It’s no secret that I am a bit nerdy and obsessed with being organized and on top of things. I'm also obsessed with staying up to speed on the latest and greatest technologies. And since my phone is one thing I simply can’t live without, I'm always searching for great apps to make my work and personal life more efficient.

Now I've done the dirty work for you and tried out a bunch of apps to put together a list of the top 12 mobile apps for young professionals. Take a peek below—you’ll wonder how you ever functioned without these lifesavers.



For the Office
30/30: (iOS) When you’re pulled in a 100 different directions at work, it can be hard to focus. 30/30 helps manage your work cycles by setting timers for tasks. When a timer is running, you can focus on getting one task done without distractions.

Doodle: (iOS; Android) When scheduling a meeting with many people from different workplaces, finding a time that works for everyone can be next to impossible. Doodle lets meeting participants submit their daily schedules and then comes up with feasible meeting times for everyone.

Trello: (iOS; Android) This is project management made easy! Trello is great for collaborating with a team—especially when brainstorming ideas, allocating tasks, and monitoring checklists.

LastPass: (iOS; Android) Nothing drives me crazier than having passwords that expire every 60 days (and can't repeat for 5 years). If you're like me then that means you probably also have a million tricky passwords to remember. With LastPass you can store all your passwords in one single and secure place.

For Home
Our Home: (iOS; Android) When everyone in your house has a packed schedule it is hard to get everyone into a room. Our Home is a private social network for families and roommate situations that allows everyone to organize and assign tasks and chores as well as create and share grocery lists. Members of your household can choose which things they want to accomplish and check them off as their completed. No more post-its all over the house saying "more toilet paper" or "the sink is leaking" with Our Home.

Mint: (iOS; Android) This app helps you keep an eye on your hard-earned money. Monitor multiple bank accounts and investments all in one place. You can use it to set spending limits for categories and it will even alert you when you're coming close or you went over. Plus, the app helps you pay bills on time and budget for big expenses.

Venmo: (iOS; Android) A must-have app for instantly sending money to other people. You can use it to pay coworkers for your half of lunch or for quickly pitching in on that group birthday gift for a friend.

Just for Fun
Refinery29 This AM: (iOS) Created by Refiner29, a media company catering to a young female demographic,Refinery29 This AM delivers a round-up of curated news stories to readers, meant to be viewed first thing in the morning. Stories are presented on eight different cards in the app, and focus on topics including world events, celebrity news, politics and fashion.

Daily Burn: (iOS, Android) As much as I love using work and being too busy as an excuse to skip the gym, I know I really need to find more time for exercising. But with Daily Burn I have no excuse! Daily Burn redefines fitness with online workout videos, nutrition and coaching. In addition to the library of workouts and courses, there is a daily class that airs every morning that covers something different every day. All the workout sessions are streaming so you can get them at home and on the go!

theSkimm: This one isn't exactly an app (yet) but it is still worth noting. theSkimm is a daily e-mail newsletter that gives you everything you need to start your day. They know you don't have time to visit multiple publications in search for all the important news so they do the reading for you and break down the latest news and information with fresh editorial content.

Do you have any apps you'd add to this list? Tell me in the comments!

Do you ever dream of owning the season's most popular tech item but find yourself with empty pockets? Or do you ever wish you could try out a new piece of technology before making the financial commitment? Or maybe you just want to borrow the flashy new piece of tech to show it off?

Well now there is Lumoid, your own personal technology genie, to make this all possible!

Lumoid is a "try before you buy" online based service which allows users to rent various techs to try, borrow, or eventually buy.


Now Lumoid isn't a new company, as they have specialized in photography and videography gear for quite some time, but they recently unveiled their new wearables program.

Through their program Lumoid will send you—for an entire week—any five wearable devices that you've always wanted to try out. If you find the perfect thing that works for you, great! You can buy it through Lumoid. If you don't find that match made in heaven? You can send them all back, paying only the $20 rental fee for all five devices.

