There’s an app for everything

Apple and BlackBerry both released reports on their respective app stores this week, and the figures were pretty mind blowing. In the short time since BlackBerry 10 launched, 120,000 apps have already become available for the platform in the Blackberry World store. There were 70,000 apps available when the Z10 and Q10 launched, so another 50,000 were created in a mere four months. BlackBerry president and CEO Thorsten Heins shared his excitement and future plans with BlackBerry Live here.

Apple also hit a milestone this week, reaching the 50 billionth download mark! The App Store first opened in 2008 with only 500 apps. Now almost five years later, the store is seeing downloads at a rate of 800 apps per second! Apple commemorated the occasion by awarding the 50 billionth downloader a $10,000 App Store gift card. Read more from the official press release from Apple here. I’m personally responsible for hundreds of those downloads myself! What are some of your faves? Let’s compare top picks in the comments below!

Rogers LTE rolls out in more markets this week!

Fantastic news announced today that we couldn’t wait to share with our RedBoard readers – our LTE Max network has launched in a number of new markets, including Brooks, Cochrane and Canmore, Alta. and Sault Ste. Marie and Muskoka, Ont. We also expanded our LTE network to Saint-Georges, Que.; Sydney, N.S.; Bathurst, N.B and expanded our coverage in the Moncton, N.B. area.

With these new cities launched, we’re still right on track to deliver with our commitment to launch our LTE network in 44 new markets this spring. With the LTE network expansion to cottage country, who’s going to take advantage in Muskoka this long weekend?

Google Play for Education

This week was huge for Google. Among their many announcements came news of an Android app being launched to aid in children’s education. Already piloted in select schools, the app enables teachers to search for educational apps for their subjects and grade levels. Teachers can then add the selected apps to Nexus tablets – all the students need is a Google account to access it.

Be sure to visit the official Google blog to keep up on all their latest developments on Google Play for Education and so much more.

Treat Tim Cook to a cup of Joe … for $610,000

Yes, you read that correctly, there are no typos where the numbers of zeros are concerned. In an auction on CharityBuzz, a bidder paid $610,000 for a 30 to 60 minute coffee break with the Apple CEO. Although it was a hefty price tag for a java jolt, proceeds will be going towards the RFK Center for Justice and Human Rights. 

So what do you think they will talk about over their coffee? I’d love to be a fly on the wall for that conversation!

Kelly is a regular RedBoard contributor.

How to take advantage of the new rate

When customers cross the U.S. border and turn on their Rogers smartphone, they are greeted with an SMS message that explains the new $7.99 rate has taken effect. The new affordable daily roaming rate automatically applies so customers do not need to purchase a roaming pack in advance. Existing customers in Quebec and Newfoundland must opt-in, one time only, when they receive the welcome message.

50 MB is enough data to load up to 50 maps, 200 web pages, 1,000 emails, 128 photos or 5,000 tweets.

That’s a lot of sharing. In fact, more than 95 per cent of our customers use less than 50 MB of data per day on Rogers network in Canada. While in the U.S., customers can also send a free text with the word “usage” to 3330 to get updates on their wireless internet usage when they are using the $7.99 rate.

Here are a few more tips, from TechEssentials, to help you control your data use when you’re on the go.

Disable apps you don’t need

Some devices allow applications to run in the background even when they’re not in use – a total waste of data. So make sure you review what apps are running and close any you don’t need before you hit the road.

Turn off the email push

Getting alerted the second an email arrives is certainly handy, but you’ll save data while you’re away by going into your email settings and turning off the automatic refresh and setting your email to “pull,” which tells your device to only download new emails when you manually check it.

Take advantage of Wi-Fi

By using Wi-Fi for activities that consume a lot of data, you can stretch your roaming data even further and save those megabytes for checking in with friends and family, finding out the address of that must-hit shop and other things that just can’t wait.

For more information, visit rogers.com/usroaming.

This inside view puts us in good company – the Google Street View Trolley toured Parliament Hill last month, capturing the House of Commons, the Senate, the Library of Parliament and the Prime Minister’s Office. The Google team will launch the interior view of Canada’s capital “in the coming months” and also plans to go inside the Calgary Saddledome, BC Place, Toronto’s Royal Ontario Museum and Quebec City’s battlements.

South of the border, the Trolley has helped take people inside New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art and the White House. Further afield, the technology has taken digital tourists inside the National Museum of India, France’s Musee D’Orsay, the Tokyo National Museum and many more.

Has Google Street View taken you inside any interesting places? What buildings would you like to see mapped?

How it works

Virtuo360 Global took a series of high-quality panoramic images inside eight Rogers locations throughout Ontario, British Columbia, Manitoba and Quebec. These photos were then turned into a 360 degree Google Business Photos virtual tour, which is part of the Street View feature in Google Maps. Customers can enter the stores and “walk around” – via a series of zooms and clicks – to discover what the location has to offer.

How to check it out

Browse on over to your store’s Google + page (click the “See Inside” option) or visit the website for your local Rogers retail location on your computer or mobile device to load the virtual tour. On mobile, if you’re viewing it in your browser or Google Maps, you’ll see a “storefront” tour option. Once you’ve loaded the inside view, you simply need to scroll, zoom and click to check out every angle.

What stores are mapped?

Rogers is happy to be the first telecommunications company in Canada to offer this inside view. Eight locations are currently mapped, with 20 more stores scheduled to roll out in May. Customers can now take a virtual tour of the following locations:

British Columbia:

Vancouver: 1295 Davie St. and 1617 Lonsdale Ave.

Manitoba:

Winnipeg: 1485 Portage Ave. (Polo Park)

Ontario:

Toronto: 218 Yonge St. (Eaton Centre), 1 Yorkdale Rd. (Yorkdale) and 764 Yonge. St. (Yonge and Bloor).

Barrie: 509 Bayfield St. N. (Georgian Mall)

Quebec:

Pointe Claire: 6815 Trans Canada Hwy. (Fairview Pointe Claire)

Mobile tech helps moms be more social

It’s no secret that moms are some of the most digitally savvy people on the internet these days – but what makes them so social? It could be because 28 per cent of them are more likely to use a tablet, while 38 per cent own a smartphone. With such easy access, they are also more likely to follow at least one brand on social media and have made a purchase on their tablet in the past month.

