Tablets are becoming popular with real estate agents and appraisers. If you have an iPad 2 but miss having a physical keyboard, this aluminum keyboard buddy case for the iPad 2 might be just what you need.

The iPad slides into the Aluminum Keyboard Buddy Case and is held at an angle. The case has an almost full-sized QWERTY keyboard that includes keys to control iPad functions like media playback and brightness. The bluetooth keyboard is styled with Apple’s Chiclet-like keys that run to the edges just like on the 11.6-inch MacBook Air.

Close the case so the iPad and keyboard are face-to-face and magnets put the iPad’s screen to sleep. The case also protects the iPad display.

You and your iPad 2 won’t want to go anywhere without it. It’s perfect companion for your iPad 2. This Aluminium Keyboard Case has a thin, eye-catching design that gives your device durable protection, added functionality and style.

This iPad case holder can easily convert into a laptop style position for a more comfortable typing, as well as for tablet use by folding its new hinge, which then hides the Bluetooth keyboard out of sight. This iPad aluminum case provides 2 viewing angles in both portrait and landscape modes while assuring full protection for the iPad screen. It also allows access to all the controls and ports at all times, meaning you have full functionality whilst your iPad is still inside the case.

Last but not least, it has a 510 mAh rechargeable lithium polymer battery that will last several weeks of normal use without charging.

via micgadget

The case cost: $49.90 and works with the iPad 2.

The Bottom Line

One thing that has held me back from getting an iPad is the lack of a keyboard. I have an iPhone and don’t know how much I would use an iPad. But with a keyboard like this, I think I might come close to replacing one of my laptops.

There’s no multitouch trackpad which might be a deal killer for some but you can’t beat the price of $50.

Check out micgadget for more information.

[Images Credit: MIC Gadget]

Google Maps on Android phones are far superior to the iPhone app and they just got better. You can now download Google Maps to your Android phone.

Remember the days of driving around with a paper map while trying to find an address? Most , if not all, tech savvy agents and appraisers now use a dedicated GPA device or a smartphone with GPS.

Smartphones work well and there are several good apps including MapQuest that can help you find your way. But what if you are traveling to a rural property and don’t have a cell phone signal?

Google Maps can now be downloaded directly to your Android phone so you can view the map even if you don’t have a cell signal.

How To Download A Map On Your Android Phone

First, you will need to download the latest version of Google Maps. Google Maps 5.7 for Android Link

Then you will need to activate the feature. To access Labs on your phone, press your phone’s menu button once in Google Maps, choose “More” and select Labs. On a tablet, click the menu button in the upper-right corner of Maps.

To download a map, press the “More” button while viewing a map and select the option to locally store a map of the surrounding area.

Google will download a copy of the map tiles within a 10 mile radius. You can view, pan, and zoom in on the map even if you don’t have a data connection.

All your downloaded map areas can be managed in your Google Maps cache settings so you can delete maps you no longer need or if you want to free up storage. After 30 days, all downloaded map areas will be removed from your cache; they can be re-downloaded any time.

The update to Google Maps also includes two other features, a Scale Bar and a Measure tool.

The scale bar shows the current map scale. Sometimes it’s unclear what zoom level you are looking at if you zoom in and out of a map. The scale bar should help you understand what zoom level you are viewing.

The measure tool will calculate the straight line distance between two points on the map. Once you enabled the feature, click the tape measure icon. You’ll be prompted to tap two points on the map and Google Maps will calculate the straight distance between those points (this direct distance is “as the crow flies”).

The Bottom Line

It can be frustrating to try and view a map on your smartphone if you have a poor or no cell signal. Being able to download Google Maps directly to your Android phone is a great way to make sure you always have the map you need.

Download Google Maps for free in the Android Market; Android Market Link

Apple officially unveiled iOS 5 yesterday at its Worldwide Developers Conference. While there are over 200 new features coming to iOS devices (iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch), we are going to highlight the top 6 that are especially useful to the real estate industry.

