23 Mobile Things -- Thing 3 : Utilities

For Thing 3, we were asked to look at a few utility apps and share how we may be able to use them personally or professionally. 

RedLaser

I've had the RedLaser app on my iPhone for a long time. I've used it a few times but not for a very long time. Back when I learned about it & downloaded it I might have tried it on a UPC a time or two and that was it.

For this test I picked up a book, The Handmaid's Tale, that I had lying on my desk and I scanned its ISBN/UPC on the back cover. RedLaser was very quick to respond with information. Here are a few snips of info it provided: 

Basic info plus pricing

Reviews

Recommendations

The last -- recommendations -- I wonder though what its basis is? Are these reads-like? Or from reviews & suggestions? I'm not sure.

Google Search

I just downloaded this app and gave it a try. I tested the voice option and spoke "The Handmaid's Tale" into it -- keeping with the same item just for a bit of comparison. The response was quick and accurate -- one never knows with voice apps! Here's a snip of the result:

What to say? Nothing much I guess. Okay search results. But I rather like the voice option. 

So other utilities? I read a fellow 23 Mobile Things' blogger page and I liked many of her observations -- especially regarding MyPermissions. I'm always trying to be careful with apps & data so this is a utility I'm definitely going to check into. Maybe you too want to check out what Heather has to say at HevWam Does 23 Things. 

Thing 3 -- RSS Feeds

02/15/2008
As with other technology, I've looked into RSS Feeds but had yet to really "use" one. I think I need to decide what "information" I think I need to know "right now" as it updates ... so a little contemplation time. For now I've added a local news feed and a local weather feed. I'd like to add a friend's "23 things" blog but I'm waiting for Jen to give me her blog address ... I tried searching for it but couldn't find it.