These are just a few of the impressive stats Social Media Today uncovered in their latest blog post, which jibe with eMarketer’s findings. According to their reports, the top reasons moms participate in social media are to connect with other moms and friends and family, share milestones and get advice.

I definitely kept these stats in mind when I did my Mother’s Day shopping this year! Did you?

Canadians need a daily dose of social media

Are you among the one in three Canadians who check their social feeds at least once a day? Being someone who works with social media for a living it’s hard to imagine there are still two others out of those three who DON’T check their feeds! Work aside, I’d still be one of the seven per cent who check Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn daily thanks to their accessibility on mobile devices.

Check out more in a new study from TechVibes this week – I’d be curious to know if there are other social networks people are using more than the three listed in this article. Perhaps YouTube, Pinterest or Google+ occupy more of your time?

New Rogers Roaming Rates

Chances are if you’re addicted to checking your social feeds, you won’t want to travel far without your smartphone. In a recent national survey conducted by Head Research for Rogers, 70 per cent of Canadians say they want to keep using their smartphones across the border because it comes in handy when checking out places to eat, seeing what the weather has in store or keeping tabs on your flight status.

That’s why this week Rogers launched a new worry-free U.S. roaming internet rate. For $7.99 per 24 hour period, you get up to 50 MB of data – enough to load 200 web pages, post 5,000 tweets, or upload 128 photos from your vacation! ! More than 99 per cent of our customers use less than 50 MB of data per day when roaming. For more information, visit rogers.com/usroaming.

Kelly is a regular RedBoard contributor.

For Mother’s Day, what I really wish for is a way to fit everything in: quality time with my children and more than stolen moments with my spouse. I also dream about time for myself, free from distractions.

That’s why I decided to contact Clare Kumar. She’s a professional organiser at Streamlife and I’ve been reading her blog for tips on how to run my life a bit more smoothly. She was able to  share some tips on how technology can help us moms:

How can technology help a family with time management?

Before we get into talking technology, consider the basic principle of time management and scheduling. Often activities just stay as ideas if they are not committed to a calendar.  So, the first step in ensuring time for what’s important is to make sure you have a calendar system that works for you.

A great way for families to keep on top of each other’s commitments is by using shared calendars.  With Google Calendars, you can hide/display your calendars and instantly customize your view.  If you can see your commitments, you can make quick decisions on what you say ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to.

We have a rule in our home for booking evening events. If there is ever a double booking, the person with the new event has to arrange for a sitter.  Forgetting to calendar the event can sometimes create a last minute scramble. It only took one of these to get everybody on board using the ‘family’ calendar system.  Don’t forget to book ‘date nights’ for you and your spouse as a way of nurturing your relationship.

How can technology help busy parents spend some quality time with their children?

Share your own favourite childhood shows or new games with them. My son just turned twelve and we gifted him an iPad mini. He knows I’m a fan of WordsWithFriends and just asked to download it. I’m looking forward to sharing this with him. I bet both our vocabularies will grow.

Email is a great way to have real conversations with your kids, especially with teens, while also teaching them communication skills. I’ve set up my kids with email accounts so that I can drop them a line whenever I’m thinking of them and share the latest YouTube video that made me laugh.

If you’re a mom who happens to travel out of town but still want to maintain your nightly routine with your kids, consider using video calling services to read your kids a story or talk with them about your day.

Technology just keeps bringing new ways to bond with your children! I loved a recent story about new moms being able to bond with babies that were in a neonatal intensive care unit through a new iPad application called BabyTime. That’s got to be good for both mom and baby.

What are your favourite apps for “me” time?

To be the best mom and spouse, it’s important to keep yourself in good physical and mental shape.  That means putting yourself first at times, or as I like to say, putting your oxygen mask on first.  It may be as simple as plugging into your phone or tablet and listening to your favourite song, or perhaps a recorded meditation.  Perhaps it’s writing down thoughts of gratitude in an online journal.  Maybe it’s a little foray into Facebook and connecting with like-minded friends. Even small moments in your day can be restorative.

What’s your best time-saving tip?

Elise is a regular contributor to RedBoard.

Whether you’re sharing an Instagram photo of a culinary treat, updating your status on Facebook or checking in with your pet, you love to stay connected when travelling.

The majority of Canadians – 70 per cent, according to a national survey conducted by Head Research for Rogers – want to keep using their smartphones after they cross the border.ther you’re sharing an Instagram photo of a culinary treat, updating your status on Facebook or checking in with your pet, you love to stay connected when travelling.

They’re using maps (71 per cent), researching places to eat and things to do (61 per cent) and checking the weather (57 per cent) and their flight status (58 per cent).

But it’s not just for trip planning purposes that smartphone users are staying plugged in. According to the survey, 40 per cent want to post updates on social media and/or share their travel photos. The majority, 58 per cent, want to be able to post to Facebook while in the U.S. and nearly three-quarters of Instagram users want to share their photos when travelling for personal reasons.

Women (62 per cent) are more likely than men (55 per cent) to share tales from their travels with their friends on Facebook, the survey found. The gender divide is less apparent for Instagram (31 per cent women, 27 per cent men), Twitter (26 per cent and 27 per cent) and Pinterest (14 per cent and 12 per cent).

And being on vacation is no excuse to go incommunicado. Eight out of 10 travellers want to use email to keep in touch with family, friends and work, while three-quarters of pet-owners would like to be able to check in on fluffy via email updates while they’re away.

Want to stay connected on your next trip? Rogers has launched a new worry-free U.S. roaming internet rate. For $7.99 per 24 hour period, customers travelling in the U.S. can access up to 50 MB of data, nearly twice the data Rogers customers typically use per day while in Canada. That’s enough data to load about 50 maps, 200 web pages, 1,000 emails, 128 photos or 5,000 tweets. While in the U.S., customers can text the word “usage” to 3330 to get updates on their roaming internet usage when they are using the $7.99 rate. For more information, visit rogers.com/usroaming.

How do you use your smartphone when you’re on the road?

Find your mobile on a map with Rogers Phone Finder

You can try to hunt down your lost handset with Rogers Phone Finder. It’s available to all Rogers customers – you just need to register your mobile number on the Phone Finder website: rogers.com/phonefinder. To sign up, visit the website, click “Register” to create an account and fill out your details. Once you’ve registered, you’ll receive an email – click the link to verify. A text message will then be sent to your mobile device. Reply to the message with “ALLOW” to finish the registration process.

