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.

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