Girls In Tech

Anyone that is a “gadget-freak” like me knows that the HTC EVO is one of the most talked about smart phones of 2011.

Finally, a touchscreen phone I am proud to call the iPhone killer. That’s right, I said it (and I’ve waited so long for this moment too!).

The EVO comes with 7 home screens, an 8 megapixel camera, HDMI output, live video sharing with a front-facing camera, visual voicemail, a kickstand for hands-free and tabletop viewing, 4.3 inch screen, 4G speeds, and so much more.

But what really makes the user-experience that much better are the apps!

With that said, here are my top 5 favorite apps for the HTC EVO.

1. Tasker

This app automates your entire phone! Here are some things you can do: launch a music application when you plug in your headphones, send an automated text to someone when you’re 15 minutes away from picking them up, or set a schedule to disable certain features on your phone to conserve battery power at night.

For more info:
http://tasker.dinglisch.net

2. CamCard

For those of you who do a lot of IRL networking, this app is for you! Whenever someone gives you a business card, simply take a photograph of it with CamCard. The app scans and detects the information on the card and adds it to your phone’s address book.

For more info:
http://www.androlib.com/android.application.com-intsig-bizcardreader-ptBx.aspx

3. Vlingo

For a safer and less distracting driving experience, use Vlingo. Use voice commands to operate your phone. Compose text messages and emails. Use Vlingo to read incoming messages (email and SMS) while driving or get directions while keeping your hands on the wheel.

For more info:
http://www.vlingo.com

4. Lookout

People often forget that a smart phone’s operating system needs anti-virus and security just like our PCs do. Use this app to stop viruses, malware, and spyware. The Lookout app also provides a backup solution so all of your data can be safe in the cloud. And finally, Lookout will help you find your phone when stolen or misplaced by pinpointing it on a Google Map. You can activate a loud alarm to locate your phone when it’s nearby…even if it is in silent mode.

For more info:
http://www.mylookout.com/m/android

5. Caller ID Faker

For us Girls in Tech that just wanna have fun, Caller ID Faker is a must-have app. Use this app to make crank calls from any phone number, change your voice, and record the call so you can proudly review your work and share it with your friends.

For more info:
http://calleridfaker.com

6. AND A BONUS FOR YOU SUPER GEEKS!!!

This isn’t an app, but I thought I’d mention this item on Amazon.com for serious EVO users that may want TWO extra longer life batteries and a wall travel dock + USB charger on the cheap! Never plug your phone in to charge again.

Link:
http://www.amazon.com/Sprint-Battery-Charger-Verizon-Incredible/dp/B003XOUM12/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=wireless&qid=1288266335&sr=8-2-spell

Have something you’d like to share about the HTC EVO? Please leave a comment below and tell us about it.

Dimple Thakkar
Owner & Impresario of SYNHERGY ENTERTAINMENT
www.synhergyentertainment.com
@dimplethakkar
@synhergyent

Tags: 4g, Android, applications, apps, Droid, evo, gadget, Gadgets, htc, iphone, killer, mobile, phone, screen, smart, smartphone, sprint, touch
Posted in All Chapters, Los Angeles | No Comments »

Born in Lithuania’s capital city of Vilnius to a family of well-known and highly respected musicians, Loreta, now a resident of Los Angeles, California is using social media to push her career in the United States.

I sat down with Loreta and conducted the interview below, where she talks about her favorite sites and things to do online.

1.  Tell us a little bit about yourself and your music.
I was born in Lithuania, to a family of very well known and respected artists/musicians. I started performing professionally at the age of four. I always knew I wanted to be a singer and write my own songs. I write songs only when I am inspired and I write about real life events that have happened to me in the past or are happening today.

2.  What made you want to utilize social media marketing to promote your music?
It’s a great way to market music globally and also a great way to build a close relationship with the fans. You get to know them and they get to know you on a very personal level.

3.  How has social media marketing helped you?
Since most of my success has been in the international markets, using social media has really helped me present my music to the states.  So far the response has been amazing, especially with my Michael Jackson tribute song which has received over 30,000 MP3 downloads and over 30,000 ringtone downloads.  None of this would have been possible without the power of social media marketing.