1. Notifications

iOS 5 includes a new Notification Center that will replace the annoying popups that appear of the screen and then disappear. You will now be able to view all of your notifications from one central location and even view your messages without having to unlock your phone. Tap on any message and it will automatically take you to that application. It not only includes app notification, but mini-widgets that show live information from apps like Weather.

2. iMessage

Sending and receiving text messages can be expensive. Free text messages is one reason why REbliss recommends using Google Voice.

iMessage will not fully replace text messages but does let you to send unlimited text messages, photos, and videos to other iOS 5 devices. Because it works between all iOS 5 devices, you can leave conversations on your iPhone and continue them in your iPad.

Other features include group messaging, an indicator to see if someone is typing to you, delivery and read receipts, and secure encryption. iMessage will work on 3G and Wi-Fi networks.

3. Reminders

The new reminder app will sync between your iOS 5 devices and your Max OS X desktop or notebook. The best feature about the app is that it is location aware. Do you need to make a phone call or send an email as soon as you get into the office? The app can remind you to do something when you arrive or leave a destination allowing you to stay productive while on the go.

4. Wi-Fi sync

If you take a lot photos and videos with your iPhone you probably now how painful it can be to sync your iPhone with iTunes. There a numerous apps available that let you sync your iPhone to your computer over Wi-Fi but now this functionality if built into the operating system.

With iOS 5 you will no longer have to plug into your computer to backup and sync your device. Just plug your device into the power cord within range of your Wi-Fi network and it will backup and sync automatically.

5. Twitter Integration

Still not sure if you should be using Twitter in your real estate business? iOS5 integrates Twitter everywhere, in the camera app, to your contacts, and even the YouTube, Safari, and Maps app will support direct sharing via Twitter.

Will Apple’s Twitter integration finally convince you to sign up or start using Twitter?

6. New Camera App and Photos

The new camera app is a welcome addition to anyone who takes a lot of photos and videos with their iPhone. iOS 5 gives you immediate access to the camera right from the lock screen. This will make it much easier to take photos quickly.

The most exciting feature is that you can now use the volume button to take photos. If you haven’t used an app with the volume button feature to take photos you will be surprised by how much you will like this feature.

Introducing iOS 5

Click HERE if you can not see the video above.

The Bottom Line

While many of the new features of iOS 5 are already available on Android, Palm or Windows Phone 7 phones, they will make iOS devices much more productive.

The new notification center is a great way to keep track of all of your messages in one convenient location, iMessage will let your real estate business chat with groups of co-workers, clients, or friends at one time, and the new reminders app will let you stay productive with its location based reminders.

iOS 5 will also include multitasking gestures for the iPad, hourly weather forecasts, Wi-Fi sync with iTunes, a split keyboard for the iPad, a new iPad music app, an iTunes ringtone store, AirPlay mirroring for the iPad 2, a personal dictionary, alternate routes in Maps, Emoji emoticons, and custom vibration patterns.

If you are a developer, you can preview iOS 5 now, everyone else will have to wait until July when it is officially released.

Visit apple.com for more information about iOS 5.

Google Docs is a great set of productivity programs that lets you share, collaborate, and edits your files from anywhere. However, just because your files are stored with Google doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have a backup copy. That is one way SyncDocs can help.

SyncDocs automatically synchronizes the files in your Google Docs account to your computer. If you are to new to Google Docs, SyncDocs can move all your files to Google’s cloud. It can even make Google Docs your default document editor.

Simply select a folder on your PC, like “My Documents”, Syncdocs copies it online and across all your computers, automatically. This folder is then kept in sync. via SyncDocs.

Click HERE if you can not see the embedded video above.

SyncDoc Features

Move your files to the cloud.

All of the files in your SyncDocs folder will automatically be copied to your Google Docs account.

Backup your Google Docs files to your computer.

Your Google Docs files will be backed up on your local hard drive.

Access files from anywhere.

