Kirk's Technology Blog

I went up to the Layton Hills Mall this morning to check out a new service they're offering.  It's pretty cool, it combines internet shopping with shopping at the mall.  Here's how it works: just log on to the mall's website and search for a product.  Many of the mall's stores have listed most of their products on this site.  Once it pops up, simply fill out some quick information including the size, color, etc that you're looking for.  When you click the "Check Availability" button it'll send your request in.  A company (Nearybynow) will actually call the store and check to see if your item is in stock.  If it is, the store will place it on hold and you'll get an email in return.  Actually, they'll email you back either way and it'll happen within 10 minutes of your original request.  Sure, the mall is really just trying to capture some of that "online shopping" hype but it really is a cool tool for shoppers!  No more running up to the mall only to find out something isn't in stock.

Check this out, they're also offering a text message feature.  If you're in the mall and want to know which stores carry Nike shoes, simply text message the mall with your request and within seconds the mall will text you back with a list of stores that carry Nike shoes.  Obviously you can search for any product you like, it doesn't have to be Nike shoes.  Pretty cool, huh?  Best of all, all free! 

Check out the Layton Hills Mall Website

Another Macworld keynote speech and another day of speculation.  Every year Macworld is expected to be the big launching pad for the company that loves fruit.  I'm not a huge Apple computer person myself but I like to give credit where credit is due.  Apple knows how to build hype!  The rumors are flying, new laptops, a new iPhone with 3G support or a new update to the current iPhone.  The promotional material says, "There's something in the air."  What could that mean?

I think an iPhone update is almost a given.  Steve Jobs has been talking about offering developers the oppurtunity to create applications for the iPhone, I think we'll see a big annoucment about that.  There has got to be more though, I hope!  Jobs never seems to fall short of impressing tech heads across the country, let's hope this year is no exception. 

Anyone else have any predictions???   It kicks off at 10am (Mountain Time.) 

Apple's Homepage (Will Be Updated Once An Annoucement Is Made)
Track Keynote On Engadget (Live Updates From San Francisco)