Green “Apple”
It seems like everyone’s jumped on the “go green” train as of late, and Apple, the technology mecca, is no exception. Though still clearly a work in progress, recently released preliminary sketches from the aforementioned company’s brainiacs overview an innovative design scheme to make Macbooks solar-powered…at least in part.
As per the design’s construction, the basic idea is to have the top lid of the Macbook feature a mirror to attract the sun’s rays. The energy emanated from the sun will then be processed via built-in photovoltaic cells (which convert the energy into electricity) in order to supplement an LED backlight.
While it’s clearly an on-trend and inspired idea, Apple fans have already started to point out some notable design issues: namely the fact that in order to achieve maximum efficacy, the Macbook would have to be constantly pointed at and unobstructed from the sun.
Those of us who reside in areas such as London, Ontario, characterized by humid continental climates, obviously weren’t in mind when this idea was conceived. Irrespective of this, it is encouraging to see more and more businesses, especially one with Apple’s influence, taking the initiative to become more “eco-oriented”; something the team here at Inspiratica definitely supports.
To learn more about how we’re doing our part, please click here.
Google Lends a Hand to Disaster Relief’s Missing Persons
We hate to continually stroke Google’s ego, but they’ve really got a toe-hold in terms of coming up with innovative and useful web and mobile applications (apps, for short).
Following the recent 7.2 earthquake in Turkey, Google released a personalized version of their “Person Finder” app to help Turkish victims search and hopefully find their missing loved ones.
Originally launched in 2010 following the devastating earthquake in Haiti, “Person Finder” is an open source web application that provides a registry and message board for survivors, family and loved ones affected by natural disasters to post and search for information about each other’s statuses and whereabouts. (more…)
Inspiratica Launches “I Am One Person” Campaign
According to statistics recently compiled by the Canadian Cancer Society, “40% of women and 45% of men in Canada will develop cancer during their lifetimes.” Of even more significance to public health concerns, “on average, an estimated 1,310 children and youth aged 0–19 years develop cancer each year.”
While Canada has been successful in developing effective treatments contributing to an overall decline in mortality rates in recent years, further research in this area is needed. (more…)
Google Analytics: Real Time Monitoring!!!
If you’ve got a website the chances are fairly good that you use some sort of analytics software to track you site’s statistics. If you’ve got a website with Inspiratica, or with one of the many other great web design companies in London, Ontario the chances are good that your analytics software is Google Analytics; the most popular traffic analysis tool in the world!
Previously, website traffic data was available after a certain time period, ranging from three hours to one day. But now, you can monitor the happenings on your website as they happen!
Google Analytics users can now monitor how many visitors are active on their website at the moment, how much traffic is being driven from any source at that specific time. This means you can easily find out what medium suits you best for the promotion of your site.
To activate the new Google Analytics dashboard you need to login to Google Analytics and click the ‘New Version’ link in your header, near the ‘Sign Out’ link.
The best part about Google Analytics Real-Time Monitoring is that IT IS COMPLETELY FREE!!!
Paper or Plastic? No Longer the Only Choice
American Eagle, OfficeMax and FootLocker are among the major retailers who jumped at the opportunity to “digitize” their customer rewards programs and payments via Google’s latest mobile app: Google Wallet.
Released last month, the smartphone technology allows users to ditch their old-fashioned physical wallets, along with all of the rewards cards causing them to burst at the seams.
As Google explains, “you’ll be able to store your credit cards, offers, loyalty cards and gift cards…without the bulk. When you tap to pay, your phone will also automatically redeem offers and earn loyalty points for you“. Additionally, the app’s “smart” technology is able to recommend the latest in new and upcoming offers, personalized to your past purchasing history.
On the merchant side of the equation, the use of Google Wallet will also speed up the checkout process considerably.
While currently only accepted at select retail locations and compatible with Sprint’s Nexus 4G, Google is working diligently on making the app accessible across all major networks and with any smartphone, worldwide.
Beyond eliminating unnecessary bulk, customers who make the switch will also benefit from the enhanced security “paying digitally” offers. As one tech writer jokes, “to unlock my phone, you need to know my password. To unlock my wallet, you only need to figure out how to open a wallet.” Like a regular debit card transaction, Google Wallet also requires the programming of a unique PIN number for use.
To learn more about how your London, Ontario-based small business can take advantage of new marketing opportunities like e-coupons and mobile application development, contact Inspiratica today for a free consultation.