As long as your cellphone is turned on and connected to the Rogers wireless network, the service will locate your device on an interactive online map.

To find your phone, log in on rogers.com/phonefinder and click “Locate My Phone.”

Customers can look up their phone for free five times each month. Extra lookups cost 20 cents each. Read more about Rogers Phone Finder here.

Hopefully, this will help reunite you with your handset. If not, read on.

Report your phone as missing

You can report your phone as lost or stolen online through your My Rogers account at Rogers.com. Once you’ve logged in, on your main page in the centre well, you’ll see a “Lost or Stolen Phone?” heading. Click on the second link, “Suspend Your Usage,” and follow the prompts to halt usage of the phone.

You can also find this option by clicking on the “Products & Services” tab, then selecting “Wireless.” Look under the “Lost or Stolen Phone?” heading for the “Suspend Your Usage” link, then follow the prompts.

Rogers will temporarily suspend the phone and block it from any further use. This will prevent you from being liable for any minutes or data used while the phone is missing.

You can also deactivate your phone by calling Rogers at 1-888-ROGERS1 (764-3771). You can then speak to a representative about options for replacing your phone.

Protect your phone in the future

The Rogers Device Protection service covers damage and malfunction as well as loss and theft (loss/stolen coverage is not available to customers in Saskatchewan, Quebec and Newfoundland). Replacement phones can ship as quickly as the next business day.

The Anti-Theft & Phone Finder portion of the coverage includes the ability to alarm, lock and wipe your device to protect your personal information. It also includes 25 Phone Finder lookups each month.

To learn more or to register for Rogers Device Protection, click here.

You can also check out the answers to other questions in the series here:

1. How can I check my Rogers account balance online?
2. How can I change my method of payment online?

Jennifer is a regular contributor to RedBoard.

How active are Canadians with social media?

Being an avid social media user both personally and professionally, I’m always eager to see new stats revealing its popularly, particularly how Canadians compare to the rest of the world.

Maclean’s published an article this week looking at social media usage in Canada, revolving around popular social sites Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. Among the 4,001 Anglophone Canadians surveyed, seven out of 10 were regular social media users. What defines regular? About 63 per cent of them admitted to checking updates on these sites every day.

What surprised me most was Twitter’s results – less than one in five users claimed they were on Twitter last month, the second largest social network next to Facebook! Why is this, and how does LinkedIn measure up? Check out the article for a full analysis and trends and let us know where you fit in. Of the three mentioned, I definitely use Facebook the most as well, but I see the benefits of the other networks, too..  What about you?

Camp Grounded – a digital detox summer camp for adults

Obviously, Canadians depend on social media, but have you ever wanted to just turn it all off for a few days? Surprisingly, many of you have – enough to warrant the creation of a camp designed to help people disconnect from the digital world for four whole days!

Mashable recently uncovered the retreat in California, which has over 200 participants already signed up and eager for a “digital detox.” While at Camp Grounded, there is no technology use or talk whatsoever. Campers get to participate in old-school activities such as archery, capture the flag, arts and crafts workshops, pillow fights and yoga.

The first session, taking place in June, is already sold out, so if you’re interested in giving it a try, you’d better sign up for the waiting list now! It definitely sounds like a cool experience that I could handle … for a day … or maybe an hour. Forget it, I miss my iPhone and apps already!

Summer’s hottest devices are here!

If you’re thinking Camp Grounded looks like a walk in the park, then you haven’t seen what you’d be missing with the new BlackBerry Q10 and Samsung Galaxy S4, which both launched this week.

Those of you reluctant to take on a touchscreen will appreciate the Blackberry Q10. Designed with the BlackBerry keyboard fans have come to know and love, the Q10 also features touch screen capabilities, time shift mode and the BlackBerry 10 interface. The BlackBerry Q10 is available now in black, and exclusive to Rogers, white models. See why Mobile Syrup has hailed it the “best BlackBerry ever” and Crackberry calls it the “BlackBerry you’ve been waiting for.” Let us know if you’ve got your hands on one yet!

If Android is more your style, Samsung fans will be delighted to know the Galaxy S4 was also released this week with some fantastic offers. For a limited time, you can get a free Kindle Paperwhite when you activate a new smartphone (including both the Samsung Galaxy S4 AND the Blackberry Q10) on select three-year plans. If e-readers aren’t your thing, check out our $35 Google Play voucher available with select three-year plans when you activate a Samsung Galaxy S4 between now and June 30, 2013.

These offers are exclusive to Rogers, and of course, both are compatible on our newly branded LTE Max network.

Kelly is a regular RedBoard contributor.

The organization, along with the Toronto District School Board’s Model Schools for Inner Cities, launched a program called beyond 3:30, which helps Toronto kids with their homework and provides opportunities to play sports and learn about cooking and nutrition until 7:30 p.m. every school day. With help from Rogers Youth Fund, the program aims to help students develop social skills while improving their self-esteem.

We asked Catherine, who is the organization’s executive director and C.E.O., to speak with us about the great work done by the Toronto Foundation for Student Success. Here’s what she had to say:

What is the Toronto Foundation for Student Success?

We’re the independent charitable organization of the Toronto District School Board (TDSB), and our mission is to remove barriers to success in school for students.  We work where we feel we can make the most difference. At beyond 3:30, for instance, our goal is to keep vulnerable youth safe and engaged after school so that they don’t have to look for somewhere else to belong.  When young folks get the help and the space they need to complete their homework they feel better about themselves.  When they get to “blow off some steam” after school by participating in physical activity and then get to prepare and eat nutritious food together, not only are they healthier but they are happier.  They develop interpersonal skills, become part of a community where they feel they belong and are less inclined to join gangs.  Research shows that the time between the end of school and 7:30 p.m. each evening is when our youth are most at risk.

How has Rogers Youth Fund helped beyond 3:30?

Rogers Youth Fund has given us the gift of paid teacher-trained staff, who provide, among other things, at least 60 minutes of homework help each day. These are recent grads with teacher training, who often grew up in the same neighborhoods as the students and share a cultural background with our kids. In addition, Rogers Youth Fund provides us with tablets which students use to research their homework.

