After founding the world’s second most influential and popular social network, Twitter’s three co-founders have each found their own personal projects which will take up the majority of their time. Each of them hopes to turn their fledgling start-up into ‘The Next Big Thing’ to rival their existing successes.

Evan Williams, Biz Stone and Jack Dorsey have all spent the last couple of years deciding which way their future now lies as they have all reduced their role at Twitter by varying degrees. The co-founders launched a start-up incubator called The Obvious Corporation in 2006, which served to create the right environment to launch start-up projects that interested them. According to Evan Williams, their plan was always to use Obvious Corp to help them to try and decide what they would want to work on next as they looked for projects with star potential.

“We rebooted Obvious in 2011 with a vague plan. We started investing, incubating, and experimenting to figure out what worked and what we wanted to do at this stage in our careers; we just knew we wanted to work together to do stuff that mattered,” Williams said in a recent blog post for publishing platform Medium, the main focus of Obvious Corp’s recent efforts.

The Twitter co-founder said that he now spends “about 98%” of his time working on Medium.  Just like its older, massively successful big brother Twitter, Medium has grown from small beginnings at Obvious to develop into a fully-fledged company of around 30 staff members. Still small in stature, Medium is large in its ambitions and is now recruiting for all manner of jobs; from project management roles to more specialist programmer jobs and various other essential positions to enable it to grow.

As for Biz Stone, his new focus of personal efforts has also sprung from Obvious Corp but in a different direction. There isn’t much information available yet for Jelly, the mobile start-up which Biz and Evan apparently assembled a crack team to try and get off the ground. However, according to Evan Williams, the Jelly team should be ready to make an exciting series of announcements in the very near future.

For now, we’ll have to content ourselves with the knowledge that it will be released as a free app that will help ordinary people “do good”. Sounds like a noble enough goal!

Twitter’s third co-founder Jack Dorsey continues to work for the social network in a limited fashion but the majority of his time is now devoted to Square, the mobile payments company which has gone from strength-to-strength in the last year. With a recent valuation of $3 billion, Square could be poised to make a significant impact on the rapidly developing mobile payments market.

Who’s to say if one, if not all of these projects could achieve the kind of world-changing success of Twitter? Even if that lofty ambition is a little too high, it will be exciting to see what heights these talented entrepreneurs will take their personal projects to.

The above video is part of a series produced by BT, celebrating the work of everyday people that make a significant contribution to the UK every year. Following on from an epic year which saw the UK host the olympic games and the Jubilee celebrations, BT Everyday Lives looks at how we all use and share technology to improve the way we work and live our lives.

As you can see, Joe is an air traffic controller responsible for the safety of thousands of people every year by helping pilots land safely in our airports. As air traffic controllers need real time information, they must rely on the most update data available to help guide their decisions at every step.

Post sponsored by BT

While many still consider smartphones to be a pretty new invention, when you think about it, it will probably be about 5 or 6 years since you got your first smartphone. Not a long time by any means but in the tech world that first iPhone is now a veritable antique. Since this was first let loose in 2007, smartphones have taken on something of a life of their own, and the latest generation have taken us to the level of touch screens et al that were science fiction back in ’07.

The question on everyone’s lips now, seeing as we are now taking it for granted that there is something huge lurking on the horizon, is what comes next for smartphones, is there anywhere else they can go? There is evidence that even the giants are running out of ideas, with the last couple of iPhones having, in reality, just a few tweaks here and there and nothing earth shattering, except for the retina malarkey which hasn’t captured the public’s imagination like it was expected to.

Ask around and you will get many interesting, and not so interesting, ideas of what the people on the street want, but one that keeps cropping up is that many have to carry 2 phones and there is a market out there for a single phone that has 2 personalities so to speak, This combines a personal phone with a business phone in one unit yet keeps them separate at the same time. Whether this would need 2 SIM cards (a few already available) or just 1 with a split personality remains to be seen but it’s certainly an exciting prospect.

International roaming charges have been the bugbear of the mobile phone user for decades, and with many needing surgical removal from their smartphones the bills that land on the doormat after a holiday or business trip are mind blowing. A smartphone which had the ability to dynamically load a local SIM card and incur only local rate charges would be snapped up, but with networks relying heavily on the roaming charges users rack up it could still be a long way off.

As far as hardware improvements go, batteries have to be the big one. The more you do on your phone the faster your battery drains, and considering what is built into a phone these days wireless charging is not so much a feature as a necessity. Security is another biggie; passwords are all but useless so somebody somewhere needs to come up with a viable alternative if we are ever going to keep ahead of cyber crime.

