Facebook – something useless, something cool?

Have you ever seen or come across any of Google’s so called ‘easter eggs’ or some may call it hoaxes. Well recently something similar has been floating around Facebook.

So one of your friends posts something like:

1. Copy this line @+[245771012146935:0]
2. Paste it as a comment below
3. Delete the “+” sign
4. Hit Enter and watch the magic..

And just like magic, it changes to ‘I’m an idiot xD’. No you did not type that yourself. Facebook changed it for you; to tell you what you are. =)

Well its simple. In reality it links to a page on Facebook called ‘I’m and idiot xD’. Pretty clever right? The more interesting thing is, that it doesn’t just link to that particular page. As some of you might notice that the string xyz in @[xyz:0] links to the page reference on Facebook. This is not just limited to Facebook pages but also works with groups/profiles (use the profile ID number not the name) and just about anything.

To try it out simple type @[put_your_ref_number_here:0] then hit Enter and boom it changes to a link to your specified group, page, profile, etc.

Now you could use this as a marketing thing to get people to your page. Combine it with a QR code or something similar, but I guess people would be reluctant to post a string from a QR code straight on to their Facebook status’ or any posts. The idea would be to have a QR which when scanned opens up the Facebook app on your phone and confirms if you’d like to post it as your status or if you’d like to visit the page. The possibilities are endless. A small string like that will work easier and better, as it will generate simpler QR codes, and because QR codes can still be scanned even with a 30% error in the QR graphic; a smaller string largely increases the chances of the QR being read quickly and easily. So something similar to the QR option of being able to send a text message, or opening your browser to take you to a specific URL, etc. can be implemented to do something similar. Of course you’d ask if URLs can already be implemented directly as QRs, why would you want a stupid string? Well for simplicity, and a reduction in error (I just told you QRs have an error tolerance of around 30%).

Interesting stuff, but useful?

 

VisualBee – how to easily enhance your powerpoint presentations. . .

Having a good looking presentation or just blank slides with text can make the difference receiving top grades or going through with that business deal. And now you don’t need to be a pro to make amazing looking presentations. I’m a very lazy person and I like cutting corners and taking shortcuts; and have found the perfect tool for making my life just a little bit easier.

VisualBee (http://www.visualbee.com/) is a plugin for microsoft powerpoint (2007 tested, should also works with others). Its the easiest thing to use. Just make your blank powerpoint with your text or any other graphics you would like to add. Then click enhance presentation, to simply enhance your presentation.

You will need to register for free with VisualBee to be able to use the service. It reads your presentation, searches for keywords, finds appropriate pictures and adds them to your presentation, along with rearranging layouts and adding animation.

Here is an example of my stupid geography presentation on glass recycling and as you can see I am very very lazy with my presentations =)

Now after a few simple clicks on VisualBee this is the result:

I did not add any pictures or edit any layouts, etc. VisualBee provides you with 5 different types of presentations to chose from and you can also edit your layout or change the pictures manually not totally happy with what it does. My whole presentation took me literally 2 mins and I think VisualBee is one of the most useful tools for lazy people like me!!

Watch their demo at :
http://www.visualbee.com/index.php/demo.html

=)