Archive for January, 2009
We are what we read. Or are we what we read? And we read what we want to read.
Newspapers, magazines, books, websites, blogs, twitters, and even photos in facebook or flickr. There are so many updates every second, you can’t possibly be reading everything you come across, so which do you read? What elements help you decide which article to read in your RSS feed, or which magazine to buy off the newsstand?
When I was in primary school, newspaper wasn’t part of the curriculum. But I had time flipping through the comic section, which I don’t remember seeing now. In those days, there would be 2 full pages of comic strips and those are the only things I read. Later in secondary school, we were somewhat forced to read at least one article every week and write a summary of the article in our scrapbook. And since there’s no focus on which topic or section we have to choose, I pick the lifestyle and entertainment section. What one reads depends on one’s interests and stage in life. Just like the girls in primary school reads Teenage magazines, those in secondary read Teens and than when one matures, they start reading Cleo, Her World or even Woman magazines.
And now, I stopped buying magazines. Even if I should get tempted by the freebies that comes with the magazine, I would usually buy and chuck the magazine aside after flipping through it once. I seldom touches the papers. Why would I want to spend $5 on a stack of papers when I can get my reading pleasure online? I would also like to see that I’m saving earth by not buying those magazines.
Now that there are so many (daily new) content online, reading options increases but we’re still left with the same amount of time to spend reading (or perhaps even lesser since we are spending way much time checking out friend’s statuses, videos and photos in facebook!).
So what do you read on a daily basis? I’ve grouped my readings into tabs with netvibes, but I also follow many on twitter who shares good reads in their tweets.
Than there’s the ad-hoc msn messages, facebook posted items and emails that leads you to even more reading! If I loose control and continue clicking, no work will be done by the end of the day!
So we started selective readings, we read what came within our sight when we are in our reading time. We read links whom we respect and trust share. We read what our closer friends write. And when we really need something that’s to a topic, we search.
What about you? What do you read on a daily basis? Or should I ask, how do you read?
Flickr has helped brought memories and helped me see change. As I was uploading this year’s family photos up, I thought it’ll be interesting to see how much we’ve changed over the years. And thanks to my flickr pro account, this is easily done with just a few clicks.
So here, I’m going to travel back in time, to the past few Chinese New Year with photos of us…
In September 2005, I attended the Singapore Writer’s Festival and met several prominent bloggers, including Mr. Brown, Mr. Miyagi, and Cory Doctorow, and I realized that my newfound hobby of blogging could be more than just one sided broadcasting: I began to realize the community aspect of the new social medium… …Claudia is one of the most prolific and dedicated people that I have met in my blogging endeavors, and I jumped at the chance when I found out she was looking for guest bloggers.
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Happy Niu Year!!!
恭喜发财！Gong Xi Fa Cai!
Claudia.sg wishes one and all a prosperous and fruitful new year!
May the Ox brings great fortune and wealth too!
Let’s all HUAT AH!
Technology is always changing, and so does customers need and expectation. Singtel saw this need as a calling, and so they aim to transform their telco image to becoming your multimedia solution provider. And with that in mind, Singtel is changing and improving their customers experience at their stores. No more boring waiting time! There’s much to explore while you wait for your number.
The latest Singtel store at Jurong Point
To get an opportunity to openly take photos of this new store, I woke up early and headed all the way to the west…
And than upon arriving at Jurong Point, I mixed up the basement for the ground floor! This proves that I was probably still half asleep! Anyway, if you’ve not been to the new Jurong Point yet, here’s how the new basement look…
With some navigation help, I managed to find Singtel store (just opposite Samsung) at Unit B1-98/99 (at JP2). And there were four sexy looking things inviting me to touch them!
These are interactive screens where you can browse and purchase multimedia direct to your phones. (Sounds similar to PlayNow Kiosks right?) I haven’t tried exploring and trying it out in details yet, but from the looks of it, the content will be sent to your phone via MMS(?). Price of the songs are slightly more expensive than those from PlayNow, and I’m not quite sure if these are DRM-free too. Will have to check and update this post.
