Being a 21st Century Expat

This morning I talked with my mom on our Vonage line.  All day This afternoon I browsed Facebook, catching up on my friend's latest status posts. Earlier this evening, I watched my US television shows online. And tonight I sat on my laptop Skyping with my husband, who is on a business trip in China, while chatting on Yahoo Messenger with my friend back in Ohio. To those who were expats before all this technology, YOU ARE MY HERO!

I honestly cannot imagine being an expat when all you had were snail mail and very expensive phone calls. So much has changed over the past 20, 10 and even 5 years.  Do you remember what life was like before things like email, digital photos, VoIP phones, Skype, My Space (does anyone use My Space anymore?)  and Facebook? Now imagine that life being thousands of miles away from everything you know, in a place where you cannot speak the same language, remember which side of the road to drive on, or even figure out what milk to buy.

Then there are things like SlingBox, iTunes, and online video streaming. I know there are expats living in rural parts of the world or places where some of these items are forbidden, but for many of us, these technologies make life so much easier.  Just imagine how grumpy I would be if I couldn't watch all the same junk TV that I watched back in the United States. (However if you knew the television programming I watched, that may not be such a bad thing.)

One of the hardest things about being overseas is missing family and friends. One can adapt to the food, language, landscape, and culture but there is no substitute for our loved ones. But with all the technology today, the distance doesn't always seem so far apart.

Vending Machine Craziness

I have blogged before about vending machines in Japan. They are located almost every 5 feet and you can buy just about anything in a vending machine, from drinks to french fries to batteries and to even underwear (I have yet to see that one, as it is in Tokyo).  Well now East Japan Railway has introduced a "smart" vending machine, which has the ability to recommend beverages based on your age and gender.

This machine, located in the Shinagawa train station, has a built in camera that can focus on a customer's face and tell what age and gender they are. It then groups people into decade categories, up to age 90, and recommends beverage ideas based upon their age grouping. It has a 75 percent accuracy rate.

The machine has a 47-inch touch screen display showing the drink options and will flash advertisements when not being used. Over 500 of these "smart" machines will be installed in the area within the next two years. 

I get frustrated at times with some of the "outdated" and complex processes Japan seems to have in place. But then other times I just shake my head in amazement. You can order McDonald's through a barcode on your cell phone. Train passes will work in convenient stores and vending machine for payment. Cell phones with TVs on them. A 5-ft tall "human robot" to be used in offices and businesses. And now a vending machine that can detect your age and gender.  Really, what will they think of next?

 

Indian You Tube

I love You Tube. I have been able to find some hilarious things on there -- movie trailers, gymnastics performances, videos from people I know, and if I ever can figure out my camera, I would love to post Em's competition so our family could see them.

Well now India has discovered their own version of "You Tube" -- AapkaVideo - Indian Videos . It seem very similar to the American version. I have always wondered what exactly cricket was, and I searched and found it on there. And some of the movie clips are hilarious. This will catch "Bollywood" by storm.

Technology amazes me. I love seeing what other countries are doing compared to what we do here. Who would have thought 10 years ago that we would be doing the things we are today.

Free Cell Phones

Val and I were talking about cell phones the other night. I have to admit that I am jealous of her pretty pink phone. So our conversation sparked me to look around a bit online about the different phones out today since I get a new one in a year. Yes, that is a long time but choosing the right cell phone is an important decision. After all, it will be one of your best friends for 2 years!

Last night, I stumbled upon a place that offers FREE cell phones. Now I know that typically when renewing contract or signing up for a new one, there are always free phones. But on this site, depending on the carrier, you can get the really cool, always envied, phones for FREE. If you decide to go with Mobile-T you get the kick butt Blackberry Pearl. (I have been eyeing the Blackberry for a long time, but know that my bill would be sky high with Internet usage) If you go with Cingular you get the Sony W300i. And with Verizon, you get the Motorola Razr V3m.

The site also compares carrier plans and ratings for each carrier as well. And has some great deals on accessories. It actually is a really neat site. I sat and just compared our current plan and carrier with others and have to say I am very pleased. Of course we have been with the same company for 7 years, so i guess you would say we are pretty happy with them.

I know a few of my friends are getting ready to be at the end of their contracts and thought I would pass along this cool site in case they are thinking of switching carriers. (of course if you want to be able to talk to me unlimited, then Verizon is the way to go)

And even if you aren't at a time to switch or consider another plan/carrier. Check it out. It is neat to just see what phones are out there and how they compare. I am hoping that when I am ready for a new phone next year that someone will be offering a great deal on the new iphone. You know, to feel my Apple loyalty.