Sandy Showcases Need for Emergency Apps and Social Media

 by Holly Shoemaker

As post-tropical storm Sandy continues to affect the East Coast, and people continue to lose power, those affected should remember that a smartphone may make the difference in preparing and understanding the next steps when a natural disaster strikes.

Many apps are available to download that do not require a connection to the Internet. Apps like Disaster Readiness provide guides on how to deal with more than 175,000 situations. The Red Cross provides an app that includes a messaging feature to inform friends and family of people’s safety. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) uses Twitter and blogs to provide guidelines and tips related to emergencies and disaster preparedness. The Red Cross recently reported that people are more likely to use an emergency app along with social media to obtain information during a natural disaster.

Concluding Thoughts

While an app may not be the first item people think of when dealing with a crisis or disaster, they are growing in number and becoming more powerful tools to stay aware and communicate with loved ones. Those who need to make a quick decision, decide on evacuation or learn about next steps may find that an app or text feature provides the best way to stay in tune, especially when limited power options exist.

Windows RT Enough for Surface Users?

by Holly Shoemaker

Microsoft’s Surface looks to have a solid debut despite the buzz of say an Apple launch and pre-sales look respectable. Windows 8 debuted to mixed comments as expected. New releases tend to have bugs no matter how much testing goes into the product. 

The tablet operates on Windows RT, which runs on an ARM processor. Those are typically found on mobile devices like tablets and smartphones. While there are some similarities to Windows 8, Windows RT lacks the capability to run old software, meaning all users most download needed software and apps from the Windows Store. Furthermore, RT cannot run desktop programs, with the exception of Office and IE. 

Microsoft has said that it will continue to develop more hardware. For those wanting a more enhanced version of Windows for the new tablet, they will need to wait a few months for the Surface with Windows Pro 8. As of now, that is, “Coming soon.”

Apps Need to Follow

Microsoft will likely have two major challenges to overcome. Windows RT requires a new way of thinking for users. While it is common to run a different operating system on a tablet or smartphone, it as an adjustment users may not associate with Microsoft. This is where Microsoft needs to decide its image.

That leads into the other concern, the number of apps.Users have showed dissatisfaction with the number of apps available. Microsoft did not announce any new apps with the launch.