Once again, I've been MIA. It seems to be a recurring trend, but no more! I'll start by sharing a few things I stumbled upon over the past few weeks that are pretty cool.
I've never been one to wear a pedometer, partly because I don't want the bulk of an extra gadget and also because I'm afraid I'd become a little OCD about how many steps I take each day. However, I'm very interested in getting my hands on a Fitbit, a new wireless device made by a startup of the same name, which is able to measure a variety of data about your movement throughout the day, including calories burned, steps taken and the quality of your sleep. The Fitbit tracker uses the same accelerometer technology as the Nintendo Wii and the iPhone to sense the wearer's motion. The device is available in late December/early January, so it's on my Christmas list!
Who hasn't joked about the need for some sort of barricade between a less-than-sober you and your phone, Twitter, Facebook or e-mail? Google has created a solution to sending e-mails you may later regret (when you wake up with a hangover). Google's Mail Goggles ask users to solve a few, what they call simple, math problems prior to sending to make sure you're mostly aware of what you're about to do. Funny thing is, I don't think the problems are that simple! I'd need a calculator for some, so it may prevent me from sending an e-mail even if I'm drinking just coffee. Will you use this?
Those who know me well can attest to the fact that I'm slightly obsessed with fitness - spinning, in particular. So, just a mere $2,395 is separating me from the RealRyder, a versatile indoor bike that "tilts, turns and banks like an outdoor bike." I'd say goodbye to the treadmill and elliptical in a heartbeat. Maybe I'll add this one to my Christmas list, too.
After reading Brian Solis' post about Xoopit, I downloaded the beta Firefox plugin for Gmail that allows users to easily find and navigate e-mailed files, photos and videos. The application categorizes photos by the source - Flickr, Picasa, Shutterfly or Kodak - and documents according to date, file name, type and size.
Because I spend the majority of my day in front of a computer with my Gmail window open, it's beneficial to have this 1-click, easy access all in one spot. Xoopit is being coined Inbox 2.0 because once you "discover" your e-mail attachments, they may easily be shared with friends via e-mail, Facebook or a blog post.
A few days ago, this "virtual file system" came in handy as I began putting together important documents for next year's PRSSA president. Rather than sifting through hundereds of e-mails, I simply used the Files menu, typed in PRSSA-related contacts and terms, and up popped the relevant documents. After elections, I can click on the new president's name and "share." Convenient.
Aside from the ease of use, the Xoopit interface is attractive, and it makes the e-mail experience more fun.
My only gripe... I was hesitant to relinquish my Gmail username and password to the application. However, Gmail is already stored on Google's servers, and even if I delete an e-mail, it's not likely that it is permanently deleted. I'm sure if someone (for some reason) actually wanted to access my e-mail, they could. Xoopit has responded to these worries here and on their blog.
Xobni, "inbox" spelled backwards, recently created a similar application for Outlook.
Who's using Xoopit? Xobni? I'm curious to hear what you think.
![[mail_goggles.png]](http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JE4qNpFW6Yk/SOqpiLLxp9I/AAAAAAAAAGk/XYSCAMMWkng/s1600/mail_goggles.png)
