Trifecta Official Blog

Happy “Happly” iPad

2012-06-15T15:14:27+00:00

These days it seems there is a divide into how adults as well as children utilize their mobile technology gadgets. While the older spectrum tend to use technology in a more productive manner, the younger generation tend to use it more for entertainment purposes. According to “Americans and Their Cell Phones”, a report by the Pew Internet & American Life Project, the younger the individual the greater the chance that individual uses their smartphones for entertainment purposes. No that there is something wrong with entertainment, but with such advancements it would be exponentially beneficial for our children, as well as ourselves, to encourage learning as well.

One example that happen quite recently occured when I was out with my godchild and I needed to think of a way to entertain the child. I was fiercely looking for an app that would allow my godchild to be entertained but also help him learn. Unable to find one that kept his attention as well as challenge him, I was forced to play an entertaining video instead. It perplexed me why there are apps for educational institutions but very few for the common parent to utilize. Then I came upon Happly.

Happly is an iPad app which is designed to allow you to hand over your child an iPad and not worry as to what they will be doing or learning. The app is focused on providing instructional learning using various techniques that children connect to and are interested in. I tried it out myself and after 2 hours of using the app my godson came to me spewing as many things he had learned with surprising accuracy. Check it out and let us know what you think.

Small Businesses: How to minimize potential lawsuits

2012-06-13T01:34:22+00:00

Even though we all live in a fast paced world, it’s exponentially faster for entrepreneurs. There are never are enough hours in the day while working for uncommon success. This state lends to the hiring of more hands to try to get more done on a daily basis. While even if it is only a small group of additional workers, it’s always good to set precedence for good habits to become successful. If you prepare for potential problems, the less likely you will run into them.

One such problem is the very workers that small business owners seek. Being the boss doesn’t give you unquestionable power. In fact an owner needs to be more diligent in the ways his company runs. While you can’t peek over every employee shoulders all day, you can have some safeguards to protect you from the potential lawsuit each employee and candidate presents.

More and more companies are using human resources software that will act as such safeguards. You may have noticed at your job that instead of the old ways of clocking in and out that now they have swipe cards, login terminals and even online check-ins to help keep track of the hours worked. This places the responsibility of the employee to be responsible for their hours but also allows the owners to keep track so there can be minimal, if any, discrepancies. Many lawsuits have been won by the employees due to the poor record keeping of companies and institutions.

You’re Hired!

2012-03-02T14:47:48+00:00

Start-ups these days are always in a frenzy in battle with their competition not only in their batlle for customers but also for talented workers. Most start-ups aren’t big enough to have their own human resources department, so its usually entails learning on a case by case basis. Even with my own start-up, Trifecta Technologies Inc, finding new talent tends to be tough task. Here are some tips so to help on your next hire.

1. Hire when ready
You may be thinking “why hire when you aren’t ready to?”, well unfortunately many start-ups hire in anticipation of incoming business or its part of their business plan. Too many times have I come across those who thought they had a job with a start-up only to find out they placed on a temporary basis and or lost the job all together due to lack of work coming into the business. If you aren’t ready, you can simply use other avenues such as consultant work wherein its at a project by project basis.

2. Take the time to look protect your investment
Another bad practice is the lack of time and effort placed into the hiring process once its decided that a new hire is needed. A new employee, regardless the type, is an investment and like any investment it requires dedicated time and attention so as to be a profitable one. From the need to the fulfilling of the need, it is imperative that enough attention and time is paid to the process. From the advertising, sifting through candidates, interviews and even training a concerted effort is needed. If you are too busy then wait because you simply risk wasting time and money.

3. Start-up workology
Working for a start-up is unlike any other establishment. All those in a start-up should have, more or less, the same work ethic characteristic. While start-ups have many upsides in terms of financial potential and having a impact from the beginning up, the one imperative need are workers who work beyond the conventional worker. The atmosphere you expect should be clearly expressed and understood in your advertising and interviews. This way there’s no disconnect since those who haven’t worked with start-ups aren’t usually used to the workload and/or expectations of those who have.

5. Fit or Mold
One common problem with start-ups are that the particular need can be looked at from two perspectives, but those hiring tend to see only one perspective without considering to other to objectively see which may be more profitable down the road. Most positions require particular skill sets, but fulfilling this need can be satiated via two ideologies. First is finding the candidate with the perfect fit (no training) or finding those with some/most of the skills but are capable of attaining the rest (training). The difference is that while finding the perfect fit is ideal, there is some benefit to those who have experience outside the skill set but display the ability to gainit with the use of training. This is able to give the start-up new perspective. Either ideology is beneficial, but rarely are both considered.

