Tuesday, July 17th, 2012
Annie Livingston, Marketing
I have only recently joined the world of working, and to celebrate I purchased my first smartphone. In fact, I recently had my one month anniversary with my iPhone, and I couldn’t be more in love. I use it when I run for music, tracking my distance, and keeping it like a phone in case of emergency. It is also great for finding where I’m going with Google Maps and the locator on my phone! The iPhone is one thing I think I’ll never get sick of, and I’m glad I picked it to be my first smartphone.
However, the Android is growing more and more popular with over 50% or smartphone users carrying one. Because it is an operating system that can run on differing phones, the user has more options when picking out their phone. The most recent operating system, Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean) is really quite impressive. With new homes screen folders to group apps (like the iPhone), the Android is still a Google phone but becoming more and more like the iPhone.
One thing I’ve noticed about the Android is that most business workers say it’s easier to use for work. The Android is most user friendly with Microsoft Office, and it’s simple to edit a spreadsheet or document.
There are positives and negatives to say about both phones, but honestly it really is all personal choice. The screen size and quality of the Android is usually larger and offers better contrast and more vibrant colors, but the iPhone has more apps and is said to be easier to multitask.
Asking coworkers around me, it is a mixture of opinions and phones, It’s a toss up—but one thing is for sure, I love my iPhone, and my boss loves her Android. When I started working, I was very surprised at how much mobile workers love their phones. Honestly, some of my coworkers would fight to the death to defend their operating system of choice. I guess it’s all personal–which phone you like and which phone you’ll stay dedicated to. I’ve found there aren’t too many people who have had both the Android and the iPhone, they pretty much stick to one operating system only.
So it’s your choice. Which do you prefer? Let us know!
(I also just watched a video which has the iPhone’s Siri vs. Google voice on Jelly bean–definitely worth watching!)
A fresh opinion of the Android and the iPhone >>
Monday, July 16th, 2012
Annie Livingston, Marketing
In a recent article on CNET News, it was stated that 52% of employees are expected to work on vacation. With mobile employment growing exponentially, employees are expected to be easy to get ahold of, regardless of where they are. The article also stated that more West Coast employees will be reading their work emails more consistently than those of other US geographical locations.
According to the most recent iPass Mobile Workforce Report, about 30% of mobile workers connect 2 to 5 times a day when on vacation, and 8% admits to always checking in. Is this where our workforce is headed? When are we going to be able to get some true vacation time, and not worry about what’s happening back at the office?
With the advances in technology, the answer might be never. How do you feel about this? Tell us your thoughts!
Be sure to participate in our Mobile Workforce Survey, and enter the chance to win an iPad!
To read the entire CNET article >>
To take the Mobile Workforce Survey >>
Mobile workers connecting even when on vacation >>
Friday, July 13th, 2012
Annie Livingston, Marketing
There are two reactions employees have when told they have to go on a business trip. There’s the “Yes! I never get to travel, and to New York City? I’ve never been there!” While all bosses hope that would be the reaction for everyone, most reactions are a lot more monotonous. “Ugh, not another one.” While business traveling can be a pain, there are ways you can try to have an enjoyable trip. Using Open Mobile, stay connected with work and family. Use the iPass Hotspot Finder to stay in touch, and enjoy yourself while still being productive in the top 10 US business travel destinations.
1. Chicago
Known for its famous Art Institute, take a break from your hard work and stroll through the galleries. See the well-known, “La Grande Jatte” by Seurat, or some of Van Gogh’s most acclaimed works. Walk along the famous shopping street, Michigan Ave, and stop in some of America’s trendiest joints. And lastly, be sure to grab some deep dish pizza while you’re here—we’re known for it!
2. New York City
Welcome to The Big Apple, the city that never sleeps! We know you’ll be busy attending meetings and sending off emails, but be sure to enjoy yourself. Take a stroll through Central Park, or stop at the Museum of Modern Art or the Met. If you’ve seen “Night at the Museum,” you know that the Museum of Natural History is a place filled with knowledge and entertainment. Lastly, while in NYC, you would be crazy to miss a musical! Whether a Broadway hit or an off-Broadway show, be sure to enjoy the theater!
3. Washington D.C.
While it can be hard to sneak away from your computer, try your best to escape and tour our nation’s capital! Visit the Capitol building, Supreme Court building, or one of the countless museums. On a nice day, walk along the National Mall and look at all of the monuments, both presidential and war memorials. Washington D.C. has so much to offer, don’t let it pass right by!
