A Web for Everyone!

Welcome to the New Year and more exciting advances in online technology! I can't wait to see if the 2012 predictions -- including increased mobile marketing, greater use of the cloud, and continued growth of online video will happen even faster than predicted.

I hope all the readers of this blog received the latest technology gadget on their wish list! While visiting my parents for the holidays, I was intrigued to watch how my 81-year-old father would take to the Kindle Fire he received as a gift from my brother. My dad doesn't even use the desktop computer. He leaves that task to my mom.

He was, at first, unsure what to do with the object. My brother set it up and began to step him through some of the resources. I saw my dad's eyes sparkle with interest as we showed him how to access Pandora and set up his own private radio stations. No matter how old the blue grass or country musician my dad named, the album cover popped up on the screen and the music began to play.

Next we went to YouTube and typed in the name of the new Suzuki humming harmonica I had bought for him. Instantly, we were watching a demonstration on how it was constructed and how to play this unique harmonica.

Next we accessed Netflix where my dad could watch his favorite shows whenever and wherever he wanted. Finally, by brother loaded the game Angry Birds. Ok, now we had gone too far. It was time for a break from technology. Besides, my dad needed to run to the general store to pick up his local newspaper. Still, my brother and I were delighted that my dad found his interests online and would enjoy the gift.

Technology is no longer a cold, mathematical venue for the geek. Personalized mobile devices enable us all to learn, share and entertain ourselves no matter what our age or interests. I can't wait to see what exciting new technologies 2012 will bring, and I hope you are, too!