Aug 24

YouTube Monetizes with In-Video Ads

posted by: Vlad Akilov

Do you remember when Google acquired YouTube for approximately $1.65 billion? You probably do because this was not too long ago. But it is only right now that Google has decided to attempt to cash in on this huge opportunity. And as you can imagine, there are many people who are not liking what they see.

Fans of YouTube are beginning to weigh in on the advertisements that are being added to the site. Some people have found the ads to be annoying, others don’t mind them, and of course, many are thinking about how they can profit from them. While there are sure to be thousands of opinions on this move, one thing is for sure: (more…)


Jul 30

Blackberry 8800 Review

posted by: Vlad Akilov

Since being released last September, the BlackBerry 8800 has made a lot of noise within the industry. After all, anytime that BlackBerry releases a new device it is safe to say that consumers and experts are going to take notice. Even though there were some people who were skeptical upon its release, the BlackBerry 8800 has proven mostly everybody wrong. The fact of the matter is that this is a great device, and for the most part, it suits the needs of every user.

The first thing that you will notice about the BlackBerry 8800 is its sleek and stylish looks. Even though looks should not sell devices such as this one, when it comes to consumer perception, it is something that is always front and center. The 8800 features the new pearl like trackball navigation in the middle of the device, instead of the side scroll. For some this might take time to get used to, but you will find it much more convenient and easier with the trackball. When you add this to the full QWERTY keyword, there is no wondering that first looks draw so many buyers towards the BlackBerry 8800. (more…)

Jul 10

RSS Reader Roundup

posted by: Vlad Akilov

Using an RSS (Really Simple Syndication) reader is a great way to stay in touch with breaking news and updates without having to do too much work. But with that being said, choosing an RSS reader is not quite as easy. After all, there are many services for you to choose from. Although all of the most popular RSS readers have a lot to offer, you will still want to make sure that you research each one before you make a final decision. This is the only way to ensure that you get exactly what you want.

There are five RSS readers that the majority of people use. But as mentioned above, some of them are better than others. Listed below are the five most popular RSS readers as well as the pros and cons that each one offers. (more…)

Jul 8

Review: Logitech Speakers X-240 2.1

posted by: John Vincent Hilario

logitech_1-t.gifThe new speakers by Logitech model X-240 2.1 are nothing short of exceptional. With crystal-clear sound and minimal distortion, they provide your space with an awe-inspiring ambiance. The sleek design is only surpassed by its smooth sound. At $49.99, the Logitech X-240 speaker system includes two satellite speakers that give off a polished sound and a “down-firing” subwoofer with four inch drivers meaning the bass is directed down to contribute to the quality, with an adjustable bass control. The system also includes a separate control center with an integrated (stow-away) cradle for your MP3 player and even cell phone. The control center also includes a headphone jack for private listening. The system is compatible with both a Mac and PC and this supported with their supply of both Apple iPod and Microsoft Zune adapters for the cradle. (more…)

Jun 18

Review: Tick “Track Time - Hit Budgets”

posted by: Vlad Akilov

Do you always find yourself behind pace or missing budgets? Is this costing your company a lot of money and time? If so, the service offered by Tickspot may be just what you have been looking for. Although this is not the only way for you to track time and budgets, it is surely something that you will want to consider. When it comes down to it, Tick has a lot to offer people from a number of different industries.

As a freelancer, one of the most important tasks of your job is to accurately track the amount of time that you spend on each project. Of course, you may be able to get away with not doing this, but there is no point in taking the risk. Generally speaking, Tick seems like a simple service on the surface; it is nothing more than a web based time tracking service. But when you dive deeper into the services that are offered by Tick, you will begin to see just how much it has to offer. (more…)

Jun 15

10 Things you DON’T Want to Hear from a Client

posted by: Connor Wilson

Clients come in many shapes and sizes, and of varying intelligences. Some say some things that upon hearing, you just realized you’ve made a mistake. This list goes over the top ten things that you never want to hear from a client.

10. “Can you make it more web 2.0?”

The term Web 2.0 has thrown the design world around. It’s meant to represent user participation, a simple aesthetic and great functionality. Some clients however have it in their head that to be successful they need to have shiny buttons, huge text fields, tons of gradients and some reflections. Not so. You want web 2.0? Make a great, accessible site that does something for people.

9. “Can you make it tech?”

Stop, and glance down at your watch. It’s 2007. Complicated and intricate interfaces with wires and glass orbs and little lightning bolts are totally 2004. don’t get me wrong, when done right it is amazing, but there are few people with that ability, and they either don’t freelance or are way too expensive. (more…)