Funding from Rogers Communications has also given us the ability to participate in a major research project which will follow beyond 3:30 students over a seven-year period. The TDSB’s Research Department is analyzing the impact of our beyond 3:30 program, which requires that we collect an extensive amount of data. Thanks to Rogers, we’ve been able to hire a research assistant to gather that data. Early results are exciting: in the first phase of the study, 70 per cent of students participating in the beyond 3:30 program reported their marks have increased. Other indications lead us to believe that even more encouraging results could be announced shortly.

How many children participate in the program?
At any given time we have 1,200 middle school children involved in our program. Over 5,000 students in 13 schools have come through the program over the last four years. We believe strongly in this program and are excited to think about how it will help transform the reality of children in our neighbourhoods.

How could a program like beyond 3:30 change our community?

If we can keep our young people from feeling disenfranchised and from joining gangs, then we all win.  If we can help our young people complete their homework and succeed in school, then we all win.  If our youth are healthier, then we all win.  And if our young people are connected to their school communities and to each other in positive ways, then this can only benefit the wider community and make our city healthier.

Rogers is the first Canadian carrier to bring its customers the BlackBerry Q10 device with support for the blazing fast 2600 MHz LTE spectrum band.

In honour of the new smartphone, we caught up with Trevor from Herrle’s Market, a family owned and operated farm near Waterloo, Ont., to learn how his BlackBerry on the Rogers network helps him grow beautifully red and plump strawberries.

When did you start using BlackBerry devices on the farm?

Personally, I have been the “AgNerd” of the family.  My first BlackBerry device was the 6210.  Back then, being able to see the weather in the field was a luxury.  Being able to respond to an email on a tractor was almost unheard of.

How has BlackBerry 10 changed things on the farm?

Beyond coordinating activities using calendar invites and BBM, I also take pictures, track weather patterns, and engage with the community using Twitter from my BlackBerry on a regular basis (yes, even from my tractor – but not while driving it, of course!). I have leveraged social media in particular as a method to connect urban consumers to the farm, gathering feedback on new product ideas and reaching out to them in a variety of ways.

Read the full interview on RedBoardBiz.

The BlackBerry Q10 smartphone is now available at Rogers retail locations across Canada, starting at $199.99 with select three year plans.

Elise is a regular contributor to RedBoard.

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The Maple Leafs haven’t had playoff presence for nine years. At that time, Canadians would have never watched the team fight for the cup in high definition – much less on a smartphone.

Much has changed

Now you can watch the on ice action unfold in the palm of your hand. You can catch the first round right through to the finals via CBC’s live broadcast coverage of Hockey Night in Canada on Rogers Anyplace TV on your smartphone.

How else has technology changed since these teams made cup runs?

•  In 2004, when the Leafs last played in the post-season, Apple had just introduced the iPod Mini, which would eventually be replaced by the iPod Nano. The iPhone wouldn’t exist for another three years. Now we’re on the iPhone 5.
• Leafs nation has never embraced the playoff experience on the major social networks. Facebook  - then still known as “The Facebook” – was open exclusively to university students in 2004, starting with Harvard and expanding in March  to include MIT, Boston University, Boston College, Northeastern, Stanford, Dartmouth, Columbia and Yale. Twitter, meanwhile, was still two years away from launching its micro-blogging platform. And YouTube was still one year away from entertaining us with endless cat videos and introducing us to memes such as Gangnam Style and the Harlem Shake.
• Virtual playoff runs were still on the Xbox and the PS2 for Maple Leafs fans. The Xbox 360 would launch in 2005 and the PS3 would roll out in 2006. Nintendo, meanwhile, wouldn’t introduce motion controlled gaming to the masses with the Wii for two more years – in 2006. Now, gamers have gotten their hands on the Wii U and are eagerly awaiting news of the “Xbox 720” and the next-generation Sony console.
• Montreal fans watching the Habs’ last playoff run in 2011 couldn’t have been posting about the Bleu, Blanc et Rouge from the Samsung Galaxy SIII – the popular handset was not announced until 2012. For this years’ playoffs, some lucky fans will have the newest Galaxy –the S4 – in hand.

After digesting that list, I’m starting to feel much older.

Here’s what you need to know about the Rogers Anyplace TV mobile app

• In most cases it comes pre-loaded on your Rogers smartphone. In addition to live sports programming, you can also access news, kids and entertainment content while you’re on the go.
• It’s available from the iTunes App store, Google Play and BlackBerry App World.

Take advantage of current promo offers:

• Normally, for $5 per month, you can catch 10 hours of viewing, with overage fees of $1 per additional hour of streaming. But we’ve got good news: overage charges are waived until October 31, 2013.
• If you are activating an eligible Talk, Text and Internet plan (on one, two or three year terms) you will receive free access to the app for the duration of the term. That’s pretty sweet. This offer is available for a limited time.

What technology will you use to tune in to hockey’s post-season?

Kaili is a regular contributor to RedBoard

More than one million LinkedIn uses have filled out information about their volunteering experiences, with Canadians leading the charge. Based on these profiles, the top companies for volunteers are:

1. KPMG
2. Abercrombie & Fitch
3. Salesforce.com
4. Victoria’s Secret
5. Rogers Communication

These companies’ volunteers are supporting causes such as education, children and the environment, and donating time to organizations including Habitat for Humanity and Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Rogers Communications offers its own Employee Volunteer Program, encouraging employees to take paid time away from work to volunteer with any registered charity, including non-profit partners of Rogers Youth Fund. Since the Rogers Volunteer Program launched in September 2012, more than 800 employees have volunteered in their communities.

Is volunteering important to you? How do you give back to your community?

Who has more first dates? iPhone, Android, Blackberry or Windows users?

If you’re single and wondering which device will score you better odds of a first date, Mashable has the answer in a survey uncovered by Match.com this week.

Of 5,000 people surveyed in the U.S., 49 per cent of single iPhone users went on at least one date in 2012. In a close second was Windows with 46 per cent, then Android at 44 per cent and Blackberry at 42 per cent.

So what does this say about smartphone owners and their dating styles? Check out the full article and survey on Mashable here. Has your smartphone affected your dating life? If so, how?

Coding apps for kids

When I was in school, elective courses included things like music and art. While these are still considered optional, much of today’s curriculum is changing to reflect the needs of our current economy. Coding may not be a widely offered course yet, but you can give your kid a head start on learning one of the most in-demand skills for today’s job market.