Because your computer files are automatically synced, you can access your files from any computer with internet access.

Make changes while your computer is off-line.

Any changes you make to your files while you are off-line will be synced to Google Docs when you get back online.

Sync across multiple computers.

Syncdocs can also be installed on multiple systems. It will keep your files current on all your computers.

Make Google Docs the default viewer and editor.

Create, view, and edit your files, including Office documents with SyncDocs. Whenever you double-click on a .doc, .xls, or other Office file, it will open in a Google Docs session in your browser. You can also keep using Microsoft Office (or whatever you want) as the default.

SyncDocs is free and available for Window only.

The Bottom Line

SyncDocs is a great FREE way to backup and sync your Google Docs files. You can select what folders you want synced, what to upload / download, and even schedule backups to and from Google Docs. SyncDocs is a great addition to your paperless office.

Check out SyncDocs for more information. You can also install the free SyncDocs app from the Google Apps Marketplace.

Google Goggles is a visual search application that lets you search the web by taking a photo. Launch the app, take a picture of an object, a book cover for example, and Google will return with search results for the book, all without typing.

Google Goggles for Android received an update that brings new features including better business card recognition. Not only does the update improve the text recognition, but it also pulls the info out of the card to make it really easy to add that person as a contact.

Business card recognition is one of the most popular uses of Google Goggles, so we’re rolling out some new updates to make the experience even quicker and easier. Additionally, instead of simply recognizing the content as text, Goggles now recognizes the information as a contact, making it easier to add to your phone’s contact list. via Google

The update also brings a few other features including enhanced search history with notes support. Now when you take a picture with Google Goggles, you can add a note to the photo. That note is private to you and is searchable within your personal history.

Google Goggles is a fun way to search the web and works with text, landmarks, books, contact info, artwork, wine, and logos.

The Google Goggles update is available for Android 1.6+ devices. Download it in the Android Market: Android Market Link.

While the newest update is only available for Android, Google Goggles is also available for iPhones, Blackberry, and several other phones.

How long before Google Goggles becomes the visual search tool for real estate? Image taking a photo of a house and Google returning the age, square feet, lot size, bedroom/bathroom count, and the last sales price. It is not that far off. The app could use your phone’s GPS to determine your location and most of the data about the house is already available on web for free. This would be an amazing way to search for real estate.

The Bottom Line

There are numerous apps available for digitizing business card you receive. This latest update will be useful if you use Google to store your business contacts.

How do you store the business cards you receive?

One of the best things to do on a lazy afternoon is read a book. But how often do you have a lazy afternoon? Work, family, and friends constantly demand our attention. Finding time to read can hard sometimes. That is where DailyLit can help.

DailyLit is a FREE service that sends you a small portion of a book every day by email. You can typically read these portions in less than 5 minutes.

Because if you are like us, you spend hours each day reading email but don’t find the time to read books. DailyLit brings books right into your inbox in convenient small messages that take less than 5 minutes to read. This works incredibly well not just on your computer but also on a Treo, Blackberry, Sidekick or whatever the PDA of your choice. via DailyLit

DailyLit has hundreds of books, from classics to contemporary literature, available for FREE including Crush It! by Gary Vaynerchuk.

If you are not familiar with Gary Vaynerchuk, he runs Wine Library TV, a daily video blog about wine, garyvaynerchuk.com, where he talks about new technology and gives business advice, is the co-founder of VaynerMedia, has a radio show on Sirius Satellite, and has an iPhone app, Daily Grape. He is also the author of Crush It! and The Thank You Economy.

In Crush It, Gary Vaynerchuk shows how anyone can build a career around what they’re passionate about.

A video that sums up why Gary Vaynerchuk wrote Crush it!

Everything has changed. The social media revolution has irreversibly changed the way we live our lives and conduct our business. There are billions of dollars in advertising moving online, waiting to be claimed by whoever can build the best content and communities. Despite this change, most people keep working at jobs that don’t make them happy and businesses continue to ignore the major marketing and public relations benefits that can be found online. via Amazon

How To Read A Book In 5 Minutes A Day With DailyLit

Step 1. Pick a book (browse the collection or use the search box) you would like to read.