The must have technology at the moment is the tablet computer, which takes all the features of a desktop and presents them in one small, hand held device that you can literally use any time, any place. If you haven’t yet climbed on the tablet bandwagon then you are being left behind somewhat, so stop stalling and get yourself into the biggest trend in computing for decades and find the best one to suit your own personal needs.

One of the biggest selling points of a tablet is having the Internet on the move with a much sharper clarity than most smartphones. They are also invariably quicker, and you can zip between your emails and social network updates with consummate ease.  Browse the net, shop online, book a flight, find a house, arrange a date, there is no limit to what you can do with a tablet, or where you do it.

Another feature is that the newer models such as the Xperia™ Tablet can also be used as an e-reader, eliminating the need to buy another device for this specific reason, as well as the standard features of gaming, chatting etc. If you are one of the many who frequently lose their remote controls fear not, as tablets can also be used for this purpose too, so you can use it to emit commands to all your equipment including TV’s, DVD players, Blu-Ray players, stereos and cable boxes.

The Android operating system for all the top end tablets that is not iOS, such as the Sony Xperia™ Tablet for example, and this gives you instant access to all that this incredible OS has to offer. The Android Market is the one stop shop for every kind of app you could imagine, all of which can be downloaded in seconds. You cannot do justice to the sheer volume of quality apps available in mere words, suffice to say it is a case of having to see what’s there to believe it.

When you consider what is being packed into tablets, and the fact that they handle them all so well and perform in exactly the way you want them to, it should be no surprise to anyone that they are as popular as they are. The choice is vast, the features are many, and even those who swore they would never have anything smaller than a laptop have found themselves seduced by the compact devices that are tablets.

Xperia™ Tablet

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Check out this video from OnlineClock.net!

Only 30 percent of British homes have alarm systems installed, yet 60 percent of attempted burglaries fail in houses that have security systems installed. Yale Digital has unveiled a new alarm system designed to be installed easily while offering enhanced security features. The smart security device offers a uniquely designed ‘pre-linked’ system, which allows the users to install the whole security system in just three simple steps.

System Overview

While dark winter nights provide helpful cover for the burglars, Yale’s premium easy fit alarm system could be an excellent choice for ensuring maximum security of valuables and property’s. The easy fit alarm will cover any type of hose structure including terraced, flats semi-detached or detached houses. The alarm system contains a siren box, a keypad, 2 door contacts, 2 PIRs. It is also possible to include a touch-screen panel to control the alarm system easily.

The siren box is put on the front side of the property, working as a visual warning. When activated, the LED lights of the box will flash and the siren will start sounding. The PIR movement detectors are armed with infrared sensors; recognizing unauthorized movements along with activating the siren instantly. It is also possible to select pet friendly PIR detector, which will detect movements of larger objects only, ignoring cats and dogs.

The keypad controller is a perfect secondary controlling device. The controller could be fixed to the wall just inside the front door or another suitable location. The door contacts will alarm the system when a door is opened without authorisation. Besides protecting the properties from intruders, this will also be helpful for homes with small children and pets.

An awesome feature of the alarm system is it could be activated or deactivated by a touch-tone telephone. Working on 868 MHz wireless frequency, the security system offers stronger control than the ordinary DIY systems. This channel ensures a clear, smooth connection with minimum interference while providing excellent performances.

The system provides another useful facility of improved jamming detection enabling the users to prevent the intentional signal location by intruders. It also offers an extra-secure code transmission service, which scrambles the signals so that no one can nose around in the system. In addition, the components are wireless, therefore they are very easy and very quick to install.

The easy fit alarm can store up to 3 phone numbers such as home, office and personal numbers. The priority among these numbers could be set and the system will call accordingly. There are a number of alarm accessories that can also be added to the system.

Personal Feedback

We decided to replace our existing alarm that had given 15 years service but was rapidly failing. Quotations for a very basic new fitted system ranged from £225 upwards. However, these systems did not do what we wanted and could not be extended to include other functions.

Following our research, we chose the “Yale Easy Fit Alarm Kit 2″, it was reasonably priced, offered the functions we needed and we could add extra functions if we wanted at a later time. After spending an hour with a coffee and the instructions, I assembled my tools, a drill and a set of screwdrivers.

The installation was very straight forward and the instructions are clear with good illustrations. The system works well in our three beds modern semi and the signals from PIR to control panel works well. If you have basic DIY skills and the patience to read the instructions, this could be the system for you.

Technical Part

The Gigaset SL910A is the first touch screen from Gigaset. It combines a full-touch screen with answering machine capability that you will find very convenient.  Users of the set won’t have any problems with not getting the messages from missed calls as the set has recording time of up to 55 minutes. And in case you did not understand some portions of a message, you can always push the skip-back button and the last parts of the message will be replayed for your benefit.

