stuff we're doing |
 |
It's true. One more in the family!
|
 |
You might remember some months ago we mentioned the development of a little project we had under our wings called a Flashbook. Well we've finally managed to bring the concept to fruition and it can be found here in all it's glory…
www.flashbook.com.au
We'd love to go into all the detail about how much we love it but we're trying to avoid the doting parent syndrome. What we'd like you to do though is to go and check it out for yourself and let us know what you think.
It's packed with a range of cool features and functionality and we think it will do very well for itself. Parents are doing fine although a little tired and thanks go out to all our friends for their support.
^ back to top
|
|
what's new on the web |
|
Mish Mashup
|
 |
Some of you may have heard of web “mashups” before. A web mashup is where two or more web applications are combined (mashed) together to make a more powerful application as the result.
With such a big drive towards making the Internet more social, most large scale web presences like Google, Facebook and Flickr are opening up their applications so that other people can access the information stored within. Lets take a look at three different types of mashups to give you an idea on what they are and how they can be used.
Search Cube
http://www.search-cube.com/
Search cube is a search engine with a difference. Enter you search term and you will be shown a cube with images depicting the results. It looks and acts a bit like a Rubix cube that you can flip and turn to see different search results with your arrow keys. The mashup is between Google (as the search engine) and Thumbshots to display the images.
PicFog
http://picfog.com
PicFog is a real-time image search by grabbing pictures from several sources such as TwitPic, yFrog, and Twitgoo. When you first hit the site you will be presented with a bunch of near realtime uploaded images from twitter, these will continue to scroll through until such time as you pause it or navigate away. Its a bit liking watching a cringe humour sitcom, its hard to watch but even harder to turn it off and not see what happens next.
Spotcrime
http://www.spotcrime.com/az/phoenix
One of the more interesting mashups out there is between Google Maps and public records on crime statistics in America. You are presented with a map that has a number of icons showing what crime as been committed and where it took place. Crimes range from theft to assault and when an arrest has been made you will see a handcuffs icon. When you open the link above its a little confronting to think that all these crimes have happened in such a small area. Even more disturbing is that this is over a time period of only a couple of days!
^ back to top
|
|
tools you can use |
|
Computer says no
|
 |
So you have a problem with your computer and you need to call the helpdesk. You can almost predict what is going to happen next, the support desk operator is going to answer the call and do his or her best to get you off the line as soon as possible. One all too common tactic support staff often use is to bamboozle (yes its a word according to urbandictionary.com) you with a bunch of technical terms until you get totally overwhelmed and end the call prematurely.
"What browser are you using and ill need exact build numbers here, as well as your screen resolution and browser screen size... to the nearest pixel will be fine. What's that? You don't know.... that's a shame, please call back when you do."
Well here is your chance to get one up on the support staff with a new tool called Support Details (supportdetails.com). A simple, clean page layout shows you some of the most important details on your computer including your operating system, browser version and even things like your current Flash version. The real power of the site is that you can send your system details to anyone you like via email, including less than helpful support staff. You also have the option to download the results in a PDF or CSV document. Go ahead and try it out. It's free and it might significantly cut down your next support call time.
http://supportdetails.com/
^ back to top
|
|
web design we love |
|
www.oceandesign.co.nz
|
 |
This little gem only arrived on our doorstep this week but it did make us stop and look up. As a communications company in New Zealand these guys have made a real effort and for a minute we thought they may have done it themselves. Like many communications groups though they outsource many of their services and this site is no exception.
A combined effort between SaltedHerring and Thinkbox, what we love about this design is its innovative yet very simple use of technology together with some very funky design.
It's not busy. It doesn't have a procession of effects racing across the screen like you just stepped into the Rio Carnivale. It's just a few simple features used very well. So much so that we sat here thinking, “Why haven't we thought of doing that?”
The tipping point though is the use of the quintessential New Zealand style retro images that make each scene really stand out. From the marlin head on the wall to the intricate collection of kitchen paraphernalia that sits casually in the room, each scene has a sense of the unique.
We love the tiny activity that plays out within the holding scene of the beach house too. Detailed yet relaxed and down to earth. A fine way to communicate a company's philosophy.
http://www.oceandesign.co.nz
^ back to top
|
|
remember... |
|
 |
We still have our referral program in motion - FREE Gen 4 ipod nano's available to anyone who recommends a lead that we convert to the sale of a website. We realise that nearly every human on the planet has an ipod already so if you don't want to double dip, we are also providing a $200 gift voucher to the restaurant of your choice.
|
|
|