12 Days of iPhone Apps – Day 10: Dragon Search
By Reggie · December 20, 2009 · Leave a Comment
On the 10th Day of iPhone Apps
MyTechOpinion blogged to you…
Dragon Search powers voice,
Displays results on the fly!
About the Dragon Search app:
Historically if you wanted to search a keyword or phrase on your iPhone you’ve typed directly into a search engine. Ok, maybe you’ve tried the Google voice app, but for me I was left wanting more. Not any longer, Dragon Search is the new one-stop search application controlled by your voice. At its heart you’ll gain the ability to speak any given search into like Google, Yahoo, Bing, YouTube, Twitter, iTunes, and Wikipedia. Once the results have populated your screen, use the intuitive search carousel to switch between the other sources on the fly. Dragon also archives recent searches, allowing you to quickly recall past activity.
Google Maps: New “What’s Here” Feature
By Reggie · June 20, 2009 · 9 Comments
Not too long ago maps were used simply to find locations and get from one point to another. But over recent years digital mapping has pushed the boundaries; adding new and innovative features with Google leading the way. Yesterday was no different; Google announced a new feature called “What’s here?” A very intuitive implementation that works by simply selecting a point on their map and choosing “What’s here?” Google then presents what they feel is “the most relevant result representing that location”
Kickstart Your Blog Community with Facebook Connect
By NikNik · December 17, 2008 · 32 Comments
My household lives and breathes tech, so I’m sure it comes as no surprise that we take advantage of every opportunity to geek out. In fact, I take the kids to the “Gym Park” (as we call it) so I can burn off my diet of ice cream and peanut butter via kickboxing, the kids get to run wild in Fitzone, and most importantly…Reggie can stay home and DIG! He’s the best Webdigger I know. And if left completely alone on a Saturday morning can turn up some valuable Webgems! This Saturday morning was no different. And when I got home Reggie was working away on integrating Facebook Connect with both MTO and the Cyberhomes Industry Blog.
Does Your Real Estate Blog Need a Side of Widget?
By NikNik · May 20, 2008 · 25 Comments
Are you looking for a value add for your real estate blog or Website? Many widgets promise the world (MORE READERS), but sadly many fall short of maximizing their intended goal. When it comes to adding valuable content and tools to your blog, try a widget that compliments your niche. Just don’t try them all.
Many agents rightly focus on a niche or specific target market when it comes to blogging. So, why not add a widget that provides local content, events, and even property listings. Hyperlocal aside, even adding a news widget with a larger content scope (say, nationwide) adds value to readers who check both local and national market info.
When thinking about adding a widget to your blog, you may want to ask yourself: (1) Does this widget provide helpful information? and (2) Does this widget foster interaction and build your network?
Some options for you:
Property Search
Give consumers a home search tool they will come back for Read full story
5 Secrets to Better Search with Google
By Reggie · May 11, 2008 · 5 Comments
“Google it”…that’s what we do when we need more information? Whether we’re looking for directions or real estate property; Google is often the first place we start. But are you searching effectively? I love having the power to find exactly what I need-when I need it! So I thought I would pass along a few of my favorite search tips.
1. Site Search
Having a tough time finding what you are looking for on a particular site? If they don’t have a search you can use Google. Try searching for a keyword only on that domain. See example:
Use this format: Phrase or Keyword site:domain
Here is an example search:
Paperless site:MyTechOpinion.com
[Hint: If you are still having trouble finding the phase you searched on a particular site? Try using Google Cached version. It will highlight your search phrase or keyword.]
2. File Types
Outside of standard web documents, Google searches many other popular file formats. To restrict your next Google search to a specific file type, try this format. Start by searching your brand or name. You may find other people talking about your business in PDF, PS, PPT, etc..?
Use this format: “Search Phrase” filetype:extension
Here is an example search:
“Marketing Tips” filetype:pdf
Here are the file formats Google provides. Try running your search against:
- Adobe Portable Document Format (pdf)
- Adobe PostScript (ps)
- Lotus 1-2-3 (wk1, wk2, wk3, wk4, wk5, wki, wks, wku)
- Lotus WordPro (lwp)
- MacWrite (mw)
- Microsoft Excel (xls)
- Microsoft PowerPoint (ppt)
- Microsoft Word (doc)
- Microsoft Works (wks, wps, wdb)
- Microsoft Write (wri)
- Rich Text Format (rtf)
- Shockwave Flash (swf)
- Text (ans, txt)
3. Search by Number
Waiting for your new sign rider to be delivered? Do you have a tracking number? Let’s head to Google. Yes, Google will let us Read full story
Save Money On Your Technology Purchases
By Chad A. Johnson · April 13, 2008 · 12 Comments
I am what you might call a “bargain hopper”. It gives me great pleasure in knowing that I purchased something at the lowest possible price.
The slowing of the real estate market and the economy as a whole has made everyone a bit more frugal and willing to go to a bit more effort to find a great deal.
Allow me to show you a few tricks to saving money while still keeping on top of the latest real estate technology.
Discounts on Computers
First of all, never pay full price on a computer. In fact, don’t even settle for a sale price. A simple Google search and a bit of good timing can save you so much more money.
