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This week Todoist launched Karma, which is a sort of point system for tracking your productivity. Completing tasks boosts your Karma score, while postponing or delaying tasks will impact Karma scores.

The positive Karma is Todoist’s way of making task completion and productivity fun. Regardless of fun factor, no one likes to see their scores go down so this new feature could potentially compel users to accomplish more with increased frequency.

Additional Karma boosting methods include:

[list style=square color=cobult]

• Regular task management
• Completing tasks early
• Use of advanced Todoist features (labels, reminders, etc.)

The less you use Todoist, the more your Karma score will decline. Score can also be impacted by allowing tasks to exceed 4 days overdue. Here’s a video look at what Karma can do for you:

Todoist is one of the most frequently updated and managed productivity apps we’ve reviewed. With developers constantly refining and improving the app, there’s always something impressive happening at Todoist.

What does Karma mean long term? Hard to say, but we’re speculating that integration of Karma could lead to much larger scale productivity integration for business users who want to track their team’s output. Once a standard has been set, there’s no doubt Karma could provide serious insight into team member’s productivity and success rate.

Todoist is already an app that can be utilized for team project management and is definitely worth the short time investment of installing the app. You can read more about Todoist and the Todoist app in the following related articles:

Todoist Android App Review
Get More Done By Using Todoist

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We profiled Amara last June in our Nifty Websites Collection. The need for translation of videos on the web continues to accelerate as global sharing increases. Amara fits that need and then some.

How It Works

Using Amara is incredibly simple and now with YouTube availability on all personal channels, creators can enlist the aid of their viewers to translate the videos and spread their knowledge, message or all out hilarity to the world.

Channel owners/creators simply need to visit Amara.org and connect their channel. Moving forward, all videos on that channel will include a link for viewers to offer up translation for videos.  Here’s a direct link to the connection page.

[blockquote align=”center” style=”style1″]The only way to get a video translated into the world’s languages is to invite the world’s viewers to help. No YouTube creator speaks every language and automated transcription and translation is still not high enough quality to understand the content of a video. But viewers watching from around the world are excited to help others watch,” said Nicholas Reville, Executive Director of Amara[/blockquote]

About Amara

[blockquote align=”center” style=”style4″]With customers such as, Netflix, Twitter, PBS, TED Talks, Udacity, and Coursera, Amara gives individuals, communities, and larger organizations the power to overcome accessibility and language barriers for online video. Amara’s revolutionary crowdsourcing approach offers a robust API that allows companies to use the platform for internal collaboration as well as allowing individual customers to translate video content. Backed by a million dollars in funding from the Knight Foundation and Mozilla, Amara has received awards from the Federal Communications Commission, the United Nations and TechAwards. For more information, visit Amara.org and follow @AmaraSubs on Twitter.[/blockquote]

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It’s been a while now and Dispatch continues to improve, enhance and tweak all the things necessary to being a more complete cloud collaboration tool.

Notifications

How many notifications do you receive on average per day on your mobile device or through email? Likely it is an astounding amount. We get notifications for everything and while most are necessary, control over them is limited.

Dispatch’s latest round of tweaks are aimed at notifications. The additional control means less unwanted and more relevant notifications. Here’s a look at the latest changes:

[list style=”square” color=”cobult”]

• Users now receive a periodic email summarizing new posts in a dispatch.
• Users will only receive comments by email when someone @mentions them or for posts made by and commented on by the user. Users can also reply to those email messages to make a new comment.
• Users can toggle whether they receive emails about certain posts by following/unfollowing them on the Dispatch site.
• Notifications for all activity is available when users visit the Dispatch website.
• Adding users to a conversation is simplified with the use of the @ symbol. Just place the @ in front of a username to include the user.

Along with the enhanced notification system, Dispatch rolled out some other improvements last month.

Dispatch Button

In the same fashion as a bookmarklet, the Dispatch browser button allows users to create new dispatchs about content they find on the web.

Dispatch Exit

Leaving a Dispatch is now as simple as clicking a button. Each dispatch has the “Leave this dispatch” option from inside the dispatch itself making for an easy exit.

UI Tweak

A new focused layout is now in place to make more content visible on screen. Gone is the gallery and in its place is a list to make finding older items easier.

Have you used Dispatch? What do you think of the changes and maturation of the service? Let us know in the comments!

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Amazon’s MP3 Shot at Apple

Amazon launched a mobile web version of its MP3 store. On the surface that may not seem significant, but as a mobile version based in HTML5 code, Amazon is able to offer another source for cheap tunes to iOS users.

