Some of my Favorite Web Services
Two weeks ago I wrote a post on my top 15 tech products for 2010. Here are a few of my favorite web services (in no particular order):
1. Pandora: My single music source when I’m by a computer and now that I’ve integrated Boxee into the WMC connected to my primary TV, I find myself tuning in more frequently from the living-room/kitchen as well. Looking forward to seeing how airplay-enabled speakers will impact my audio listening habits in 2011.
2. AwardWallet: Think of AwardWallet as Mint.comfor frequent flyer accounts. I would argue it is even better. Mint.com never stuck with me, but I use AwardWallet religiously. You can track existing trips and receive email updates of program accruals. I’ve never found either of these especially valuable. For the former I rely exclusively on TripIt to organize all facets of upcoming travel. The email updates are marginally helpful. But as far as organizing frequent flyer programs go, I haven’t found anything comparable to AwardWallet. In the past I’ve used MileTracker but in the end it completely failed me. I have yet to find a program not covered by AwardWallet – and I currently track 33 different accounts. A great feature is the ability to track accounts for different individuals in a single place and share access with them. So if your wife also has frequent flyer accounts you can track them in a single AwardWallet account, but you can each have your own log-in. Another key feature is the ability to see when miles are set to expire due to inactivity.
3. Google Reader: I was a Bloglines loyalist and when they announced they were closing their doors I transitioned to Google Reader. I miss Bloglines, but moving back wasn’t as seamless as it should have been so I haven’t fully moved back yet.
4. Genieo: Genieo uses your search and browser history to built intelligence into your home page by populating it with articles relevant to your history. I’ve been using Genieo for a few months now. The personal homepage has gotten smarter, and while I typically detest pop-ups, I’ve found many of the pop-ups more worthwhile than a distraction.The favorite sites tab hasn’t been useful yet, nor has the day in pictures (though I like the concept). One huge complaint – I frequently use google for directions by simply typing in the origin-destination in the google search bar and then clicking the map tab when I click through. I also do this with products by clicking through the shopping tab on the google homepage. Neither of these tabs exist Genieo-Google page which is incredibly frustrating and nearly makes it worth abandoning Genieo.
5. Tumblr: I experimented with Tumblr early on but didn’t find a fit for microblogging outside of Twitter. But in the last few months I’ve found Tumblr useful for organizing photos and other posts enroute to Twitter. I imagine my use of Tumblr will expand in 2011.
6. Twitter (over Facebook)
other web services to do more with in 2011:
1. Spotify: can it live up to the hype if it ever sees official support in the US?
2. OneTrueFan: another tool to build/find relevency.
3. IceRocket: the best blog and twitter search engine?
4. Presentation tools Tableau and Prezi: I intended to use Tableau all year and it just never happened, but I do plan to use Prezi for atleast one of my CES presenations.