SimpleAssist's Awesome Apps: Check out ESCORT Live™ and Travel Safe This Memorial Day Weekend

SimpleAssist App Awesomeness: ESCORT Live™,

 

The SimpleAssist philosophy is based on people discovering and using technology that enhances or improves our day to day lives, and we are always impressed by those application providers who "get it"; recognizing that good software is about true symbiosis between the user and the product in order to maximize it's use.  In fact, it's not what this app does that makes it awesome... rather is the way that it does it that makes it special.  

Last night, I was reminded of such an app after after seeing a post on facebook by a relative who was notifying fellow travelers that there were vehicles vehicles on the highway being pulled over - a day before the 3 day Memorial Day weekend.

Escort, the manufacturers of the popular PASSPORT brand of radar detectors, and the mobile ESCORT Live™ application offers drivers a uniquely accurate method to avoid or adjust their route for speed traps, road hazards, traffic cameras, live "real-time" alerts, and overall " duckin of the fuzz" functionality J

Although providing live and historical safety and traffic notifications in real-time with technology is not a new concept, nor is finding ways of getting such notification from our peers, which is akin to the old school flashing of the high beams, or informing fellow CB radio enthusiasts of a "Smoky in the bushes".  Over the past several years however, some widely popular app such as Trapster (which I used for many years - See Picture Below), that have been based on the same philosophy, and predicated on desire of those good citizens like my brother in law who wish to "see something, say something", providing smart phone users a an simple, effective tool which primarily leverages that social compact to do just that.

Trapster(R) example

Furthermore, these apps typically work by combining GPS and navigation data such as speed, location, route and relational data and internet connectivity to pull the map info and user reported alert information, in order to plot the route, show location based warning history (e.g. existing speed traps). Collecting the report and report type of the user which gets pushed to the cloud and displayed on the map anonymously (usually, unless setup otherwise) data to take your report, push it to the cloud and then distribute to app users through the internet. 

ESCORT Live™  uses a combination of real-time data collection from their bluetooth connected hardware AND social input from users.  Hardware is NOT required to use the application for iOS or Android

However, it is here where Escort separates itself from the pack, and finding the PERFECT way to offset the inconstancies in the live alert system by pulling from their area of expertise, Escort uses the "real-time" data based on the data collection of their radar detectors which are connected via Bluetooth which uses the mobile device's internet connectivity to send back to the servers..


Personally, whether it was intended or not, using the radar-based data to supplement, rather than replace or minimize the social based platform, the  synergy which resulted from taking the best from both worlds is what truly makes this App Awesome.  They developed a "best of breed" application based on existing idea by offering their users the option of connecting one of their detector hardware via bluetooth, in addition to the option of paying a subscription for enhanced details, maximizing the user experience and accuracy of the system functionality.  By empowering the users to report from the road in the ESCORT Live™ app, rather than controlling them by requiring hardware in a closed system and using the app to sell MORE hardware, or using the hardware to drive app to subscriptions - which they could have easily done I believe, as many have done before -they created a win-win-win scenario, which (in my opinion) will be paying dividends for a long time to come... and I bet they will sell more detectors than if they forced users to do so!

As with all technology, in my humble opinion, it seems that people are much more keen on buying upgrades to enhance what they already have, rather than out of pure necessity or because they being forced to do so. Further, by offering optional subscriptions ($4.99 / Month, ) or yearly subscription options, they offer users to select what will scale to their needs, allowing users such as myself to use the subscription or not, use the hardware or not, and generally allow me to make the decision to get what I need from the app. 

Check it out for yourself (No hardware or subscription required): 

Download ESCORT Live™ for iOS

Download Escort Live for Android

 At SimpleAssist, we dig that way of doing things, and it's for this reason ESCORT Live™ get a "SimpleAssist: Awesome App" stamp of approval!

have a safe and enjoyable Memorial Day holiday.