Apple has historically made sure that iTunes is the de-facto way for iOS users to obtain content. To that end, many iOS users don’t bother to take advantage of other means of acquiring digital media as the walls of Apple surround them.

Now, Amazon is delivering the easiest of sources via a simple website address that any user can access. Hit up Amazon’s MP3 Store to check out the music offerings.

MediaFire Delivers 50GB to Android

In case you’ve been living under a rock, cloud storage services are everywhere right now. Between extremely popular services like Dropbox, Google Drive, iCloud and SkyDrive, users are covered from every angle. The only downside being that space can be an issue.

MediaFire this week announced that they’ve finally released an Android version of their app. While iOS users have been enjoying MediaFire’s free 50GB accounts for some time now, Android users finally get a taste of that huge chunk of cloud storage.

MediaFire is still a minor player in the cloud storage market, but with 50GB of free cloud storage they’re making a rather large footprint.

Facebook Adds Voice Calling for iOS

Take that Google Voice! Perhaps not. A new Facebook feature is aimed at giving mobile users free voice calls over Wi-Fi or cellular networks. While it is a promising development, there are limitations and it is by no means a serious challenge to Google Voice or other VoIP services.

Currently, the feature is only available to iOS users (by tapping the “i” button), can only call those with the Facebook Messenger app installed and cannot handle landline calls (which Google Voice can).

Still, it is early in the feature’s life cycle so anything is possible down the road.

Other Stories of Note

LinkedIn shuts down LinkedIn Answers

It’s being reported by Mashable that LinkedIn Answers will be expired to make way for other avenues of engagement between its members. End date appears to be 1/31/13. Reasoning behind the move points to limited interaction from users.

The news isn’t exactly earth shattering, but the Answers section was a good place to browse for information. Perhaps all the browsing wasn’t interactive enough to keep Answers alive.

MySpace Re-launch Sort of

MySpace has extended its arm from the grave with a new look. The cleaner more modern look appeals to the music side of users. Connecting through music is very much what MySpace is all about now. The idea is solid and if MySpace was named something other than MySpace, it would probably do well. As it stands, we’ll have to wait and see if MySpace can extend more than an arm from the grave.

Private Dell – A Sign of the Times

Although not set in concrete just yet, it appears Dell is moving towards a buyout on their way to becoming a private company. The computer industry as a whole has struggled amid the onslaught of tablets and smartphones. Dell in particular has taken huge hits with PC sales in a slump and a less than enthusiastic response from the tech world about Windows 8.

Going private may refocus Dell and empower them to think beyond traditional PCs, a gamble that must be taken to revitalize the company moving forward. If everything goes smoothly, expect news of Dell going private sometime in late January.

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The post Tech Stories You Might Have Missed [January 13-19, 2013] first appeared on GeekITDown Computer Services & Technology Solutions.

We’ve decided to address those points and hopefully clear some of the cloud fog. First, have a look at this infographic that describes the cloud confusion highlighted in the opening.

Cloud Computing

The most common definition for cloud computing is provided by Wikipedia:

[info] Cloud computing is the use of computing resources (hardware and software) that are delivered as a service over a network (typically the Internet). [/info]

In a nutshell cloud computing is the use of someone else’s computer hardware and software programs to accomplish your own computing tasks. A side effect of using the cloud for computing means your data is accessible from anywhere, including mobile devices.

Part of the survey noted that users don’t realize they’re already using the cloud for some of their computing needs. Examples come in the form of email, Facebook and other social networking sites, online banking and video sharing at websites like YouTube and Vimeo.

Those “everyday” cloud computing uses spotlight the real benefit to integrating other cloud solutions into everyday life. More than ever, users are investing in mobile devices which include smartphones, tablets and laptops. Imagine working on your resume or other document wherever you are and according to your own schedule. By using the cloud to create the document, users can start writing at home and continue in the car without ever copying the file to a new device. Not finished? Open the document at work from the cloud and later finish it at home.

The cloud brings everything together in a single accessible point. It’s a convenient, time-saving way to manage your tech life and be more productive away from your computer.

Cloud Computing Myths

Myth #1 – Cloud computing is affected by or deals with the weather.

Cloud computing has nothing to do with the weather. Although once you start using the cloud your day is likely to turn brighter.

Myth #2 – Cloud computing is more costly than conventional desktop computing.

Not really. It’s true that costs can stack up if users aren’t diligent in choosing the proper cloud solution for their needs or over spending on an existing cloud option, but overall the cloud is cheaper in many ways especially for businesses. Additionally, through cloud management, users can have someone choose, purchase and manage their cloud solutions.

Myth #3 – Cloud computing is unreliable.