6. Know your top picks
With the growth of technology, efficiency has grown but so has the level of personal connection. Jobs nowadays are more of a screening process than anything else. If an individual who has all the skills but unable to express it properly to pass the screening process he won’t even be considered to get the job. Interesting how such shows such as American Idol are willing to find true talent that otherwise a demo tape they would have missed. Demo tapes maybe disqualified due to lack of quality, lack of vocal range and intangibles that together can make one successful. Though there can be an overwhelming response to your job ad a screening is needed but try to make it as such that it isn’t too stringent. A huge talent may go unnoticed because of it.

The Data Scientist

2012-02-29T19:32:50+00:00

As the world continues to change, more than likely so do the parts that consist of the whole. The emergence and demise of these parts is an eventuality. When it comes to the importance of choosing a career path many factors are taken into consideration, more so nowadays is the projected lifeline in which that path is attributed. This encourages a continued need for continued learning as well as being aware of the world around you to ensure a stable profession.

One such an emergence is the rise of the Data Scientist. Simply from the title some of you may automatically be envisioning glasses, white lab coat and a pocket protector for pens and pencils, boy are you wrong. In fact its far from the common misconception of the typical candidate of this new career path. Before delving into the particulars, let’s take a look as to how this new position came into being.

In my opinion the very beginning of the eventuality of the Data Scientist began with the birth of the Internet. The Internet was actually a byproduct of an initially military application by the Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA) formed in 1957. ARPA was the U.S. government’s research agency for all space and strategic missile research. When NASA was formed in 1958 the ARPA initiative was transferred and the focus was changed towards aeronautics and computer science. With the use of different universities across the U.S. (utilizing mainframes), the ARPAnet was established in 1969. From this beginning and evolution are we able to enjoy all the benefits of being connected to the world at large.

Behind all the connectivity between so many devices lies the treasure and therefore the value of the Data Scientist; DATA! From the obvious to the most minuscule, data is real currency. As the term goes, knowledge is power. The same talent you use to extract abstract information from reading a text book, the Data Scientist is able to take information and find information that is valuable to companies. The Data Scientist isn’t subject to one particular industry, in fact they are equally valuable to nearly every institution today.

Now who is capable to become a Data Scientist? Anyone! Yes while the position requires a number of needed skills such as math and an understanding of computing, the major skill the is the ability to see what’s not apparent and to also see past what is available given complete/incomplete information.

Its amazing to see such a new development in the age of technology, I wonder what else may come about from our continued progress. Do you have any insight as to what other needs do you think will be created due to technology?

What are SOPA & PIPA and why should you still care?

2012-02-28T15:49:32+00:00

Just like everything of worth, the Internet itself is now being viewed as an resource. But not just any resource: a resource that has no restraints. Its availability is seen as a threat to others because of the Internets ability to affect other resources like the music industry and Hollywood. Thus came the proposal of the initiative called the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) and the Protect IP Act (PIPA).

In October of last year Rep. Lamar Smith presented SOPA and there has been a huge debate since. Why the debate? Similar to Napster (2001), there are simply many “rouge” sites out there in which content (movies & music specifically) are available for free which is severely hurting those perspective industries. Part of why the reason movie tickets prices have increased considerably are due to the effect of these “rouge” sites on the industry. Now these “rouge” sites are not on US soil, but hosted abroad and thus outside US jurisdiction. In other words we can not directly stop them.

SOPA & PIPA come from the same objective but go about it different ways. PIPA would require the domain name providers (i.e. GoDaddy, Domain.com) to terminate the sites, while SOPA is more elaborate by instructing Internet Service Providers (ISP) such as Verizon and Cablevision to handle the “blocking” of those sites from their providers. The result would be something to the affect of when FOX was temporarily not available on Cablevision during contract disputes.

The three main issues with SOPA are as follows:

- Security: The actions needed to be taken would undermine the current DNSSEC system in place for secure connection between user and website. This is because the ISP would have to redirect “rouge” sites elsewhere hence opening potential hacker infiltration.

