Archive for the ‘Technology’ Category:
Verizon offering no-contract plans, still making more money…
Posted on: September 23, 2008 at 11:58 pm | Posted under: TechnologyTags: Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless has announced that customers can get a plan without a one or two year contract locking them down. The only caveat, you have to pay full price for the phone. While I think this is a great move for Verizon to give more flexibility to their customers, how many people are actually going to pay full retail price for a new phone or device just to avoid a contract.
The reason why users are signed up for a contract is because the carrier subsidises the cost of the phone and the up-front savings are actually applied to the cost of the phone over the life of the contract. So, I think Verizon is being a little unfair here. If I am going to pay full retail for a phone up-front, then I want a reduced monthly cost, because there is no subsidy to make up since I am paying full retail. Verizon is making out better with this no contract offering. Full phone costs up-front and still charging the same monthly rate. Yes, they may end up losing customer or two since contracts are not locking them down - but they are making even more money now.
I am still undecided at this point if I will switch to a no-contract plan when my current contract ends, I guess we will see if Verizon launches some new phones that are worth using between now and May 2009.
What are your thoughts on the new Verizon Wireless plan?
Cheers!
Google Redesigned back up
Posted on: September 2, 2008 at 7:52 pm | Posted under: TechnologyTags: Google Redesigned
Google Redesigned came back online earlier today. It seems the issue of exceeding CPU quota on bluehost has been a problem in the past. I hope these guys get things figured out to keep the add-on stable.
Looking for a better look to Gmail? Check out Google Redesigned 
Cheers!
An Update on Google Redesigned
Posted on: September 2, 2008 at 4:15 am | Posted under: TechnologyTags: Google Redesigned
I logged into Gmail tonight and noticed that the images used in the Google Redesigned add-on were not showing up. Turns out that bluehost has suspended Globex Designs’ account due to exceeding their CPU quota. I hope that the developers get this figured out, because Gmail just looks ugly without using this add-on.
My suggestion is to move the images and files over to S3 to keep things up and not deal with the CPU quota issues from bluehost.
I will be sure to write another update once the developer has things figured out.
Cheers!
The Gmail Interface I have always wanted!
Posted on: August 31, 2008 at 3:01 am | Posted under: TechnologyTags: cloud computing, GCal, Gmail
I have been a Gmail user ever since one of my colleagues gave me an invite back in 2004. I love the system and all the space that keeps getting added :) Recently, I decided to setup my domain account with Google Apps so that I am not stuck using 1&1’s horrible web interface. I am very pleased with the switch over to Google Apps, but the one thing that Gmail lacks is a professional UI.
While always on the hunt for Firefox add-ons, I came across Google Redesigned. Let me tell you, this add-on is sweet! I now have a professional looking webmail interface that simply looks AMAZING!
I know, many of you are thinking that I can just setup IMAP and dump this into Thunderbird or Outlook, but I hate desktop mail clients. I use Outlook for my email with the resort and the only reason is because the webmail interface is junk.
If you are a Gmail user running Firefox, then I encourage you to give the add-on a try. One day I wish Gmail would look more like the mobileme mail interface, but I doubt that will ever happen. I can still dream!
In addition to Gmail, the add-on also gives GCal a professional look. The developer has plans to extend this to Reader and Docs, I’m looking forward to it!
Cheers!
Viddler launches player branding
Posted on: August 11, 2008 at 9:09 am | Posted under: Technology, VideosTags: branding, customization, Viddler
Viddler has launched their new player branding. What is this? Well you can now brand your player for when videos are embedded on sites. This includes modifying the color and adding a custom logo.
For those of you that are Viddler users, you can view these customization options under Settings -> Player Branding.
Here is a video from Rob Sandie, Viddler’s President, with the custom branding.
Get yourself a branded player - ONLY ON VIDDLER!
Cheers!
