Blog 12: Whatsapp

Whatsapp!

WhatsApp Logo

What is WhatsApp?

WhatsApp is an instant messaging application for smartphones. Users can send images, videos and audios as well as text messages using this application to the person they desire as long as the other person has the app on their phone. The types of software this is available on are Android, BlackBerry OS, Blackerry 10, iOS, Series 40, Symbian (S60) and Windows Phone.

WhatsApp on iPhone

WhatsApp on Andriod

Interesting Facts

This application was founded in 2009 by Brain Acton and Jan Koum who are veterans of Yahoo!. The company is located at Santa Clara, California. In April 2012 WhatsApp was handling two billion messages per day which increased to ten billion per day by August 2012. It is said by Financial Times that WhatsApp "has done to SMS on mobile phones what Skype did to international calling on landlines."

Where to Download WhatsApp?

If you are downloading for iOS then it is available in at the apple app store for $0.99 and for any Andriods/Windows phone you can get it at Google play for free.

The entire WhatsApp Layout for iPhone

How to use WhatsApp?

When you install WhatsApp it will make a user account for you using your phone number as your username. Then WhatsApp itself will look through all the contacts you have to find out who has WhatsApp. This way you could easily find and add any contacts you already have. Now you can instantly message the people and stare a lot more with them that you couldn't via texting! You can also create statuses as this is like MSN but using your phone number and contacts. You could broadcast a message to all of your contacts or add certain people and make group chats. You will also be able to favourite contacts (perhaps the ones that you message the most). In your chats you can attach files such as music, photos, links, videos and other audios. It is very accurate as you can send locations and all your messages are timed right beside (therefore you know when you last spoke to the person, the time and date).

Following is WhatsApp on a Windows Phone:

Blog 11: Google Maps

Google Maps 

What is Google Maps?

Google Maps is a web mapping service that is provided by Google. It is a map-based service. There is the Google Maps website, Google Ride Finder, Google Transit. The app offers us streets maps, a route planner for traveling by food, car, bike or public transportation. There are satellites that give us the images of the location even though they are not updated in real time and are several months or years old. A related app is Google Earth, which allows us more globe-viewing features, including showing polar areas which Google Maps cannot do.

The layout of Google Maps on a computer

Where Can I Download Google Maps?

You can download Google Maps on our phone or easily visit this website to access this technology from your computer. Your computer can be of any kind as long as it has internet and can access a website. This application is available for iPhones and Androids.

Google Maps on Iphone

Google Maps on Android

How to Use Google Maps on a Computer to Get Directions?

1. Go the Google Maps website
2. Type in the location you would like to travel to in the search bar and press enter
3. On the left hand corner it gives you a street view
4. You'll see option such as directions
5. Click on that
6. Now on A write your current location and press enter
7. You will now see many options beneath you
8. Pick which ever applies to you and is more efficient 
9. You can also decide in between getting directions from a bus, walking, car or biking
10. The options are given above the address box A

Following is a related video:

Blog 10: Cineplex App

What is the Cineplex App?

The Cineplex App is an app that works with the Cineplex Entertainment Group. This is a service that provides us with movies released and concessions. The application helps you plan out what movie you want to go to and what not. It gives you all he details about the movie as well. 

The layout of the app

How to Use this App?

When you have this app, there are five tabs at the bottom. Tab one is Theatres, and this will show you all the threatres available in your city and the closest ones to you. You can click on the theatre you want to go to and check all the movie timings in that specific theatre. You could click on the specific movies for for the information on it's cast, a trailer, what auditorium it is playing in or to purchase it in advance. Tab two is Movies, and this shows all the new movies that are out and gives you information about them and their trailers. Tab three is the Cineplex Store. Tab four  is your Scene card that will help you earn points and get you 10 % discount on movies and concessions. Lastly tab 5 is More information such as Magazines, your tickets, gift cards, media, news, search, contests, settings and help and about.

The Threatres Tab

Information on a specific movie

The Stores Tab in an older version of the app

Where Can I Download this App?

