Project 365 2011 - Photo #172

Windows 7 T-shirts in 3 colors - green, red, blue. I didn't get the black one though.

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Help Save Social Energy & Score An LG Optimus Contest

Help Save Social Energy and score an LG Optimus Windows Phone 7!

The person with the most number of referrals who signed in using their special coded link from each country will win the LG Optimus Windows Phone 7.

Click on the screenshot above or here to go to the contest page.

Hurry! Contest ends 15 November 2010.

Click here to view the compilation of my Windows Phone 7 posts.

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Windows Phone 7: Make It Mine Contest

Windows Phone Malaysia is currently running a Windows Phone 7: Make It Mine contest! Your Windows Phone 7 is just a click away when you join and create a buzz!

Join now and win a brand new HTC HD7!

• "Like" the Windows Phone Malaysia Facebook page.
• Click the "Contest" tab.
• Click "Join Now" on the contest introduction page (as per screenshot above).
• Click the "Enter Contest" button on the contest page.
  
• Post your contest entry as many times you like on your Facebook wall and get your friends, family members, and whoever you know to support you by clicking the "Support" button.
• The person with the most support will win a HTC HD7.

Cool? Join Now!

Hurry! Contest ends 15 November 2010.

Click here to view the compilation of my Windows Phone 7 posts.

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Word It and Win a HTC Touch Diamond2 Contest

Business Advantage Newsletter

Microsoft is offering free insights on small and medium enterprises (SME) business via its monthly Business Advantage Newsletter. Apart from helping businesses harness the power of technology for further growth in their respective fields, this newsletter also features Microsoft's latest news and promotions. Subscribers will be able to enhance their software skills via the tips and tricks section while keeping themselves informed with the latest security threats.

Click the links below to view past issues of Microsoft's Business Advantage Newsletter:
September 2010 | October 2010

Word It and Win Contest

So, have you subscribed to the Business Advantage Newsletter? If you haven't, hurry! Here's the subscription link.

If you've subscribed to the newsletter, you now stand a chance to win a HTC Touch Diamond2! Click here for the contest page and tell Microsoft what Business Advantage Newsletter does for your business in less than 160 characters. The most creative answer wins! So, let your creativity win you a HTC Touch Diamond2.

Contest Period:
13 September 2010 – 30 November 2010

HTC Touch Diamond2

Be in style with the ultra-sharp wide screen display that reveals every minute detail vividly and keep all your interactions neatly laid for viewing. Keep connected with its beautiful intuitive controls of the HTC Touch Diamond2, your perfect business companion to keep you in the loop.

Hurry! Contest ends 30 November 2010.

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Our Savior -- The Windows Phone 7 -- HTC 7 Mozart & HTC HD7

Photo Source

I really like Microsoft's latest move that focuses on being a global SAVIOR. How so? I'd say, Microsoft is on a mission to SAVE us from being limited by our need and necessity to stay online via social networks so that we can focus on actual connections in our daily life even while we are online and on the go.

Having said that, let me prove my points:

• Remember the tagline for Windows Phone 7? It's called "The Phone that SAVES Us". Let's read my post about Windows Phone 7 -- The Phone that Saves Us.
• Do you know about Microsoft's SAVE Social Energy campaign? This is the campaign launched in conjunction with the rolling out of Windows Live Hotmail, Messenger & Essentials 2011, the suite designed to assist us in saving our social energy. The aim is to assist us on how to spend our time on social networks more efficiently so we can balance work, social networking, and other lifestyle requirements effectively! Click here to view the compilation of my Save Social Energy posts or visit savesocialenergy.com or facebook.com/savesocialenergy for more information about saving social energy.
  

Now, back to Windows Phone 7 -- the phone that saves us.

Having attended the launch of the Windows Phone 7 in KL in October 2010 and witnessed the phone's unique design and functionality, I'd say the time has come to own a Windows Phone 7 and be SAVED!

Windows Phone 7 is carefully designed to assist us in getting more done in fewer steps with its unique Hub and Tile interface. The Windows Phone 7 Hubs (Office, People, Photo) offer quick and easy access to a person's latest and information that matters -- contacts, photos, music, Office, etc. Read more here and here too.

Therefore, if one can get more done in a quicker way and fewer steps, doesn't this also contribute to the saving social energy effort? I'm definitely thrilled to be part of this cutting-edge breakthrough!