Derek Shocklee
Founder of SimpleAssist - SimpleAssistme.com 

SimpleAssist Quick Tip: Malwarebytes | Anti-Exploit BETA - Free Zero-Day Exploit Protection

SimpleAssist Safety Tip:  Protect your programs from "back-door" exploits with Malwarebytes Anti-Exploit + Check out the NEW Malwarebytes!

The clever folks at Malwarebytes do not relent when it comes to the battle against the bad guys and malicious software. 

We recommend our customers evaluate this tool as part of their security setup and download the new Malwarebytes software (links included below)

SimpleAssist customer's are typically advised and setup with a "Free" anti-malware setup, which consists of using the best free or most inexpensive programs available which, in addition to some best practice tips and support, allows them to eliminate the fee based, resource heavy programs suggested by computer manufacturers and the big box stores. 

What is Anti-Exploit?

So what is anti-exploit?  It essentially blocks attempts at malware trying to access the computer through a program exploit or vulnerabilities that have not been patched.   Infection can happen while surfing the web or while doing an update, when the malicious code finds a "back-door" exploit.  

You see, when it comes to malicious code the delivery system is not always from downloading a file or falling for a tricky website, as we have covered and will be reviewing in the upcoming SimpleAssist Safety and Security blog series).  

A great example would be the the Java exploit from last year which compromised computers across the world and was serious enough to prompt a Homeland security bulletin.  Incidentally, It was also the inspiration for the first SimpleAssist blogpost:  A "non technical" Overview for Disabling Java and Scanning for Viruses" which is still relevant today.

Although Malwarebytes Anti-Exploit is technically still in Beta, after evaluating this program for nearly a month, I am very impressed and feel more than comfortable recommending and advising all my clients for whom I've done virus removal to install it right away (see my anecdotal example below).  Here are some key points and additional info: 

1. Once installed, it does not have to be monitored or initiated in any way.  If something happens, you'll know (the picture above pops up).   Think of it as a shield, waiting in the background for something to try and break through. 
   
   
2. It's free, and the latest version is the most powerful yet.  It's working quite nicely and doesn't consume vast resources (unlike the paid anti-virus - anti-everything programs of the world which essentially lock down your computer). See additional information on Malwarebytes Product Forum
   
   
3. It's from Malwarebytes - a true leader in anti-malware.  It's simple and easy to understand, and get's the job done. The proof is in the pudding:  Malwarebytes update their security definitions throughout the day - meaning you could update at 8:00 AM and by 11:30 AM it may have an updated version. 

My own experience

While updating Java the other day, I was pleasantly surprised (with Malwarebytes Anti-Exploit) when I saw it had blocked malicious code trying to take advantage of an exploit in the Java installer. I saw the warning above pop up -  and after looking at the logs, realized that malicious code was trying to sneak in under the radar while while Java was updating.  

Downloads and Additional Info

Links to Download: NOTE:  It is always safer to get any program direct from the source!  See this blog post on why.

Malwarebytes Anti-Exploit: (Malwarebytes Anti-Exploit Page for additional info, direct download included on page or by clicking here for direct download 

Malwarebytes v 2.01 (Direct) Note:  Even if you have used the premium trial before, the new version allows for 30 more days of premium features!

Windows XP users - April 8th “End of Life” Deadline - SimpleAssist Blog Guide Coming Soon (and Why It’s Important)

As a continuation to an earlier Facebook post, and in an effort to help those make sense and make the best decision possible for their needs, a tip guide is forthcoming on the SimpleAssist blog (simpleassistme.blogspot.com).  It will offer a roadmap to disseminate all information, rumors,  breakdown of several different recommendations in anticipation of what to expect before and after the Windows XP April 8 deadline.   The most important concern is security and the biggest question will likely be, “do I need a new computer or can I upgrade my own” as outlined below.