Through Lumoid you can rent all the popular wearable fitness and sleep trackers as well as connectedness wearables including Fitbit, Nike+, Jawbone UP, Gear Fit, LifeTrak and more!
There is even a rumor that Lumoid will offer Apple Watch rentals! Starting soon Lumoid will roll out a waiting list on its website for consumers looking to take the device for a spin when it begins shipping in April. So if you're curious about the wearable industry's next big thing, keep an eye out!

You can also rent drones through Lumoid, which has me very intrigued. Too bad I can't think of a good reason to use one... but does one really need a reason to take a drone for a spin?
What would you like to rent from Lumoid and how would you use it?

What's Changing in Social Media Marketing in 2015 by Social Media Today

These statistics come from Automation Alley, a technology business association and business accelerator dedicated to growing the economy of Southeast Michigan and enhancing the region’s reputation around the world. Automation Alley offers talent and business development programs and services to tech-focused businesses of all sizes — from startups to large corporations — to help them grow and prosper.

Since its founding in 1999, Automation Alley’s membership has grown to include nearly 1,000 businesses, educational institutions, government entities and nonprofit organizations from the city of Detroit and the surrounding eight-county region. Automation Alley provides a variety of exclusive benefits to its members to help them succeed, including networking opportunities, meeting space and public relations tools. Automation Alley also serves the general business community in five key areas: entrepreneurial services, talent development, international business services, product lifecycle management, and defense and manufacturing.

Automation Alley collaborates with regional partners to provide its members and clients with the best business resources available, to drive local economic growth, and to positively influence the stories being told around the globe about the people and businesses of Greater Detroit.

Bitbelt wanted to send me some of their rubber safety belts to wear with my FitBit Flex to help ease my worries and to share my experience with my followers.

Today is my first day wearing the Bitbelt and so far so good.

First I slid the rubber Bitbelt on to the side of the band with the fastener before putting the band on.

His goal: to make you uncomfortable because being uncomfortable makes you learn.

Carlos Dominguez is a Senior Vice President at Cisco and a technology evangelist who motivates audiences worldwide through his unique perspective on how technology is changing how we communicate, collaborate, and especially how we work. During his keynote at Ragan's Social Media for PR and Corporate Communications Conference in Disney World, Carlos gave a humorous, highly-animated presentation full of deep insight into how the right technologies and the right culture can create winning organizations. He draws from more than 20 years in the industry and a career spent in communications, he revealed how technology is changing the rules of business and explored strategies to avoid getting left behind. Carlos addressed many questions about collaboration including what motivates people to collaborate, how to establish rewards for collaborating, to how find the right experts both inside and outside your company, and how to keep people coming together both online and in person. Most importantly, he discussed what we, as a society, need to do to adapt to living in an "internet of everything" world--meaning a world that relies heavily on the internet for every aspect.

In order to live in this world, you need to do two things:

Just after I ohh-ed and ahh-ed over Wayne State University's Communication and New Media graduate program, I've been blown out of the water again... this time by Stanford University.

1. Machine Learning with Professor Andrew Ng, starting August 20 
2. Cryptography with Professor Dan Boneh, starting August 27 
3. Introduction to Mathematical Thinking with Professor Keith Devlin, starting September 17 
4. Probabilistic Graphical Models with Professor Daphne Koller, starting September 24 
5. Human-Computer Interaction with Professor Scott Klemmer, starting September 24 
6. Introduction to Logic with Professor Michael Genesereth, starting September 24 
7. Organizational Analysis with Professor Dan McFarland, starting September 24 
8. Writing in the Sciences with Professor Kristin Sainani, starting September 24 
9. Algorithms: Design and Analysis, Part 2 with Professor Tim Roughgarden starting in October 2012
10. Technology Entrepreneurship with Professor Chuck Eesley, starting in Fall 2012
11. A Crash Course on Creativity with Professor Tina Seelig, starting in Fall 2012
12. Designing a New Learning Environment with Professor Paul Kim, starting in Fall 2012
13. Finance with Professor Kay Giesecke, starting in Fall 2012
14. Startup Boards: Advanced Entrepreneurship with Professor Clint Korver, starting in Fall 2012 
15. Solar Cells, Fuel Cells and Batteries with Professor Bruce Clemens, starting October 8 
16. An Introduction to Computer Networks with Professors Nick McKeown and Philip Levis, starting October 8

TEDxDetroit has announced that their next big event will take place on Friday, October 26 at two of Detroit's most iconic venues: The Gem Theatre and the Grand Army of the Republic Building (GAR). The event promises to be full of "inspiring sessions from Detroit’s finest business leaders, artists, entrepreneurs and musicians."


