Mediaboss Marketing

Google on Wednesday got dressed up in its best suit and tie and grabbed its briefcase to head to work, rolling out new Google+ tools and features tailored for businesses that will be free through the end of 2013.

Google is no stranger to business-ready applications, having built up an impressive enterprise portfolio in recent years with its Gmail and Google Apps offerings.

"Every day, more companies are going Google. We're excited to help them take advantage of modern, Web-based tools and give their employees new ways to connect and collaborate," Google Apps product management director Clay Bavor said in a blog post.

All Google Apps users can get a sneak peek at the new features in full preview mode, a step up from Google's beta testing format. Pilot customers, including Kaplan and Banshee Wines, have been testing the new site by engaging and connecting employees, according to Google. Early feedback is crucial for Google to tailor its new features to organizations, the company said.

Google+ for businesses is defined by three features that differentiate it from the consumer platform private sharing, video integration, and administrative controls.

Google Apps users get more control over the content they post to Google+. There's a new option to mark posts as restricted, which keeps them private within an organization and bars another user from re-sharing them with outsiders. Businesses can also share a message only with specific partners or colleagues outside of the organization as well.

Since July, Hangouts have been accessible through Gmail and via a Google doc, but now, users can also add a hangout to a Calendar event, turning it into a one-stop-shop for attendees to check the time and location of the meeting, just before joining.

Administrators can also restrict Hangouts for private meetings.

"These latest business features for Google+ ... are just a start," Bavor said.

A mobile version of the new business tool suite, plus more administrative controls are on their way, according to the company.

Excerpt from:
Google+ Launches Business-Savvy Social Networking Tools

28-08-2012 02:48 Strong winds are kicking up waves on the New Orleans-Lake Ponchartrain shoreline early Tuesday. Tropical Storm Isaac is closing in on the city, and expected to hit Tuesday night or Wednesday. (Aug. 28)

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Raw Video: New Orleans Wind and Waves - Video

Facebook contributed to Tuesdays meeting of the Durango School District 9-R board, as members spent the evening discussing ways social-networking websites might benefit and be safely incorporated into public education.

Currently, social-networking sites Facebook, Myspace, Instagram, Twitter, Flickr and Tumblr cannot be accessed by 9-R wireless Internet and are not incorporated in the curriculum.

James Torres, executive director of educational technology, said, But the sites of tomorrow will be different.

Board member Kristy Rodri said, In the classroom, you have control over the students and the curriculum, whereas with Facebook, you dont have that kind of control.

Board member Stephanie Moran said, So many people use Facebook like theyre talking in their living room.

Or at a bar, Rodri said.

Torres cited Edmodo, an educationally bent social networking site, as a safe and easy way teachers could communicate with students, before reminding the board that, as always with the Internet, The question is: Is this too restrictive or not restrictive enough?

Board members agreed social-networking sites should be used in classrooms as a way to prepare students for 21st-century technology, but the Internet remains a double-edged sword to educators, and working out the details of proper Internet use will be taken up at future meetings.

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OMG Social networking awkward for school board

NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwire -08/29/12)- Blurt, the app that lets you record and share 10-second audio updates with the world, launched today in beta on iOS and Android mobile devices. With the touch of a button, users can now record, review and share voice messages called "Blurts" privately with friends and family, or publicly with the entire Blurt community.

Unlike text updates on other social networks, Blurts allow users to express themselves with the authenticity and emotional richness of their own voice. They can quickly and easily bring experiences, such as vacations, birthday celebrations and holidays -- or just everyday happenings -- to life for followers near and far.

"The appeal of Blurt lies in its simplicity and utility," said Blurt co-founder Bob Bayne. "We've purposely limited blurts to 10 seconds in order to keep them clear and concise. Blurt users may choose to tell a funny one-liner, invite friends to a great party, spread news efficiently to a group of people or simply voice their opinions. We're looking forward to hearing all the ways our users share and communicate with each other."

"Blurt is about giving social media users the power of voice and allowing it to enhance their social networking experience," added Blurt co-founder Clark Burgard.

Blurt's features include:

Blurt also provides a platform to help build and promote both commercial and personal brands. For instance, public figures can engage with their fans, and fans know that Blurts are coming straight from the mouths of their favorite personalities, not their social media assistants.

Blurt is now available to iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch or Android users, free of cost, in the Apple App Store or in Google Play. For more information about Blurt, please visit http://www.BLURTcast.com.

About BlurtBlurt is the app that lets you record and share 10-second audio updates -- called Blurts -- with the world. Blurt provides authenticity for users and allows them to express emotion to their followers, while brands can also benefit from the app by engaging their audiences and promoting customer loyalty. Developed by the InterNetwork Broadcasting team, which boasts more than 50 years of combined broadcast and social media expertise, Blurt is committed to providing users with the best, easiest-to-use platform to share personal audio updates. Please visit http://www.BLURTcast.com and http://www.InterNetwork.com.

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Blurt App Brings the Authenticity of Audio to Social Networking

MIRAMAR BEACH, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

In its continuing efforts to serve the needs of modern connected women, the Aristocrat Group Corp. (ASCC) is working to create the worlds top social networking destination for women.

ASCCs market research reveals an unfilled niche online for a women-only social media gathering place. The company hopes to create a new network that will not only be the first of its kind, but will be accessible 24/7 through the latest mobile devices, including the Apple (AAPL) iPhone and iPad.

We believe theres a tremendous market opportunity out there for a social media solution catering exclusively to women, said ASCC CEO Cindy Morrissey. Todays mobile lifestyle demands a new platform for women to share resources on a multitude of topics such as careers, parenting, fitness and dating in a format tailored to women with accessibility features that fit their busy schedules.

Market data indicates that women are leading the social media revolution. A majority of the users of three top social media platformsFacebook, Twitter and Pinterestare female. The number of women using social media is forecast to grow, as well-- 89 percent of women from age 18-29 use such sites.

Whats more, ASCCs research indicates that women control a majority of household spending, and the company plans to tailor its social solutions to goods and services related to their needs.

Shopping has always been a social experience for women, Morrissey said. Were planning to make buying and sharing easier than ever before.

For more information on ASCCs new social initiatives, please visitwww.aristocratgroupcorp.com/investors.html.

Follow ASCC on Twitter atwww.twitter.com/AristocratGroup.

About theAristocrat Group

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ASCC Moves Forward With Ultimate Social Media Destination for Women