This week, Read Write Web highlighted some great apps to teach your kids coding for programming. The six apps are designed for a variety of ages, starting as young as 5 years old. As Read Write Web points out, if you start them off young enough, you could end up raising the next Mark Zuckerberg!

Rogers LTE lights up in seven new markets this week

On Monday, Rogers was proud to announce that only four months into 2013, we have launched LTE in an additional seven markets. As part of our commitment to roll out LTE in 44 new markets this spring, Monday’s new markets include:

• Airdrie, Alberta
• Langley, B.C
• Keswick, Ont.
• Hamilton, including Grimsby, Ont.
• Orillia, Ont.
• Stratford, Ont.
• Ottawa, including Kanata, Nepean, Gloucester, Stittsville and Cumberland, Ont.

Bonus: both the upcoming Blackberry Q10 and Samsung Galaxy S4 are compatible on the LTE network! Learn more about the LTE network and what devices are currently on the market here.

For more details on our latest LTE expansion, check out some great coverage from our friends at The Cellular Guru, iPhone in Canada, Android Central, Android in Canada, IT Nerd, and Brief Mobile.

Kelly is a regular RedBoard contributor.

This week, our second most popular question: How do I change my method of payment online? (Discover the top question – and the answer – here.)

To change your method of payment online, visit Rogers.com and log in to MyRogers, on the right hand side of your screen. For more on setting up your MyRogers account, click here.

Click on the “View your bill” icon.

Click on “change” in the top right corner, next to “Payment Method.”

Select your payment method from the drop-down menu. Follow the system prompts to confirm your details.

For more on managing your account online, click here.

Tips for going green If you’re looking for how to start embracing more environmentally-friendly habits, you might want to check the Go Green mobile app (iOS, free). A new tip pops up each time you launch the app. For example, “When you’re in the market for a new computer, consider a laptop. It saves space, goes anywhere and uses five times less energy than desktop models.” Each tip is then stored in “The Green List,” which you can reference at any time.

Recycling how-tos If you’re wondering where you can drop off empty paint cans or batteries in your area, you might want to check out 1-800 Recycling’s mobile app (iOS and Android, free). Available for “parts of Canada,” the app allows you to search nearby recycling centres based on the item you want to recycle. It then lists all the centres near you that accept it, includingthe location’s address, hours and phone number. You can even call the centre direct from the app.

Maintaining your green lifestyle Want to know just how Earth-friendly that package of peanut butter you’re about to pick up is? Good Guide (iOS and Android, free), scans product barcodes and rates them for health, environment and society. It also lists the  ingredients, nutritional information and alternative products. And you can add in your personal standards to see how your favourite products stack up. The app lists more than 120,000 food, personal care and household products.

Make your commute a little greener Commute Greener (iOS, Android and Facebook) gives you points and badges as you improve the method of your daily commute. For example, I take the subway every day, so the app suggests I work from home one day a week or get a bike in order to make my commute a little better. You also get points and badges for recruiting friends, and can create challenges for your group to take part in.

What mobile apps do you use to help you live greener?

Sarah is a regular RedBoard contributor

Trading for tablets

You see people scribbling notes on them in meetings and watching videos on them on airplanes. Toting a tablet has become a normal part of day to day life. But they’re now starting to replace our traditional desktop and notebook computers, we learned this week from MediaPost. Mojiva polled 1,000 U.S. adult tablet owners and found the majority, 84 per cent, now use their tablets for tasks they previously would have completed on their desktop or laptop. Nearly a quarter, 23 per cent, of those tablet owners spend two or more hours a day on their tablets, while 53 per cent are on their portable devices for at least one hour a day.

Tablets are also trumping smartphones for some functions. The survey found that 68 per cent of people would watch videos on their tablet but not their smartphone. And nearly half – 45 per cent – would shop online with their tablet, but not their smartphone.

Have you swapped your laptop for a tablet? Why? Why not?

Mobile music

You can now use social media to help predict which band will be the next big thing while you’re on the go. Twitter unveiled its new music discovery service on Thursday, with an iOS app and plans to expand to Android in the future. Called Twitter#music, it mines the social network for the most popular songs and artists and also suggests tracks, helping you populate new playlists wherever you are. The new interface, which also has a desktop option, allows users to play songs from Spotify, iTunes and Rdio – which means you’ll need a subscription – and, of course, share what they’re listening to. It’s now available in Canada, the U.S., the U.K., Ireland, Australia and New Zealand.

Have you tried Twitter#music? What did you think?

Sweet smartphones

Rogers shared news about two hotly anticipated devices this week: the Samsung Galaxy S4 and the HTC One.

The Samsung Galaxy S4, now available for pre-order (new customers) and reservation (existing customers) offers a ton of upgrades on the popular Galaxy III, including a new “Smart Pause” function that senses when you look away from the screen, stopping your video until you return. It also has a five-inch screen with a crystal clear 1080p display, a “Dual Camera” that allows you to simultaneously use both the 2 MP front camera and the 13 MP rear camera for photos and video calls and the “Air Gesture” function, which lets you accept a call with a wave of your hand.

Meanwhile the HTC One, available now for $149.99 with select three years plans, makes sure your music plays loud and clear thanks to “HTC BoomSound” and dual front stereo speakers powered by Beats Audio amplifiers. It also has an ultrapixel camera and a feature called “HTC Zoe” that automatically creates 30-second videos from your photos. And with the “HTC Blink-Feed” function, the home screen streams real-time social media updates from all of your friends. MobileSyrup says it is “currently the best smartphone on the market.”

Both phones are also built to run on the blazing fast Rogers 2600 MHz LTE spectrum, Canada’s fastest wireless internet.

What features are you looking for in your next smartphone?

Rogers Anyplace TV launches on LG Smart TVs

You could already catch your favourite shows with Rogers Anyplace TV on your tablet, smartphone, Xbox and computer. And as of this week, more than 1,000 hours of content is available through Rogers Anyplace TV on 2012 and 2013 LG Smart TVs, including OLED and Ultra HD models. This is the first on demand video app of its kind in Canada, which authenticates to Rogers customer accounts via Smart TVs. Rogers customers need to create a profile on RogersAnyplaceTV.com to catch up on shows from City, Global and CBC. Cable customers have access to premium programming from their existing TV package subscriptions.

