Twitter Goes Political with Election 08′

If you’ve been on Twitter for the last few months, you’ve probably noticed a few of your stateside followers in deep conversation about the upcoming election to replace President Bush. While we all have our own opinion on how the country has been managed, the good news is that finally some change is coming and this election will determine the course of our future. Even our friends overseas are watching closely to see just what will happen, for better or worse.

Twitter has gone the extra mile and included a “Twad” (Twitter ad) at the top of their site to keep users up to date on the election, fundamentally calling it Election.Twitter. At midnight last night, Election.Twitter went live, finally acknowledging just how popular, if not important, this topic has been on their micro-blogging service. The site will be very familiar to long time Twitter users, except for one big difference. “What are you doing?” is being replaced with “What do you think?”, opening the floor for debate, discussion, disagreement, and speculation.

To get the low down on what is going on, stop by get involved, and get informed!

Newsflash! Twitter Group for Dads Exists!

Image via CrunchBase

In response to a comment from my post on TwitterMoms.com, Michel did an excellent job on bringing to the light the oft forgotten efforts of the father.

Too often fathers in movies, cartoons, and other media formats are depicted as oafish, bumbling males that know very little about caring for kids, but somehow miraculously come out on top in the end. While I won’t make an excuse for every male, there are some fathers out there stay-at-home, single, and otherwise who do an amazing job fathering children, and go through just as many hardships in child rearing, just different experiences.

There is a Ning group for Twitter Dads, and a Twitter account to follow for fathers looking at connecting with other dads to share ideas, experiences, and techniques for child rearing. @TwitterDads is a worthwhile follow for any dad in the midst of childcare, and the Ning group is slowly gaining some steam.

Twitter Search App for the iPhone

As if Twittering on our laptop or desktop was not addicting enough, the addiction was taken to a new level by making it easy to access from your mobile. Whether you’re logged into the Twitter mobile site, or using an app to type your life in 140 characters, the users find that they simply can’t get enough.

Let’s take Twitter to another level now. Twitter gobbled up Summize and created Twitter.Search, and now users are able to find exactly what they want by typing in search terms. The search will highlight all the conversations and make them available to you, along with providing a list of the hottest trending issues at the moment. Well thanks to Summizer for the iPhone, this app does everything Twitter.Search does, only you don’t have to go to any URL. This useful app sits directly in your menu is quickly accessible to find quick information on what is being discussed.

Mustache Inc’s tightly packaged app is definitely made with the on-the-go user in mind, and easy enough for general users to pick up as well. While version 1.0 is currently focused on searching and trend watching, the update, pending approval from Apple, looks to offer more options making this powerful app much more useful. You can find this app for $4.99 which is a little steep compared to some of the other apps available, but for marketers, advertisers, business professionals, or avid users, the cost is minimal compared to the use that they are sure to find in Summizer.

Uniting Moms that Twitter

One of the biggest critiques that has come against Twitter aside form scaling issues, has been it’s lack of grouping and/or allowing for Twitter contacts to be grouped. This has been one failure of Twitter to better help users organize their contacts, or speak directly to a group of contacts without messaging their entire follower list.

As a result, various small groups have popped up to fill the need, but all of them based on other social networks. TwitterMoms is no different, except TwitterMoms has grown exponentially with the number of registered users in the group. TwitterMoms establishes an online gathering place for moms who are informed, educated, and look to have a place for their voice to be heard. The market for female bloggers and micro-bloggers has seen a significant boost in the last year, and withTwitterMoms, this is just another example of users looking to define their own space, even if the social network does not do it for them.

TwitterMoms is not a Twitter clone, but rather a forum where twittering moms can gather and share their thoughts, have their replies tracked and added on to by other users. There is a timeline service that allows users to see when comments were made in the conversation and reply to them accordingly. There are individual topics that you would expect to find in a forum, and so every user is able to join a conversation or start one themselves. An amazing idea for those looking to connect with others like minded mom that communicate through Twitter.

If you’re a mom looking at connecting, definitely check out TwitterMoms! If you’re already a member, leave a comment and let us know what you think, I’d love to hear what a user thinks about this amazing group.

MicroSD Music A Good Idea? SanDisk Thinks So

Records, 8-track tapes, cassettes, CD’s, physical media has been a constant in the world of music. Just recently within the last ten years, music has begun the transition from physical to streaming/download acquisition. When I try to think back on the last time I actually entered a music store, I’m almost shocked at how out dated the concept of buying a CD really is. Today with access to iTunes, Amazon Music Store, and other outlets to purchase your media, I was shocked when I read that SanDisk was able to convince music labels that the future was in MicroSD.

