Gowalla 2.0 for iPhone 3G

Gowalla, a "social network that connects people with places by inspiring them to discover and share the world" based out of Austin, Texas, has announced Gowalla 2.0 for the iPhone 3G and 3GS. The new version is much like the older version, but with better, enhanced features. The location-based social networking app is said to be better than ever and offers tons of great features that let you check in and let your friends know where you are at any time.

Not only is the new app designed better - it's more flexible, readable and over all usable, but gives users the ability to do so much in the way of social networking. Users can check in and add new spots, upload photos, brows friends' photos, or see photos taken at a particular spot. They can also receive comments from friends and other users once they've checked in. If you want to add a message to your spot, you can do so, and if you want to do it later, you can come back and do that too. Hot spots in nearby areas will be highlighted so users can discover them and you'll have the opportunity to browse friends' bookmarked spots, as well as create trips.

You can build your network by staying in touch with friends from Twitter, Facebook, and other websites, as well as keep up with addresses, phone numbers, Twitter names, and Facebook pages of various check in spots. There is so much to do! The app is fun and useful.

In a press release, Josh Williams, the co-founder and CEO of Gowalla said, "Gowalla 2.0 for iPhone is an amazing step forward for us and our product. We’re very excited to have Chevy working with us during SXSW to showcase the new features of our platform. Gowalla is about going out and exploring the world around you, and it’s always great to have some friends along for the ride.”

Gowalla has also updated their SXSW website (gowalla.com/sxsw), to include real-world rewards, events, competitions, and challenges.

Chevrolet has partnered with Gowalla to let Austin, Texas users receive icons redeemable for transportation in a dedicated fleet of Chevrolet vehicles, or information at Chevrolet lounges around the city.

Gowalla 2.0 is free from the Apple App Store, or you can download it from Gowalla.com. People from over 165 countries have already checked in at over 600,000 places.

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What You Need to Know About Microsoft's Kin

On Monday of this week, Microsoft introduced the Kin One and Kin Two, but a lot of people are wondering what exactly they need to know about the new phones. Well, the Kin appears to be aimed a younger generation, (CNET specifies ages 15 to 30 and describes that age group as the "the folks posting their every thought, sight, and sound to Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube" as well as "young parents looking to upload all those adorable pictures of their kids and/or puppies." That, alone, should tell you a lot about the phone. As a matter of fact, instead of having a menu, when you turn on your phone, you'll have three main screens: contacts, built-in programs, and status updates from your social networks. Contacts and status updates come from Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, and Windows Live.

Also according to CNET, the Kin looks a little bit like the Sidekick but runs on Windows CE instead of the Java-based operating system the Sidekick used. And it's certainly nothing like an iPhone, Android or Blackberry. If you're dreaming of adding all kinds of apps to your phone, keep dreaming. Microsoft says they're hoping the phone will fit your needs without the need or any additions. With that in mind, Microsoft is calling it an entry-level smartphone.

Each phone comes with Zune built in, which allows you to transfer music and movies from your computer and stream music on demand. Pictures can be uploaded to all social media sites with the exception of Twitter. They have web-based email capabilities, Exchange for business email, and POP and IMAP services.

Both phones feature touchscreens, bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and slide-out keyboards. The Kin Two is a bit higher end than the Kin One. It has double the memory (8GB), a larger screen and keyboard, the ability to shoot HD video, a better camera, and a stereo speaker verses the mono speaker on the Kin One.

The software is not completely compatible with Mac, but it does allow you to transfer music and pictures from iTunes or iPhoto. Kin One and Kin Two are tentatively scheduled to be released in May, but an exact date has not yet been set, nor has an exact price.

For more details, check out CNET's 411 on Microsoft Kin.

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Keep Your Smartphone Secure

There's a lot to be said about computer security these days, but what about your cell phone? With more and more people using their smartphones to do things they would have done on a laptop just a year or two ago, it's important to take extra precautions just as you would with your computer. If you're conducting business on the go, you don't want your sensitive information to end up in the wrong hands. Below are a few things to keep in mind when using your smartphone.