Step 2. Select how often and when you want to receive installments.

Step 3. Provide your email address and click on the Subscribe button.

That is it. DailyLit will do the rest!

You can adjust your settings once you sign up for a book. You can change when you want the installments sent and modify the font size and font face. You can also suspend the book if you no longer want to read it and a create a book list of to-read and favorite books.

The Bottom Line

DailyLit makes it easy to fit reading a book into your schedule. Their selection of books might not be the best but you can probably find something there you will like.

I have wanted to read Crush It! ever since it was published so I was excited to see it available on DailyLit.

Check out www.dailylit.com for yourself and start reading books in just 5 minutes a day!

a la mode has released a free appraisal app in the Android Market.

The app allows appraisers to fill out the appraisal form including subject and comparable property photos all from the device. The app also includes a voice-to-text input feature to make data collection even easier.

Once the data is collected, the file can by synced with the desktop version of the software, WinTOTAL or TOTAL. All of this should save the appraiser time by allowing data to be gathered and entered from the field.

The app is compatible with phones and tablet devices running Android 2.1 and higher.

This initial release includes all the field data gathering tools found in previous versions of DaVinci that will save you tons of time on each report. Filling out onsite inspection forms is done with a few taps of your finger, and every data gathering screen is completely customizable to fit your individual workflow. By creating QuickLists that sync back and forth to your desktop copy of WinTOTAL or TOTAL 2011, you can virtually eliminate redundant typing in the field. You can sync files started in WinTOTAL or TOTAL right to your Android phone or tablet, or begin a new report onsite. via a la mode labs

DaVinci for Android on an HTC Inspire 4G

Click HERE if you can not see the video above.

Screenshots of the Android App

Photos via a la mode.

Bottom Line

The app looks really good. I really like the voice-to-text input and voice notes function.

If you have an android phone or tablet you should definitely download the app and try it out, even if you don’t use a la mode’s appraisal software. It is free to download in the Android Market. DaVinci Android Link.

a la mode also has an iPhone and iPad app. DaVinci for iOS already has more than 100,000 users.

According to their website, they have not immediate plans to develop a Blackberry or Windows Phone version of the app.

Do you know what Pulp Fiction, The Departed and The King’s Speech have in common? That’s right, they’ve all won Academy Awards. Do you know what else? They were all edited with Lightworks.

Lightworks is a FREE, Professional-Level Open-Source Video Editor and was most recently used to edit the movies Shutter Island and Centurion.

Now you can use some of the same software to edit your real estate videos that was used to edit big-budget movies!

Lightworks has been around for some time and just recently went open-source. The open-source version is still in beta but is stable and functioning. It features some incredibly powerful editing tools. You’ll get nearly all the same features that professionals use to make blockbusters such as 3D editorial functionality, native RED editing, native 2K support with DPX and RED, and Universal Media File support. It

We invite you to get familiar with Lightworks, an Academy and Emmy award winning professional-grade editor with over 20 years of history in the film and broadcast industry. Having cut hundreds of films such as Pulp Fiction, The Departed, Centurion and Shutter Island, it includes a full feature set of editorial tools — from advanced trimming and media management, to stereoscopic support and realtime effects including multiple secondary colour correctors. Lightworks has an advanced effects pipeline, utilizing the power of your GPU. And with support for up to 2K workflows with realtime effects, it is the most advanced editing application available. via LightWorks

You can view a list of all of its features on their website: Lightworks Features.

Lightworks is only available for Windows but they plan to support Mac and Linux in the future. You can Check out their roadmap to see what where the software is heading. They also have a forum to help with any questions or issues you might have.

Lightworks is free to download. However, you must register with the site to download the program. It’s free to register.