Let’s take a tour around the unique features and concepts of the store with Singtel’s Director of Corporate Communications… from how they enhance the in-store ambiance, embracing the coffee culture and to how they create multimedia solution with their music bar…
I personally like the concept of the music bar, so customers can get chance to interact and try it out while waiting. Or they can keep themselves entertained by listening to selection of music using the headphone. Touchscreen is cool, but imagine these interactive multimedia solutions using the multitouch technology on Win7!
There are six of such multimedia bars in store. So you don’t have to worry about hogging it for slightly longer. If not, just head outside the store for non-audio version.
As a Singtel customer for so many years, let me share my experience and delight after this visit.
Finding the right phone
Personally, when I am planning to buy a new phone, I would already have a list of features in mind and how I would like my phone to work for me. So having them displayed according to their brands at the store, may not be the best strategy. I like how Singtel is now seeing the way customers behave, they’ve grouped their displays according to the function and features.
Now these phones on display are still dummies. Apart from the latest from Samsung which have the real thing on display in the center of the shop. If all the mobile phone providers can have a real set on display too, it will surely enhance the experience even more!
Creating visuals
For many customers, it is hard to visualise how a mio setup will look in their homes. So instead of displaying the unit on a shelf and have the customer cracking their visualisation, Singtel has set it up for you.
This is how clean and simple the setup for mio broadband and tv and mobile will look at home. Of course, they don’t have to line-up next to one another.
Not just mobiles
To become a multimedia solution provider needs more than just having mobile phones. There is a corner dedicated to the latest gadgets that will compliment Singtel service.
These displays are all in working condition, so customers can experience the real thing. One which attracted my interest is these stylish looking glasses.
MyVu?
Find out what this is in the video below…
Very cool! But its only working with iPods.
Putting customers first
It is important to make your customers feel welcome and comfortable. I’d been settling my Singtel plans and transactions at Compasspoint. And with limited space, customers have to stand and carry out the entire process. As for those stores where there’s big enough space, the staff would be sitting behind a counter and servicing their customers with a barrier between them. But now, with the coffee culture concept in mind, Singtel have created a closer interaction with their customers.
So now, you can see what goes on behind those screens and if you’re savvy enough, you can even take over control! Having all phone plans, details and information stored, their staff can now provide a better integrated interaction with their customers. Forget about brochures and product flyers, everything is just a click away!
I’m impressed by the commitment Singtel has to improving their system. I always believe in engaging with your audience and giving them an experience that they will talk about. And this new store concept does just that! Looking forward to seeing more of these stores popping around soon!
Click here to view photos taken with Samsung Innov8
Its been long long ago since I did a ezine for Claud talks Gadgets. Running an ezine on a personal blog is really not easy! If you’re doing it too, I’m sure you know the pain. I really must salute to Sheylara for her weekly Gamer Girl Friday!
This year, with a big shift of my responsibilities and involvement in social media, I think I would have to make a big shift too for my blogging habits. Perhaps I should find another person name Claud to take over this column here. Anyone willing to do it? The only requirement is to be able to take photos, write and review gadgets like the original Claud if not better than Claud! If you think you can, write to me now! Till I find this person, I’ll have to do it on my own.
So for my first issue of CtG in 2009, I’m going to touch on three (latest and not so new) products that are here in Singapore.
In this issue…
- Review of the Samsung Pixon phone
- The sleek and sexy PC that fits into your pocket!
- DRM-free music from Sony Playnow
Hello everyone! I’m now blogging live from DXO at Infocomm LIVE! brought to you by iDA Singapore.
Just in case, some of you don’t know where DXO is at, here’s the building. Its just next to Esplanade.
Tonight, we have here with us Dan Lejerskar, Co-Founder, Chairman and Executive Vice President of EON Reality Inc, sharing in-depth with his very own “Seven Keys to Being a Successful Serial Entrepreneur”.
Short introduction of the speaker
Dan is a serial entrepreneur with more than 19 years of experience in Virtual Reality and Simulation. Prior to co-founding EON Reality, Dan also started several successful companies. These include PFAB, a real-estate development company, Prosolvia AB, a publicly traded simulation company, and RealityBUY Inc, an e-commerce company focused on interactive 3D.
Follow me as we uncover the keys to being a successful serial entrepreneur with Dan Lejerskar.
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