You can download this app for your iPod, iPad or iPhone via the apple store or you can get it for your Android via Google Play. The app is free of cost.

Following is a video review on the app:

Blog 9: Dropbox

"Simplify your life"

What is Dropbox?

Dropbox is a file hosting service created by Dropbox Inc. It it a service that allows you to store your files in the cloud. It offers cloud storage, file synchronization, and client software. It lets users create a special folder on each of their computers. Files that are put in these folders can be also accessed by a website and the mobile phone application. It was founded in 2001 by MIT students Drew Houston and Arash Fedowsi. You can use this application to store files on your phone as well. Suppose your phone storage was full and you would like to delete a few files yet keep them on your computer, all you have to do is download Dropbox for free. Once you have it download you can just go ahead and save all your files there and delete it from your computer. This will save space on your phone and you will still have the files saved on an application. 

The layout for Dropbox on a computer

Where can I get Dropbox?

You can make an account to Dropbox on their website: https://www.dropbox.com/

The softwares that can operate this are, Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X, Linus, Andriod, iOS, Blackberry OS and web browsers, as well as unofficial ports to Symbian, Windows Phone and MeeGo.

Software in which Dropbox is usable 

How to use Dropbox?

1. The following are steps that will help a first time Dropbox user use Dropbox (phone application):
2. Make an account for Dropbox
3. Sign into your account
4. If you're using it in a mobile device, download the app from the store that applies to you and log in
5. Once you've logged in, you'll see various options (Dropbox, Photos, Favorites and Settings)
6. To upload a file go to the Dropbox section and press the addition button to add a file or create a folder
7. All your photos uploaded will be available in the photo section of the application
8. Whatever you chose to favorite via the star button will be shown under the favorite section
9. Under the settings section you'll see your account information and settings to camera uploads (from phone) and passcode lock. You will also see help, legal & privacy and the details on the app version. 
10. You're also given an option of either telling a friend about the app or sending feedback

The layout for Dropbox on an Android

Following is a video that gives you more details about Dropbox:

Blog 8: Songza

"Good Music Makes Good Times"

What is Songza?

Songza is a free music streaming and recommendation service that is used by many people. It has playlists for things such as waking up, working out, commuting, concentrating, unwinding, entertaining and even sleeping. These playlists are made by music experts. It has music based on your mood too. You can also navigate using themes, interests  and eras  such as "90's One-Hit Wonders" and "Music of Fashion Week". Songza is located in Long Island City and was created by Aza Raskin and Scott Robbin.

The start-up screen for Songza

Where Can I Find Songza?

You get download Songza easily on your iPod, iPad or iPhone via the Apple Store. You could also get Songza for Windows PC or Android Phones through Google Play. It is free of cost and easy to use. All you have to do is install this app into your device. You have to create an account.

Songza on iPad and iPod touch

How to Use Songza?

Here are a list of steps that will help you when using Songza for the first time:

1. Download this app for free from which ever online store is convenient to you.
2. Once it has successfully downloaded, you can open the app.
3. You can sign up and create an account. Then log in.
4. You will see 6 boxes after the start up screen is gone, they will help you explore playlists.
5. On the bottom tab you will see more options to explore playlists. On the concierge tab there is an   option to change the date and the time of the day (evening, morning, etc).
6. Under the my playlist sector, you will see your recently played playlists and your favourite playlists.
7. Under popular, you will see the featured playlists, the ones that are trending, and the all-time best playlists.
8. Under search you will see genres, activities  moods, decades, culture, record-store clerk to the playlists that apply.You can also search names of artists in the search bar to see related playlists to them.
9. Under the settings sector, you will see that you can manage alarm, sleep timer, clock view (these are pretty self explanatory when you press on them).
10. You can also Send Feedback to the makers, rate the app, tell a friends about it, see the app version or sign out.

The options/sectors given in Songza

Farther options in Songza

Comments and Opinions on Songza

"Songza is a great app that allows you to find the music you are in the mood for, and it won't only find you one but it'll find you a whole playlist full of them" is the reaction of a fellow Songza user. Overall the app isn't slow and can be repetitive at times. It stays up with the latest music (after 1-2 weeks).

