Gifting: Maybe an apple...

We’re approaching that season when, if you’ve put off investing in new technology, you’re likely to gift yourself or someone you love with that bit of wizardry you’ve been eyeing all year. And if you haven’t already invested in a tablet PC, one probably tops your list.

Earlier this year, it looked like there would be an abundance of choices with all the Android tablets coming to market. While there have been many admirable options there, none have really dented the iPads appeal.

That’s as much about the hardware as software. The IPad 2 is a great product, backed by the software catalog Android devices have not yet begun to rival, for real estate or otherwise. Adding significant momentum there is the simple fact that many apps developed for the ever-growing universe of iPhone users also run on the iPad.

At this point, the most promising challenger to the iPad’s dominance the rumored Amazon tablet, expected to launch sometime within the next two months. Early speculation suggests it may offer the combination of package and price which make it a winner.

But software is what makes the hardware, and it’s likely to be a while before the combination of general and real estate specific apps are available to make whatever Amazon brings to market the practical solution for your needs in a mobile computing platform. By then, if and when sometime next year, WIndows 8, with its promised tablet support, will give you even more options.

Short-term, the iPad’s appeal as a practical solution with the most software support, real estate and otherwise, seems secure.

The Next Breakthrough In Digital Photography?

If you’re serious about  photographs for your virtual tours, and have been thinking about a Digital-SLR as your next camera. you may want to hold off a while and see what the future holds.

Last week's New York Times ran a story about a Californna start-up with what could be the next real breakthrough in digital photography. As tthe headline reads, Lytros’ technology will users shoot now and worry about inncidentals like focus and depth of field later.  

That’s right: its technology allows serious amateurs, or anyone for that matter, to point, shoot and achieve all the same effects now possible only by experimenting with lens and aperature when the shutter clicks. It will mean more options for photographers, more effective pictures of everything, including homes, and put the advantages of an SLR in point and shoot cameras.

The cost if this new type of camera, or required software, if any, has not yet been announced; only that it will be targeted at consumers

The effect, and breaktrhouygh it represents is much easier seen than described. You can explore the possibilities at this interactive gallery on  Lytro’s website.

 Just click anywhere in a picture and see for yourself. It might be worth waiting a bit longer before investing in that digital SLR.

April Briefs

Transaction Management and More

A start up, Opreie has developed a cloud computing transaction and client management system with a novel “pay as you use” approach to pricing. The system combines browser-based transaction management with redundant Web-based document storage and security features. Those interested can try the software for 30 days free. After the trial period, the cost is $1.50 per 24 hour “Day Pass” to access all features — but users only need to purchase the passes on days when they actually use the software.

MapsAlive in beta for iPhone, Ipad

MapsAlive extends the reach of its interactive maps and floor plans to devices running Apple’s iOS 4.3  or later. Maps Alive for mobile will run on iPhones, iPads and iPod devices.  With this upgrade, subscribers can create and distribute the Maps Alive tours fir display on a computer or one of these supported mobile devices. To learn more or take part in the beta test of MapsAlive mobile, follow this link.

Printer Discount for Realtors

Printer maker Epson hopes to expand its user base in real estate with a special discount on its WorkForce all-in-one printers/scanners/copiers. Now through June 30,  just enter the code RLESTWF at Epson’s online store and you’ll get 10 percent off the purchase price. You can learn more here.

QR codes offered and explained.

Popular video tour solution provider VisualTour.com has added QR codes to the mix of marketing support for virtual tours created with its software.  With this options, subscribers can generate and feature QR codes on yard signs and other printed marketing materials . When “read” with smartphone apps, the codes automatically launch the tour page for that property. In support of this feature, VisualTour.com has put together a Web page explaining the value of QR codes,  and how to create and use them with its marketing system. Check it out.