1. Don't save your passwords. I know it's tempting to click that little "remember me" option when signing into a website you use frequently. Typing out your password every time you check your email or bank account can be annoying, but imagine your cell phone getting lost, or worse, stolen, and the thief is able to sign in to all of your accounts with just the click of a button. Your lost cell phone would be the least of your worries.

2. Watch What You Download. Using your phone to download is still sort of a new concept, as downloading on a PC once was. Because of this, your phone is susceptible to malware, well, much like your PC once was (and may still be). Download with care. If it seem suspect, don't do it and if you're not sure, exercise caution. Also, make sure your apps and smartphone operating systems are up-to-date, which can help keep some harm away from your phone.

3. Make sure websites are secure when necessary. Just as you would online, make sure any website where you are accessing sensitive data starts with "https." The extra "s" is for "secure." If your phone has an option for a secure connection, always choose it, especially when using a public Wi-Fi network.

4. Don't invite intruders with your Bluetooth. If you're not using Bluetooth, turn it off and make sure your phone asks your permission to pair up with other Bluetooth devices. This is an easy way to allow the wrong person to access your phone and information.

5. Reset your phone. If you're no longer planning to use your phone, especially if you plan to sell or donate it, make sure you've wiped it clean. Remove your SIM card and any memory cards. Also, make sure you restore it to the original factory settings.

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Netflix App to Soon Come to the iPhone

On Friday, Netflix announced that they are releasing an app for Apple’s new iPad, but it looks like the iPad is not the only device to be receiving attention from Netflix. Netflix Vice President Steve Swasey said via the official Netflix blog, " For those of you asking whether Netflix will be on the iPhone and iPod Touch: We wouldn't invite you to dinner without planning to serve dessert. In other words, we're working on it so stay tuned."

The app that Netflix has developed allows users streaming access to their Instant Queue. This means that you can watch anything from Netflix’s online collection of movies and TV shows anytime that you want. This streaming access is free and unlimited for any Netflix users that have an unlimited Netflix account.

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Sell On the Go with New eBay iPhone Apps

If you like to sell on ebay, or even make your living that way, now you can do it on the go. eBay has announced two new apps for iPhone. One is an app for eBay.com and the other is for the company's new website, eBayClassifieds.com. The new apps allow consumers to take a picture of and list an item in under a minute and make auction-style listings for free. eBay.com has over 90 million users worldwide and the new eBayClassified.com allows you to reach buyers in your community. The new app will also allow you to buy items on the website, using your iPhone, and it's easier than ever. This week, an app for the new Apple iPad will be available as well.

In a press release, Lorrie Norrington, the president of eBay, talked about the apps and what they'll do for eBay users, "We offer more choice in ecommerce formats for sellers and buyers than any other online shopping destination. The eBay Selling app makes it easy for sellers to bring even greater value and selection to eBay and offer more great deals for buyers. Whether selling or shopping, we’ve put the world’s largest online marketplace in the palm of your hand, and we’ve introduced a great new option for consumers who prefer to sell and buy in a trusted, family friendly local classifieds format.”

Right now, over 8 million people are using their iPhones to shop on the website and this year the company expects to generate over $1.5 billion in merchandise volume through mobile platforms, alone, doubling the amount generated in 2009.

The eBay.com app allows users to do a number of things directly from their phones. Sellers can point, shoot, and click to list an item in less than a minute (or so says the press release). Sellers can also research sales trends before listing items and view the status of items for sale. The app allows users to share their listings on Facebook and Twitter, as well as quickly link to other eBay and Paypal apps.

The eBayClassifieds.com app allows users to post free ads in under a minute. The ad can have up to eight photos from the user's photo library or that were taken fro the iPhone camera. Users can also search by keyword, location, price range, and other specifications quickly and easily, s well as view a single-age ad view with reply, share, and watch features.

The new apps are available in over 190 countries, in eight languages. Both apps are free to download. Together, with the recently released Paypal Mobile for iPhone, the apps make mobile eBay transactions easier than ever.

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