- Google is launching a Gmail Labs feature called "Undo Send" that lets you abort the sending of any Gmail message, if you use it within five seconds. Undo Send allows the user to recall an e-mail before it is sent out. To activate the Undo Send option, click on "Settings" in Gmail and then the "Labs" tab. There is also an option to increase the un-send time window to 10 seconds, for users who may need a little more time to realize they've accidentally hit "reply all" or to notice a spelling error within the email.
- Skype is the newest platform to hit the iTunes App Store. A mobile version of the popular free international calling system, the Skype app was downloaded one million times in its first two days of availability. The VoIP app is easy to use - just sign into Skype from any Wi-Fi zone and reach friends and family for free with any Skype-to-Skype calls. Similar to Skype on the Web, the program allows users to purchase Skype credits to call landlines or non-Skype hosting mobile phones at rates cheaper than those offered by standard service providers.
- JumpStart Social Media is a new Web service that helps not-so-tech-savvy business professionals get up and running with their own online profiles. For $89.95, JumpStart's team will set up users with a profile on Facebook and LinkedIn and leave them with a reference guide. JumpStart uses a web-based questionnaire to determine the subscriber's needs, and then uses this information to create a personal profile. For people who have already set up an account on either site, a $9.95 personalized guide will make any necessary adjustments/improvements to their online profile.
- WeFollow is a new, user-powered Twitter directory. Twitter users can categorize themselves based on popular hashtag descriptors, including #news, #celebrity or #travel. Anyone using Twitter can add their profile to the directory, which provides a brief information section and highlights the total number of followers and number of new followers for each user. Not only is it a valuable tool for those hoping to enhance brand awareness, but it's also an excellent resource for discovering new users to follow on Twitter.
Healthcare
- Developed to warn allergy, asthma and arthritis sufferers, among others who have medical conditions affected by the weather, MediClim alerts registered users when changes in humidity, pollen count, barometric pressure and temperature might change how they feel. After completing a brief medical questionnaire, subscribers will receive an alert on days with weather conditions that are expected to trigger health problems. MediClim is a free service currently available to anyone in North America and the UK.
- Fashionistas are sporting shoes smudged with dirt this spring, as the mainstream-grunge look expands beyond plaid. Guys and girls alike, who used to wear only the brightest, whitest sneakers are going for a more "lived in" look. Notorious sneaker aficionado Kanye West sported some less than clean white canvas shoes in the March issue of GQ.
- A growing number of brands, including SkinGlow and Serta, are boasting pillowcases, sheets and even mattresses embedded with microcapsules of copper and aloe vera to moisturize and calm skin, control acne and fight wrinkles, while also warding off bacteria and dust. For the moment, these products are the latest "must-haves" in the ongoing quest for the fountain of youth.
Music
- Retailers aren't the only ones reviving layaway plans. A number of music festivals are also giving concertgoers the opportunity to pay in installments. Coachella attendees who purchased the $269 tickets prior to the end of February had two layaway options. They could pay 50% upfront, and then have the remaining amount automatically deducted on April 1. Or, they could pay 10% upfront, and then have the rest deducted in two equal installments on March 1 and April 1. Similarly, Bonnaroo attendees who purchased the $249.50 tickets were given the option of paying in five $50 installments.
- FreePaperCups provides just that to corporate customers through an arrangement with both advertisers and suppliers. Operating through an exclusive national network of office coffee service providers, FreePaperCups works with advertisers to provide the cups to companies for free in exchange for branding them with sponsors' messages. Advertisers get their brands in front of consumers and business decision makers in offices, conference rooms and break rooms, while companies get to eliminate the expense of buying the cups themselves.
- For the UK release of the "Twilight" DVD, models were hired to hit the streets in hand-painted, golden-colored contact lenses. The "eyeverts" contained details of the DVD release.
Media
- Good, the three-year-old magazine with a non-profit editorial focus, is scaling back its frequency. The bimonthly title will go quarterly, beginning with the current issue.
- In what will be a first for the in-flight magazine category, Delta Air Lines will soon sell its magazine, Sky, on newsstands. Copies will be available on newsstands, including Barnes & Noble and Borders, later this month at a cost of $3.99 an issue. A spokeswoman said that because the magazine covers lifestyle, travel and business, Delta believes it will be something people will want to access in the months they aren't traveling.
- Alpha Media Group's Blenderhas folded. The April issue will be its last.The title, which covers music and entertainment news, will continue in an online format.
