DominoKeys.com

My favorite part of my job description reads like this:

“Stay abreast of current and emerging technologies and actively seek ways to integrate them into the IT and overall business strategy where appropriate.”

I find that I’m often testing out new websites, applications, tools, etc. both because I’m interested in doing so, but also because “its my job.” I also find that some really good ideas don’t go very far just because the application isn’t all there, or is a bit complicated or because I can’t see people easily adopting it.

However, I’ve noticed lately that some applications pop up on the radar screen again and get a second chance because they have an iPhone. Some of those include:

reQall
Rundown: Call a number, visit a website or use the iPhone app to describe something you have to do and when it needs to be done. reQall will translate your voice into text, determine what time/date it is needed and send you reminders via email, the website or iPhone app.
Review: Handy app. I can how people would really integrate this into their workflow. For me, its just a great way to not forget something that I remember when I’m driving, on a weekend, etc. I simply call the reQall number, say what I want to remember and when I need to remember it by, and the app emails me and places it in my iPhone application. Simple enough.

Basecamp/Basetent
Rundown: Basecamp is a simple to-do and project management utility on the web. I like it because the free version allows me to send tasks via email to people and isn’t bloated with all sorts of useless tools which can quickly complicate projects that simply aren’t big enough to warrant them (not to say the product can’t be used for big projects – just that I don’t use it for that). I have a standing meeting with my team each Monday morning and I keep track of all of our high priority items on the site. With lots of ajax-y-ness, I can add tasks, assign to people and send them an email. Easy. Simple.
Review: Basetent (lite version available) is an iPhone application that lets me access my Basecamp project on the go. The interface is very good and it makes it that much easier for me to keep important projects and to-do’s infront of me at all times. Its actually extended the way I use Basecamp quite a bit since it made it that much easier to carry information with me.

TripIt
Rundown: Email your confirmation information from airlines, hotels, rental cars, etc. to TripIt from an email account you register. The service figures out what information is important and creates an itinerary with the information as well as handy links including things like maps between the airport you are landing at and the hotel you are traveling to.
Review: There are lots of features available and I’ve just scratched the surface, however this is one of my favorite applications. I used it a while ago and thought it was good, but the addition of an iPhone app lets me carry my itenerary with me at all times complete with handy links and a nice interface. Brilliant!

Tags: applications, basecamp, basetent, iphone, reqall, travel, tripit