What’s your preferred screen for streaming your favourite shows?

Jennifer is a regular RedBoard contributor.

Here are our tips for packing your summer music festival survival kit:

A great phone

A great smartphone with the right data plan is essential. How else will you find your friends, map your route, snap some photos and share them on Instagram, post updates on Facebook and Twitter and listen to tunes on the go?

The HTC One, available today for $149.99 with select three year plans, boasts some impressive audio quality. “HTC BoomSound” and dual front stereo speakers powered by Beats Audio amplifiers play your favourite albums loud and clear. You can even use the HTC One as a mini boombox to share your summer soundtrack.

The HTC One also has an ultrapixel camera and a feature called “HTC Zoe,” which automatically creates 30-second videos from your photos, so you can share the backstage photos instantly with all of your networks.

And, to keep track of your friends’ festival experiences, the HTC One offers real-time social media streaming updates on your home screen with “HTC Blink-Feed,” all powered by the blazing fast speeds of the Rogers LTE network.

The HTC One has already received rave reviews, with MobileSyrup calling it “currently the best smartphone on the market” and the CellularGuru describing it as “Superb. Gorgeous. Stunning.”

Sunscreen

This should be a no-brainer, but it’s so easy to forget. Stash some sunscreen in your bag, slather it on 20 minutes before heading outside and don’t forget to reapply.

Water bottle

Baking in the hot sun while dancing to your favourite band can lead to some serious dehydration. Stay at the top of your game with a refillable bottle of H20.

Heavy duty footwear

Yes, summer is sandal season. But by about the fifth time your newly pedicured toes get tromped on, you’re going to be wishing you brought some solid sneakers or boots.

Raingear

Canadian weather can change on a dime. While umbrellas are generally no-nos in crowds, a poncho or waterproof jacket and hat, along with a change of clothes packed in a waterproof bag, can transform your weekend from soggy to stellar.

Something toasty

You can’t rely on your fellow concert-goers to keep you warm. Whether you’d rather pull on a hoodie or sport your blanket like a cape, make sure you pack a few layers to help generate heat.

Something tasty

Long lineups can make it impossible to grab a meal between sets, so be sure to stash a few granola bars and pieces of fruit in your backpack to keep you fueled until the act has taken its final bow.

How does your smartphone power your summer plans?

Jennifer is a regular RedBoard contributor.

Question: How can I check my Rogers account balance?

To find out your account balance, visit Rogers.com and log in to MyRogers, on the right hand side of your screen. For more on setting up your MyRogers account, click here.

Click on the “View your bill” icon.

Your account balance is located in the top right corner.

To check your balance on the go, download the Rogers My Account app (available for iOS and Android), log in and select the “Balance” tab.

For more on managing your account online, click here.

Here are three reasons why the Samsung Galaxy S4 deserves your attention:

1. This next generation Galaxy device has amplified its specs. Now you can live-stream sports on the large five-inch HD Super AMOLED screen, which is also capable of displaying crystal clear 1080p video.
2. Love taking photos? The ‘Dual Camera’ on the Galaxy S4 allows you to simultaneously use the 2 MP front camera and the 13 MP rear camera, giving you even more angles to Instagram. This functionality also powers the ‘Dual Video Call,’ allowing you to make and receive video calls with friends and family while also showcasing what you are looking at during the call.
3. Play magician and accept a call with a wave of your hand with ‘Air Gesture.’

What about the blazing-fast speed?

Additionally, the Samsung Galaxy S4 is built to run on Rogers 2600 MHz LTE spectrum, the fastest wireless internet band available in Canada. Capable of delivering higher speeds than other LTE bands, the 2600 MHz spectrum with Rogers LTE means customers using the Samsung Galaxy S4 smartphone can do even more, even faster. Rogers has more LTE network deployed in the 2600 MHz spectrum band than any other carrier in Canada and will be further expanding to 44 new markets this spring.

When can I get it?

The Samsung Galaxy S4 is available in Black Mist and White Frost starting at $199.99 with select three year plans. Existing Rogers wireless customers can reserve theirs now on the Rogers Reservation System and new customers can pre-order their device at www.rogers.com/GALAXYS4. Customers who have reserved a device on the Rogers Reservation System or have pre-ordered the device on Rogers.com will start to receive devices beginning April 27^th. In-store availability will begin on May 3^rd at select Rogers retail locations across the country.

What do you think of the Samsung Galaxy S4? What features are you excited to try?

Katie is a regular contributor to RedBoard

Update: April 26, 4:30 p.m.: Due to overwhelming global demand for the Samsung GALAXY S4, Samsung Canada will not be able to meet the pre-order date of April 27 for all customers.  The company intended to ship pre-orders by the 27, and remains committed to fulfilling shipments in the coming days. We’re working hard to get the Galaxy S4 to Rogers customers who pre-ordered and reserved first. When you reserve a device with Rogers, you will be notified when the device has shipped and is available for pickup. Furthermore, as a limited time offer if your device doesn’t ship within 21 days from device launch in Canadian stores or reservation, whichever is later, we’ll apply a $50 credit to your account. For details please visit www.rogers.com/galaxys4. Thank you for your patience.

Secure thoughts

One uppercase letter. One symbol. Don’t forget the number! Typing passwords could be on the way out, we learned this week from TechCrunch. Researchers at UC Berkeley School of Information have developed a way to think your password, using a $100 headset and brainwaves to authenticate users. Researchers say the so-called “pass-thoughts” could work by simply concentrating on breathing.

Other pass-thoughts included imagining moving a finger up and down, focusing on a dot on a piece of paper in response to a sound, imagining a repetitive motion from a sport, imagining singing a song, counting (silently) objects or focussing on a single thought for 10 seconds.

All these pass-thoughts worked to identify users, and researchers say the brainwave-based passwords could end up being an accessible, cheap and secure alternative to the pricier biometrics, such as fingerprint and retina scans, that are also being tested.

Would you try protecting your email with a “pass-thought?”

