Quick Tip: Photo Grid

Quick Tip!

Photo Grid - Collage Maker & FX Editor

(Image via http://bit.ly/1zVg2eK)

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Photo Grid is an application that allows you to combine several different photos into one shareable collage. But it doesn't stop there! Photo Grid also allows you to edit the individual photos via different filters and styles. You can even resize photos, add stickers/captions, and choose from a plethora of different grid backgrounds,

First choose which photos from your mobile device's gallery that you would like to add into the collage. The minimum is 2 photos and the max is 15 photos.

Then pick the layout for how you want the photos to be displayed. You can choose from a simple equal grid.

Or a layout that highlights a specific photo over the others.

Or even an abstract layout. The possibilities are endless!

Once you have designed the collage you love, you can easily share it out to your social sphere using any sharing method that you would like!

Pro Tip 1:
Use Photo Grid to showcase an entire listing all in one photo!

Pro Tip 2:
Photo Grid collages are automatically formatted to fit Facebook and Instagram's photo sizes so that you no longer have to worry about resizing or cropping your image before sharing it!

Learn More: http://www.cmcm.com/en-us/photo-grid/

Download: 

Weekly Tech Tip: Learn Helpful Features

Chances are, the computer or device you are using has a series of helpful features that you aren't aware of. Commit to picking up a new trick once a week and you'll be more efficient in no time!

WINDOWS 7: Snap

Capitalize on your screen size by using the Snap feature, which automatically fits a window to half of your screen. This is especially useful when comparing documents, moving files, or working in multiple windows.

TO DO: Drag the title bar of a window to the left or right side of the screen until an outline of the expanded window appears, then release the mouse. Repeat on the opposite side of the screen with another window to arrange them side by side.

TIP: Dragging a window to the top of the screen will maximize it. To Snap a window using your keyboard, hit the Windows logo key and the left or right arrow.

iOS/Windows: Cycle Through Open Applications

Both Windows and iOS will let you quickly cycle through your open applications and windows.

TO DO: Hit the ALT+TAB keys (Windows) or CMD+TAB keys (iOS) to bring up the Cycle Window (Windows version pictured above). Keep hitting these keys or hold them and use the arrow keys to view your open windows, and release to bring your selected window to the forefront.



iPhone/iPad/Android: Drag/Drop to Create Folders

You can group apps on your iDevice or Android to declutter and streamline your experience.

TO DO: Press and hold an app until it is selected. On iDevices, the icons will start to wiggle and on Android it will "lift". Drag the app icon on top of another app icon and release. On iDevices, you will need to hit the home key one final time so save your changes. You can also rename these folders.




Get more tips here:
Apple (iOS/iPhone/iPad): http://osxdaily.com/
Windows: http://www.microsoft.com/athome/setup/windowstricks.aspx
Android: http://www.droid-life.com/category/tips/

Hot App Alert: Postagram

Postagram

Looking for a better, tangible way to share photos from your cell phone? Want to follow up on an in-person meeting a few days later with a unique touch point? Want to stay better connected with and surprise your friends, family and clients? If any of these apply to you, then I guarantee you will love this app!

Hot App Alert: Sandicor

Sandicor

Need to perform to pull property details or showing information but you're nowhere near a computer? Don't waste time and gas heading back to the office. Do it all from your phone with the Sandicor app. Perform the same quality searches you would on the Sandicor website straight from your phone.  For any agent on the go, this is the app is a necessity!

Hot App Alert: Photoshop Express

Photoshop Express

Have you ever taken a photo with your mobile phone that was perfect except for being slightly tilted or in need of cropping? Wouldn't it be great to be able to easily edit your photos, or add fun effects or borders? If any of this sounds appealing, I guarantee you will love this app!

Hot App Alert: Handcent SMS

Handcent SMS

Wouldn't it be nice if you could change text message notifications for your contacts, just like you can have dedicated ringtones? What if you could pre-schedule one-time or recurring text messages, or backup your texts easily and restore them if needed? If any of this sounds appealing, I guarantee you will love this app!

Hot App Alert: Astrid Tasks

Astrid Tasks

Do you live by scraps of paper scattered all over the place? Ever forget to do something because the adhesive on the sticky note wore off and the note went out of sight, out of mind? Ever try to coordinate multiple people on a project and worry that deadlines are being missed or tasks aren't being accomplished? If any of this sounds familiar, I guarantee you will love this app!

Q/A Friday: What are 5 essential pieces of technology that I shouldn’t be living without?

Q: Tech is amazing, but also expensive and ever-changing. Without bankrupting myself, what are five pieces that I absolutely must have to improve my professional (and personal) life?

A: It’s no lie... I am definitely someone who would have the latest-and-greatest everything if I could! Unfortunately, that’s not always possible, but there are five pieces of equipment that I absolutely CANNOT live without, and any agent worth their salt shouldn't either.

