I moved to Tumblr!

In a desperate attempt to consolidate my pictures, blogs, rants, and raves; I’ve decided to move this blog to my tumblr account. You can find me here: http://mattmusgrave.tumblr.com

Use Google Maps to Save Gas and Improve Fuel Efficiency

With gas prices soaring above $4/gallon, Americans have been searching for new ways to conserve their fuel. Google Maps can be used to optimize routes and increase fuel efficiency with a few simple steps.

Google Maps recently improved the route calculation feature to allow the addition of multiple destinations. This can be used when mapping out daily errands to optimize routing, in turn, cutting down on expended fuel and saving time. Mobile devices with access to Google Maps allows the driver to edit destinations while away from home or work.

The process is simple, navigate to http://maps.google.com and click the ‘Driving Directions’ tab under the search box. Enter the starting address and first destination.

Once the first route has been created, click the ‘Add Destination’ button at the bottom of the left pane to enter another stop. Repeat this process to add as many destinations as you wish.

To reorder stops, simply drag and drop the destinations in the left pane to recalculate your route. The user can experiment with the order to calculate the shortest/fastest route when planning the stops. This will eliminate wasted fuel caused by doubling back or driving in circles.

It is also possible to reroute, due to construction or traffic, by simply dragging the route and adding obstructions on the map itself. Google Maps will reroute the driving directions on-the-fly.

Early Adopter On A Budget

With the release of the iPhone 3G around the corner, many are pondering what they’ll do with their current mobile device. If they’re anything like me, I just got a new cell phone 6 months ago. Being an early adopter can quickly become an expensive lifestyle, especially if you do not have the bankroll to drop hundreds of dollars on the latest and greatest device every 6-12 months.

I’ve always been an early adopter, craving the newest iteration of my favorite technologies. Before I had a job to sustain this lifestyle, I had to think of creative ways to fund my addiction for the shiny new toys I desired. I was able to minimize costs of the new devices and recoup 60%-80% of the purchase price by using some simple techniques. It pays to be an early adopter, most of the time the devices will hold their value in the short time they are in your possession.

Spring Cleaning

I began by liquidating things around my home that I did not have a use for anymore. I took a minimalist approach as I took inventory on all of my possessions, making a list of things I had not used in 3, 6, and 12 months time. The things I had not touched in 12 months and older were the first on the auction block. Working my way down to 3 month items and the items that held a sentimental value. The items that didn’t make the cut went up on Craigslist and eBay, netting me the capital to invest in the new gadgets I wanted and (let’s be honest) show off to my friends.

Tricks of the Trade

• The key is to keep the boxes, original packaging, manuals, installation CDs, etc. Selling an item in it’s original packaging will net you 30%-40% higher resale than the same item without a box. Find a place in your closet to put all packaging until you’re ready to sell for another gadget.
• Take high quality pictures and write a detailed description of the item when listing it for sale online. This can be a simple copy/paste of the technical specifications found on the manufacturer’s website. The bottom line is people want to know what they’re buying.
• Be sure to barter when buying a new gadget. Many times you can get free headsets or car chargers when purchasing a new mobile phone. Use these free items to sweeten the deal for potential buyers and make your item stand out from the hundreds of other people selling the same product. This can also justify the higher asking price when including these extras.
• Be careful. Scratches and dents will mean less resale value at selling time. Purchase a skin or case to protect the device while you’re using it and remember you can include it as an extra when going to sell.
• Consider shipping costs. With gas prices on the rise, shipping has become more expensive. Use the calculator on eBay to help determine shipping costs. Avoid inflating flat rates to make a couple more dollars profit, this is dishonest and could result in negative feedback.

Out-of-Box, Big Savings

I recently purchased a Samsung HDTV from Circuit City for 43% off the retail value. When someone returns an item like this, the store cannot put it back on the shelf at full retail price. For whatever reason the merchandise was returned, the next customer stands to save a fortune on a store’s “open box” policy. The item still comes with the same warranty and is eligible for the same service plan as an unopened item. Early adopters should take advantage of deals like this to save money on their gadgets. Skip the service plan though, chances are the limited warranty will cover any product defects in the short time it’s in your possession.

Locked In? No Problem!

I’ve upgraded phones so many times with Verizon Wireless, adding to the length of my contract each time, I’m pretty sure it expires shortly after the end of time. Fortunately, Verizon has loosened their termination fee policy and now prorates based on how long you have left on your service agreement. Check with your service provider to see if they’ve been pressured to lighten up on their ridiculous termination fees too. Another option is to visit a contract swapping website like Cellswapper where you can get out of current contract by pawning it off on someone else.

Using these techniques, I’ve been able to save a fortune and still feed my craving for new gadgets. The constant turnover in older technology keeps my collection current, while earning money for new toys and eliminating the tech graveyard in my drawers and closets. Bring on the iPhone 3G!

iPhone 3G announced at WWDC 2008

Apple, Inc. introduced the new iPhone 3G yesterday at the WWDC, putting an end to many rumors floating around the internets about improvements and additions to the next generation iPhone. A few days before the announcement, there was speculation of a front-facing camera to support video ichat, a red version (as opposed to the standard black), a speed increase with AT&T’s recently upgraded 3G network (roughly 2x EDGE), and a significant price decrease from $399 to $199 following the expiration of a revenue-sharing deal between Apple and AT&T. Fortunately, a couple of the rumors turned out to be true. The price was reduced to $199 with a 2-yr contract with AT&T and the speed bump on the 3G network was confirmed. The color change was close, instead of a red version, the iPhone will come in a black and white version (Note: white will be available on 16G model only). Along with many other improvements, Apple has further distanced itself from the competition as the creator of the most sought after mobile device on the planet. 

