Vertebrate Graphics Blog

Is it a real contender to rival Facebook and will people use it… well only time will tell.

When I first looked at Google +, my first reaction was “All my stuff is in Facebook so I ain’t uploading that again” and that still stands, however after looking into it a bit further, it may prove a good platform for business.

In creating a cleaner interface for businesses, it’s possible to provide a much more user friendly and less constricted Business Page to interact with your audience. At the moment it is riding a wave of new momentum, but here are a few Pros and Cons

Pros

- Nice clean interface
- Chance to start a fresh area for your business and create something new for 2012
- The circles and hangout functions are very intuitive mechanisms
- I bet you already use Google everyday

Cons

- Starting from scratch
- Yet another Social channel to monitor / update
– If you use an aggregator such as Hootsuite or TweetDeck, you cannot update your page / status on Google +

As with anything new to the market, the early adopters have taken hold and are now waiting for the early majority to start making noise about this. If this does not happen, could we see it going the same way as Buzz or Wave

We can only wait and see.

By the way, you can find Vertebrate Graphics on Google Plus

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There are actually more iPhone users than Android users in our office, however the sheer flexibility of the platform means it will always be ahead of Apple. As such we have compiled a list of some of our favourite FREE applications on the Android phones.

1). Angry Birds

Well what is there to say about this essential timewaster of an app. Entertaining, frustrating and so addictive. It’s no wonder it keeps winning awards.

2). Stupid Zombies

Another physics app in a similar vain to Angry Birds. Just as frustrating and entertaining so when you’ve finished Angry Birds and you are waiting for the next release, try this one to pass the time.

3). BBC iPlayer

It may only be wifi enabled, but watching BBC content on a phone such as the Desire HD is a joy. Plug the headphones in and no need to wake the wife. Mind the battery consumption.

4). World War

This is a strategic game where patience is the key. Undertake missions and battle other opponenets to build an army and become invincible. I have put over a year into this game, playing most days and it’s still keeping me going.

5). Facebook

There are quite a few apps for Facebook and each one has it’s merits / disadvantages. Search the market for the one which suits you best and you’ll soon be addicted to updates and check-ins.

6). Google Goggles

This application is one to impress the oldies with (well it impressed my folks). Simply put the camera infront of an object such as a can of drink and it will scan the brand / logo and bring back search for that term. Very impressive and pretty accurate.

7). Zoopla

This app enables you to view the houses for sale in a specific area from many of the top estate agents. Providing you with information such as average house prices as well as allowing you to view down the street using street view augmented reality, it’s a very useful house hunting application.

8). Songbird

One of the best music applications for the Android OS. There are plenty out there so search the market and judge for yourself.

9). Spotify

Whilst the app is free, it does require a £9.99 per month subscription to Spotify premium. However, having a vast range of music and offline playlists is fantastic for long journeys or just when you fancy listening to something new.

10). Evernote

A free note taking and planning app and desktop application which seamlessly sync with one another. I find it invaluable to keep up to date with my workoad and maintaining an accurate to do list.

Take a browse around the Android market on your phone and let us know your favourites.

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Is your desktop beginning to look a little cluttered? Stuff everywhere and little organisation – well try BumpTop. Turns the desktop into a 3D box so you can organise files, shortcuts and programmes onto different walls.

Being able to focus on a specific wall, make icons bigger and smaller depending on their importance, organise icons into piles which can then be easily expanded or collapsed – all means that a messy desktop (well mine really) can easily be organised with the minimum of fuss.

These chaps have been bought out by Google so there are no updates, only the free version which is available to download here

Why not give it a go and see what you think

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