As always with TED events, space is limited. TEDxDetroit 2012 is now accepting applications for attendees. From these applications they will choose 100 people to attend this year's event. Don't worry if you are unable to attend the October event however, applicants will automatically be submitted for consideration for the larger spring event.

The application comprises of basic questions about yourself and several short written sections. I found the question of "Idea Worth Spreading?: What is your positive idea worth spreading for the future of Detroit, Michigan and the world?" the most inspiring. You can read my response below:

There are tons of positive messages and ideas in Detroit. We see it here every day. What we are missing is the proper reach across the country and throughout the world. Detroit can only be as "good" as the masses see us. Social media has the power to alter the perception of people everywhere by spreading these positive stories, messages, and ideas. Negative news about Detroit is quick to make national headlines but the same cannot be said about the inspirational stories that come from within this community. We need to change that. We have the power to change that.

Fingers crossed about attending. I think these events do great things for the cities in which they are held. Detroit needs these big thinkers!

This week's episode was insipred with my recent brush with nature. I vacationed in the desolate wilderness of Michigan's Upper Penninsula where 4G doesn't exist and people have no idea what an iPad is. Joe is getting ready to adventure out on a camping trip of his own so I thought I'd offer some words of wisdom to him and all the other techies out there!


Click here to view the Show Notes and to join the conversation!

I recently returned from a 10-day brush with nature. I vacationed in the desolate wilderness of Michigan's Upper Peninsula where 4G does not exist and people have no idea what an iPad is. However there are state parks galore, some of the most beautiful fresh water lakes and waterfalls, and more hiking then one person can handle in a single vacation. Don't get me wrong, the dense forests and natural beauties are enough to keep me occupied but I want to share these sights with everyone in real-time, but Mother Nature makes this incredibly hard!

Here are 4 tech products that allowed me to stay true to my tech-self while unplugging and going "off the grid."

1: Waterproof Camera Case for Mid-Size Camera by DiCAPac
I recently purchased on of the Sony NEX digital cameras, the level below a DSLR, with the interchangeable lenses. I was really excited to put it to good use this summer, especially with this planned vacation. However, the more I thought about it the more I questioned whether or not I wanted my camera up close and personal with rushing rivers, waterfalls, boating, kayaking, and swimming.

So I did some research and this waterproof case by DiCAPac came highly recommended and was moderately priced at about $80 online. The bag is perfect for larger point & shoot digital cameras and allows for a lens of up to 1.4" with an internal diameter of 2.1"--however it also comes with an extender which makes the lens opening longer. The bag protects against fog, water, dust, snow, and sand so it's perfect for any outdoor activity. Although it is in a thick plastic bag basically, it is still easy to use the button controls on the camera my pressing through the plastic.

The only downside is that there is no way to zoom or focus while the lens is inside the casing so you have to use your camera on automatic and either get as close as possible to the subject your photographing or you're going to have to crop and zoom on the computer later.

DiCAPac claims the case is waterproof and usable up to 33ft underwater. However I could not bring myself to test this claim. I liked the peace of mind I had having my camera secure in this case but I didn't trust it to put underwater. I didn't have a reason not to trust it. I just don't live dangerously. But I did take it swimming, into the bottom basin of a waterfall to take pictures, and boating and kayaking--all knowing that IF there was an accident, my camera would survive!

2: Seal Line E-Case (Waterproof Phone Case) by Cascade Designs
Genius! This little guy is absolutely perfect for my iPhone and Seal Line also offers a wide range of sizes to fit all kinds of electronics... all at an incredibly reasonable price (mine was $20 at REI). The plastic front and back allowed for flawless use of the touchscreen and high quality picture taking.

The case features two secure holes so you can attach the case to a  lanyard, keycain, or a carabiner clip--whichever you choose--that way it's not easily lost while jumping and diving in the water.

