The Next Best Thing
Is it me or are you looking for the next best thing in software? Gadgets are nice, but who can afford all of them? Most of them are obsolete after you unwrap it. With software and web apps though, they can become a tool that is used daily. To prevent obsolescence, the software is modified and enhanced (or should be).
I use Flickr, Del.icio.us, Gmail, ,Skype, FeedDemon, Firefox 3, WordPress on a daily basis. These are absolutely essential to my daily life. I am sure there are a few more apps, but who can keep up with them all?
I am at the point now where I still enjoy testing new software for companies, provide feedback and write up a review/opinion, but I also want to integrate them into my daily world too.
Acceptance
At what point does something move from “shiny new thing” to a usable tool? The answer is “when your mother uses it”. Also, when you use it daily. How long did it take for email integration? Instant messaging? When Time magazine listed “You” as the person of the year, several articles mentioned Web 2.0 companies and trends. Have we crossed over yet? Is web 2.0 mainstream? Not yet because it has not been generally accepted by moms everywhere. Ask yourself, “Does mom use RSS? Why not?”
So my original question remains, now what? I’ve checked the memes out there this week and nothing is piquing my interest. A new social site here, a clone software app there. What is original? What can I use daily?
So many questions, I know, but I’ll finish with one more: What are you seeing out there that you can share with us?