Big labels bought into this idea after what had to be an amazing presentation, and to make it even more amazing was the fact that they convinced Walmart and Best Buy to carry the product. Quite honestly this idea may have been approved, but it’s dead before it’s even started. Pricing is not bad, with SD cards looking at a retail value of about $7-$10 apiece, but of course that’s before markup, and any other additions they plan on adding to the sale.

Just looking around my house I don’t know where I would put my MicroSD card, my phone maybe, but I don’t use it as a media player nor would I want to. I’d like to know what mind numbing, hypnotic method they used to get anyone on board with this idea. If you want a taste of this market, I suggest by early, because the MicroSD idea will almost certainly be dead by next year.

Can anyone say collector’s item?

Spread the “Good Word” with Gospelr

If you’re looking at either spreading the “good word” or hearing some messages of praise and encouragement, turn no further then Gospelr. This Twitter-clone application brings together all the positivity and encouragement of the Christian faith to those who seek it out.

It was just a matter of time before something like this happened. It’s not necessarily a bad thing, especially since it was established due to the perceived harshness of Twitter conversation. Gospelr looks to focus on connecting people for motivation and to share their faith with one another. No longer do you have to pay for missionaries to reach the far parts of the world or into the homes of people, now you can do it all online, and Gospelr looks to work that angle.

Because it’s based on Twitter’s API, integration into Tweetdeck and various other apps that play well with Twitter. An interesting addition to the Gospelr homepage is that the site will refresh for you, keeping you current at all times with the latest messages to hit the network.

If you need to hear the Word, be uplifted or encouraged by those strong in their faith, then check out Gospelr. While your there, check out the cool RSS button, now that’s creative!

Wordia Replacing Dictionary.com?

Image via Wikipedia

The dictionary, for years, had been the bane of my existence as a kid. I remember when I did not know something I was always told “look it up.” I remember being frustrated tearing through the massive dictionary just to find an answer. As I got older I began to appreciate the dictionary along with its cousin thesaurus. As a communications professional in my adult life, these two, both physical and through various apps, have become the cornerstone of my career as a writer.

We all know dictionaries are not hot properties, and people are not tearing down the house to find new ways to make it better, but in an interesting turn of event, Wordia has done just that. Created by former TV producer Edward Baker, and funded by ex-Bebo employee Michael Birch, Wordia looks to mashup Dictionary, YouTube, and Wikipedia. This hodge podge looks to be more for entertainment rather than serious information, but with Birch’s previous eye for start-up successes, it might have some legs to stand on.

Wordia is the site where everything you get is in video format. Looking up a word will provide you with a video explaining the word, definition, and other vitals you’d need to attain understanding. While there is still text, user generated videos will be attached to the word, and users will be able to rank the videos in term of their favorite, most accurate, and most humorous to name a few options.

This is definitely not your parents dictionary, but I still question whether the videos are necessary as opposed to a major distraction. I look forward to seeing how many users jump on board and the accuracy and reputation the site builds.

Is the World Ready for Android?

Just announced today, the new Android phone is set to release on Monday, October 20th. This much anticipated release is expected to change the face of mobile phones, similar to the expectations prior to the release of the first iPhone.

Expected specs for the phone were released back in August and can been seen on the TechCrunch website here. Currently this full featured phone is set to be released on the T-Mobile network, similar to Apple’s partnership with AT&T. This exclusivity is sure to give T-Mobile a significant boost to their market share, and their profits will be sitting pretty too if this phone delivers all that is expected.

iPhone users are might be sitting pretty right now, but soon Android might be the next “in” phone to have. Is Apple worried? Only time will tell once this phone hits the market. Already tech pundits and gadget fans are preparing their long stay on the streets over that weekend. I’m interested to see just how much more powerful this Android phone will be, with the support of Google, there’s no telling!

iPhone “Epic Fail” in Japan

It’s a known fact that mobile devices in Japan are just better, plain and simple. Doubt me? Mobile devices in Japan have been proven to be years advanced their stateside counterparts. For years now mobile devices, especially cell phones, have been able to receive TV, music, take photos, etc. Just as we attempt to close the gap, the Japanese take their phones to another level of increasing the quality of picture and audio, but also increasing the use of these devices. Phone overseas have been able to scan items for pricing for years already, and they’ve also been used as debit cards and train passes.