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Good news! In Malaysia, two new HTC smartphones with the Windows Phone 7 portfolio -- HTC 7 Mozart and HTC HD7 -- are available now! Let's take a look at the specifications of HTC 7 Mozart and HTC HD7.

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HTC 7 Mozart -- Composed Brilliance With Every Touch

Processor: Qualcomm QSD 8250, 1GHz

Operating System: Windows Phone 7

Memory:

• ROM: 512 MB
• RAM: 576 MB (including 64MB on-chip memory)
• Internal Storage: 8GB

Dimensions & Weight: 119 mm (L) x 60.2 mm (W) x 11.9 mm (T), 130 grams (with battery)

Display: 3.7‐inch touch screen with 480 x 800 resolution WVGA display

Network:

• HSPA/WCDMA: 900/2100 MHz
• GSM: 850/900/1800/1900 MHz
• Band frequency and data speed are operator dependent.
  

Internet:

• 3G: Up to 7.2 Mbps download speed & 2 Mbps upload speed
• GPRS: Up to 114 kbps download speed
• Wi-Fi®: IEEE 802.11 b/g/n

GPS: Internal GPS antenna

Sensors: G-sensor, Digital Compass, Proximity Sensor, Ambient Light Sensor

Connectivity:

• Bluetooth® 2.1 with Enhanced Data Rate
• A2DP for wireless stereo headsets
• 3.5 mm stereo audio jack
• Standard micro-USB (5-pin micro-USB 2.0)
• Wi-Fi®: IEEE 802.11 b/g/n

Camera:

• 8.0 megapixel color camera with auto focus and Xenon flash
• 720p HD video recording

Multimedia:

• Audio supported formats: Playback: .m4a, .m4b, .mp3, .wma (Windows Media Audio 9)
• Video supported formats: Playback: .3gp, .3g2, .mp4, .m4v, .mbr, .wmv (Windows Media Video 9 and VC-1), recording: .mp4
• You can only playback a .3gp or .3g2 video if the video is an email attachement or is part of an MMS message.

Battery:

• Rechargeable Lithium-ion polymer or Lithium-ion battery
• Capacity: 1300 mAh
• Talk time: Up to 330 minutes for WCDMA & 405 minutes for GSM
• Standby time: Up to 435 hours for WCDMA & 360 hours for GSM
• The above are subject to network and phone usage.

Special Features: SRS WOW HD™ surround sound

Value Added Applications:

• HTC Hub
• Downloadable Applications: Stocks, Notes, Photo Enhancer, HTC Calculator, HTC Converter, List

Recommended Windows System Requirements: Windows® 7 , Windows Vista® or Windows XP

Read more about HTC 7 Mozart.

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HTC HD7 -- Unmatched in Form and Factor

Processor: Qualcomm QSD 8250, 1GHz

Operating System: Windows Phone 7

Memory:

• ROM: 512 MB
• RAM: 576 MB
• Internal Storage: 16GB

Dimensions & Weight: 122 mm (L) x 68 mm (W) x 11.2 mm (T), 162 grams (with battery)

Display: 4.3‐inch capacitive touch screen with 480 x 800 WVGA resolution

Network:

• HSPA/WCDMA: 900/2100 MHz
• GSM: 850/900/1800/1900 MHz
• Band frequency and data speed are operator dependent.

Internet:

• 3G: Up to 7.2 Mbps download speed & 2 Mbps upload speed
• GPRS: Up to 114 kbps download speed
• Wi-Fi®: IEEE 802.11 b/g/n

GPS: Internal GPS antenna

Sensors: G-sensor, Digital Compass, Proximity Sensor, Ambient Light Sensor

Connectivity:

• Bluetooth® 2.1 with Enhanced Data Rate
• A2DP for wireless stereo headsets
• 3.5 mm stereo audio jack
• Standard micro-USB (5-pin micro-USB 2.0)
• Wi-Fi®: IEEE 802.11 b/g/n

Camera:

• 5.0 megapixel color camera with auto focus and flash
• 720p HD video recording

Multimedia:

• Audio supported formats: Playback: .m4a, .m4b, .mp3, .wma (Windows Media Audio 9)
• Video supported formats: Playback: .3gp, .3g2, .mp4, .m4v, .mbr, .wmv (Windows Media Video 9 and VC-1), Recording: .mp4
• You can only playback a .3gp or .3g2 video if the video is an email attachement or is part of an MMS message.