We did successfully test this product. My boyfriend took it clip diving in some of Michigan's beautiful waterfalls and got video and pictures above and below the water line with no damage or dampness what-so-ever to the phone. Perfect!

3: Geocaching
This one technically isn't a gadget--although it does require a GPS device--but is a great piece of tech that allows you to enjoy nature and your beloved technology all at the same time! If you haven't heard of geocaching, check out their website at www.geocaching.com--they do a wonderful job at explaining what this is all about.

I explain geocaching as modern day treasure hunting (and hiding). Basically join the geocaching website (it's a social network) then download the mobile app on your GPS capable device and then the fun can start. Using the app you can find maps to nearby hidden treasures, called caches. These caches range in size and can be on the ground, in trees, under benches, the possibilities are endless! Inside the caches will be a log where you can write your name, then (depending on size) there will be trinkets left by other geocachers. Take a trinket and leave a trinket that is unique to you. Before you leave use your app to check in at that cache. The geocaching network will keep a record of all the geocaches you find and will share it with all the other geocacher friends you make on the site.

There are over 5 MILLION caches worldwide so there is bound to be something in your neck of the woods! **Note: Caches are not just in rural areas. I've found that the hardest to spot caches are those hidden in plain sight in the busiest parts of the city!

4: Solar Charger by Voltaic Systems
Keeping all these gadgets juiced up is hard when you've hiked deep into the wilderness, miles from the nearest outlet. I purchased the Voltaic Fuse 4W Solar Panels back in December but this is the first time I really was able to put them to the test.

This product is great because the solar panels are attached to a smaller zippered bag with holds the power pack, charging adapters ( for USB, iPod, and other connections), as well as the gadget itself while it's charging.  Voltaic has solar panels that charge larger electronics (at a larger price) such as laptops, but we honestly just wanted to charge our phones, GPS, Kindle, and iPad. You can charge one of two ways: you can charge your gadget directly or you can charge the power pack which can then charge your gadgets once the sun goes down. We attached them to a Timbuk2 backpack where it was able to get optimal sunlight while hiking. It worked flawlessly!


We were able to fit much of what we needed for our summer adventures in a large Timbuk2 backpack (pictured above), which I also highly recommend. It holds everything!

We thankfully survived our adventures with our gadgets still intact and we had the pictures and video to prove it! Without these tech wonders, I'm not sure if I would have made it back sane!

How do you merge the tech world with the outdoors?

The Avengers hits theaters tomorrow, May 4, (or tonight if you're a wild party animal that is attending a midnight premiere) and if the movie wasn't already big enough, now you can become a superhero with its new augmented reality mobile app!


Super Hero AR, the mobile app, is both a mobile game and an interactive in-store experience for the user. The game lets you act as a Marvel super hero and fight enemies overlaid on top of your real world. You could literally fight crime in the comfort of your own home, office or bathroom. You start your journey as Hawkeye but if you wanted to act as one of the more well-known and awesome heroes, you will need to visit your local participating Walmart. With 3500 participating stores, this is a genius "pull" strategy for sales.

Once you visit Walmart you can use your smartphone to scan QR codes on the numerous Avengers placards around the store using the Super Hero AR app. While scanning the codes you'll come across some fun surprises--like standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Iron Man himself. The augmented reality technology used in this app is remarkable and (almost) life like! You can take photos of yourself with the characters and share instantly with your online social network.

This Marvel / Walmart mashup is bound to be a success for all parties involved, including the mainstreaming of augmented reality (which really gets me excited)! In my opinion this is one of more innovative and interactive marketing ploys I've seen for franchise in a long time! The obvious goal for Walmart is to move their vast inventory of Avengers merchandise.

The mobile app is free and readily available for both Apple and Android based phones.

Marvel is no stranger to augmented reality, either. It launched Marvel AR last month, an app that lets readers scan print comics to access hidden extras.

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I just completed a paper and presentation, as part of one of my New Media Communications graduate classes, on community building after a corporate regionalization and how social media can be the tie that holds all employees, regardless of location, together.

I hope you enjoy!

Corporate Regionalization & Community Building

View more presentations from katelynshelby.

Please let me know what you think in the comments!

