Yahoo! News.

NASA’s agreement with Yahoo! represents one of the space agency’s first online media partnerships. Under the terms of the agreement, Yahoo! will provide a co-branded Windows Media Player that will stream the mission’s official online video on the websites of both NASA and Yahoo!.

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