Battery:

• Removable and Rechargeable Lithium-ion polymer or Lithium-ion battery
• Capacity: 1230 mAh
• Talk time: Up to 320 minutes for WCDMA & 380 minutes for GSM
• Standby time: Up to 320 hours for WCDMA & 310 hours for GSM
• The above are subject to network and phone usage.

Special Features: Kickstand and SRS WOW HD™ surround sound

Value Added Applications:

• HTC Hub
• Downloadable applications: Stocks, Notes, Photo Enhancer, HTC Calculator, HTC Converter, List

Recommended Windows System Requirements: Windows® 7 , Windows Vista® or Windows XP

Read more about HTC HD 7.

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Prices:

• HTC HD7: Suggested retail price will be RM2,399.
• HTC 7 Mozart: Suggested retail price will be RM2,099.

1

Save Social Energy (4) -- Microsoft Windows Live Survey Results (Malaysia)

Results of the Windows Live Survey, carried out by Microsoft to gather insights into the email and social media habits of people across the Asia Pacific are unveiled! Excited to discover the results? The survey was conducted as Microsoft rolls out its new Hotmail, Messenger and Essentials, designed to assist the public to 'save social energy'.

Based on this online survey and in line with Microsoft's saving social energy effort, I've written a post about the meaning of saving social energy and how we can conduct a self analysis to find out whether our social life is full of clutter and chaos or whether we're making the best out of your social life. Here's the post.

"Technology is supposed to enrich our lives, not weigh us down. With this survey, we wanted to understand three things: how people are handling information in the digital world, why they might be feeling overwhelmed and how can we simplify their world. In essence, we want to show people how they can boost their social energy, by efficiently organizing their multiple social networks," said Ananth Lazarus, Managing Director of Microsoft Malaysia.

To officiate the 'Save Social Energy' campaign, Microsoft has proceeded with the launch of Hotmail, Messenger & Essentials, the suite designed to assist us in boosting (while saving) our social energy.

The event, held at Yogitree at The Gardens, focuses on Microsoft's aims to help us cut through the social media clutter and overload with the new Hotmail, Messenger, and Windows Live Essentials, to get to what we need easier, faster, and in a more fun manner. The new features of Hotmail, Messenger and Windows Live Essentials, i.e. Windows Live Photo Gallery and Windows Live Movie Maker that enhance our efficiency on social networks are demonstrated clearly.

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Windows Live Survey Results (Malaysia, October 2010)

In Malaysia, we drew 324 respondents, with females comprising 55% of the sample pool.

Email Management Practices

• Over 50% of respondents admitted to maintaining 3 or more personal email accounts.
• Keeping in touch with family and friends was the most popular function of personal email accounts. Sending files and documents came in a close second, while serving as a destination to receive news alerts pulled in at third place.
• Nearly half of respondents revealed having upwards of 20 unread emails in their personal accounts' inboxes.
• Almost 50% of respondents do not practice the habit of filing away the emails in their personal accounts.
• 96% of respondents claimed to receive at least some form of unwanted mail each day, with nearly a quarter of respondents receiving more than 15 spam and/or junk mails daily.

Social Networking Habits

• 45% of respondents are active on 3 or more social networks.
• 59% of respondents open 3 or more windows on their computer screen for instant messaging and/or social networking purposes.
• Over 70% of respondents estimated that only a quarter or less of their "friends" across social networks could actually be considered close friends.
• Two-thirds of respondents do not regularly "scrub" their "friends lists" on social networks.
• Over 90% of respondents classified half or less of the updates that they receive on social networks as important and/or relevant.
• 71% of respondents spend more than an hour on social networks each day.
• Almost half of respondents revealed feeling weighed down by the flood of information via emails and social networks.

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So, how?

"Managing multiple social networks means using unnecessary social energy; aggregating information into one place definitely seems like the way forward. This is one key benefit that Windows Live Messenger offers through integration with popular sites such as Facebook, LinkedIn, and MySpace," said Gavin Tan, co-founder of the Save Social Energy movement.