4. Las Vegas
The gamblers kingdom! Surprising to many people, Las Vegas is the 4th most traveled place on business—many of the most popular conferences are held here. While on business, you must stop along the strip and see all of the lavish casinos and hotels. See one of the world-class shows, or gamble your money away at the Bellagio.
5. San Francisco
Be sure not to leave your heart while visiting one of the most historic cities in the US! Walk across the Golden Gate Bridge, or tour Chinatown and North Beach. If you have time, take a boat trip to Alcatraz Island, an ex-prison. There’s always something to do in SF. Check your email while eating seafood at Fisherman’s Wharf!
6. Los Angeles
Full of many different neighborhoods, LA is home to some of America’s richest citizens: celebrities! Walk along Rodeo Drive and watch for celebs or take your family to Disneyland over the weekend. You’ll never run out of things to do, and if you’re on a tight budget don’t worry; there are so many outdoor sights to see!
7. Atlanta
A fun southern city, there is so much to see in Atlanta. Headquarters to the worldwide company of Coca-Cola, visit their famous pavilion, the World of Coca-Cola. Be sure to stop by the civil war museum, and see the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site! If your family is with you too, stop by the Georgia Aquarium!
8. Boston
One of America’s oldest cities, Boston is a place full of history! Walk along the Freedom Trail and see The Old North Church and John Hancock’s grave. See a Red Sox game at Fenway Park, or visit John F. Kennedy’s Library and Museum. Whether you have hours to spare or just a few minutes, Boston is definitely a city worth exploring.
9. Dallas
A central city in Texas, spare a few minutes to tour around Dallas! Visit the Museum of Art and the John F. Kennedy Memorial. If you have time, pop by the Dallas World Aquarium and Zoological Garden. You’ll never run out of things to do in Dallas!
10. Denver
Lastly, Denver is a city you do not want to skip over. With the Denver Museum of Nature and Science and the Denver Art Museum, there is something for everyone. If you have time, pop by a Rockies game at Coors Field, or just stroll around the city.
See? You can enjoy yourself while traveling on business–just be sure to get some work done too!! Do your best to see these sights, and the iPass Hotspot Finder can help you check email as well.
If you are planning on traveling for business soon, get the iPass Open Mobile Client!
Top 10 business destinations >>
Thursday, July 12th, 2012
Annie Livingston, Marketing
Time is running out! Be sure to take our Mobile Workforce Report Survey and enter to win an iPad! Tell us about your mobile work habits.
Answer questions like, “What are some of the best things about being a mobile worker?” and “Do you usually connect to technology during vacation?”
92% of our survey users said that flexibility was one of the best things about being a mobile worker, and 40% admitted that they like to get personal errands completed during the day. Almost 95% also said that they connect to Wi-Fi during vacation—do you?
We want to hear your opinions and learn more about your activities as a mobile worker. Answer questions regarding data roaming costs, work flexibility, and more!
Take the Mobile Workforce Survey >>
Last chance to participate in our Mobile Workforce Report Survey! >>
Wednesday, July 11th, 2012
Annie Livingston, Marketing
Are you heading to London this July/August along with thousands of people worldwide? If you answered yes, you have come to the right place!
We’ve located some convenient hotspots near popular sports venues to get you connected in between watching the games (or in between meetings). Be sure to watch your favorite sports, but also take in various areas of London, such as the City of London, the medieval core, the City of Westminster (and city-wide Wi-Fi) or Stratford, the site of a new, major sporting complex and housing area.
More so, we have partnered with The Cloud and BT Wi-fi to create our Top 10 Favorite Hotspots for you located in restaurants, hotels, or just outdoor Wi-Fi connected areas; don’t worry—we’ve got you covered.
The O2 Arena, one sporting venue, is not only open late, but did you know that you could fill it with 3.8 billion pints of beer or the contents of 1100 olympic-sized swimming pools?
Lisson Grove has the Sherlock Holmes Museum and the Lord’s Cricket Ground, which will surely be busy with spectators this summer.
Make sure to head to our Google Map with the Top 10 Wi-Fi Hotspots for more.
And before you go, plan your Wi-Fi ahead of time with our Hotspot Finder.
Top 10 Wi-Fi Hotspots for summer action in London >>