- Big Brother: Part of locating “rouge” sites will be handled by ISPs monitoring subscribers’ (yes that means you) Internet browsing.

- Errors: If any site is considered “rouge” by some accident or hacker attack the site can be automatically taken down and it would take a long process in which to bring it back online, so sites that are innocent wouldn’t necessarily be safe.

- Civil Rights: It is also being presented that such an initiative would be against freedom of speech.

While SOPA and PIPA may seem meaningless to the average person, it truly is not. The number of things truly “free” is being taken away. Next to the air we breath, the Internet is the free-est thing out there. So if you care do something about it. Let your voice be heard.

The Mobile Family

2012-01-10T19:05:45+00:00

The dynamics of the family unit has changed dramatically from as recent as a decade ago. The changes in society and, most influentially, the advancement of technology have made the personal connection families once had become more detached. As rapid as technology is changing, the further and more disconnected parents are at connecting with their kids. Well, here’s one app that can help bring a little order in the chaos.

Cozi allows for family management in a nutshell. This is accomplished with features such as a family calendar, shopping lists, to-do lists, and even a family journal; all of which is shared with everyone in the family. Now you can schedule the family dinner and your kids can post their varsity sport schedules easily and effortlessly. I especially like the journal feature which allows an open dialogue with the family, so whether far or near the family can share experiences with one another. Although Cozi was created with mothers in mind, fathers I strongly suggest you also make use of it as well. Communication is vital these days and while society encourages the individual to be “busy”, we should always work towards making time for family.

To get Cozi you can search for it on your mobile device’s app store.

Stand clear of the closing doors please….

2012-01-02T21:45:05+00:00

First and foremost I would like to say to those reading this blog, Happy New Year! In 2011… we came, we saw…. we did something (I hope). If you did not do something YOU are fortunate to have a fresh start. Let’s see if I can aid you in being a little smarter, savvier and of course productive this year by introducing technology that can make some of your daily tasks easier.

Being a resident of New York City, navigating via public transportation is essential for daily life. Whether it be work, leisure, or when YOU were stumbling to find your way home on New Year’s Day the best way to get around the city is by buses and trains.

Public transportation has undergone useful improvements over the years, and no I am nor referring to their being more environmentally friendly. I’m referring to the schedule displays that are in almost every station. Now commuters are able to know how long they have to wait for the next train. However, I wonder how much good does an in-station schedule display do since you are already at the station? It is like a timer at a public restroom that alerts you when its you turn to use the facilities.

Well fret not, someone out there has pondered the same thing and has done something about it. There is an app called “NextStop - NYC Subway”. It provides to you the same information that you would get on the in-station schedule display on your smart phone. This is possible because the MTA has opened its information resources to developers who are looking to make apps such as this for commuters. As a bonus it even displays service changes through its alert feature. Now when you are wondering if you have time to hop into Starbucks and get your coffee now than after your train ride, you will know how much time you have to do so. While I have used this app there has been very few times the time was off by a minute, but it was always early. Best of all its FREE, which means you won’t have to sacrifice coffee funds.

If this blog post has helped share this with your family and friends and let me know what you think. Feedback is important people: yes just as important as Starbucks coffee.

Lost your Android Phone?...All may not be lost

2011-11-28T22:13:57+00:00

So you went out drinking with your buddies and had just a bit too much to drink. As you awaken from your stupor the following morning, you realize you cant find your “sexy” Android Phone and even worse you realize you never installed any mobile recovery software. Fear Not! All may not be lost. There is a “Plan B”, you have one last shot at locating your phone via GPS.

“Plan B” is software that you install AFTER your phone is lost…but…but….how could you install the software after you lost the phone you ask?..Well true believers read on to find out.

Plan B is a GPS locating software that you can install on your phone via the Google App Store webpage. It remotely installs the app on your phone and emails you your phones GPS coordinates.

I have used it and it definitely works. Step by step directions are below..

Once you realize your phone is lost quickly get to a another computer (with Internet access) and follow the steps below;

-First click here Plan b . You will be prompted to sign into your Gmail Account, so go ahead and sign in.
-After your signed in Install Plan b
-Once the App has been installed remotely on your phone you will receive 5 emails from Plan b to the email address associated with your Gmail account. The Emails will contain GPS locations of your phone regardless if its in motion or stationary..
-If after 10 minutes you have still not located the phone, borrow a friends phone and text “Locate” to your lost phone to start the process over.