4.  How are you currently using social media?  How do you plan on using it in the future?
Right now I primarily use Facebook to connect with new and existing fans.  I love that I can share status updates, photos…anything that’s going on with my career and personal life.  In the future, I hope to use social media to build deeper connections with my fans and use it to promote my first single called “No Mercy.”  I also want to use social media to talk about things I am passionate about such as animal rights, gay rights, and human trafficking to name a few.

5.  Which social networking site has helped you promote your music the most?  Which website has been the most beneficial?
Aside from Facebook, ReverbNation.com has been extremely beneficial in promoting my music.  Not only is their community filled with passionate fans of music and music industry professionals, but they are also very generous because they featured me on their home page which led to a feature on Windows Media Guide.  I was literally exposed to hundreds and millions of people because of ReverbNation.com.  They provide the best tools for musicians to promote themselves online.

6.  What other ways do you communicate with your fans online?  What is your preferred method of communicating with fans online?
Again, I think Facebook wins!  When I can’t be in front of the computer, I can easily use my mobile phone to inform my fans on what I am doing.  Because of that, it makes it so easy to interact with my community and give them a little bit of a behind-the-scenes glimpse on the life of an artist.

7.  Is there any technology that you are looking forward to?  Will this technology also help you with your career?
I’m always looking for new gadgets and technology to help me with my personal life and career. If anybody has any suggestions, please find me on http://www.facebook.com/xoxoloreta and let me know!

8.  What are some of your other interests?  Do you use the web to share these interests?  If so, how?
I love reading and I love to post links of my favorite books and discuss about them with my fans, I am also getting involved in animal rescue and it’s a great way reach a lot of people and bring awareness.

9.  Tell us where people can find you online.  Also, feel free to add any additional comments.
They can join my websites:
www.facebook.com/xoxoloreta
www.reverbnation.com/xoxoloreta
www.twitter.com/xoxoloreta
www.loreta.me
www.loretaofficial.ru

Posted in All Chapters, Los Angeles | No Comments »

Unless you’re already a celebrity, how often do you get a chance to spend a Friday night walking across the red carpet on your way into a private VIP lounge to have a glass of bubbly?  Or discuss rock n’ roll inspired fashion with other influential women that come from a wide variety of industries?

My guess is not very often, which is exactly why coming to Fashion’s Night Out on September 10th in Beverly Hills, CA at Sak’s Fifth Avenue will be a night to remember (…or not to remember if you drink too much bubbly!).

As if the details above aren’t enough to make FNO a memorable night, there will also be opportunities for attendees to enjoy rock icon makeovers and receive backstage style tips from our resident fashionistas.  Further, you get 15% off any purchase and 5% of sales benefit Dress for Success, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing women with professional attire to thrive in work and life.

But wait…there’s more!  Spend $500 or more on Chloe merchandise and let their artist commemorate your new look with a one of a kind sketch in your new outfit.  The French fashion label offers luxurious style, accessories, fragrances, handbags, shoes, and more.

Why so much awesome in one night?

September 10th marks the first evening of New York Fashion Week, So, retailers across the world are celebrating by staying open late and hosting in-store events.  FNO was created to help retailers during a tough economy and encourage spending while connecting everything to a great cause.

So come out, splurge, and get pampered!  It’s the perfect opportunity to get your wardrobe and look ready for the fall and winter seasons.  And don’t worry, nobody leaves empty handed.  Every attendee will receive a swag bag, filled with freebies and goodies from our sponsors and promotional partners.

For more information and tickets:
http://gitfashion2010.eventbrite.com


Tags: 5th, ave, avenue, beverly, charity, chloe, dress, fashion, fashion's, fifth, for, hills, makeovers, night, out, saks, Style, sucess, wardrobe
Posted in All Chapters, Los Angeles | No Comments »

ReverbNation.com is a remarkable marketing and promotional tool for indie artists that want to manage their careers the way professionals do.

They offer turn-key solutions for online marketing, digital distribution, fan-relationship management and assessment, e-commerce, and more.

ARTISTS CAN MAKE MONEY ON REVERBNATION

1.   Digital Distribution – For under $60/year, artists can distribute their music to most major online music retailers.  This includes iTunes, iTunes International, Amazon, Zune, Last.fm, Spotify, Rhapsody, Wal-Mart, and many others.  Artists get paid for downloads and streams, keep the rights to their music and 100% of their royalties.  With this service, artists also get access to free trending reports to determine a return on investment and monitor how sales are performing.

