Let’s Get Together

Do you ever find yourself with a choice of what service to use when you absolutely must connect with someone. If so, then you might want to think carefully on what option to use. It is very important that you keep yourself aware of all the big communication and connection tools that exist so that the right one fits your needs. In this article I would like to discuss just a few points that affect my choices when it comes to connecting with people.

So firstly why communicate? Well it allows us to get the messages we need across to those we care about. Things to consider are the importance, the urgency and the security to be applied to this communication process. Also it might be worth knowing that the location the communication is to commence from will matter in this age of smartphones and tablets, we have to know, are we well connected? For example some communication tools require the back up of a landline service through a WIFI connection and others will work nicely on a persons cellular signal (3G). Make the choice wisely because wasting time and effort on the wrong service because you could not get connected is irritating to say the least.

Here is a nice little list of the services I am using at present. I have also explained why I have chosen each one, how nice!

1. Google Hangouts - As my world centers around my google account it seems only sensible to have my primary digital service be built and managed by a company I trust wholeheartedly. I am also a very big fan of how many different ways the service can help me communicate and share with others.
2. Skype - This service is wonderfully useful for those of us with family in far off lands with only limited technical skill and small patience for complex tasks. Skype is easy and useful to everyone.
3. Facebook Messenger - Very standard instant messenger web service, obviously built inside all Facebook pages so it is only a click away. It is private, supposedly secure and nice way to share small things across the Facebook system in real time.
4. iMessage - Apple built this into their devices to make it simple to talk to anyone with an Apple ID instantaneously. It really is wonderful, I do love how you can easily pic up a conversation on an iPad and finish it on a Macbook or iPhone.
5. LinkedIn - This one is not so useful for communication but more for networking on a professional level, but it does allow you to send brief notes to other members, I would say this is quite useful.
6. WhatsApp Messenger - A great messaging app for iOS devices and others that easily takes away the boredom of text messaging and replaces it with a much cleaner and simpler interface.

All of the above services allows us to get in touch with people quickly and effectively. I guess it will be up to you and your situation and needs to decide which to use and when. Just be sure to look around for alternatives if you get bored by one of them at an point. Also remember to update if necessary, the provides will often enhance the services over time. It is worth being up to date and running the most recent version with the most advanced features.

When we communicate we truly are trying to get something perfect done, a message, from one to the other. Sounds simple doesn't it, but really a lot does go into this sort of thing. I would tend to believe that unless a person sends their message with the right tools then clearly they are not giving it the due respect it deserves and the respondent is just going to loose out. I am forever scanning the feeds of news in the technology worlds for bigger and quicker communication tools because I am never truly satisfied, I want more.

Lastly here are the links for the services I mentioned, do have yourself a look and select appropriately. Although you could do as i do and try them all! One final note I recommend you all subscribe to a certain podcast from the TWIT network for up to date news on this topic, it is called “The Social Hour”.

1. www.google.com/hangouts
2. www.skype.com
3. www.facebook.com
4. www.linkedin.com
5. www.whatsapp.com
6. www.twit.tv (Podcast Source)

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Ben Spicer