                                                                                                        

SimpleAssist Software Spotlight: The Evernote Effect

The Evernote Effect

A Sync-harmonious Tool for Life and Business

Something for Anyone

Bringing the note and record keeping concepts of a three ring binder, document scanning, audio dictation, and organization to another level; regardless of whether you're a techie two gigabytes away from mental "hard drive" malfunction, or just attempting to GPS navigate through the unknown and sometimes overwhelming technological landscape, Evernote offers an amazingly simple respite to help keep your sanity among the day-to-day 21st century demands of staying organized as the hours and days fly by at the speed of light

A Unique Space in the Cloud

Exclusively cloud-based, and offering a brilliant "freemium" interface without much in the way of restrictions and an overall data limit, users have a more pragmatic caveat when it comes to " limitations" between free and premium, with regard to storage especially.
To this end, instead of limiting cumulative data Evernote alternatively limits how much data can be uploaded per month, although the free version should be good for many - though I wouldn't recommend storing tons of large files such as movies... more like the perfect tool for writing down ideas and storing research for writing your next movie script.

Amazingly Easy to Use

Simply put, Evernote on it's own does the job, and does it extraordinarily well. Over the past several months, they have added features that continue to bedazzle: such as the ability to not just scan a document by snapping a picture or pulling from the gallery of a device, but also the OCR recognition which makes the document searchable, and recently the business card feature. When the business card option is selected. the text from the business card "contact" fields are populated from a quick snap which then can be seamlessly saved as a new contact.

Something Special

In summarizing why Evernote  is becoming more popular by the day, and finding itself in another league despite so many apps out there with similar functionality, it simply boils down to a defining characteristic that separates the good software from great software, the mediocre from the game changer: Innovative Elegance, resulting from the painstaking, seemingly impassioned strive to make the user experience seamless and intuitive, from constant innovation and improvement of the functionality. The intuitive interaction simply makes sense, and becomes an effortless symbiosis with end user; almost as if the application was designed to anticipate our next move, and giving the sense that it was designed and created specifically for the user. 

As someone who was using smartphones before the iPhone, as much as I almost didn't want to (I was a PC person through and through) it was that elegance which made iPhone the catalyst of the smart phone explosion.Maybe Apple could take some pointers, as their brand loyalty wanes due to their never ending desire to force you to repay for their innovation.

And so Evernote, in both their commitment to excellence and innovation with a product that starts at free and doesn't suck the customer in only to squeeze every nickel or bombard them with ads,makes it truly something special.   The is not often seen in the ultra competitive "app" market, making Evernote feel like more of an open source passion product, and a mission to help us all handle the information coming at us every hour of every day.  

Getting Started with Evernote

Sign up for free at www.evernote.com or get one month of their premium service for free by visiting this exclusive sign up link. 

XBMC Home Theather - All the Media in the World with an "Open Source" Home Theater solution

Please click here or on the image above for more information about XBMC.  

XBMC is an amazing, open source home theater software that goes beyond simple "media management: offering functionality to not only all of your stored media (purchased videos, music, photos) and online accounts (e.g. Yahoo! Amazon Prime), but providing you a centralized platform to discover media (movies, TV shows, music, and much more) providing access to content all over the world. 

Device Support*

XBMC support installation on a wide range of devices, from PC to MAC, to Android and iDevices**. I have copied the list of supported devices from the XBMC.org website. 

Click here or on the image above to be taken to the XBMC.org website. 

Installation and Configuration Instructions

After Installing, and configuring XMBC was once a bit more complicated, with the nearly endless array of options and add-ons available.   Now, thanks to XBMC HUB WIZARD which provides a very simple, quick utility to install the most popular add ins. 

* Unless previously contracted and agreed, SimpleAssistme advises readers that by using the information contained on this blog, SimpleAssistme.com and related sites, you  are doing so "at your own risk".   This blog is an "Informational " resource only to provide to readers with ideas and external resources, with their own policies etc. However, SimpleAssist makes no guarantee nor claims responsibility for any result, intended or otherwise, to a reader utilizing software and information from external sites  made available by SimpleAssist.