Today at sundown begins National Day of Unplugging--a day where people are encouraged to power down and unteather themselves from technology.

According to the cause:

The National Day of Unplugging is a respite from the relentless deluge of technology and information. With roots in Jewish tradition, this modern day of rest was developed by Reboot as a way to bring some balance to our increasingly fast-paced way of life and reclaim time to connect with family, friends, the community and ourselves. Shut down your computer. Turn off your cell phone. Stop the constant emailing, texting, Tweeting and Facebooking to take time to notice the world around you. Connect with loved ones. Nurture your health. Get outside. Find silence. Avoid commerce. Give back. Eat Together.

Internet addiction is growing among users and studies also show that being constantly plugged in is also causing psychological issues. So although 24 hours of being away from the internet seems like a relatively short amount of time in the grand scheme of things, it be detrimental to emotions and stability of those with an addiction but it could also relieve some of the psychological and anxiety issues that arise out of over use.

I have to admit that I am guilty of technology and internet over use... but when you love something so much, how can you leave it alone? I know deep down that I need to start removing myself from technology for some much needed "time off."

So take the time to turn off your gadgets and enjoy the world. Unplugged does not mean unconnected. Reconnect with the people, places, and things you have excluded by living an entirely digital life.

You can take the official pledge to unplug, here if you are interested.

Are you prepared to unplug for 24 hours? What will you miss the most? Or if you can't participate, why not? I'm curious to see both sides of this argument since I feel like I fall somewhere in the middle.

On Sunday, Google's Chrome finally conquered Internet Explorer in internet browsing market share . To most, this was an inevitable win for Google. By roughtly .2 percent, Chrome had the upper hand... until Monday. On Monday, IE retook the lead by 5 percent.

Why this switchy switchy, back-and-forth?

The day is a key indicator for how Chrome tipped the scales. Sunday. At home on the weekends, people are free to use whichever browser they want. People might not be using Chrome at home but instead Safari or Firefox, ultimately taking away IE's market share that day. IE is popular, and mostly mandatory, in office and business settings. Alternative browsers are on the rise, especially Chrome, and without all that business traffic on Sundays IE was already feeling the pain. This also explains why IT took back it's crown come Monday--when everyone returned to the office.

At this time (roughly), Chrome occupies 30% of browsing while Internet Explorer accounts for about 35%. Firefox occupies about 25% of the global market share, while Safari trails with 7%. What was once the forefront of internet browsers, IE has been loosing users at a dramatic rate.

But can Internet Explorer make a comeback?

Have you seen this Internet Explorer commercial that has been hitting the airwaves as of late?


This commercial makes the browser look beautiful, intuitive and kind of like an Apple product. It looks like Microsoft went all out to compete with Google and Apple and fill consumers' need to be surrounded by beautiful things.

Now I'm an Apple person so I wouldn't even dare dream to make the switch. But I did find this commercial emotionally engaging (but then again, I'm the type of person that is emotionally connected with technology and not everyone is). I might have even thought to myself, I should check it out. Ehhhh... probably not. But it is a compelling ad.

Was Microsoft hoping this commercial would be their saving grace? Is it working? Does it make you want to switch?

Obviously there is a lot going on at South by Southwest (SXSW)--music, film and "interactive." But what do they mean by interactive? Tech, of course! Social tech!


What You Missed at SXSW: Tech Launches
It has been common practice for tech start-ups to launch their product or service at SXSW. In 2009, Foursquare and Gowalla (RIP) both launched at SXSW. Whatever is buzzing at SXSW instantly becomes a social media and tech trend--last year SXSW was abuzz with Pinterest and now look at the masses! This year there were lots of mobile apps fight on the front lines, but these are the ones that stood out from the crowd.

Highlight is the "who's by me" app. Basically you can scan the area to see who in your general vicinity (on highlight) where you can then friend/follow them, if you please. At first this sounds creepy but if you think about it in the terms of traditional networking, if you meet someone at a conference and you want to initiate an online friendship or business networking you can simply scan the area for them in highlight. In today's society it is common networking to friend/follow someone you just met, this just makes it easier to find them to do so.
Task Rabbit is the "outsourcing" app. Basically think of a lame, mundane task or errand that has been on your "honey do" list for the past year that you keep putting off... now think about what it could be like if you could outsource it to a stranger who likes doing that task! There is someone out there who wants to fix your sticky door jam... for FREE! And now you can have Task Rabbit find them for you!