2.    Electronic Press Kits – Press kits are a like resumes.  Managers, booking agents, and record labels ask for press kits when they want to review or pitch a band.  ReverbNation’s press kits are professional, easy-to-use, and inexpensive.

3.    Sell Merchandise Online – ReverbNation’s store operates like an on-demand merchandise store (similar to Zazzle and CafePress).  This means artists can sell t-shirts, hoodies, and other products without any upfront costs.

4.    Song Licensing – Like the sound of securing long-term royalties?  With ReverbNation, musicians can submit their music for an opportunity to get sync’d in TV shows, film, commercials, video games, and there’s no submission fee.  Currently, this program is only being offered to a select group of artists.

Full list of money-making opportunities for artists on ReverbNation can be found here:

http://www.reverbnation.com/main/overview_artist?feature=store#/main/overview_artist?feature=landingpage

ADDITIONAL FEATURES

1.    ReverbNation is Facebook-friendly – ReverbNation offers the MyBand application, which is the #1 musician app on Facebook.  Place music, songs, a mailing list sign-up form, show calendar, and photos right into any Facebook Fan Page.  The application also has viral marketing features so users can share content with fans and friends anywhere on the web.  Music can also be placed right into Facebook’s news feeds and fans can listen/stream music without leaving Facebook.

2.    Variety of Widgets – Create music players for any website or blog, embeddable tour schedules, YouTube video galleries, mailing list sign-up forms, and customize them all to fit any style.  All widgets have a built-in tracking system and measures impressions, placements, and click through rates.

3.    Statistics – Stats on ReverbNation are automatically generated when using their promotional tools.  Find out how many fans you have, know their age, location, and discover which fans are listening and promoting your music.

4.    Gig Finder – ReverbNation’s GigFinder is a directory of music venues with more than 100,000 listings.  Find venues using their search form and filters to find the perfect venue for gigging.

5.   Street Teams – Gather fans and reward them for completing missions.  This is the best way to activate grass-roots and word-of-mouth marketing online and offline.

Full Feature List Available Here:
http://www.reverbnation.com/#/main/overview_artist

ReverbNation.com offers a convenient way to manage fans, a mailing list, street team, earn money, track statistics, book gigs, promote a tour, manage online presence and run web promotions all from one website.

It’s an excellent resource to take a career in music to the next level without the help of a record label or manager.

Dimple Thakkar
Owner & Impresario at SYNHERGY ENTERTAINMENT
www.synhergyentertainment.com
@dimplethakkar

Tags: artists, bands, digital distribution, entertainment, iTunes, marketing, music business, music industry, music marketing, music promotion, musicians, ReverbNation, technology, WalMart
Posted in All Chapters, Los Angeles | 12 Comments »

Networking is everything in the music industry. People like to work with people they know.

The best networking events are the casual and informal ones where you can meet a lot of great people over drinks and leave with a handful of business cards and new contacts.

That’s exactly what happened on Tuesday night. I had the pleasure of attending an event hosted by Digital Music LA and the Fortex Group at the Air Conditioned Supper Club in Venice, CA.

The introductory event offered those in the music industry a chance to meet fellow Digital Music LA sponsors and members in a laid back and fun environment. Sponsors and attendees included .MXP4, Zimbalam, MySpace Music, Universal Music, marketing companies, record label veterans, musicians, talent managers, and more.

Participants were encouraged to introduce and exchange ideas with each other and the hosts. The meet-up opportunity also provided a way for attendees to shape upcoming experiences and events with Digital Music LA and even choose the group’s official hashtag on Twitter (#DMLA).

Anyone looking for more chances to network within the music industry must join the official Digital LA Music Meet-up Group by visiting the link below.

http://www.meetup.com/DigitalMusicLA

Related links:
http://www.fortexgroup.com
http://www.zimbalam.com
http://www.mxp4.com

Be sure to come prepared with business cards and press kits.

See you at the next one.

Dimple Thakkar
Owner & Impresario at SYNHERGY ENTERTAINMENT
www.synhergyentertainment.com
@dimplethakkar

Posted in Los Angeles | No Comments »