Staying connected on holiday

When I’m travelling, my suitcase is always a tangle of cords. I rely on smartphones, cameras and tablets to keep me on track (and from getting lost!) on holiday, while ensuring that all the fun is documented in photos, tweets and more. Not to mention how handy it is to check my flight status, look up restaurant reviews and make sure I’m not missing too much at home. Turns out, I share my travel habits with some high rollers. According to a recent study from Mediapost, 77 per cent of “affluents” – people with annual household incomes above $100,000 –  vacationed with their smartphone last year, while 47 per cent toted tablets and laptops.

These high-income earners are logging on to read (40 per cent), make plans, check the weather (72 per cent) and get directions (66 per cent). Three-quarters use their devices to send personal emails, while nearly 40 per cent are posting updates to social media. And more than a third, 38 per cent, stay connected to their office by checking their work email.

Do you rely on your devices while on vacation?

American teens love their iPhones

Apple continues to win the hearts of American teenagers in the iOS vs. Android battle, according to Piper Jaffray’s 25^th bi-annual teen survey. The report – which used classroom visits and electronic surveys to poll 1,600 teens from high-income families and 3,600 teens from average income families — found that nearly half (48 per cent) of teens own an iPhone, up from 40 per cent in the fall. And 62 per cent of teens plan to buy an iPhone for their next mobile device. Less than a quarter, 23 per cent, planned to buy an Android phone. That was a one per cent increase from the fall.

Teens are also choosing Apple when it comes to tablets, with 68 per cent planning to buy an iPad. The survey also found that more than half, 51 per cent, of teens owned a tablet and 17 per cent planned to buy one in the next six months.

What will your next device be? Apple, Android, BlackBerry or Windows?

Coming soon: The BlackBerry Q10 smartphone

Keyboard fans, rejoice! The BlackBerry Q10 smartphone, with its physical QWERTY keyboard and touch screen, will be arriving at Rogers retail locations across Canada in the coming weeks.  It’s now available on the Rogers Reservation System and for new customers on rogers.com. Rogers is the first Canadian carrier to bring its customers the device with support for the blazing fast 2600 MHz LTE spectrum band. Rogers customers will also be the first to get the BlackBerry Q10 smartphone in white. The device is also available in black.

Touch screen or physical keyboard: which do you prefer for typing? Why?

Jennifer is a regular RedBoard contributor.

While fans can expect Lawrie to return to the swing of things a little later this season, they can catch all the Blue Jays games on the device of their choice with Rogers Anyplace TV. You can watch the Blue Jays at 1 p.m. (ET) on Thursday as they go head to head with the Detroit Tigers.

RB: If you had to pick just one: Twitter or Instagram? Why?

BL: Definitely Twitter.  I love being able to touch base with my fans online and have the chance to share what I’m up to in real-time.  I really love the support I get on Twitter.

RB: You’re an active Twitter user. What made you decide to start tweeting?

BL: We’ve got lot of Blue Jays fans on Twitter so I thought, “Why not?” Now, I’m hooked. People are also really entertaining on Twitter; it’s a great way to unwind.

RB: You recently joined Instagram, are you enjoying connecting with your fans on a different platform?

BL: I’m having fun sharing my pics and getting to see everyone sporting their Blue Jays gear, especially now that we’re ramping up for a great season ahead. It’s a unique way to connect with the Blue Jays community.

RB: Your family is on the West Coast. How do they watch your Blue Jays games? Does the time difference ever get in their way?

BL: I think my family are my biggest fans; they’re always cheering me on, even if they’re not in the same stadium as me. When it’s game time, they log onto Rogers Anyplace TV on their smartphones to follow along live, wherever they are. Time difference actually isn’t an issue, because I know some of them sneak into the app while they’re at work. Out in the west coast, a lot of the games happen in the morning.

RB: When you’re travelling during the season, how do you keep connected to other live games and scores? Which device do you prefer to watch games on?

BL: I like the ease of watching sports on my phone while I’m on the road. The tablet is also useful because of the bigger screen.

RB: What devices or gadgets can’t you live without? Why?

BL: Without my phone I wouldn’t be able to tweet, share updates with friends and call back home. I also check my email on my phone a million times a day.

RB: Do you have any favourite apps you’d like to share with fans?

BL: I like to keep tabs on the scores of different games, that’s when the Sportsnet app comes in handy.

RB: A recent Rogers survey found more than half of smartphone owners sleep with their phones. Do you think you could go a day without your smartphone?

BL: No way. Probably not. It would be like a day without wearing my glove.

RB: What do you wish your smartphone could do to make your life easier?

BL: In a perfect world, I wish my smartphone could somehow make me meals. Now, that would be cool.

How do you keep up with your favourite Toronto Blue Jays player?

Kaili is a regular contributor to RedBoard

We caught up with Chase, who you can follow on Twitter @ChaseHadden or on his blog at www.chasehadden.com, to hear about his night of rinkside sharing.

Q: What was it like to be at the Rogers Social Media Insider?

A: Being able to sit in the press box with other media and scouts was amazing. Getting behind the scenes access was outstanding. I got to watch the Leafs walk out of their dressing room and make their way to the ice at the beginning of the game. We went into the “truck” to see what it is like to see the producers work during a televised game. That experience cannot be put into words. They work very hard and deserve a ton of credit.

Jon Sinden and Matt Laboni from the Maple Leafs social media team showed me the ropes on how they use their social media platforms during a game and get their content to the fans at a very fast pace. It was great being shown on Leafs TV as Jon and I were discussing how many “Likes” a particular photo that was uploaded from their Facebook account would get by the end of the night. They got me to pick a filter for one of their Instagram photos and picking a fan’s tweet for an update after a period. Under the official Maple Leafs Twitter account, they retweeted some of my goal updates, uploaded a video of the players walking to the ice and asked me to explain how I became the social media insider for the game.

Q: How long have you been a Leafs fan?

A: I have been a Leafs fan for as long as I can remember. My dad and I watched Hockey Night in Canada every Saturday. I remember trips to Maple Leaf Gardens to watch Doug Gilmour and Wendel Clark and how bright the ice looked when you came out of the tunnel to the stands.

Q: How does technology help you follow the team?

A:  I use a laptop and phone during the games. On non-game days, I log onto MapleLeafs.com for post-game interviews and read game recaps.

I use Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to follow the team. It is the easiest way to get instant information if I happen to be away from a TV to watch the game and is a great way to interact with other fans. Because of these platforms, I have interacted and met with Leaf fans from across the pond Ian White, from Scotland, and Mark Rackham, from England. These two stay up late at night with the five-hour time difference and watch their favourite team until the final horn. Leafs Nation is truly global.