Following is a video that shows Songza Employees and their tasks:

Blog 7: Rocket Man

An Application focused on the TTC

The Rocket Man Icon

What is the Rocket Man App?

Rocket Man on an iPhone

Rocket Man is an application that can be found on Android phones or apple products such as an iPhone, iPad or even an iPod touch. This app allows you to see the schedules for buses and street cars. It designed to work for all of Toronto and works with the Toronto Transit Commission. This is a free application.

How does Rocket Man work?

Your phone has a location device that you can turn on. What this does is that it lets your phone locate you. It will find what location you are standing at. The Rocket Man works with this technology. This way Rocket Man locates where you are standing (with a blue dot) and what the closest bus stops to you are. The bus stops appear as a red dot. If you click on these dots on either side of the roads you will see options to bus numbers that will stop at that given bus stop. You will also notice that there are east, south, north and west given to help you identify which way you or the bus are going.

The Street View Screen

You click on the given option for the bus stops and you will come to a screen that looks like this:

The Bus Information Screen

This screen gives you all the information about the arrival of the bus. For example, the 504-King bus which is going East Towards Broadview station via king will arrive in 2:12 minutes which is 5:18 PM. 

If the given bus is a bus you tend to use a lot you can easily favorite it. To favorite it you have to click the start beside the bus information, and once the star has turned yellow you've favorited the bus number and which direction/station its going towards. This saves a lot of time when you're in a rush because to find the bus all you have to do is open the app and in the main screen at the bottom you'll see a bar with a lot of options, you click on the option that says favorite to find the buses you have favorited.

More about this Rocket Man

You'll notice at the bottom bar you are also given the choices of "more" and "alerts". If you click on the more section you will find information about it's twitter and facebook page and how to contact them. You an also share this app with friends and rate it. 

The More Section of the App

In the "alerts" section of the app you're given three sections. The three sections are alerts, news and events. Alerts is warming you about closed buses and whatnot. News is news about the TTC such as ones that deal with workers and what not. Events is any event that the TTC might be holding or is involved in.

The Alert Section of the App

Opinions on Rocket Man

This app is very helpful to the people who live in Toronto and constantly use the TTC to travel. They can save time and be punctual through the help of this app. Also the weather is very unpredictable, so they can decide when to leave their house and what not to catch a bus rather than waiting outside and freezing for a bus that will come 30 minutes late. Over all it's a great app that you can find in the Apple Store and Google Play.

Blog 6: SoundHound

"Whats that song?"

What is SoundHound?

SoundHound is an application that allows users to identify music by humming, singing or playing a recorded tracks. It is only available on mobile services, specifically iPhone and Androids. It was launched in 2007 by Melodis Corporation by Keyvan Mohajer. It was funded by Global Catalyst Partners, TransLink Capital and Walden Venture Capital. You can download this app for free on the Apple App Store, Google Play and Windows Marketplace for Mobile. You can also speak or type the name of the artist or song. 

SoundHound on an iPhone and an iPad

What Makes SoundHound Effective?

SoundHound's competitors is Shazam. But unlike Shazam, SoundHound can recognize music from singing, humming, speaking typing as well as from a recording. The company has a 'Sound2Sound" technology that helps with recognizing the song. This technology can make poorly-hummed performances to professional recording. 

The app also shows lyrics, links to the video of the song on YouTube, links on iTunes, the ability to launch Pandora Radio and recommendation to other songs. The feature that displays the lyrics is called LiveLyrics. You can double tap the points of the lyrics and this will move the song to the part where those lyrics are played.

There are three versions of this app, SoundHound, SoundHound Infinity and Hound. SoundHound is the free version but includes banner ads, SoundHound Infinity is $6.99 USD but does not have banner ads. Hound is only available to search songs by speaking into it.

Example of a song with lyrics

How to Use SoundHound?