Aside from the 3G network speed boost, the iPhone has received some cosmetic changes as well. The brushed aluminum back has been replaced by a shiny plastic back, thought to assist with improved reception and durability. The back is now slightly curved in a ergonomic Treo-esque fashion, conforming to the user’s hand. The headphone jack (3.55mm) is now flush with the casing for minor aesthetic improvement. The much anticipated GPS has been added, opening the doors to many location based services (LBS) and games. I had mentioned in an earlier post that LBS will be a major player in future mobile devices. Apple’s App Store is now available for users to purchase third-party applications and games for their iPhone. A sign that Apple is loosening their grip on the closed system they have become famous for. Allowing AT&T to subsidize a portion of the cost will certainly put this device in more hands than before. With a $199 price tag, expect to see lines around the block when the iPhone 3G becomes available July 11. 

I have been a loyal customer of Verizon for many years, however, the introduction of the iPhone 3G has convinced me to jump ship and hop on the iPhone bandwagon. This device is just too cool not to pony up my termination fees. Besides, with the interoperability problems that are bound to happen when Verizon unveils the LiMo platform later this year, VZW will have a lot of kinks to work out before their next generation of phones will be stable enough for majority consumption. By then, my 2-yr contract will be nearing an end with AT&T and I will revisit Verizon’s future offerings. Until then, you can find me camping outside of an Apple store until July 11.

Future Tech: Mobile Edition

It’s no surprise that technology has been making the shift from a tethered desktop to the mobile world for quite some time. We are slowly snipping the cables with ever-shrinking mobile devices and wireless capabilities. With recent trends, this mobile revolution shows no signs of slowing. More devices are able to communicate wirelessly, allowing for seamless integration between devices and (in theory) ease of use. Below are some of my predictions and observations as to the near future of mobile technology.

In the mobile market, Google will dust off their shelved services Dodgeball, GrandCentral, and Jaiku and incorporate them into the much anticipated Android platform for a rich mobile experience. It is too early to tell if this will be the ultimate mobile computing platform, but one thing is for certain, Google has their crosshairs trained on Apple’s iPhone. Google is currently holding a competition, open to all developers, to create mobile applications for the new Android platform to support their Open Handset Alliance standard. The competition is currently in between rounds one and two, having recently announced the top 50 developers. Round two is set to begin the second half of 2008 when the handsets become available to developers.

To compete with the Android platform, LiMo (Linux Mobile), another Linux-based mobile platform, has made headlines recently with Verizon Wireless’ announcement to endorse it as the new ‘Open’ platform for their next generation of mobile devices. A network, Verizon promises, that will support any handset that complies with Verizon’s standards. Also, a network that will be getting a significant speed bump as they begin to implement their new 700MHz spectrum they acquired hot off the auction block back in March 2008.

Location-based services (LBS) will be a major player in the next generation of mobile devices. The use of GPS will further blend the line between virtual and physical worlds with real-world hyperlinks, social networking, and marketing. With next generation GPS satellites around the corner, expect more accurate global positioning to expand the capabilities of LBS.

Whichever combination of service and hardware rises to the top, users will be the ones to reap the benefits of a solid mobile environment with a plethora of services available at their fingertips. The future looks very bright…and mobile.

Hello, My Name is Matt and I’m a Twitterholic…

Lately, I’ve been wrapped up in a new web phenomenon known as Twitter. Twitter is a micro-blogging site that allows users to send updates, or ‘tweets’, to their personalized page for others to follow via web, text message, or third-party app. The beauty of the service is that it limits users to 140 characters, forcing one to condense their thoughts into bite-size posts of information. The service has only been around for a year, but has gained enough momentum to secure a rumored $15-$20 million in third round VC funding from Spark Capital. This funding couldn’t have come at a better time, Twitter has been plagued with numerous bouts of downtime mostly attributed to the growing pains of new users.

As hip as the tech crowd may see Twitter, there seems to be a line drawn in the sand on how the rest of the population feels about such a service. Some feel that it is a great medium to share information quickly and keep tabs on their friend’s activities (such as what they’re eating at the moment). These tend to be the tech-savvy crowd, also considered early adopters. They test out all of the new gadgets and tech before it trickles down to the rest of the world. The other side of the fence are the skeptics and those who simply do not understand the power of a micro-blogging site. These are the people set it their ways of receiving their news from a box with moving pictures or the paper thing with words on it that magically appears on their doorstep each morning.

Truth be told, services like Twitter deliver information much faster than traditional television news or print. Therein lies the question of the validity of such information, but false information tends to weed itself out given enough voices (ie. Wikipedia). Twitter can, and has, been used to relay important information in emergency situations. In one documented case, bail an imprisoned US student out of an Egyptian jail. CNN even has a Twitter account to broadcast breaking news. @cnnbrk

However one feels about the service, Twitter is the new wave of getting information to the masses instantly. The nay-sayers will eventually see the light and jump on the bandwagon so we can all live in Twitter-harmony. This is, of course, assuming Twitter uses their new VC funding to upgrade their service and eliminate downtime, not swim in it like Scrooge McDuck.

I must warn n00bs, Twitter is highly addictive and can lead to a loss in productivity at work, hypertension, diabetes, seizures, and blurry vision. Ok, maybe not all that, but it is highly addictive so proceed with caution. You have been warned.

follow me on Twitter: @mattmusgrave