The all new Skype 4
Posted on: July 17, 2008 at 4:15 am | Posted under: TechnologyTags: chat, skype, video, VOIP
Being a Windows user, I have the advantage of testing out the new Skype 4 (it is in beta right now). After a few weeks of using the new software, I must say that I am really enjoying it. There are some big changes with this new version, the biggest being that Skype uses a lot more space in the new UI. Many people do not seem to like this, but I do, since there are not a lot of separate windows open when I am on a call or just chatting.
The new UI of Skype 4 also provides a better video call experience. The video displays are shown within the application window and can be sized to according what you are doing. The smaller video works well for when you need the IM running, the larger video is great for when you still need access to other applications, and the fullscreen works for when you are just video chatting. The one drawback with the video is that I have not seen the ability to enable it when on a conference call. I am not sure if this will come about in a final release.
I would suggest to those of you that want a crystal clear video, to go and buy a nice webcam to do this. In the screenshots above, Albert was using an iSight with his PowerBook (he was also encountering bandwidth issues). Those users with better systems will experience a better video experience.
Overall, the new version of Skype is very nice and the updated UI keeps everything bundled without needing to have a number of individual windows open. I look forward to the final release, but in the meantime, I am sticking with this beta (the older version is just hard to go back to after this).
Are you running the new Skype 4 beta? Let me know your thoughts in the comments.
Cheers!
So you want to see this mobile?
Posted on: July 12, 2008 at 8:49 am | Posted under: BlogTags: Blog, mobile, MoFuse
My blog is now available in a mobile version! No coding or stylesheets necessary :) MoFuse takes your blog and gives you a nice mobile version for both iPhone and regular handsets.
Hat tip, Chris Brogan & Doc Searls.
Keeping your Brand while using Blogger
Posted on: July 10, 2008 at 5:51 am | Posted under: Blog, TechnologyTags: Blogger, blogs, branding, customization, domain, favicon
Blogger is a very simple publishing system that many people have been using for quite some time. Personally, I do not like the system and only use it to contribute to other blogs that use the system. Despite the downfalls of Blogger, there are a few things that you can do to keep your personal (or even company) brand while using the platform.
Setup a custom domain
This can be easily accomplished by doing a few things. You need to purchase a domain with a registrar, GoDaddy is the most popular one and there are a number of discount codes available, or you can purchase one through Google for $10. Once you have ordered your domain, you need to change your publishing options to use the new domain. Blogger has clearly outlined this process and it is available here.
Use a custom favicon
A majority of websites use a favicon as part of their online brand. This small 16×16 pixel graphic helps to identify your site while it is being viewed in web broswers. Right now Blogger uses a standard favicon across their entire site, this means that your blog does not stand out from the others in the address bar or in the bookmarks. A simple line of code and a creatively designed icon can remedy this. Any graphic designer will be able to put together an icon for you, but there are some options for those that wish to take on the task themselves.
Favicon.cc lets you design you own icon by either drawing one out or uploading an image. This is a simple solution to creating your own.
Favicon Generator is a tool built by Steven DeGraeve and works the same way as Favicon.cc.
The only hurdle that you will have to overcome is where to host your favicon. Blogger does not allow for the storage of these images, so you will have to look elsewhere. If you have a friend with a web hosting server then you are in luck. I am always willing to host icon files, contact me if you need help with this.
Here is the code needed to enable the favicon once you have one created and externally hosted (this is one that I am hosting for Alana Taylor):
<LINK REL=“SHORTCUT ICON” HREF=”http://files.jacobburke.com/HOSTING/AT/favicon.ico” />
This code needs to be placed within the <head> of your template.
Hide the Blogger Navbar
The navbar that Blogger places on all of the blogs can get a bit annoying, especially if you are trying to brand your blog. One of the easiest solutions is with another bit of code to place in the <head> of your template.
<!--Remove NavBar -->
<style type=’text/css’>#b-navbar {height: 0px; visibility: hidden; display: none;}</style>
<style type=’text/css’>#navbar-iframe {height: 0px; visibility: hidden; display: none;}</style>
I hope that you have found this article helpful for how you can keep your brand while using Blogger. If you have any questions or problems, please feel free to leave a comment or contact me. If you want to see these three tips in action, then visit my blog on Blogger.
Cheers!
What is the BIG deal with the Flip?
Posted on: July 9, 2008 at 7:50 pm | Posted under: Rants, TechnologyTags: camera, Flip Video, overpriced, SONY, video
I am still trying to figure out what the BIG deal is with The Flip video camera. Who in their right mind is going to pay $179.99 for a device that produces crappy video and has no expandable memory?! I certainly am not going to be swayed to buy junk just because iJustine uses one.
I have a SONY Cybershot DSC-P200 camera that has video mode. I carry my camera with me just about everywhere and I get better video and can store more of it. Oh yeah, did I mention that it has a ZEISS lens and 7.2 megapixels?
I really want to know why this little point-and-shoot video only device has everyone wanting one? Seriously!
Do you own a Flip video camera? Tell me why you purchased this piece of junk, I am curious about this.
I don’t mean to bash this thing, but $179.99 for low quality video? My camera only cost around $200 and I can do more with it!
Cheers!
Ping.fm removes you from the conversation
Posted on: July 9, 2008 at 12:29 pm | Posted under: Technology, social networkingTags: conversations, Ping.fm, social networking, Twitter
There is service out called Ping.fm, with this site you can update to multiple services at one time. While this might be great for people or companies that use social networks to broadcast information, it is not intended for those that want to be in the conversation.
Yes, social media is about conversations. One of the big reasons I use Twitter is to connect with people and converse with them. If I was just sending out updates with Ping.fm, I would miss the conversation and not be using the network to my advantage.
So, while there are the fanboys of the service out there, they are missing the reason for the true use of social networks - conversations.
Are you part of a conversation, or is sending updates your only reason for social networks.
Cheers!
