How You Can Listen to Podcasts

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As podcasting grows in 2019, a common comment I hear is, “I don’t even know how to listen to podcasts.” Indeed, it’s not the most intuitive thing. There are lots of different ways to get shows, and each show could ostensibly do different things. It’s not like TV, where you buy a dedicated device and then can channel surf. And with Spotify promising exclusive podcast content, it could get a little more confusing. So…how can you listen to podcasts?

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Mobile Matters! Google to change Search Rankings

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If you’ve done a Google Search on your mobile device recently, you may have noticed that Google adds a bit of text in the search results alerting you to the fact that a website is (or is not) mobile friendly. This can have a big impact on your website’s search ranking.
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4.4K People per Month Google, “How do I Google something,” and that’s OK

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I came across the above graphic today thanks to this Google Plus post and my knee jerk reaction wasn’t, “Wow those people are dumb.” I think that’s a pretty big step for me because I’m trying to be more open minded and less judgmental. I teach college students, talk at conferences, and field a whole host of different questions every day. If I was constantly calling people dumb for not knowing what I know, I wouldn’t be very popular, and I’d be a horrible educator. Unfortunately, I think that’s the default mentality when it comes to something like this stat.

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Win All 3 of my Books in this eBook Give Away!

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With the weather getting nicer here in the Northeast (finally), me moving to @wpengine (finally), and some extra codes sitting around for electronic copies of my books, I decided I it would be nice to ring in Spring with a give away! Read on to see how you can win a eBook version of all three of my books: Building WordPress Themes from Scratch, Responsive Design with WordPress, and The Web Designer’s Guide to Google Glass.

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What Android Wear Means for Websites

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This week Google announced that they are bringing Android  to wearable technology. This is already been a big topic of discussion (one I’ve actually spoken on a few times) and Google feels it’s the next big step in technology; I share those sentiments and have been pretty open about them. I own a Jawbone UP and Google Glass, and a smart watch has been on my radar for a while. With the new Android Wear project, it will be even easier to create wearables, and even better, create wearables using Android. This could have some big implications, not only for app developers, but also web developers.

Responsive Web Design is all but an ubiquitous term in the web development world right now; coders and clients alike are focusing on making websites that look good on smartphones and tablets. There is just recently a focus on moving up to bigger screens, but what about screens so small that the interactions are limited to voice and swipe?

In my recent ebook, The Web Designer’s Guide to Google Glass, I discuss the importance of considering these types of devices early on the web development process. Yes, it’s true that less than 1% of people have Google Glass and that wearables are just beginning to permeate the market; even fewer have a viable screen to view websites on. I think with Android Wear, this will change. Google is integrating Google Now into everything it’s doing, and at it’s core Google Now is an extension of search; browser support is as inevitable as it is foreseeable and we need to start thinking about how people will use our websites on these smaller devices.

With Google Glass, you have a touch panel on the right side of your head which you can use in conjunction with moving your head to “look around” a website. At this point, you can’t interact with forms, submit information, etc. Perhaps that will change in the future. I think Google Glass and wearables in general are more about delivering content in a readable, easy to consume way.

I’m excited to see what Android Wear as to offer as far as features and functionality. I think this will be a big step in a new direction in technology and in the web.

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The Web Designer’s Guide to Google Glass

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Yesterday, Web Design Tuts+ (@wdtuts) published a somewhat lengthly article I wrote about designing websites for Google Glass. I cover quite a bit, from device usage, to UX, to Mobile First and RWD. From the article:

…we as web developers should be mindful of how we develop our websites. As it turns out, the principles I’m going to discuss aren’t all that new, but suggest a future-friendly approach to web design; important as devices like Glass (or even Apple’s fabled iWatch) are released to the market.

I will also be releasing an e-book sometime in the near future delving more into this topic, along with some sample code. For now, if you’re interested, check out the article!

The Web Designer’s Guide to Google Glass

 

Interesting Links for July 25th

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In the shameless self-promotion file, we have:

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Google Glass FAQs

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I’ve had Google Glass for just over a week now and while I’m working up several articles on my thoughts, I did want to address some FAQs I’ve been getting from people. A lot of them are coming from the very same people you’re seeing over at People Reacting to Glass!

  1. How much do they cost? $1500 and come with the device, an eye “shield”, sunglass attachments, and a charger. It’s rumored that when they are released to the public, they’ll be closer to $300-500.
  2. Can anyone buy them? Not right now; they are currently only available to people who applied and were invited to the Glass Explorers program, which is now closed.
  3. Can you use them while driving? I’d say it’s slightly less distracting that an cell phone. I wouldn’t recommend it, and some people are saying they fall under the “Texting while Driving” laws in select states.
  4. Do you need a data plan to use them? No- as a matter of fact, Google Glass doesn’t have the ability to take on a data plan. Wifi is built in, and when you aren’t on Wifi, Glass tethers via bluetooth to your phone, using your phone’s data.
  5. Do they work with your glasses? My glasses, personally? No. Mine have really thick frames. In general, I’m told Google Glass can be sized over your glasses. I was told they are also working on prescription versions.
  6. How’s the battery life? The battery life is ok. It lasts about 7-8 hours on normal use. If you’re tethered to your phone all day, you might see your phone’s battery drain more quickly.

Have other questions or comments? Leave them here! The good ones may even get featured on the new blog.

Interesting Links & Podcasts for for July 18

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Podcasts I’ve Been Listening To

Finally, with Google Glass I’ve created a new blog called People Reacting to Glass. It’s a lot of fun and you should check it out (and if you have Glass, submit your own photos)