A novel written 140 characters at a time

While I've been MIA from this blog over the summer, I didn't give up blogging all together. I've been contributing to the blog for the upcoming UGA Connect (it's going to be awesome!) and to the Athens Jackson Spalding crew's blog, The Inbox.

But, I'm back to it. As a part of the new media program, we are asked to point out a notable bit of news related to new media tech. Dr. Shamp always does a great job on his blog.

This week I came across a unique idea courtesy of the New York Times. Are you one of the many addicted to Twitter? Well, if you're not, maybe this will get you interested... A few authors have thrown out the traditional pen and paper for mobile phone/keyboard and started typing their novels in real time, just 140 characters at a time.

One author has been using Twitter to write a real-time thriller for the past two month. Enter the "Twiller."

It's about a man who wakes up in the mountains of Colorado, suffering from amnesia, with a haunting feeling he is a murderer. In possession of only a cellphone that lets him Twitter, he uses the phone to tell his story of self-discovery. Think Memento on a mobile phone, with the occasional emoticon.

Clever idea. What are some other creative ways to use Twitter?

Xoopit relieves inbox chaos

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.

Related articles

• Xoopit: Proof that Gmail Needs a Better API [via Zemanta]
• Xoopit Turns Inbox Into a Social Network [via Zemanta]
• Xoopit Makes Your Inbox More Social. Raises $5 Million and Launches Private Beta (Invites) [via Zemanta]

Earbuds use KLEER, new wireless protocol

Source: Wikipedia

The headphones that came with my iPod have seen better days, and I've recently been on the hunt for something new. I'd love to say I have $600 to buy the new Sennheiser wireless earbuds. The headphones use a new wireless protocol called KLEER, rather than Bluetooth, to create CD-quality audio.

Engaget compares the size of the new earbuds to that of an iPod nano. They have some great pics on the site.

Wired Magazine instructs that you plug the matchbook-sized transmitter into your player's port, use the integrated elastic strap to fasten it to the player, and stow the bundle up to 30 feet away. Hmmm... I could leave my iPod in the gym locker room and still listen to music on the treadmill without worrying about my headphones being yanked off mid-workout. :)
I like the fact that the MX W1 earbuds are compatible with ANY device.

I'm holding out for the iPhone deal where the price is cut substantially. Maybe $200? As of now, they are a bit overpriced for me.