Bottom Line

It is well worth the money to invest in good video editing softare that is easy to use and allows you quickly edit and publish your real estate videos. If you are looking for good (and FREE) video editing software with a lot of great features, then Lightworks might be a good solution for you.

While Lightworks is free and has a ton of features, it might be a little overwhelming to use unless you have a some video editing experience. If you are new to video editing you might want to consider starting with something a little easier to use.  Apple’s iMovie and Window Live Movie Maker are both fairly easy to use.

I have just downloaded Lightworks myself and will publish an update to this blog once I have had to chance to edit a few videos.

In the meantime, check out Lightworks and their list of features to see if this software will help you edit your videos. You can also follow them on Twitter @eslightworks.

MapQuest has unveiled a free Android app that includes turn-by-turn directions.

MapQuest for the iPhone is our favorite iPhone map app here at REbliss because of its ability to create a route with multiple designations.  MapQuest’s iPhone app is far superior to Google Maps on the iPhone.

Unlike the iPhone, Google Maps for Android includes 3D Maps, Directions, Traffic, and Compass Mode.

Why would anyone want the MapQuest App when the Google Map app is free?

The MapQuest app includes live traffic flow that shows possible jams or open roads, and refreshes every 5 minutes.  Possibly the best feature of the app is the inclusion of OpenStreetMap, which is a crowdsourced map platform for people to report incorrect data, contribute data, as well as providing international maps and directions.

OpenStreetMap is truly exciting.  Image how many homes and new roads real estate agents and appraisers visit each day across the county, many of which are not even mapped online yet.  The collective power of crowdsourcing could mean that every wrong street name, wrong road, or new subdivision could be mapped or corrected as soon as it was discovered.

Here is a list of the MapQuest Android App features:

• Voice-guided/Turn-by-turn Navigation: Your phone tells you where and when to make a turn
• Voice Search:  Drivers can speak a destination for directions
• Map Toolbar: Easily find restaurants, coffee shops, gas stations and parking with one click
• Walking & Driving Directions:  Recommends the best route and the map rotates based on orientation of travel
• Live Traffic Flow/Incidents: Extensive coverage updated every 5 minutes

OpenStreetMaps features:

• OSM Maps:  User-sourced maps that may provide unique local perspective and detail
• Bug Logging for OSM: Standing in front of a new building?  Report it to the community and they’ll fill in the missing pieces
• International Maps: Take MapQuest abroad on business trips (or for you ex-pats) and experience maps improved by mapping enthusiasts

Android App Screenshots:

You can download the free app in the Android Market: Android Market Link.

If you have an Android phone will you switch from the Google Map app to the MapQuest app?

Do you need an easy way to remember to follow up on important emails or be reminded of calendar events?  Do you struggle with adding follow-up reminders to your calendar?  Rebliss is here to help.

Below are 5 free services to help you remember events and appointments that should not be forgotten.

Followup.cc is a simple application that allows you to create a reminder just by sending an email.  The email address you use includes the time or date that you want receive the reminder.

For example, to set a reminder for two days from now you would send an email to 2d@followup.cc.   To set a reminder for for 2 p.m just send an email to 2pm@followup.cc.

Followup has easy-to-learn formatting around time: mi = minutes, h = hours, d = days, w = weeks, mo = months, y = years.  There’s a full explanation of the reminder syntax here.

If you add a followup.cc email address to the “To:” or “Cc:” fields, then everyone who receives the email will also get the reminder.  Adding it to the “Bcc:” field will only send you a reminder.

You can use the service to send a reminder or resend an important email. Reminder emails quote the original email, and include a box telling you when the reminded was created. They also contain “snooze” links, which let you quickly re-set the reminder for some time in the future.

A settings page is also available at the website, where you can get links for adding reminders to your RSS reader or calendar.  Calendar integration requires a paid account.

There is also a bookmarklet that allows you to set follow-up reminders on web pages.  You can then send yourself the website page (with hyperlink) that you want to read later.  The bookmarklet is available on the setting page once you sign up.

