Google AdWords Exploration

Admittedly, I’m quite late to the game but the time has come for more than one of my ventures to start playing around with Google AdWords. Fortunately, it is quite simple to set up an account and start playing around.

While there are several great resources for getting up to speed, I particularly enjoyed the explanation given in the AutomateMySmallBusiness podcast, episode 20.

An AdWords account is free and you simply link it up with your existing Google account. Since this is a cost-per-click model, you obviously need to set a budget for your campaign. If you want to dabble a bit, see what works and what doesn’t, you can scour the ‘net for coupon codes/vouchers for a no-risk way to get familiar with the platform.

There are a few places you can get free codes, usually with little effort. One such place can be found here that is currently offering ~$50 vouchers. As I continue my adventure with Google AdWords, I will be sure to document the things I learn along the way.

Beautifying Windows 7

By now, many of you have likely made the move to Windows 7. If not, here is one subtlety that you are “missing out on” or can look forward to if you’re in the former group. Windows 7 allows for “theme packs” which are essentially compilations of of desktop backgrounds, colour schemes etc. In previous versions of Windows these customizations were available but never have they been so streamlined.

When Windows 7 was still in beta I had a look at the offerings du jour and found some mildly interesting backrounds of architecture and the like. Selection was still quite limited. Now, on the other hand, you’ll find many theme packs are available by simply right clicking on your desktop, choosing “personalize” and finding the “Get more themes online” link on the right.

You will then be taken to Microsoft’s Personalization Gallery. During the Olympics I chose to use Samsung’s appropriately themed pack but now that it has concluded I figured something new was in order.

Brief side-step here. For the few remaining that don’t know, Microsoft has rebranded their search by calling it Bing. The story goes that they originally wanted to call it Bingo but that didn’t fly for legal reasons, leaving them “no choice” but to settle on Bing. Er, ok well they had some choice…

How is this relevant? If you’ve ever visited bing.com you know that in lovely contrast to Google’s sparse search page, bing actually uses quite amazing photography that changes. I’ve often thought to myself that it was a shame that I could only see these images when I happen to remember to bing something rather than to Google it.

Ahh, the tie-in. My new favourite theme pack is the “Bing’s Best” that, as the name implies, rotates through some of the best imagery from Bing.

  
Do you have a favourite theme pack? Maybe you took the time to create your own (Microsoft shows you how on their site). If you’re a photographer it could be a great way to showcase your work. Samsung used the opportunity to brand their Olympic theme pack I mentioned earlier to increase their mindshare in perhaps a small way.

Closing thoughts: if you haven’t let Bing into your life for your searching needs, perhaps you can let them beautify Windows for you. Baby steps. :) 

Microsoft Live Mesh: Syncronize Your Life!

It is not very often that Microsoft comes out with a new product that really manages to raise the collective eyebrows of the tech industry, but the latest gem to emerge from the software company may just have what it takes.

Microsoft, à-la Google, has released Live Mesh as a beta service. So what is Mesh exactly? In its current form, Mesh is a platform on which various inter-device services are run. These services include synchronizing data between your computers (even macs), mobile devices and an online “desktop”; remotely accessing your systems, and sharing data with your peers.

The truth is, this technology isn’t revolutionary by any means. Sync platforms have been around for ages, as have remote access solutions. In fact, the first thing I thought upon installing the software was “wow, this really reminds me of Microsoft Office Groove.” Groove was a solution developed by Groove Networks – a company since acquired by our jolly software giant – and incorporated into the Office platform. I’m seeing many of the same features here in Mesh. The difference is, this time around Microsoft is packaging it in such a way that it can be brought to the masses at a price they can appreciate: free.

The best thing about this platform is not necessarily what it provides today, but what it promises for the future. For now, the mobile support is limited to devices running Windows Mobile 6.1+. Eventually, the list of supported phones will grow. At the moment the features are rather limited which is great for simplicity and intuitiveness but lacking in flexibility. The promise of applications – accessible from any of the “meshable” devices and the online desktop is really quite appealing. That, coupled with 5GB of free online storage for all your files (which is sure to expand in the future) makes this a really interesting solution to automatically keeping your data in all the right places.