For other takeaway thoughts from this year's SXSW, check out this Huffington Post article on the eight biggest points.

I would really like to go to SXSW on year. Perhaps I'll make it next year!

Here are the things I find noteworthy from this past week in the world of tech news:

• The Future of PR is here by Charlie Kondek - An examination of the new world PR industry and the types of skills needed to be a successful PR professional. I had the opportunity to hear Charlie Kondek, Sr. Social Media Strategist at Team Detroit, speak this week on the new model of PR.
• Kony Stirs Debate - If you haven't watched the viral Kony video released by Invisible Children, then you need to watch it to understand the drama. Then a simple "Kony debate" Google search will get you up to speed on both sides. Despite who is right and who is wrong, you can't deny the power of social media word of mouth here.
• Apple's New iPad: The 9 Features that Matter - Are you still trying to sort through what actually changed with the new iPad that was unveiled on Wednesday? Here's a quick guide to the most important and exciting changes.
• How to Sell Your iPad Now - If you're in the market for an upgrade, this is the guide for you. How, where and when to sell your older iPad model.
  
• Social Media Fatigue - How it happens, the affects it has on your body, and tips to conquer the beast.
• SXSW - South by Southwest started this yesterday in Austin, Texas. As usual it is expected to have awesome film, music and internet/social media showcases. 

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Picking an iPhone case is one of the most important decisions of your life.

Okay, I'm being kind of dramatic but really... your phone case, or lack there of, says a lot about you! Are you fun? Are you serious? Artsy? Or do you walk on the wild side and let your phone go naked?!

So help me choose my new cover!

Claro by iSkin
I have a black phone and I really like this one in purple. It's not too loud but it has some sparkle which gives it a little character. $34.99

Grip Groove Duo by Belkin
Simple, clean, white without being boring. $17.99

Glam by Case Mate
It's like carrying around a bar of gold! $40.00




Black Faux Wood by piimism
As much as I really want a wood case I'm afraid a wooden case is going to be too heavy, thick and bulky. This faux wood case might be the perfect solution. $20.00

Solo FX SE by iSkin
Simple with some pizzaz! It's classic black without being boring! $34.99 


Little Blue Box
Need I say more? $35.20

Waddle by Case Mate
How freaking cute is this little guy?!  $25.00

So which is it? Which are your favorites? I need a case that shows off my personality, yet is appropriate for the workplace. There's this guy at my work with a purple polka dot case and he gets teased so bad! I don't want to be him.

Leave your votes in the comments!

We are now taking a huge step in making augmented reality a staple in our every day lives thanks to Google!


Majority of people are most familiar with augmented reality through the use of various mobile apps like Layar, which makes it easy to locate and find services in nearby locations via your mobile phone's camera. These, and similar, apps basically take in real-world objects and augment them into the digital world, often in real-time.  And the "real-time" aspect is exactly what Google is keying into.

There has been a steady leak of information coming out of Google on the top secret project revolving around the Google's AR glasses. These Android based, heads-up display glasses will display streaming real-time information about the wearer's surroundings, literally right before their eyes.

The data will be fetched through a 3G or 4G data connection, GPS locating, front-facing camera to capture the environment, voice control interface, and several other sensors.

So when will we be able to get our hands on these? Sources close to the New York Times are reporting we'll see them hitting the shelves by the end of 2012. Sources are also saying the glasses will cost around the same price as current smartphones then, I'm assuming, you will need some kind of data package.

Will you buy a pair?

Hopefully technology will progress until a point where we do not need to wear glasses anymore. Augmented reality contact lenses, maybe? A sci-fi dream!


If I just caught your interest in augmented reality, try out these cool apps in preparation for the Google Googles launch!

Augmented Car Finder - For those drunken nights when you lose your car.
Google Sky Map - For a romantic night under the stars.
Lookator - A map to all the best wifi signals.