Be sure to add reminder@followup.cc and contact@followup.cc to your contact list on your email provider to prevent followup.cc’s emails from going in your spam box.

There are Free, Personal, Plus, and Premium accounts available.

Learn more at Followup.cc.

Laytr is a reminder and emailing scheduling service that makes it simple to schedule an email for future delivery, set up reminders, and even forward emails to your future self.

Set reminders by sending or forwarding an email to Laytr.  The email address includes the date or time that you want to receive the reminder.  For example: send an email to tuesday@latyr.com or 1130@laytr.com and Laytr will email you back at that day or time.

Send an email in the future.  Email it to Laytr and add the email address to the subject line enclosed by parenthesis (you can add more than one email address by seperating them with commas).  Laytr holds on to it until the date.

Laytr has both free and premium accounts.  The free accounts allow unlimited emails, attachments, delayed emails, and iCal feeds.

Learn more at Laytr.com

NudgeMail redelivers email when you need it.

There are two ways to use NudgeMail:

1. Send an mail to nudge@nudgemail.com and use the subject line to set the date.  You can fill out the body text with anything to need.

2. Send an email to NudgeMail but use to “to:’” to control when you want the message re-delivered.  For example: “tomorrow@nudgemail.com”, “1045am@nudgemail.com”, or “nov15@nudgemail.com”.

View the full list of available commands here.

NudgeMail also lets you set recurring reminders.  You can set recurring reminders by the hour, day, week, month, year, or even days of the week.  For example: Hourly@NudgeMail.com or every(dayofweek)@NudgeMail.com will set a reminder to be sent at those times.

When NudgeMail responds, it sends you back your message with a header informing you of when you set the reminder, along with helpful “snooze” options.  There are also options to clear your history, set emails to plain text, and integrate with Google Calender.  See all of the advanced options here.

NudgeMail is currently free.

NudgeMail is free for unlimited use by our wonderful Beta testers. Once NudgeMail launches out of Beta, we will be adding new features and premium subscriptions to enhance the NudgeMail experience. There will be both a free and a paid version at launch, so don’t worry if you are addicted to all things “free”. via NudgeMail.

Learn more at NudgeMail

Remindd is a tool that allows you to easily set reminders.

Once you’ve created an account, you can set a reminder from your dashboard.  You’ll receive an alert via email and SMS (if selected) five minutes before the time you selected. Standard carrier charges apply to text messages.

Remindd is currently free.  According to their website a pro version is in the works but states there will always be a free option.

Google Calendar is free and Android and iPhone users can receive calendar reminders on their on their phones.

Android users can set up default notifications for calendar events by opening the Google Calendar app, then

1. Press Menu
2. Press More
3. Press Settings
4. Select “Default Reminder Time”
5. Select the tine you’d like to be reminded before your events (default)
6. Select “Set alerts & notifications”
7. Choose which style of alert or notification you’d like for Calendar reminders.

iPhone users will need to download the Google Mobile App from iTunes.  iTunes Link.

Open the app, add your Google Account, and turn on Calendar reminders.

You can also setup Google Calendar to send you SMS reminders.

First, you will need to add your mobile phone number to Google Calendar. Log in to Google Calendar and click on the “Settings > Calendar Settings” link in the top-right corner of the page.

Click on the Mobile Setup tab.

Enter your mobile phone number. Google will send you a text message to verify that you the phone number you entered belongs to you. Enter the “verification code” on the Google Calendar website to verify your phone number.

Once you’ve set up your phone number, you’ll need to turn SMS text notifications on. In the “My calendars” box, click on the small arrow next to your calendar and select “Calendar settings”. In the “Notifications” tab you can now be able to add a SMS text message reminder for all of your events. You can also select when to receive the reminder (e.g. a few minutes before or even a few days before).

Bottom Line

We all have too many things to remember and a to-list that never seems to shrink.  Any of the five services above should be able to help anyone be a little more organized.

What do you use to help you remember to follow up?