The set’s touchscreen is 3.2” with easy to navigate user interface that has home screens for organizing three essential phone functions, messaging, dialing and information customisation.  Right from the interface you know where to go to find the tools you need. This tech feature on the SL910A handset from Gigaset is not the only one you will like about it; it alerts you for incoming messages and it allows remote operations of the answering machine.

Besides the conveniences of easy interface navigation, answering and recording capabilities, you will also like the high-quality metal materials used in its frame, its stylish design and its capable batteries that provide 14 hours of talktime and 200 standby hours. This totals to three days of calls without the need of a recharge.

The handset’s technology allows you to reflect your style and personality on the set, so that it is no longer just one of many, but yours. You can store your photos on it and run it through your screensaver which is automatically enabled when the set is idle. You can download melodies you like and make them your ringtones.

And if you are a busy person with tendency to forget appointments, you will the find the SL910A equally helpful as right there in the screen is a button for a calendar where you may record important dates. In addition to this, the set has a feature that reminds you of the appointments you have recorded in the calendar. And it also has a room monitor which means you see what’s going on even when you are busy with work.

The SL910A is equipped with Bluetooth technology which permits you to multi-task. You can easily link it with a wireless headphone. You talk while doing other important things.  The blue tooth also has USB connectivity which makes it easy for you to download pictures and music from the internet.  With this feature configuring the Gigaset SL910A so that it fits your needs is possible.

Personal Feedback

The cordless home phone Gigaset SL910A looks very sleek with a black background and a silver surrounding effect. The phone is shipped with a single handset and base station and up to 6 handsets can be run from it. It feels great to hold and is not bulky. It is easy to set up and a good feature is the brighter time display especially at night which is useful.

It looks very much like a smartphone with a full colour touchscreen which makes it fun to navigate. It would take pride of place in any home as it is very elegant and stylish. I have certainly never seen a home phone as good as this…It has a very slimline look, a bright full colour 3.2″ touchscreen where 500 contacts can be stored and you can even put a photograph against each one which make it a lot of fun to use. You can get the contact photos onto the phone via Bluetooth or mini USB and it is worth the effort to achieve a full smartphone feel.

It also has a great answering machine which stores 55 minutes of messages, a room monitor (which can even double as a baby monitor!). At the beginning it is a little tricky to use the keypad but after a while you get used to it.

The Gigaset phone looks very much “avant garde” and style conscious users will be delighted with it.

DKN motion app is an innovation introduced to the use of fitness products manufactured and distributed in most of Europe andNorth Americaby DKN Technology. These products include treadmills, stationary and speed bikes, motion trainers and strength training equipment.  Fitness objectives are achieved through whole body vibration technology that DKN has perfected after years of extensive research.

With a DKN motion app you can turn your tablet or iPad into an exercise console where you can design and program your exercise sessions according to your fitness goals or weight loss goals. All you have to do is set your data and push the appropriate button. Once you are into your routine, you can do to other things like reading e-books or posting on your Facebook account, by keeping the app active. DKN-Motion is easily accommodated by IPAD 1 and 2, ANDRIOD 3.1 and the later versions.

DKN motion takes care of a variety of tasks from programmed runs, warm up, manual control, calorie burn, endurance and others. Besides these, it also integrates target heart training, watt control and personal coaching. Another excellent benefit of DKN motion interactive app is it has workout data storing capability so you can easily monitor your progress and adjust your routine when you think it is needed. The app is able to integrate all workout routines on all DKN’s i-Series equipment.

DKN’s i-Series workout machines have components that match the particular needs of every user from the motivational reading display and intelli-key lighting system installed on the cross trainer to the digitally controlled resistance levels integrated into the recumbent bike. With these components you can easily set your own workout goals as well as monitor your fitness progress.

With DKN Motion i-Routes app you can bike or walk the universe without leaving the comfort of home. This new technology allows you to check out real routes in your console and you can select which specific route you want to cover with your bike by just walking. Once you press the start button a map, including terrain variations of your selected route, appears and you can follow it at a pace that considers your over-all fitness program.

DKN Motion app is free and downloadable from any app store. Once you have done that, you only have to connect your IPAD or Android to the machine you want to use, set up your profile, select an appropriate workout program and you can begin.

Let us start off the inaugural Fiercely Mild Games Roundup with the big news that’s hit the gaming world within the last fortnight; Valve want to compete directly in the console market. This is big news for serious gamers. And it will also be big news for casual gamers. Having cornered the online distribution world of games with both aplomb and an awareness of what their customers want, Valve are seemingly wading (or should that be confidently striding?) forth into the console market with their next move. But what should have the Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo big-wigs quivering with fear is that in the battle for hearts and minds, Valve already have them well beaten.

