Tag Archives: Katherine

High Tech Romance

February 13, 2012

Roses are red, violets are blue, and how about a baby in a box to say I Love You? Yep, that’s right, one of the hottest V-Day gifts this year is a cute baby stuffed toy holding a red heart that pops out of a small wooden box. Inside the box is a QR code that links you to a video message from your loved one. Sorry Hallmark, the most romantic day of the year has gone digital.

If stuffed babies in boxes aren’t your thing, might I suggest a Lovestagram for all you Instagram-lovers out there? Kaitlyn Trigger, girlfriend of the founder of Instagram, has launched the app that allows you to make a slideshow of all the Instagram photos of you and your cuddle bear. And, you get to pick a cute, love-themed border for the slides.

Not so fluent in the language of love? Have no fear, Pinterest is sure to inspire your romantic side with boards and boards of everything you’ll need to make the day extra special, including: DIY gifts, treats; and decorations.

For all you self-proclaimed tech geeks, how about sending a romantic digitally themed V-Day card? Some of our favorites are, “Will you be my tweet-heart?” or how about a little Wi-Fi lingo, “You are in my range.” Or, you could get really personable by saying I Love you with a customizable QR code.

Last but not least, there’s even something for you busy, always on the go lovers. Get your morning latte and send a digital V-day card in one shot. When you get your Starbucks today or tomorrow, simply download the Cup Magic app  for your iPhone or Android and point your phone at the hearts on the cup. The hearts will appear on your phone as heart shaped flower petals flying off the cup and can easily sent to your valentine via Facebook or email.

-Katherine Cohen, Creative Services Coordinator

Photo credit: Flickr user gogoloopie

Pin It to Win It

January 30, 2012

 

Move over Words with Friends, we’ve found a new online obsession: Pinterest. The days of flipping through magazines and tearing out recipes and design inspirations are over. The new social-sharing platform allows users to upload images from the web and post them in an organized and shareable format.

Pinterest has quickly become the fastest growing social site with an increase of 429% new visitors since September. Paul Sciarra, Evan Sharp and Ben Silbermann, the geniuses behind the latest social addiction, say the idea behind Pinterest was to create a platform that was able to “connect everyone in the world through the ‘things’ they find interesting.” With brands such a Bergdorf Goodman providing pages and pages of beautiful shoes on their “Shoes that make us swoon” board, it’s no wonder that the Pinterest obsession is catching on.

Besides providing an escape for people to dream up fairy tale weddings and wishful designs for their future homes, Pinterest has become a valuable new site for many large brands and retailers. With over 7.5 million visitors to the site during the month of December, the social site is now one of the top 5 referrers for several apparel retailers including Nordstrom and West Elm. Earlier this month Facebook announced Pinterest as one of the 59 apps that are now integrated with their platform. Word around town is that with the steep increase of member growth and their new integration with Facebook, Pinterest is in line to be the next social commerce game changer.

Are you Pinterested yet? Before you get to pinning check out this article from Media Bistro for some great tips to help you get started. Just don’t blame me if you find yourself at Pinterest anonymous meetings.

- Katherine Cohen, Creative Services Coordinator

Photo credit: Flickr user Pinkpoppy

The greatest battle on Planet Earth: Android vs. iPhone

January 20, 2012

Coke or Pepsi; Nokia or Cannon; Starbucks or Dunkin Donuts; Jolie or Aniston; Nike or Adidas; Madonna or Gaga, ANROID or iPhone? Yes, it seems that the latest and most heated debate is between iPhone and Android users. As a Blackberry user I feel that I can discuss this matter in a non-objective way and stay completely neutral. Knowing that people feel very passionate about this topic, I will be sensitive in addressing the question: which one is better?!

The iPhone first stole our hearts in the summer of 2007 with its chic touch screen design and life-changing apps. That was until the Linux-based operating system better known as the Android popped up on the market in the fall of 2008. Since then, there has been a non-stop competition of “mine’s better than yours.”

So what is the difference? The iPhone runs on Apple’s IOS operating system and it’s available on only three carriers: AT&T, Verizon and Sprint. The iPhone is compatible with iTunes and Apple products; its key features being an 8-mexapixel camera and the Siri voice assistant. Androids run on Google’s mobile operating system and are available on all carriers. However, unlike the iPhone, not all Androids are created equal… capabilities range from budget to super premium. Androids are most compatible with Google services and offer features such as free voice navigations and very customizable voice actions. Most apps are available on both iPhones and Androids, which is convenient because one thing Android and IPhone users can agree on is that it’s all about the apps when they are deciding which smart phone to purchase.

Who’s in first place? According to the most recent study done by Nielson, Apple and Android accounted for 80% of all smart phone purchases in the 2nd quarter of 2011. It seems Android is currently winning the competition, as it accounted for more than half of that 80%. When we break it down by gender, Android has won over the ladies with 51% preferring Android; while 51% of men prefer the iPhone. Just this month at CES 2012, the largest consumer technology tradeshow, Android seem to dominate with their newest version, Android 4.0, which is going to be available on phones, TVs and even cameras. However, the competition stays strong as Apple is expected to release the iPhone 5 this summer, so stay tuned.

Maybe someday Android and iPhone will be able to live together in harmony, but until then, it’s every phone for itself.

- Katherine Cohen, Creative Services Coordinator

Photo courtesy of Flickr user Helico