Now a few of you may be thinking that this is a long shot, and you may be right but unless your funds are that plentiful, this is a very inexpensive alternative to give a try.

I was able to use this method recently when my fiancee lost her phone. She came home one night informing me that she couldn’t find her phone and she has no idea where it is. So we jumped onto her Gmail account and installed Plan b.

After about a minute or so we received this email.

The GPS coordinates that were listed were about 2 miles from our current location, then we received another email about 30 seconds later that gave another location.

The location it gave was down the block from where we lived so i went for a quick walk to where it pointed me to. And lo and behold! What did i find? The exact location where she parked her car…and the phone sitting under the front drivers side tire. If we hadnt found it she may have rolled over it in the morning when she went to work.

So a happy ending for us but please don’t wait to install any mobile recovery software. Listed below are just a few that are available for installation now..

- Seek Droid Lite
- Prey
- Mobile Recovery(Verizon Insurance users only)

Holiday Shopping: Tablet Season Is Upon Us

2011-11-22T19:45:42+00:00

With the holiday season upon us, we have another thing to look forward to besides having extra time to spend with friends and family. It is also a pivotal time to get the best deals for gifts for our loved ones (as well as yourself!) One of the most wanted gifts in the tech world right now is the tablet. With the current economic atmosphere you may feel that this may be a less than spectacular time to give and to receive. Well think again! There are some alternatives to the iPad that are both spectacular devices and are easy on the budget.

Samsung Galaxy Tab: A close rival to the iPad recently has been the Galaxy Tab. The hardware specs of both devices are quite comparable, only major differences lie with the operating system (Android) and the price ($400). To those of you that have a Android mobile device, you are more that prepared to use the Galaxy Tab. It is essentially a larger Android smartphone without the phone capability (but don’t all tablets fit that description?)

Kindle Fire: The hottest new device out right now is the Kindle Fire. At first glance you may wonder what the big whoop is since it looks just like a regular Kindle. However, it is so much more than that. In addition to going from e-ink to a full color display, the Fire sports a web browser and multimedia Android apps such as Netflix, Pandora, and of course, Amazon Marketplace. Although some people initially labeled it as the “iPad killer” that is far from the truth. The hardware and functionality it has simply can not stack up against iPad, but the $200 really does change the entire tablet market. You certainly get more bang for the buck than you would with the iPad.

Nook Tablet: No surprise that Barnes and Noble decided to beef up their own Nook Color to better compete with Amazon for the cheap tablet market. The Nook Color was the first of the e-ink manufacturers to come out with a device with a color display and a touch screen. They now added superior hardware specs to Amazon’s Kindle Fire and the ability to officially add apps to the tablet. Although the price take is $250, its still a far cry from the more expensive tablets out there.

Coming next: Holiday Shopping: The right mobile device for you. Stay tuned!

Internet For All!

2011-11-10T18:07:05+00:00

Technology is the fastest growing facet of humanity. It is self-perpetuating because it affects nearly every other aspect of our society. It allows everyone, despite their location, race, or status to do what they do more efficiently which fosters growth at a faster rate. Surprisingly, even to myself, there is still a significant part of society who are still unable to benefit from new technology in their homes. For example, nearly one third of homes in the United States do not have broadband. 1 out every 3 people do not have broadband. In this day and age it has already been argued that Internet access is a human right. It is almost like someone unable to access drinking water, it is almost criminal.

The need to provide high speed Internet access to everyone in the U.S. has been acknowledged by the government. Plans on making this a reality with the aid of different companies are currently in the works. The Internet should not be another resource that is afforded to some and not others. Because of the government’s as well as private industry’s efforts, cable companies across the country will be offering broadband service for $10/month to those unable to afford it beginning summer of 2012.

However providing Internet connectivity alone is not enough. Although there are plenty of low cost computing devices like tablets, there are initiatives that will enhance the effectiveness of the new broadband effort by providing inexpensive computers to consumers. These computers will be available from as low as $150 to $250 and will come with Microsoft Office pre-installed so that people will be able to actually use the broadband that is provided and can therefore become part of the technological present and future. These programs comes at a critical time when people are much more focused and aware of their financial status, making these initiatives very timely. While other companies are more concerned with getting you to buy things you probably want but don’t need, it is good to see that the government is conscious of the people they represent and is ready to address their constituency’s current and future needs.

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