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Click here to view the compilation of my Save Social Energy posts or visit savesocialenergy.com or facebook.com/savesocialenergy for more information about saving social energy.

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Project 365 - Photo #307

Cute Windows Live Messenger Buddy soft toys as door gift from Microsoft's Save Social Energy event at Yogitree @ The Gardens, Midvalley.

Click here to view the compilation of my Save Social Energy posts or visit savesocialenergy.com or facebook.com/savesocialenergy for more information about saving social energy.

Posted via email from joycescapade :: posterous

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Microsoft Office for Mac 2011 -- Compatible, Familiar, Professional

Malaysians can now purchase two editions of Office for Mac 2011 -- Office for Mac Home and Student 2011, and Office for Mac Home and Business 2011 from retailers around the country starting 26 October 2010.

Office for Mac 2011 is built for the Mac community for great productivity experience. "Office for Mac 2011 offers Mac users a suite of top-of-the-line applications with the most complete feature set available today," said Vosen Chong, Product Manager for Windows & Office at Retail Sales & Marketing Division, Microsoft Southeast Asia.

Compatible, Familiar, Professional

The new design in Office for Mac 2011 is an evolution of the Office 2008 Elements Gallery and uses the classic Mac menu and Standard Toolbar giving users the best of both worlds. The ribbon and Toolbar are collapsible for more screen space or for the more advanced users who rely on keyboard shortcuts.

Built using the latest Mac OS X technologies, the ribbon delivers a modern and fluid experience and also gives users a more consistent experience across platforms, which is key to productivity as 75 percent of Mac users also use a PC.

Word for Mac 2011

• Full screen view: Maximize the space for reading and writing documents. Screenshot as follows.
  

• Beautify your documents: Create visually rich newsletters, brochures, and more.
• Collaborate in real time: Simultaneously edit a file with multiple authors.
  

PowerPoint for Mac 2011

• Broadcast your slides: Work with others and show your presentations online.
• Retouch your photos: Remove backgrounds or add color in just a few clicks.
• Access your files anywhere: Post, access, edit, and share your files from virtually anywhere.
• Dynamic Reorder: One of the most visually impactful features that gives users the ability to interactively re-order all of the layers in a document or presentation. Screenshot as follows.

Excel for Mac 2011

• Spot trends with Sparklines: Create small charts in a single cell to discover patterns in your data. Screenshot as follows.

• Automate with Visual Basic: Save time by automating repetitive tasks.
• Display data visually: Clarify your data with icons, data bars, and color scales.
  

NEW! Outlook for Mac 2011

• Clean up your inbox: Condense long e-mail threads under a single subject.
• Bring your crowd with you: Easily import your Outlook .pst files when you set up your new Mac. Screenshot as follows.
  

• View your calendar in e-mail: See your schedule displayed within the meeting invitation.

Learn more about:

• Word for Mac 2011: http://www.microsoft.com/mac/word
• PowerPoint for Mac 2011: http://www.microsoft.com/mac/powerpoint
• Excel for Mac 2011: http://www.microsoft.com/mac/excel
• Outlook for Mac 2011: http://www.microsoft.com/mac/outlook

Office for Mac Home and Student 2011 includes the following:

• Word 2011
• PowerPoint 2011
• Excel 2011
• 90 days of technical support

Estimated Retail Prices:

• Single Install: RM468
• Family Pack (Three installs): RM599

Office for Mac Home and Business 2011 includes the following:

• Word 2011
• PowerPoint 2011
• Excel 2011
• Outlook 2011
• 1 year of technical support

Estimated Retail Prices:

• Single Install: RM768
• Family Pack (Two installs): RM1,099

More information is available at http://www.microsoft.com/mac

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Good things come with Microsoft

Microsoft releases the latest Mac version of the most popular productivity suite -- Office for Mac 2011 worldwide on 26 October 2010. In Malaysia, the launch is held at La Bodega Deli at Bangsar Baru. I'll write about the product in a separate post.

Update: Microsoft Office for Mac 2011 -- Compatible, Familiar, Professional

For now, let me share about some pretty good stuff that transpired during the event, apart from the live demo of Office for Mac 2011. :)

Windows 7 celebrates its 1st birthday this month, October.

Happy 1st Birthday, Windows 7!

