SXSW in Austin is best-known for introducing bands that everyone is going to be listening to for the rest of the year. But recently it has also become a launchpad for newest apps and interactive solutions. There’s a long list of fun apps to try, but I have picked some of the ones that might come handy for business & productivity.
Message Me
For someone working in a creative environment Message Me could be a real life saver. It’s a simple messaging service that also allows sending videos, sounds, photos and doodles to a contact or a group – perfect for sharing ideas on-the-go. It also should make it easier to put together those brainstorming sessions that are usually scattered in e-mails, notes and messages. (Available for both iOS and Android) (https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/messageme/id562075622?mt=8&ign-mpt=uo%3D4)
Thread
Thread is essentially a caller ID that also pulls out all of your recent social and e-mail correspondence with the contact. No more putting them on hold while you’re trying to fiddle your way around the phone to find that reference number or a tweet! (Sadly, only available for Android) (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sprezzat.thread)
Younity
It happens to all of us: you get to an important meeting and realize that you forgot to grab that essential file or it didn’t synch to iCloud properly. Younity makes your entire desktop available to you at all time without actually taking any space in you cloud app – it’s essentially a remote access app for all your devices. Handy? A lifesaver! (iOS only – but does work with Windows Desktop) (http://www.getyounity.com/)
ClipPick
This app allows you to copy text from one device (say iPhone) and paste it into another (PC, laptop etc) – it’s that simple! Download it for (iOs & Android) (http://clippick.com)
Highlight
Highlight shows you who is nearby and what you have in common with them. As much as I could see from testing it so far there are people offering their services: very handy of you’re in the area you don’t particularly know and want to find a service or a person. (iOS & Android) (http://highlig.ht/about.html)
Plotter
A social mapping app that lets you create and share places you’re visiting. Or adding your own place on the map. Never know who will be visiting your area and will need your services! (iOS only) (http://www.plotterapp.com/)
ProxToMe
It’s an app similar to Highlight but it could be used differently – and comes especially handy if you’re in a meeting with new people and want to connect with them easier or share a document via Dropbox without adding their e-mail address. Provided both of you have the app installed. (iOS & Android) (http://www.proxtome.com/)
Let me know what you think of them. Are you using any of these already?
Alex @ MicroPro.ie