If this has piqued your interest at all, I encourage you to watch out for my review in the forums where I put the current beta incarnation through its paces.

A few seconds with the BlackBerry Storm

Tonight I had the unexpected treat of playing with the BlackBerry Storm! For those that don't know, the Storm is BlackBerry's yet-to-be-released iPhone competitor.

Sporting a 3.25" screen (vs the iPhone's 3.5") that features their SurePress™ touch technology offering tactile feedback as you type, RIM is hoping this innovative addition to the BlackBerry line will captivate the corporate world while attracting the mainstream eye as well.

As for other features, the Storm features 3G capabilities, a GPS, accelerometer, 3.2 MP camera, 1GB internal memory, micro SD™ slot and application store not unlike Apple's App Store. But all that stuff has been covered elsewhere.

The thing that stood out most for me was the fact that (according to my source at RIM), the Storm will not feature 3G GSM support - only over CDMA (mostly US carriers) and UMTS (Vodafone - UK). That means us Canadians that rely on GSM networks are stuck on EDGE. I find this intel conflicting given Telus & Bell are touting the phone's 3G capabilities.

Even on the slower EDGE connection, I found the surfing experience on the Storm to be quite enjoyable. I access the same network with my SonyEricsson W600i (apples and oranges, I know) but I would rather walk 6 flights of stairs to look something up on my desktop than sit in my car and attempt it with that phone. The same cannot be said for the Storm.

As for the screen, I must say it is gorgeous; it boasts such a crisp, high contrast, beautiful image. While the underground parking lot did not provide the most ideal lighting, I was pretty surprised at the lack of fingerprints it seemed to collect. The screen's Haptic technology (that "senses" the presence of your finger without any contact) made interacting with the device very seamless and natural feeling. I would find the absence of this technology a big drawback as I am used to the similar "digitizer" behaviour on my tablet pc.

The overall feel of the device is solid as all other BlackBerries I have held. The finish is up there with the Bold; RIM is proving that they too can make a svelte handset. Speaking of feel, the "clickable" screen is a really nice touch. Many have complained about the iPhone's lack of tactile feedback when typing on glass rather than a physical keyboard - - this appears to be a great solution. It does take a few minutes to get used to the notion that you are "allowed" to press on the screen. This ultimately goes against everything we've been taught with computer screens, especially since LCDs hit the market. I presume that reservation will gradually fade as more devices such as the HP TouchSmart PC, touch based phones and Windows 7 enabled gadgets come to market.

All in all, I have to say I am pretty impressed with the Storm. Having seen both Storm and Bold, I personally think I would choose the former (I say this not yet having had a chance to see the HTC G1). Now if only there were a decent data plan available for us Canucks...

Sources indicate it should be available November 16th, at least in the US. Telus is supposed to have first dibs on the phone here in Canada with Bell and likely Rogers to follow.

Welcome to the DM Blog!

Brief History:
Definitely-Maybe started out as a side project 3 or so years ago; a site where lovers of tech could come together and discuss new and exciting things in the world. After a number of ups and downs involving various hosts and conflicting technologies (gasp!), the main site was set aside as the primary focus became the forums.

The 'here and now'
For some time I have been toying with bringing a front page back to DM, but the story that is my life leaves little room for any heavy development at the moment. As such, I thought the easiest way to achieve my goal would be to start a blog. (I know, latecomer-am-I.)

The first questions I have been asked include: "What will the blog be about?" and "Why would you want to start a blog when you have the forums?" To be honest, I'm not sure yet. I decided this would not be a project that requires a lot of thought; I will simply get the framework up and build on that as time goes on. If I had to nail down a scope, I might say that this will likely end up being where my more favourite stories from the forums end up... kind of like digg.com's front page if you will (but not at all). In addition, this will likely be a spot for more of my own commentary on, well, whatever makes its way to "the front page".

Point in case: I'm taking this project every other day at a time. The beauty of it is - perhaps even moreso than our forums - is that the blog environment tends to encourage contribution. I would love to hear your feedback and thoughts/ideas on what direction we should take!