Syncronized Cloud
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I have been thinking about this of late, and what I would really appreciate from some developer is an app that would allow me to sync all of my cloud data in one place.
I have noticed that it seems that every time I turn around there is a new cloud storage system rolling out. Think about all of the choices you have; Microsoft Skydrive, DropBox, Google Docs, Box.net, Amazon, and iCloud to name just a few. These do no include all of the ones that give you a free 2G to join. Of course they all have their individual mobile apps as well.
What would really be nice is a service that didn’t give me anymore free storage but would provide an interface to access the various services already out on the market. I must admit that I havent done a terrible amount of researching on this topic and there may be a solution that I’m unaware of. The type of product that I have been thinking about would be a cloud application that you could log into and register your individual accounts. The app would then scan your stored files and present an interface where you could search and either open or download the file you are looking for.
Anyway, it just seems we have ample cloud storage solutions, but not an easy way to tie them all together. Maybe a cloud backup service that backed up not devices but services.
Happy Computing.
Categories: All, Editorial, Web Tags: Google Docs, Happy Computing, Microsoft Skydrive
Google Plus: Disendents Need Not Apply
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There has been an uproar of late concerning the Google Plus Community Policy and requiring everyone to use their real name or the name they are known by.
Personally, I have no problem with this, as I run a blog and write for said blog, so I have always used my real identity. I also think that it is a forgone conclusion that when we use our real identities, we tend to be more thoughtful in our comments. But lets put all that aside.
I don’t think that Google would be taking all of this heat for this reason. So let’s take a trip outside of the box; Could it be possible that Google has global plans for G+ and is planning on staying Politically Neutral?
With all of the recent turmoil in the Middle East of late and seeing that the first thing these regimes do is block Twitter and FaceBook to hamstring their citizens from protesting, maybe Google is taking a different approach by keeping everything open. From a business point of view, I can see some value in staying neutral and providing a communication network that doesn’t appear to be involved with cloak and dagger policies.
I know this is a real reach, but I’m not sure Google would stick with a non-anonymous policy when the community of users would do much of the policing to begin with. But I can see some validity with a company that has world wide interests trying to stay neutral. Google may be learning from FaceBook’s and Twitter’s past woe’s and its own troubles with China and attempting to take some preventive measures in this arena.
Personally, I think I will just sit back; enjoy the ride, and see how it all plays out.
Are Desktops Slated For The Pasture?
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At a recent event, Steve Jobs compared Desktop Computers to Trucks and the iPad/Laptops to the family car. At the time, I dismissed the comment as crazy. Maybe the comment was more ‘Crazy Like A Fox’.
Recently I have been researching all of the different cloud applications that are compatible with Google’s Chrome Browser. It is quite clear that for the typical PC user; which I am not, cloud based services are a definite option.
A recent article that I shared out, written by ChromeBook Lounge: Chrome app equivalents to Windows default applications. Points out a number of web based applications that provide alternatives to disk based applications. This list only touches the tip of great web based applications available, the list continues to grow.
I personally find that I need an old fashion desktop as I’m running a media server and do web development work as well. But for most when it comes to general computing, a desktop is not required, which frees up your desk as well as lowering your electrical bill. So if all of this great stuff available why haven’t we all moved to mobile devices and switched over to cloud storage and applications?
It all boils down to being connected, or the cost of being connected everywhere. It’s not a problem for most of us at home or work, its having access when we are not in those familiar environments and having access to our stuff. When we have a consistent and cost-effective solution for staying connected, then we will see the mass migration.
Below are some of my favorite cloud based applications:
- Office Live or Google Docs – Both of these are excellent cloud based services. I personally find myself using Office Live more than Google Docs.
- Picknik - http://www.picnik.com/ Picnik makes your photos fabulous with easy to use yet powerful editing tools. Tweak to your heart’s content, then get creative with oodles of effects, fonts, shapes, and frames.
- YouConvertIt - http://www.youconvertit.com/ConvertFiles.aspx Online file converter.
- Aviary -http://www.aviary.com/ Aviary provides free applications for creating digital art, graphic design, and audio mixing.
- Evernote – http://www.evernote.com/ Premier note application for text and audio notes.
For the most part, if you are looking for a web based application to replace a desktop application; there is probably one available. All you need to do is look.