1. SMART PHONE

iPhone? Android? Whichever you prefer. The really key thing is that you get a data plan- without one, a smart phone is really rather dumb, wouldn’t you say? Make sure you get a data plan that will fit your needs. Be sure you monitor your usage as overage charges are no laughing matter! Key Ingredients: Data Plan, Web Capable, Email, Texting, Camera Anything more only matters if you will use it. The same goes for apps. Things that should be second-nature: Email and texting, getting a map or navigation, taking and sharing photos/video (via email, text or social network), using any app that you download

2. LAPTOP

I wish I didn’t have to have this in the list, but it continues to surprise me how many people either don’t have laptops or don’t take them out of their homes… that’s why you got a laptop! The good news is that pretty much every lap top made today comes standard with the key ingredients below. Key Ingredients: Plenty of hard drive space (at least 320gb), Decent Processor & RAM, Built-in camera, WiFi/Bluetooth capable, CD/DVD burner, Enough ports for your peripherals (USB/Firewire are essential, eSATA and HDMI are a bonus) Things that should be second-nature: connecting to a wireless network, opening and using programs, organization & folder structure (where you save your documents) Regarding Size: I love my 17.1” desktop replacement enough that I don’t mind lugging it around, but if size/weight are what keep you from bringing your laptop to the office or into the field, don’t go for something that big! A 15" screen will suffice. Regarding Macs: If you would prefer a Mac, make sure you are aware of any restrictions with the systems you currently use. For example, it has historically been difficult to use a Mac with the MLS. Be aware of  limitations and bring a list to the Apple Store to discuss with a Genius.

3. BACK UP PLAN

That lovely laptop full of your data is useless if it is lost, stolen, or damaged beyond repair. If you only take one piece of advice from me, please let it be to back up your data. You truly never know if (or when) something might happen. Key Ingredients: Automatic/Scheduled Backups, Backup Software (for external drives), Ability to back up large or hidden files such as an Outlook PST file External VS Cloud-based: If you are picking between one or the other, I would recommend cloud-based storage such as Carbonite. An external drive is great for quick, local file recovery, however that will only be effective if a) you make sure it is backed up on a regular basis and b) the external drive is undamaged or not taken in the event of theft. Bonus: Most cloud-based storage comes with a web interface and smart device apps, allowing you to access your data from anywhere.

4.  CAMERA 

Still camera? Yes. Video camera? Yes, that too. Got one that does both? Even better, but is it easy for you to edit that video or put it on YouTube? If not, you might want to consider a pocket camera such as a Creative Vado or Kodak Zi. Key Ingredients: Easy for you to use, Easy to upload, Easy to edit, High Definition video (at least 720) A note about phone cameras: As I said above, you should absolutely have a camera on your smart phone, but you should still consider a standalone. Does your take high quality pictures for your listings? Is the video clear and easy to edit? If the answer to these questions is yes, I give you permission to skip this category. If not, you know what to do.

5. CLOUD-BASED SYSTEMS

Do you keep notes via scraps of paper and Post-Its? Stop! There are plenty of cloud-based (meaning accessible via the internet, and usually with an app for your smartphone) services to help keep track of notes, tasks and contacts. Not only are these cloud-based systems convenient, they help to ensure that you have the same information available on your computer or phone or between teammates and assistants. I've named several task management apps below; test them out to decide which one best fits your needs. Key Ingredients: Easy for you to use The Big Key: Force yourself to commit to these systems. Resist the urge to write something on a note pad and instead take out your smartphone or enter it on your computer. Systems I recommend: Google Apps (Contacts, Calendar, Documents), Evernote, Springpad, Astrid Tasks, Producteev, TaskOS, Any.Do Bonus: Many of these systems are free; some have a Pro option for more capability.

So, tell me: What are your most essential pieces of tech?

Hot App Alert: Skitch

Skitch

Do you think a picture is worth a thousand words? What if you could easily take a picture or screen shot and mark it up with arrows, text, shapes and more? And what if you could do this all from your mobile phone or tablet then send the picture via email, text, Facebook and more? If any of this sounds appealing, I guarantee you will love this app!

Hot App Alert: Google Voice

Google Voice

Are you frustrated with voice mail? Ever wish you could have you messages transcribed and delivered to you, access them online in a searchable database, save them in the cloud, or have one phone number to ring all the phones you own? If any of this sounds familiar, I guarantee you will love this app!

Hot App Alert: GasBuddy

Gas Buddy - Find Local Gas Prices

You need gas soon... but the prices are so high! Wouldn't it be great if you could easily find the cheapest gas in your area or along your travel route? If this situation sounds familiar, I guarantee that you will love this app!

Hot App Alert: Key Ring Rewards Cards

Key Ring - No More Cards.

Grocery store cards. Club cards. Loyalty cards. Membership cards. Did you know that just four of these cards can add a 1/4" to the width of your wallet? It you're anything like me, you probably belong to at least 20 different membership and loyalty programs. Never need to go through a lengthy online process to retrieve your airline club number again. If any of this sounds familiar, I guarantee that you will love this app!

Hot App Alert: Glympse

Glympse - Share Your Where

Ever play the "How long until you get here?" game? Ever sit and wonder if your kids are almost home from school? Ever have a friend who is either habitually late or wishy-washy with plans and you don't want to wait for them before heading to the next spot? If any of these scenarios sounds familiar, I guarantee that you will love this app!