When making an online purchase, have you seen Read full story
RealBird Integrates with Street View API
By Reggie · March 29, 2008 · 10 Comments
Zoltan of RealBird clued me in to Google’s release of their new Street View API Thursday. Meaning developers can now integrate street view maps with ease. You can bet this API’s popularity will surely explode in real estate websites as buyers will appreciate the convenience of previewing neighborhoods from remote locations.
Realbird has already begun taking advantage. You may remember we talked about manually embedding these maps. Well not anymore, Zoltan has integrated the new API in with RealBird’s Listing Websites.
Three KPIs for Real Estate Websites
By G. Dewald · March 26, 2008 · 15 Comments
This article is going to be about web data analysis. If those three little words send you running in terror then now might be a good time to close the browser and slowly back away from your computer. If you’re interested in seeing what you can do with some of those web charts and numbers that you’ve set up to auto-email to yourself, then read on. I promise to make it fun and exciting.
Is a KPI like CSI?
I should probably start with something about web metrics. Web metrics are those bits of data like “pageviews” or “unique visitors” or “bounce rate.” Most analytics packages, like Google Analytics, VisiStat and so on have hundreds of these little data chunks.
We don’t all have time to look at all the reports. And many of the reports don’t contain information on which we can act. So one strategy of getting value from the analytics package without spending our day gazing fondly over medium/source performance charts, is to identify a handful of really important metrics.
And that’s pretty much what a KPI is: a really important metric. More completely, a KPI (just an acronym for “key performance indicator”), is a metric that is directly relevant to Read full story
Mobile Agent Tip: Sync Microsoft Outlook Calendar with Google Calendar
By Reggie · March 7, 2008 · Leave a Comment
Many real estate agents love the simplicity of Microsoft Outlook. Yet real estate is very much an active, fast moving business. It’s likely that when you need your calendar most is when you are in the field. Does this sound familiar? If so you’re in luck, introducing Google’s new Calendar Sync Tool. Now sync your primary calendar’s events between Microsoft Outlook’s Calendar and Google’s Calendar. Then use your Blackberry, iPhone, Treo to access.
Download the Google Calendar Sync
- Click the download link above and then click “Save File.”
- Click “OK”.
- Read through the Google Calendar Sync Terms of Service, and click “I Agree.”
- Continue to follow through the Installation Options and click “Install” to finish.
Have you been Blogged?
By NikNik · February 8, 2008 · 1 Comment
With over 100 million blogs on the Internet, how do you discern which ones make it to your Google Reader. Blogged.com is “better blog” directory and organizer. The authors and editors of Blogged scour the Internet and blog submissions to identify “better blogs” for different content areas and award each a score. Editor reviews are provided by professional editors who evaluate a blog based on the following criteria: Frequency of Updates, Relevance of Content, Site Design, and Writing Style. The closer you are to 10, the better the blog you have. Use keywords to search for blogs and see if your blog made the cut!
MyTechOpinion was contacted by Blogged recently because they had given us an excellent score of 9.7! When searching for “real estate” we are currently the top rated blog. For business, we rank in the top 6 just under Seth Godin and SEO of the Sea. And for technology, we are #7 right under the Google Blog!!!! Thanks Blogged….MyTechOpinion greatly appreciates your opinion!
Mapping Done The Right Way in Your Next Single Property Site
By Reggie · January 30, 2008 · 3 Comments
According to the Internet vs. Traditional Buyers Survey conducted by California Association of Realtors (C.A.R.), mapping technology continues to be one of the highest-rated features used by Internet buyers. Yet when I look around, many real estate Websites are either not leveraging maps at all or using old mapping interfaces to display homes and community info. Now don’t get me wrong, I do understand that this technology can be expensive to deploy. But as a real estate agent you do have options. Why not include the latest mapping on your next single property Website? Check out these two killer features from RealBird and MyMarketWare.
RealBird
Is Google street view available in your area? If so you are going to enjoy the directions from Zoltan over at RealBird. He recently posted on a very simple way to manually embed Google’s street view into your next listing publisher design. This view will give home searchers an up close view of local streets and neighborhoods as if they were driving down the street. Potential buyers can visualize their drive to the freeway or downtown without leaving their chair.
MyMarketWare
Our own NikNik offers MarketSites to real estate agents utilizing the latest in satellite imagery called pictometry. These visually pleasing aerial photos come from Microsoft Live and the give your web audience a surprisingly clear view of the neighborhood. Click your mouse on the satellite image and drag to explore new areas. Zoom in to 20 meters for an extreme and detailed close up. Take a look at backyard conditions, as well as distances to schools and park–you can do it all.
Marketing Your Real Estate Blog
By Reggie · January 18, 2008 · 5 Comments
Recently I was invited to the Inman Connect in New York to speak on a panel about “Marketing Your Real Estate Blog”. As you may know this can be a tricky topic. Please enjoy this video:
Remember that marketing your real estate blog will come in many forms. Here are a few more ideas:
- Start with properly formatted HTML
- Create remarkable and link worthy content
- Syndicate original content: Ezine Articles, GoArticles
- Social Bookmarks: StumbleUpon, Digg and Del.icio.us
- Participate in communities: ActiveRain, Zolve, RealTown, Trulia Voices, etc
- Guest post on popular blogs
- Analytics Software: Google Analytics, Clicky, CrazyEgg
- Conduct interviews with opinion leaders
- Widgets: MyBlogLog, WidgetBox