1. Download the app from the store convenient for you (for example the Apple App Store for iPhone users).
2. Once you've download the app, take your device near the song that you want to identify.
3. Play the song, and hold your device near it.
4. Once the app recognizes the song you've exposed it to, it will how you options to what the song may be.
5. Click on the one that you think is correct.
6. You will be provided with options to lyrics, bookmark, share, buy and etc.

For more information on SoundHound click here

The Layout to various screens of SoundHound

Blog 5: Snapchat

"There is a value in the ephemeral"

The Snapchat logo

What is Snapchat?

Snapchat is a photo messaging application. It was developed by four students in Stanford. This application allows users to take pictures, record videos, add texts and drawings to the pictures, and send them to another Snapchat user that they have befriended. The unique thing about this application is that the user sets a time limit for how long the person receiving can see it (it goes up to 10 seconds). The user that is receiving the photo cannot save the photo as they have to press onto the screen for the given amount of seconds in order to see the picture properly. After this the picture will be deleted from both of the users devices and the company's servers. The person who has sent the picture via Snapchat will get a notification that the recipient has seen the picture/video and opened their Snapchat. It will find the users friends through the user's contact list. The intent of this application was to have fun while avoiding someone else saving your pictures but you still being able to send them pictures.

The part of Snapchat that allows you to select a time range and send it to a recipient

How to use Snapchat?

Using Snapchat becomes very easy once you get the hang of it. Firstly, you have to download the Snapchat app from the Apple App Store. This application is available on apple devices such as iPhone, iPod and iPad. Once you have downloaded this application you can sign up for it. You simply will need to create a username and set a password. Once you've done this, you can log on, and the main screen will come up. You can press on the camera icon and it will take you to a screen where you can take pictures, beside the big blue button you will see two icons. One icon looks like a note pad (left side), this is where you can click on and either view your friends, find friends or check settings. On the other side (right side) there will be a cube, this is the button that you can touch that'll take you back to your main page where all your received timings for the pictures/videos are listed. 

The main screen (right), your picture that can be edited (center) and your friend list (right)

If you want to send a picture, you will need to take a picture then you'll see a screen come up that will be your picture with a few options. With the pencil on the top left you can write on the picture, with the cross sign you delete the picture, with the arrow you save your picture onto your device and with the 3 button you can change the time limit. To add text you simply click on the picture and type. Once you're satisfied with your picture you can press send and pick who you want to send it to. You also have the option to team Snapchat.

Drawings on the snap via the pencil tool

Opinions and Views on Snapchat

The users of Snapchat are usually between the ages 13 to 25 years old. 30 percent of snaps on Snapchat are sent in groups. There has been talks about how Snapchat could potentially make users send inappropriate pictures to one another as it cannot be saved. This topic was suggested by MSNBC. They have also said how Snapchat isn't as private as it seems. But on the other hand teens seem to love the application as it lets them send what they suppose are temporary pictures. Following is a video that shows the opinions: 

Blog 4: Instagram

Instagram

The Instagram Logo

What is Instagram?

Instagram on an iPhone

It is an online photo-sharing and social network service. It allows the users to take pictures, then apply effects via the "digital filters" and then share them in the service. It is a social network site such as Facebook or twitter whereby you have are able to post up pictures, have followers and follow others. The only difference is that this mainly focuses on pictures compared to other social networks. You can link your Instagram to your Twitter and to your Facebook to farther share the photos you have taken on this social network to variety of other social networks. Instagram always confines photos to a square shape kind of like  Kodak Instamatic and Polaroid images.

Systems it is Available on?

It was created by Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger and it came out in October 2010. Instagram has over 100 million registered users of which 90 million are active users. You can download Instagram on the Apple App Store and Google Play. It was originally only supported by apple products like iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch but in April 2012 it was also available in Andriod camera phones that had 2.2 Froyo.

How to Use Instagram?

