Technology Solutions
Resource Guide
By Stephen Rangel |
It’s hard to keep up with
today’s constantly evolving technology. However, there are a number of products
and resources that can help improve your day-to-day business practices.
Commercial Investment Real Estate gathered a handful of products that are
making a splash in the world of technology.
Lighter Than Air
Rated the best small
tablet on the market by CNET, the Google Nexus 7 tablet weighs .64lbs and is
7.8 inches wide, making it the lightest tablet on the market. The device runs
on the Android 4.3 operating system and comes with Google’s latest line of
apps, including Chrome, Gmail, Hangouts, YouTube and more. The Nexus 7 boasts a
7-inch 1080p high-definition display, dual stereo speakers, and both a front-
and rear-facing camera. The battery lasts through 10 hours of web browsing or 9
hours of HD video playback. It costs $230 for a 16GB device, $270 for a 32GB
Wi-Fi, and $350 for the 4G LTE version.
For more information,
visit www.google.com/nexus/7.
Local Services Marketplace
Thumbtack is a free online
marketplace for business professionals in need of specialized services, ranging
from legal, accounting, and financial services, to software development and web
design, to general contracting and other real estate services. Users answer a
few questions about their needs and receive up to five quotes from qualified
professionals within 24 hours. Clients can compare quotes and see professional
profiles and verified reviews. Thumbtack is available in 39 states and business
professionals can sign up to offer their services. Professionals are given
background checks to verify qualifications and identity.
For more information,
visit www.thumbtack.com.
One-Stop Calling
The MobileDay for
Enterprise app for iPhone and Android offers one-touch conference call dialing.
A company’s conference and international dialing rules are integrated into the
app. The app’s Least Cost Dialing feature pinpoints caller location and selects
the least-expensive dial-in option. The app syncs with the user’s calendar,
email, dialer, and text messaging and identifies conference call details. Hosts
enter conference details once and MobileDay automatically connects to all
upcoming calls. MobileDay generates a local number when conference invites
don’t contain one. MobileDay is also compatible with online meeting platforms
such as Skype, Google+, GoToMeeting, and more. An ROI calculator to determine
how the app can cut costs is available at mobileday.com. The app is free.
For more information,
visit www.mobileday.com.
Integrated Strategies
Converge: Transforming
Business at the Intersection of Marketing and Technology by Bob W. Lord and Ray
Velez discusses the integration of technology and media to propel business and
marketing strategies forward. As the CEO and CTO of one of the world’s largest
digital marketing agencies, the writers share their insight working with major
companies to revitalize their business and media strategies. The book includes
information about utilizing the cloud for marketing, keeping up with evolving
technology, and crafting unique media to boost customer engagement. The writers
include real-life accounts using client examples such as Intel, Samsung,
Kellogg, Mercedes-Benz and more. The hardcover costs $29.95. An e-book option
is available for $19.99.
For more information,
visit goo.gl/onalc1.
Elevated Workload
The PowerUp Series II desk
by UpDesk features electronically powered legs that lift the table surface to a
range of heights from 25.5 inches to 50.5 inches and is capable of sustaining
up to 300 pounds. The PowerUp is designed to get people out of their chairs by
promoting the option to stand at their desks. The lift function, controlled by
a digital LED screen located on the underside of the laminate tabletop, allows
for up to three saved height presets. The table also features a cable
management channel for reducing chord clutter and can even accommodate
treadmills. The PowerUp Series II comes in small, medium, and large sizes and
is available in four different colors. The 48x30-inch small table costs $899.
For more information,
visit www.myupdesk.com.
Communicate on a Curve
The G Flex by LG is the
world’s first curved flexible smartphone. The 6-inch high-definition display
has a 700-mm radius curve, which minimizes glare in daylight, makes it easier
to swipe across, and fits like a wallet in a back pocket. The phone can be bent
flat and boasts a scratch-resistant coating that “self-heals” itself from nicks
and scratches. It comes equipped with 2GB of RAM, 32GB of internal storage, and
a flexible battery that curves with the phone. The phone runs on the Android
4.2.2 Jelly Bean operating system and comes installed with Google’s line of
apps. Multitasking features such as Dual Window allow for simultaneous viewing
of two apps on a split screen. The G Flex is available for AT&T, Sprint,
and T-Mobile.
For more information,
visit goo.gl/aBkAm6.
Stephen Rangel is
communications coordinator for the CCIM Institute.