Q: What’s the best part about connecting with the team and other fans online?

I think it is great (to see) teams connecting with their fans. The fans are the reason for the success of merchandise and ticket sales. When I first started using Twitter I started following my favourite team. When I got an e-mail saying that the Toronto Maple Leafs were following me (that) was pretty cool. And then when they first re-tweeted one of my goal updates to over 200,000 of their followers, that was the ultimate thrill and I still get that feeling when it happens.

I think all teams in every sport should do everything they can to connect with their fans and build relationships with them. The Maple Leafs I feel are leaders in not just the NHL, but all of professional sports in engaging with their fans.

There’s still one more chance for Rogers customers to become our Rogers Social Media Insider with Maple Leafs Game on April 18. Click here to learn more.

How do you keep up with your favourite team?

Jennifer is a regular RedBoard contributor.

UPDATE, May 8, 4:45 p.m.: What does exclusive media access to the ACC look like? Only Rogers Social Media Insiders Chase, Andrea and Mark know for sure! See their photos on our Pinterest board.

The BlackBerry Q10 smartphone includes the physical QWERTY keyboard and a touch screen combined with the power of the BlackBerry 10 platform – perfect for people who love to communicate and collaborate on-the-go.

What makes this BlackBerry so fast? 

The BlackBerry Q10 smartphone is built to run on the 2600 MHz LTE spectrum band with Rogers LTE, Canada’s fastest wireless internet. Rogers has more 2600 MHz spectrum band deployed than any other carrier in Canada, so if you’re looking for speed, this is the place to get your device.

With the BlackBerry Q10 smartphone on the Rogers LTE network, you’ll be able to do more with your device, such as live stream HD sports with no buffering, download large files quickly and stream music at faster speeds. And we announced last month we will expand our 2600 MHz LTE spectrum  to 44 new markets this spring.

Want your smartphone in white?

Device colour can be very important, maybe to add a little personality or match your handbag. Whatever the reason, Rogers customers will be the first to get the BlackBerry Q10 smartphone in white.

How do I get one?

The BlackBerry Q10 smartphone will be arriving at Rogers retail locations across Canada in the coming weeks starting at $199.99 with select three year plans. Current Rogers wireless customers can reserve this device now on the Rogers Reservation System and pre-orders for new customers are now available at rogers.com.

Update, April 23, 2 p.m.: We’re happy to announce the BlackBerry Q10 will be available in-store at Rogers retail locations on May 1.

But, for those of you lucky enough to have the real thing, we’ve got a great chance for you to showcase how you keep your home fires burning. One lucky winner will get to see – and hear– their roaring flames on the Fireplace Channel for a full year, and win a Rogers Nextbox to boot.

The winning entry will hit the airwaves in November 2013. In the meantime, if you’re looking for some entertainment with a more springtime bent, try tuning into the Sunset Channel (find it on your dial at 206) or the Aquarium Channel (205).

How it works

Starting April 8, 2013, send a photo of your current fireplace setup to redboardfeedback@rci.rogers.com with the subject “Fireplace contest” and tell us in 100 characters or less why your fireplace should take the starring role on the Fireplace Channel. Make sure to include your full name, email address, phone number and location. We’ll be accepting entries until May 1. The contest is open to anyone living in an area where Rogers cable services are available. Read the full rules here.

Good luck!

UPDATE, May 1: Thanks to everyone who participated in our Fireplace Channel contest! The prize has been drawn and we’ll be contacting the winner by email soon. Keep an eye on your inbox!

The mobile phone turns 40

Forty years ago, Motorola employee Martin Cooper launched the age of covertly checking your bags and pockets at every ring, ping and buzz.

On April 3, 1973, Cooper made what is widely viewed as the first public mobile phone call, using a 9-inch tall Motorola DynaTAC to call a rival colleague.

This hefty “brick phone” offered 35 minutes of talk-time and took 10 hours to recharge. Things have come a long way since then. My first mobile, nearly a decade ago, was a chunky flip phone. I had a miniscule number of minutes, a voicemail box that held three messages, and it took ages to type out- and decipher – the limited number of texts I sent and received each month.

Now, we take pocket-sized devices – with their myriad apps and data services – for granted as we wait for the next big thing, whether it’s Google Glass or the much-rumoured Apple smartwatch.

What was your first mobile phone?

Keeping connected

Hit snooze, pick up cellphone? Last year, we learned that 55 per cent of people check their mobile before they brush their teeth in the morning. The latest report from IDC Research suggests that estimate might be low, with four out of five smartphone users checking their phones within 15 minutes of waking up. A whopping 62 per cent of 18-to 44-year-olds grab their mobiles as soon as they hear their alarm – and for 44 per cent of these people, their phone doubles as that wakeup call.

The Facebook sponsored report, which polled 7,446 Android and iPhone users aged 18 to 44 in March, also found that 70 per cent of us keep our phones nearby for 22 hours a day, while 63 per cent of us only part with them for an hour, at most. But I identify with that quarter of respondents who can’t think of a time of the day when their phone wasn’t in the same room!

As for what we’re doing with those phones in our waking hours, only 16 per cent of that time is used to make calls – the rest is spent communicating through texts, emails and social networks.

How many hours a day are you separated from your cellphone?

Carrying a phone is old-school, wear it instead

If the number of Nike+ FuelBands spotted around the office are any indication, wearable technology is taking off in 2013. And according to Reuters, Chinese search engine Baidu is following Google’s lead and working on digital eyewear similar to Google Glass. The company’s device, mounted on a headset with a small screen, will allow wearers to search by image and voice and conduct facial recognition matches. Baidu has not revealed whether it will be rolling out the product commercially.

Maybe the Rogers Tuque isn’t so far off, after all?

Get your summer reads on the go

No one wants to run out of reading materials halfway through their beach vacation. Stowing your summer reading list on an ereader or tablet is one way to ensure you always have access to a robust library. And, to help our readers get a head start on the summer fun, we’re sharing our favourite holiday book picks and giving away a Kindle PaperWhite 3G and the new Sony Xperia ZL smartphone here. Leave a comment on the summer reading post for your chance to win.

Jennifer is a regular RedBoard contributor.