Instagram is an easy to use App. You can access Instagram from either your phone or your computer. All you have to do is go to the App Store and download the app for Instagram which is free. Once you've download the app, you can know create an account on the app. Once you have created an account, you can now easily take pictures and share them with people who you decide to follow and ones that decide to follow you. You can take pictures then upload them, and before you upload them you will have the chance to add a filter to it, to give it some effects and whatnot. Once you've done this you can go on ahead and approve the picture and click to share it. You can add location, caption or hashtags to the picture if you wish to. Now you can like other peoples pictures and comment on their pictures just how they can do to yours!

The Photo Filter on Instagram

Opinions on Instagram

People usually tend to give good feed backs when it comes to Instagram. Some of Instragam users have said "it is an unique way to share pictures or art with the world". On the other hand there are times when people don't usually like Instagram. This usually applies to people who are more cautious about photography and camera. They say "the quality nor the effects are as good". Following is the opinion of a youtuber: 

Blog 3: Edmodo

"Safe Social Networking for Schools"

How does the idea of learning online sound to you? Pick up assignments online, drop them off online, catch up with missed lessons, check your marks and overall just stay connected with all the aspects of a classroom and all your classmates! Well this is possible with the aide of Edmodo. Edomo is an online learning tool for students, teachers and parents. It is also free of cost.

What is Edmodo?

A lot of people may not be familiar with the concept of an online class, well that is exactly what Edmodo is. Edmodo is an online platform used by students, teachers and parents to learn that is free to use. It is a social network service. It was founded in September 2008. Edmodo doesn't only come in English, but it also comes in Portuguese, Spanish, German, Greek and French.

What is Edmodo used for?

What Edmodo has to Offer

Edmodo is an online classroom. Once you've made an online account and joined your classroom online(which we will get into later), you can easily connect with everything. You can see all the things you've missed if you were not in class, pick up new assignments and communicate with group members.  It can help you out in classwork such as reading, assignments, paper-studying and erectile-learning.

Click to Find Out 20 Ways of Using Edmodo!

Importance of Edmodo

Edmodo is an important technology tool. It provides various benefits. Through the help of Edmodo you can have classes online. Students can do the following:

• Post assignments
• Create polls for students response
• Embed videos
• Exchange messages with other students/teacher
• Create smaller groups for things such as group works
• Collaborate in groups
• Keep up with deadlines
• Critique each other's work to help one another
• Post creative writing 
• Browse easily
• Use emoticons
• Stay connected and aware of what is going on in class
• It is free and does not cost you a penny

Asides from all that Edmodo is said to "connect with students and help them ceate norms and reflect on how different online actions will be interpreted." It enables a secure place for teachers and students to connect and collaborate, share information and education applications, and access homework, grades, class discussions and notifications. The goal of Edmodo is to aide teachers use the power of social media to teach by customizing a classroom for each and every individual student.

How to use Edmodo?

These are the steps you will help you understand Edmodo in a classroom and how to use it:

1. Go to the Edmodo website and sign up for free! http://www.edmodo.com/
2. Sign up as a teacher.
3. Get the code needed for all your students to also connect in your online classroom.
4. Once you're gotten the code, share it with your students.
5. Now it is the turn for the students to sign up.
6. When you're signing up as a student you will require a username as well as a password and they will ask for you classroom code. This is when you share the code that your teacher has shared with the class.
7. Once you're signed in, you'll be connected to the classroom.
8. You can now see all your peers, assignments and class discussions.
9. As a teacher to post an assignment, video or such you can easy go to your profile and write on the "type your note here.."



The Teacher's Profile on Edmodo

10. You will see you also have the option of sharing pictures and link on the top corner.
11. Once you as a teacher have shared something to your class, they can too now view it.
12. As a student you can see the assignments your teacher wants you do to and when they're due on your homepage (the home buttom on the top left of the page).
13. You can download the assignment, work on it and drop it off by pressing in the turn it in button and uploading the document.
14. Once the work has been marked or you have a new assignment due, it will show in your notifications on the top right corner.
15. If your teacher wants they can create groups whereby you can collaborate with partners in labs, project based groups, literature circles and etc.