That is blatantly false. Cloud computing is reliant on one single factor, internet access. Without it, cloud services are inaccessible. Besides that, cloud services are more reliable than any one system. If a computer becomes corrupted, then that system is useless until fixed and the data on it is inaccessible until repaired. If that data were stored in the cloud, then if doesn’t matter if a computer becomes corrupted because users can simply access the data from another computer or device.

Quick Cloud Advantages

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• Access your data from anywhere and any device.
• Cost savings on new hardware, software and extraneous expenses. Higher profit.
• Many options to fit individual needs.
• There are cloud managers who find, purchase and maintain cloud services for you.

Infographic source: Citrix.com

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Most don’t realize that they’re already using some form of cloud computing everyday. Services such as email, online banking and social websites can all be categorized as cloud computing, but beyond those everyday uses are a number of other more dedicated uses.

Saving Important Documents

The rise of cloud storage has meant the ability to do away with those bulky file cabinets, piles of loose documents and drawers full of label-less flash drives and CDs. Anyone with important documents can now scan them into a computer and instantly sync them with a cloud storage service of their choosing. Many online services now deliver important information through email or dedicated document area on the web where users can move files from service to storage with ease.

Instead of cluttering a desk with sticky notes and note paper, users can store their contacts, shopping lists and other notes in the cloud. The biggest use case for cloud storage is that of pictures. Arguably the most important of all digital items is that of pictures. Cloud storage keeps them safe and copied in case of disaster.

Managing Schedules

As a family there are various priorities from each individual. Mom and dad have differing work schedules and the kids have after school activities. Add to that parties, leisure activities and visits from extended family and what you’ve got is a bunch of scheduling conflicts.

In order to keep everyone up to date on changes and routine schedules, families can sync calendars in the cloud. In addition to sharing calendars and events, families can share to do lists, notes and even contact lists. The cloud keeps everyone connected even though they may be separated due to their own unique interests and events.

Travel Planning

Most would agree that services like MapQuest and Google Maps have made moving around much easier. Instead of dragging around outdated maps in the glove box or bulky atlases in the trunk, users can plan trips ahead of time for printing or access the directions on mobile devices.

Beyond basic directions, maps are being incorporated into cloud travel sites and services. Users can now plan road trips with planned stops and sightseeing destinations.

Final Thoughts

There are so many cloud options available that families can find almost any service to fit their needs. We’ve only touched on a few of the many possibilities and as the cloud expands at an exponential rate, expect more and more opportunities to move everyday tasks to the cloud.

Looking for more cloud opportunities? Ask us!

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How do you collaborate with others? If you’re not collaborating in the cloud, then you’re missing out on an incredible opportunity to be more productive and develop ideas more effectively. Just launched cloud collaboration tool Dispatch is making the entire process easier with integrated cloud resources and a dead simple interface.

Dispatch Review

Dispatch is still in beta, but is already more convenient than other collaboration tools we’ve used. The cloud makes things possible on a scale that wasn’t imagined years ago. Now there are numerous services, including our own, which enhance everyday tasks through the cloud. Dispatch grabs onto those cloud services and harnesses their power to provide a single interface for collaboration.

Cloud services such as Dropbox, Evernote and Google Docs can be connected to Dispatch accounts in order to share files, notes and documents with a collaboration team or group of individuals. Thus pooling all the information into a single location for convenient access to all members.

Dispatch members or collaborators are added by the dispatch creator and all that’s needed is an email address to add members. Dispatches are another way of saying projects or tasks. Once a dispatch has been created, collaborators can add a title, notes, links and other items from connected cloud accounts.

Interface

Dispatch uses soft blue tones to provide a visually appealing look. The design is clean with a toolbar across the top for dispatch creation and account information.

Existing dispatches have their own set of options and again, the placement and color make the choices easy to identify and become accustomed to.

Dispatch Beta

As Dispatch acknowledges, they are still in beta and should be treated as such. Some items are likely to be sketchy in terms of operation while new features are likely to pop up unexpectedly as they’re released.

Dispatch’s simplicity makes it very attractive and is something we’d like to see Dispatch developers maintain as they move forward. The one thing that would elevate Dispatch above others is further integration and connectivity with more cloud services. As an example, Dropbox is a leader in cloud storage and having them connected is convenient, but cloud storage has exploded with a great many players now in the market. Those players offer varied storage size and security which may be a more appropriate option for businesses thus integration with them makes sense.

Summary

We can’t say enough about the ease of use from Dispatch and the lack of interface clutter is a welcome change from other cloud options. Don’t let the beta tag discourage sign-up, Dispatch is ready to go and although there will be some bumps in the road as they perfect the service, there’s no reason not to try them out now.