A cute cupcake decorated with a "Happy 1st Birthday" shout-out to Windows 7.

Each attendee received a limited edition Windows 7 T-shirt from GAP as a door gift.

And I was lucky enough to be one of the lucky ones to get this Microsoft Comfort Mouse 4500 from the lucky draw. ^^

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Save Social Energy (3) -- Windows Live Messenger 2011

Here we come again. Let's talk about saving social energy. Undoubtedly and honestly speaking, we're spending more and more time each day on social networks. The catch is how do we spend our time and energy more efficiently so that we can balance work, social networking, and other lifestyle requirements effectively?

I'm impressed with Microsoft's Windows Live Messenger 2011. You can read, post, share, and interact on Facebook and other networking sites through this NEW Messenger. They call it -- the ultimate social dashboard. So, I don't have to launch multiple tabs on my web browser to view different streams of my social network feeds. Save the clutter but I still can chatter! :)

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Let's see how to streamline my social networking sites with Windows Live via the Windows Live Messenger interface.

From the screenshot above, you can see that I've upgraded my Windows Live Messenger (WLM) to the 2011 (NEW) version. You can do so by downloading and installing Windows Live Essential 2011 pack.

Note: Kindly ignore the Chinese girl visual on the right. That's not part of the new WLM window but my wallpaper from Reggie Lee's Merdeka theme pack. :)

Then, I've decided to link my Facebook account to my Windows Live account. You can do so my clicking the "Add" button at the bottom right corner of your WLM window.

You'll see the prompt to connect Facebook to Windows Live as above. Adjust the settings to suit your preference by checking and/or un-checking the boxes. Once done, click "Connect with Facebook".

Then, you'll be prompted to log in to your Facebook account once you click "Connect with Facebook", as explained earlier on. Click "Login" to proceed.

You'll familiar with the "Request for Permission" screenshot above. Click "Allow" to proceed.

Voila! The "Facebook" icon appears at the bottom right corner of my WLM window.

For final touch-ups, log in to your Windows Live account and adjust the settings. Click "Save".

Now, you can see the list of your connected services. At the moment, I'm connected to Facebook. :)

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Note: No integration with Twitter yet. Hopefully Microsoft will come up with something to do with Twitter in the near future.

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Visit Windows Live Essentials 2011 for download.

By the way, do visit savesocialenergy.com or facebook.com/savesocialenergy for more information about saving social energy.

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Update:
Click here to view the compilation of my Save Social Energy posts.

A good article to read:
Integrate your existing Social networks with the new Windows Live Messenger

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Save Social Energy (2) -- Windows Live Movie Maker 2011

Photo Source

In my previous post: Save Social Energy (1) -- A Self Analysis, you can take a short test to find out whether your social life is full of clutter and chaos or whether you're making the best out of your social life. At the end of the post, I also mentioned about the existence of solutions for those who wish to manage their social life.

During the first discussion about saving social energy with fellow friends from my social networking circle, we were introduced to Microsoft's Windows Essentials 2011 that comes with Messenger, Photo Gallery, Movie Maker, Mail, and some other cool applications. I've downloaded this pack and installed the four major apps listed above in my laptop.

In this post, I'd like to share with you my first experience with Windows Live Movie Maker 2011 and how easy and convenient it is to post my amateur video to YouTube. :)

Don't worry, I'm not gonna bore you with details of how to make a video with Windows Live Movie Maker 2011. It's very user-friendly and easy to learn. Even first-timers like me are able to "produce" an amateur video in less than one hour, including making some mistakes here and there. :)

The feature that I like best about Windows Live Movie Maker 2011 is that we can share our movies on social sites such as YouTube, Facebook, and Windows Live SkyDrive. How convenient!

After going through the steps of making and saving my video (highlighted in yellow boxes), I click on the YouTube button (highlighted in a red box).

I'm prompted to sign in to my Windows Live account.

Then, I'm prompted to sign in to my YouTube account.

After I signed in to my YouTube account, I'd need to fill up a description box about my video. Once done, the saving mode is triggered, followed by publishing. I just need to wait for the process to end.

Note: The time span of saving and publishing varies depending on your video's file size.

Done! Yay!