The Homepage of Edmodo Whereby You Can See Assignments and Such

What People Have to Say About Edmodo

People tend of love Edmodo as they say it is a helpful educational device. Parents say it is a good way of using social networking. Students say it is a reasonable tool that is easily accessible which makes it easier for them to do assignment and keep up with the discussions going on in the classroom. Teachers also say the same as it also makes marking easier for them and keeps them for organized. It is a fun way of doing work in class.

Click to Read An Online Review for Edmodo!

The Edmodo App

Blog 2: Skype

"Take a Deep Breath"

Welcome to the world of technology where meetings take place over video conferences and you are able to wish your grandmother in Germany happy birthday while seeing her from Canada with just one download. Have you ever wanted to see someone while speaking to them even when they're miles apart from you? Well with tools such as Skype this is possible! Skye is a great communication tool that you can use for free!

                                                                 What is Skype?

Skype is a very useful social networking tool developed by Microsoft that enables us to communicate with friends, colleague and families by using voice (via a microphone), video (via a webcam) and instant messaging. Skype was initially released to the public in August 2003. It is highly accessible as it is available in the follow: Android, iOS, Linux, Microsoft Windows, OS X, Symbian, Blackberry OS and HP WebOS. This service easily allows us to communicate with whoever from where ever we are as long as we have an operating system that is able to run this software and has internet. While calls from a Skype user to another Skype user is free, if a Skype user was to call a land telephone or a mobile phone it may be charged. The charge with show up in the user’s debit card. Skype also lets user send files to each other and video conference. Skype lets you communicate with Skype members from other any where in the world. There are about 31 million Skype users as of January 2012. Below is a chart of Skype statistics:

The Skype Statistic Chart

Importance of Skype and its Features

The Skype Layout

We may not realize but Skype is a very important tool today in our society and for most parts comes free of charge. It is important as it lets us communicate and keep up with our surroundings hassle free. Skype is an organized tool as it has a layout that is easy to understand it is quite well labeled. As mentioned earlier it allows us to communicate through voice, video/webcam and instant messaging. It all allows group chats, emotions, and it stores all your chat history and editing of previous messages. All these messages are dated and timed. One can easily leave you an offline message and you will receive it as soon as you log into your account. You can change your profile picture and add in information so that it is easier for a friend to find you on Skype!Skype can connect to Facebook and work's with MSN. It supports conference up to 25 people at once. Group calling is premium and you will be charged where as if you were to video chat with only one person it would be free. It can call all numbers but however it cannot call emergency numbers such as 911.

What are people’s opinions about Skype?

A Layout of the Skype Instant Messaging

People tend to love Skype as it helps them connect with people all around the world and in some cases it’s cost free. “Ideal for making long distance video calls country to country with immediate family especially where kids are involved”. “In January 2010, Josh Silverman was recognized for his accomplishment in revitalizing Skype by being named First Runner Up in the TechCrunch “Crunchies” award for the “Best CEO”, beaten only by Mark Pincus of Zynga”. People have said it is a “cheap” way for them to connect with family around the world. I personally really like Skype as it lets me connect with my peers and family.

How to download and use Skype?

To download Skype all you have to do is go on their website: http://www.skype.com/en/ and press join! This will help you create an account. Once you've put in all the required information and have chosen a username and password, you are good to go! If you require additional help, Skype will provide you with help, and to get to that all you have to do is press “Lean More about Skype” or “Support”. Once you've made an account it is time to download the software. You can press download on the top of the website and download it safely. If you’re using it via a phone or tablet you need to download the Skype app which you will find in the app store. If you want to get a paid account for more option you can do so when you sign up for Skype. 

Once you've logged onto Skype you can add friends and connect with people. To find friends on Skype press the find friends in Skype button. You can find them by their email address, phone number name or even Skype user name. If you personally want to add a person you can press add contacts. Once they've accepted your friend request you will see them under the friends list. Now you can click on their name and a screen on the right hand side will come up that has the options of calling, video calling and instant messaging. Now you can do whatever you wish to just by clicking the buttons.

A Video Call Using Skype

Here is a video that will help first time Skype users explore their way in Skype!

Click for further instruction on how to use Skype!

The Skype App