I Have Become A World Class Texter
I'm pretty savvy when it comes to technology, and count myself among the early adopters of text messaging. In fact, it's just about my favorite modern invention.
I remember back a decade or so ago when I got something like 25 text messages included with my first cellular phone plan. Today, that number doesn't get me through the morning.
I can also remember the days of sending someone a text message, only to have them call me to tell me they got my message! I felt horribly defeated in my attempt at avant-garde hipness.
Today, if texting were an Olympic event I'd make the team. I'd win a medal. I hardly use my cell phone for any other reason. If you've shied away from text messaging for whatever reason, I say take up the challenge today. We might just become Olympic teammates.
American Idol Adds Ellen To The Judging Panel
I remember back in May, AT&T announced that over 178 million text messages were transmitted in connection with the eighth season of American Idol.
While the show has always enjoyed incredible popularity, it seems the addition of comedian Ellen DeGeneres to the judges’ panel has created a great buzz and renewed interest in some of the fan base that might have been tiring of the long-held AI format (especially if they weren’t absolute Abdul fans). Could be that Ellen’s presence on the show will draw in an entirely new and fascinated fan base, all ready to add their texts to help seal the fate of contestants.
AT&T better get ready for an onslaught of season nine’s enthusiastic texting viewers. Think we’ll top the 200 million mark this time around? Could be! Stay tuned.
In Defense Of The Razr
I love technology as much as the next person, and appreciate all the fun features of blackberries and iPhones and the other assorted PDA-type devices. I understand the easy access of email, the draw of endless texting and the ability to even watch TV (if you really want to watch TV on a 1.6” screen), but I still have to put in a good word for my good old Razr.
I’ve heard feedback through the tech grapevine saying this sleek little phone is all about looks. Not so! While, yes, it does look incredibly cool (especially in pink), and its ultra thin design adds to the fashionable impression, it also has fantastic clarity, is super easy to text with, is packed with practical, user-friendly features and (thanks to AT&T) reception is impressively reliable. I, for one, have no desire to alter my phone relationship with a more complex upgrade.
ATT Sponsors MLS
AT&T has been named the official communications service sponsor of Major League Soccer (MLS) for both the men's and women's U.S. teams. This contract, due to last several years, will recognize AT&T as the title sponsor of future MLS All-Star Games. AT&T will deliver behind-the-scenes coverage, in addition to post-game highlights and interviews with players. Using state-of-the-art technology to deliver voice, video and broadband services, AT&T will be able to connect MLS fans worldwide via wireless device, TV and PC. In addition, the official AT&T logo will be placed on the front of each players' soccer jersey, as well as throughout the Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy, Utah.
"With AT&T providing exclusive content and technology enhancements, this new agreement will truly change the game-watching experience for fans -- both on and off the field," said Executive Vice President of Soccer United Marketing, Kathy Carter.
Get AT&T bundles today; if it's good enough for MLS, it's good enough for you!
Video Conferencing Award
Today, Dallas-based AT&T announced that its Web, video and telephone conferencing system, AT&T Connect, was recognized by SearchUnifiedCommunications.com as the gold winner in the Video Conferencing Tools category. AT&T Connect was chosen by this TechTarget company for the 2009 Product Leadership Award based on readers’ assessment of products and services presently available.
With AT&T Connect, ATT bundles audio conferencing, video conferencing and web conferencing into a simple interface. This service is capable of supporting virtual meetings, both internally and externally. Various additional features are available, including multi-point video, VoIP-based audio and application sharing.
“It’s an honor to be recognized by SearchUnifiedCommunications.com for our ability to deliver best in-class solutions in video conferencing,” said Frank Zvi, Vice President of Unified Communications, AT&T Business Solutions.