Wanna watch my first amateur video produced with Windows Live Movie Maker 2011? :P



Note: I hope YouTube won't mute the audio file that I used in this video so soon. Oh well, as a first-timer, I made this mistake of putting the whole song and published it to YouTube. :S

Visit Windows Live Essentials 2011 for download.

By the way, do visit savesocialenergy.com or facebook.com/savesocialenergy for more information about saving social energy.


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Update:
Click here to view the compilation of my Save Social Energy posts.

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Windows Phone 7 -- The Phone That Saves Us

HTC HD7 Homescreen

(Photo Source: Windows Phone 7 Malaysia Press Release Kit)

"It's time for a phone to save us from our phones."

That is the elegant and catchy tagline from Microsoft's global advertisement for Windows Phone 7.

With the arrival of Windows Phone 7, the message to mobile device users is significantly different. According to Microsoft Malaysia Managing Director Ananth Lazarus, "With Windows Phone 7, Microsoft and our partners are delivering a different kind of mobile phone and experience -- one that makes everyday tasks faster by doing more in fewer steps and providing timely information in a 'glance and go' format."

Personally, I love these simple yet catchy and timely taglines that convey their message straight to the point:
"Less stop & stare. More glance & go."
"Less doing. More done."
"Less out-of-touch. More in-the-know."
"Less missed it. More got it."

Thumbs up to Windows Phone 7 for employing the user-centric approach! Designed primarily to bring together what users care about most, Windows Phone 7 does more in fewer steps, offering a glance-and-go experience which enable users to get everything they love, easier and faster. Our life is no more limited by our mobile phone. We can focus on actual connections even while we are on the go.

Fueling New Digital Lifestyle Experiences

HTC 7 Mozart Homescreen
(Photo Source: Windows Phone 7 Malaysia Press Release Kit)

All Windows Phone 7 phones will include the high-performance Snapdragon processor from Qualcomm, and is the only phone with Live Tiles so you can quickly see everything you care about on your Start screen.

Depending on the app, Start's animated Live Tiles might show pending messages and appointments, news and weather, or game and friend status -- all refreshed wirelessly via the web. It is also customizable according to your needs: pin people, apps, playlists, pictures, and other favorites so they are always at your fingertips.

Integrated User-centric Experience Through Hubs

Windows Phone 7 has been carefully crafted to help people get more done in fewer steps with a unique Hub and Tile interface. The Windows Phone 7 Hubs offer quick and easy access to a person's latest and most valuable information and include People, Pictures, Games, Music & Video, Office, and Marketplace content.

Office Hub

Photo Source

Windows Phone 7 is the only phone with Office Mobile. Office Hub brings together Microsoft's Office suite comprising Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, allowing you to create and edit documents and share them via email on the go.

With Notes in OneNote Mobile, you can reduce the hassle of having to double save documents -- grocery lists, meeting memos, spontaneous musings -- as information created and edited on Windows Phone 7 will be synchronized directly with the file saved on your office server.

With Outlook Mobile, you can quickly cut through the clutter to see only unread, urgent or flagged messages, or press Search to pinpoint a specific mail. Move or delete messages in bulk, and respond to meeting invites right from your inbox.

People Hub

Photo Source

People Hub is the social central to stay connected and in the loop. You can skim Facebook and Windows Live feeds and photos; call, text or post to your friends. The Me Card -- another innovation -- makes it easy to update your status or change your profile picture across multiple social networking sites, right from your phone.

Pictures Hub

Photo Source

Pictures Hub houses your entire collection, including photos you have saved to your phone, and pictures your friends have recently posted on Facebook or Windows Live. Now sharing pictures is as easy as taking them; you can press the camera button to snap photos, even when your phone is locked. Then send your favorites to friends, or post them to Facebook or Windows Live, all from one place.

Intrigued?

For more information on Windows Phone 7, please visit http://www.microsoft.com/windowsmobile/en-my/meet/windows-phone-7.mspx

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Save Social Energy (1) -- A Self Analysis

Photo Source

Have you taken this survey? I've posted questions 1-13 as below for easier reference.