Visit Dispatch

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Cloud computing is one of those relatively new buzzwords that has got everyone talking; In essence cloud computing is the delivery of computing as a service, rather than a physical product, where software and information is provided to a computer or other device, as a utility, over a network (most commonly the internet).

Cloud computing is defined by three key characteristics:

• It is sold on demand, by the hour to the month. Often known as Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) or Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) dependent on the product being delivered.
• It is flexible and users can often use as much are a little as they like at any given time.
• It is fully managed, which means all a user requires is a computer and access to the internet.

Cloud computing has taken off because of these 3 benefits and has been accelerated by a weakening economy and the need to have more financial flexibility with products and services.

The beauty of ‘the cloud’ is that it can be public, used by and provided to everyone or setup privately or to provide services privately. When a company uses the public cloud to setup a private network it is called the Virtual Private Cloud.

The real benefit of the public cloud to customers is scalability. It allows users to consume and pay for as much as is needed, but similarly as soon as they require more this can be added (in most cases) instantaneously and without delays or interruption to the business.

So if asked to define the key and core benefits of cloud computing what would they be?

Cost
Due to the ability to pay for services and products incrementally in the cloud, organisations do not spend unnecessarily.

Storage
Though the cost of physical storage has come down, real estate and the maintenance of it hasn’t. For organisations this means storage can be increased and decreased instantly.

Automation
You no longer need to worry whether your software, platforms and services are up-to-date or on the latest versions, nor do you need to worry about backups as this is now completely automated.

Mobility
Unlike traditional IT networks everything is now available online. This means all you require is a portable device and internet connection and you’re working, no matter where you are.

Innovate
Organisations can now avoid resource intensive activities traditionally involved with IT services and focus on what they do best.

For a full range of shared service, cloud computing and case management software services, please visit Tricostar.com

The post The Benefits of Cloud Computing first appeared on GeekITDown Computer Services & Technology Solutions.

There are, of course, those who would argue that the cloud is not going to completely revolutionise healthcare in the way that its advocates claim. However, it is difficult to argue with the figures that are predicted by various analysts in relation to how much cloud usage and spending will grow over the coming five years.

MarketsandMarkets recently published a report on cloud computing, which stated that by 2017 the global value of the cloud market in the healthcare industry alone will exceed $5.4 billion (about £3.4 billion).

The authors identify a number of ways in which the cloud will be implemented in a healthcare setting, taking into account the infrastructures that it will facilitate and the type of pricing structure that it is likely to follow as it becomes more prevalent.

From the point of view of using the cloud to run software applications as a service, the report shows that there will be two distinct types of platform employed by healthcare organisations in this respect.

First, clinical information systems (CIS) will be rolled out in order to aid those who are trained to administer aid to patients, allowing doctors, nurses and other front-line staff to better do their jobs. This could mean giving workers better access to patient information or healthcare data so that they can perform more effectively whether they are posted in a hospital or out in the field carrying out home visits.

The second category consists of non-clinical information systems (NCIS) and will deal with the platforms that are required to handle most of the administrative tasks, which can range from payroll management to billing, depending on the type of institution in which they are used as well as the particular provisions of the state in regard to healthcare.

The report unsurprisingly identifies that healthcare organisations have been reluctant to adopt a cloud platform that is solely based on public services, because the protection of patient privacy is a paramount concern and handing over the reins to a third party is less than desirable.

Instead, most are choosing to integrate private or hybrid cloud set-ups that allow for a greater deal of self-determination when it comes to hardware, software and information security.

What is appealing to healthcare organisations is the fact that cloud computing allows them to procure software, hardware and IT infrastructures on a pay-per-use basis rather than one that requires total commitment and investment and may not be anywhere near as scalable.

Groups are able to buy access to cloud services on demand and pay as they go, or alternatively commit to a fixed-term contract which gives them a steady price over a predetermined period, often with the option to renew or change providers at the end of the term.

Since the cloud has made many IT services a utility like electricity or water, it means that healthcare organisations are in a better position to make sure that they are only paying for what they use, thus giving them greater control over their budgets and avoiding unwanted expenses.

While cloud penetration among healthcare organisations reached only 4% in 2012, most believe that this will increase dramatically in the coming years as more and more managers begin to see the benefits of migrating their very own groups to the cloud.

This article was written by Daisy Group plc who are leading are a specialised communication company providing robust and secure business  solutions including flexible & mobile working, cloud computing and datacentre solutions to small medium and corporate business across the UK.

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