So what does Apple and Steve Jobs plan to provide for their customers in the Land of the Rising Sun? Well…nothing. While units were expected to hit sales of 1 million units, when all is said and done they will be lucky to have sold 500,000. Not good. Apple’s offerings with the iPhone just don’t compete with the already existing high end phones that are available to both the consumer and professional market.

Released just over three months ago, the iPhone which saw explosive sales the first few weeks of release has taken a drastic nosedive. Selling out immediately on July 11th, with lines of people ready to purchase is the complete opposite of the sites now, where sellers stock their windows with iPhones, promoting specials, and looking for ways to move the inventory with little to no luck.

Since Apple could not wow them with their song and dance, what will it take for Apple to break into the Japanese market? We saw similar experiences when Microsoft released the first iteration of the X-box, which impressive sales at first, but then falling off the charts. Steve and Co. might need to go back to the drawing board for our eastern friends and think of a plan to counter an already established market.

TechCrunch Hits 1 Million Milestone

TechCrunch is a self proclaimed “obsessive” site for everything technology, especially start-ups. Michael Arrington, co-founder of TechCrunch, has a well established career in doing what he loves best and, in my opinion, being damn good at it. But don’t take my word for, they have just recently hit a huge milestone for any site, over 1 million subscribers follow them via RSS Feeds. In less than 39 months they have achieved this goal and by the looks of it, will continue this trend.

Arrington reports that like any other site, their numbers fluctuate. Weekends are slow, but mid-week is their best time period. Still, even with the fluctuations, fans stay for the news and are even offered various ways to stay in touch with what is happening in the world of technology; Twitter, RSS Feed, FriendFeed, are just as few examples of how TechCrunch stays in touch with their readers.

Recentlly TechCrunch held their TechCrunch50 event which has been covered on Crenk here and here. Because of Arrington’s love for start-ups, he offers some of the best in the world a stage for them to highlight their products, network with VC’s and other interested high profile people, and in turn gives a little back with the success he’s achieved.

I highly recommend businesses to take a look at TechCrunch because as investors, you could be a part of the next big thing in the tech world!

iPhone App Review of Campaign

Last week I searched the Apple iPhone App store in search of a dedicated political application that I could use to follow the elections. Interestingly enough I only found news apps, which is great, but too convoluted with other news that I did not want to have to filter through. That being said I was greatly disappointed and left the site.

Just this week I came across Campaign, a dedicated political updater that keeps you informed on how both parties are doing in this monumental election. Now even for those not stateside, this election has a global impact. The next person in office will have to make some big decisions, and I feel confident in saying that myself along with the rest of the world hope that decisions are the right ones, not for personal gain or economic reasons.

This little application is brought to you by Gorloch Interactive, which states they will try to provide you with all the dirt on both candidates to make you a “more-informed” voter. Do no worry if you think this application is one sided, three categories keep you informed on both parties in relation to News, Polls, and Candidates. Once you download the application you have your chance to set up your desired results.

If you want all the latest updates on who said what, who did what, and where they stand on upcoming issues, then definitely get Campaign. You might also want to hurry, because the election is over in two months, and you want to be the most informed voter you can be.

Mashable: Non-stop Technology & Web News

Founded in 2005 in an unlikely city in Scotland, Pete Cashmore has turned his dream of up to the minute updates on everything tech, media, web, and social networks into one of the most profitable blogs in history, Mashable. With over 5 million monthly pageviews, anyone that makes it on the site either in an article or as a sponsor for the site is sure to be seen by the who’s who of the online media world.

Mashable has been highlighted in Technorati, the New York Times, Washington Post and Forbes, while being a fan favorite to interact and catch up on the latest events. Mashable’s contributing writers are all published and established writers that look to be a part of a much bigger blog. Just recently Pete and the Mashable team put on a Mashable Tour with their partners of Social Media Camp. This multi-city tour highlighted presentations from the best of web and media minds and afterwards offered an excellent opportunity for these minds to mingle.

Currently Pete Cashmore divides his time between San Francisco, New York, and the UK. He’s constantly staying abreast of the latest trends in social networks, and hosts monthly events to keep the conversation going.

I have personally met Pete during one of the Mashable tours here in Austin, and was amazed at how cool and approachable he was. He literally took photos with all the hundreds of people that attended the after party and was truly interested in talking to everyone.

Mashable is a definite site to subscribe to, and make sure to follow Mashable on Twitter as well for even more information then you think you can handle. Just watch out for the overload!