Blogging On The Go With Mobile Technology
The rise of smartphones and tablets has indeed revolutionized how people work and communicate on a daily basis. Driven by mobile technology’s (m-tech) omnipresent 4G LTE connectivity, productivity applications, and cloud storage compatibility; users are now empowered to work with their handsets and accomplish multiple tasks even when on the go. For writers out there, I can attest to it that mobile technology has indeed redefined the way I draft journals, save or scribble down research notes, and post entries on WordPress. With the right applications and mobile tools, I can independently use my smartphone or my iPad to accomplish all of these, anytime and anywhere I go. Below I outline the various ways that mobile computing has helped my writing endeavors.
Blogging on the Go
Quicker On-the-go Researching
With today’s high mobile-reliance, I wouldn’t be surprised if you are spending most of your time online with your smartphone (or if you’re even reading this entry on your handset now). Ecommerce Monentate’s 2013 data revealed that mobile internet users make up 25% of all the total internet traffic worldwide. With a responsive design (or a one-size-fit-all look), texts are displayed legibly and the embedded media files (audio, video clips, and gift images) play automatically on all screens. This makes my researching easier even on a 4-inch screen iPhone. I can actually tap and copy the portion of the page that I want to save as part of my writing references.
In Multitasking
The challenge associated with independently using your smartphone as both a writing and researching tool is the complicated way of multitasking. What if you need to make a quick web inquiry while you’re in the process of writing? Chances are you will need to close your current writing application, launch the browser, and repeat the process all over again when necessary. Though some handsets, like the Samsung Galaxy smartphones, offer a built-in feature that can split the screen view and simultaneously accommodate two apps at once, you can’t do it naturally in any Apple device. But, with iOS, there’s always an app for that. I came across a Verizon blog entry by author Debi Lewis, director of Verizon Corporate Communications, suggesting the PaperHelper app. The iOS app puts a writing space side-by-side with a Web browser, eliminating the hassle of switching screens. I’ve been using it on my iPad for quite a while now and it’s absolutely handy, especially if I need to copy an entire quote from online sources.
Typing Made Easier With Text-To-Speech feature
In my six years of blogging, I have to admit that writing on a mobile device is more challenging than writing on a PC. The absence of physical keyboard is the main drawback that you will get to experience if you will make the shift. With a small QWERTY keypad layout on touch screen handsets, it is difficult to type faster and more accurately. Sometimes, my typing speed cannot keep up with my train of thoughts. If you really want to be more productive, you need to invest in a wireless keyboard for your iPad. However, if you want to eliminate the added bulkiness of the hardware, you may want to use a mobile tool instead that will allow you to type text using voice recognition. I have been using the Dragon Dictation app whenever I need to write while I’m inside a moving vehicle. I will just open the app, press the “tap and dictate” button, and afterwards, all of my speech inputs will be converted to a full text file which I can copy and paste into my mobile word processor.
4G LTE Matters
Storing my completed files is not an issue with a mobile device. The real challenge is the final step – which is the actual process of posting your blog. Luckily, our modern gadgets are now capable of 4G LTE technology (also known as ultrafast mobile internet) provided by mobile carriers. This technology provides a maximum download speed of 100Mbps and 50 Mbps upload rate. It’s a tad faster than the average broadband connection at home. With 4G, I can post a quick blog entry with image and video elements within seconds. It has also helped me to quickly respond to the feedbacks of my readers and engage in various social media discussions.
Requirements To Kickstart Your Mobile Blogging Ventures
· You must have a wireless data plan to guarantee the optimum blogging experience wherever you are. · If you want to edit and view your work on your PC after drafting, you need Cloud storage. This will eliminate the hassle of syncing and plugging your mobile device. As you’ve seen, mobile technology can indeed offer bloggers versatility and flexibility. With your smartphone in hand, you can independently perform your writing tasks.