The care with which they have delivered their Steam online distribution software to millions of dedicated gamers means they provoke a loyalty amongst their users unmatched since the golden days of Sega vs. Nintendo. Valve, unlike Nintendo, Sony and Microsoft, are not seen to be a money grabbing international corporation. Valve take great care in letting the public know that their products are made by gamers, for gamers. As such, in the struggle for mindshare, the battle has already been won.

However, the truth of the matter is that Valve isn’t (as of yet anyway…) building their own console. Not exactly. They are building what could be described as a gaming PC, or a cross between a console and Apple TV. Already pioneers with their Steam distribution software, a product to which Sony and Microsoft seem to be in perpetual catch-up (PSN and XBLA being both very much lesser models of a similar concept), Valve are now trying to corner the console market by developing hardware that will enable gamers to use the same software in their living rooms.

The debt to which Sony and Microsoft owe Valve’s Steam system in terms of their own online distribution is evident in the latest makeover of Sony’s Playstation Network. Gone are the clunky menus and endless lists of games. They have made way for a sleek, streamlined user interface, with splash pages of the latest releases and visual hallmarks of Steam itself with the metallic grey sheen and minimalist style with which it has been overhauled.

Steam has undergone its own overhaul recently with the addition of Big Picture mode, enabling an even more user-friendly interface. This new mode seems ideal for use on a Hi-Def TV, and was surely implemented with the future release of this new hardware in mind. And while they may never have the spending power of such giants as Sony and Microsoft, Valve seems determined to carve out a slightly bigger niche for itself in the gaming world. And remain there for good.

In other gaming news this past fortnight…

• PS4 rumours abound, with ‘unnamed developers’ confirming to gaming site VG247 that the new console has almost 50% more processing power than its direct competitor, Microsoft’s Xbox 720.
• The freshly re-booted Devil May Cry has been released and is in no way the harbinger of all things emo, as some people have predicted. In fact it appears that Ninja Theory have done a bang up job of refreshing a series that had started to go stale, according to the reviews here and here. Even if they did have to turn Dante into a cockier Edward Cullen to do it.
• Ni No Kuni, widely known as “The Studio Ghibli Game The World Has Long Been Waiting For”, has been released to rave reviews. As if we expected anything less.
• David Gaider, a writer at Bioware, has discussed with the Guardian his views on the current levels of abuse received on his company’s own social network. Online gaming forums have long been considered bastions of anonymous derision and negativity, but it is startling to hear a developer discuss how the merits of having an avid online community (feedback, constructive criticism etc) are being drowned out by needless abuse.

Sony mobile, the Japanese technology giant who at one time boasted that every household in the UK owned at least one of their products, are set to break their own record this year by pumping nearly £40m into the marketing budget for their new Xperoa handsets. The previous record stood at £19m which they spent last year and will be the company’s single biggest investment in a product.

Pierre Peron is the president of Sony Mobile for north Western Europe and earlier this month he told Mobile Monthly that the firm were doubling their 2012 marketing spend in the UK. Although he refused to confirm or deny either of the figures, he said that Sony’s new multi-media campaign would be centring around new Sony devices such as the Xperia Z, which made its debut earlier this month at the Consumer Electronic Show in Vegas.

The 2013 Mobile World Congress event takes place in Barcelona on the 24th February, and it is expected that this will be the platform Sony will use to introduce to the world several more new Xperia handsets. Perron said that the Xperia Z is to be supported by a very strong marketing strategy, the investment was to be doubled compared to last year, and February was the month that the marketing story is rolled out.

Peron went on to say that is was essential for Sony to stay at the forefront of their customers minds and that they in turn understood the message that Sony were trying to get across. He added that the Sony Mobile was all about content and the connection of entertainment experiences, and they were continuing to build on this and as more marketing opportunities present themselves they will stick with this strategy for 2013.

The 2012 campaign which Sony ran was called ‘Made of Imagination’, and this ran across the television, digital, print and billboards, as well as having a strong presence is the retail stores stocking Sony products. The campaign was aimed at promoting the Zperia’s S, P and U, the first devices released since Sony bought out the Ericsson stake in the company and reverted back to the singular name they carried through the rest of their electronic products.

The mobile handset market is fierce, and while £40m sounds a fortune to most of us, it is chicken feed to the giant corporations who dominate the sector. Sony are a well respected brand and always have been, and it speaks volumes for the competitiveness of the market when they are announcing such massive investments in advertising singular products.