1. How many personal email accounts do you have?

2. What do you mainly use your personal email account(s) for? [choose three that apply most]
A) Work
B) Sending photos to my contacts
C) Sending files and documents (Word documents, PowerPoint) to my contacts
D) Keeping in touch with friends and family
E) Organizing events and get-togethers
F) A formal means of communication (e.g. to potential employers)
G) A destination to receive news alerts and other services I have signed up for
H) Sending inquiries to retailers and other service providers
I) Receipt of online statements and bills
J) Other (please specify)

3. How many unread emails do you have in your personal email accounts? [please estimate]
A) None
B) 1 – 20
C) 21 – 50
D) 51 – 100
E) 101 – 300
F) 301 – 500
G) Over 500

4. Do you file away emails that are in your personal email accounts (e.g. into folders)?
Yes
No

5. How much unwanted mail (junk or spam) do you get in a day? Note: Spam usually refers to advertising e-mails sent out randomly, whereas junk e-mails are usually sent from sites which have a record of your e-mail address from a visit.
A) None
B) 1 – 5
C) 6 – 10
D) 11 – 15
E) Over 15

6. How many social networks are you currently active on?

7. On average, how many windows do you have open on your screen for instant messaging and social networking purposes?

8. How often do have a video call with friends, family or colleagues?
A) Never
B) Once a month or less
C) 1 – 2 times a week
D) 3 – 5 times a week
E) 6 – 10 times a week
F) More than 10 times a week

9. Of all the friends across your social networks, what percentage would you consider close friends? [please estimate]
None (0%)
Quarter (25%)
Half (50%)
Three quarters (75%)
All (100%)

10. Do you regularly 'scrub' your friends list and delete people you are no longer in touch with?
Yes
No
No but I need to

11. What percentage of the updates that you get on your social networks are important or relevant? [please estimate]
None (0%)
Quarter (25%)
Half (50%)
Three quarter (75%)
All (100%) 

12. On average, how much time do you spend on your social networks each day?
A) Under an hour
B) About one hour
C) 1 – 3 hours
D) 3 – 5 hours
E) 5 – 10 hours
F) More than 10 hours

13. Do you feel like you are weighed down with information overload coming in from a flood of emails and social networks?
Yes
No

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Now, based on the answers from the survey, do a self analysis about your social networking life or other stuff that you do when you're online. Ask questions. Are you overwhelmed by the effects of TMI (too much information)? Do you want to have better management of your social life? Do you want to deal with issues that bother you?

I joined a helpful discussion about a recent campaign known as Save Social Energy with fellow friends from my social networking circle two weeks ago. Here are some eye-opening points.

• What is Social Energy? Social energy refers to the energy that you use when you socialize -- both in real life and online. According to Scott Young, a blogger that seemingly coined the term, "Social energy comes from spending time in a stimulating environment with other people."
• Why save Social Energy? This is not to cut down on socializing to converse energy. We want to save social energy so that we can socialize better!

Saving social energy simply means spending our time on social networks more efficiently so we can balance work, social networking, and other lifestyle requirements effectively!

In a nutshell, we explore ideas of how to save social energy by having less clutter and yet, more chatter.

 
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In order to achieve this, we need to identify several issues. I've listed down five points: 

1. Cluttered Social Networks
- Are you receiving multiple updates (e.g. Facebook & Twitter) from people who don't matter as much?

- Are you fed up with Facebook application updates such as Farmville, Restaurant City, etc on your Facebook page?

- Are you overwhelmed by the need to read through every single update of your friends' Facebook and Twitter updates?

- Do you want and know how to prioritize your friends' updates on your Facebook page stream? 

2. Multiple Online Networking Chaos
- Are you dependent and addicted to multiple social networking during office hours and even in your daily life?

- Is your work performance affected by your online networking life?

3. Lack of Privacy 
- How much information are you willing to release to the public?- Are you bothered by any features found on the social networking sites that you're currently active in? If yes, how do you deal with it?

- Do you read up the privacy policy of each social networking site that you've joined? 

4. Clutter in My Inbox
- Are you having difficulties with keeping up with emails because there are just too many to read?
 
5. Too Much Spam (Greymail)
- Do you receive a lot non-essential emails (from approved sources) offering products and services, newsletters that take up valuable inbox space and may inadvertently obscure emails from work or friends?

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At the moment, to address these issues, self-management is very crucial. Of course, there are also other solutions to assist you. I'll write about that in another post.

Till then, visit savesocialenergy.com or facebook.com/savesocialenergy for more information.

 
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Update: 
Click here to view the compilation of my Save Social Energy posts.

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