My Web Daily

.@MyWebDaily reviews: Percolate

Wordpress, Typepad, Posterous, Tumblr… just a handful of the blogging platforms hosting – by conservative estimates – more than 100 million active blogs. But what on earth are they all talking about? If you feel the need to blog but are stuck for something to say, Percolate could be the writing partner you’ve been waiting for. This site mixes micro-blogging with content aggregation from your Twitter & Google Reader RSS feed, bubbling up articles that might spark your imagination for you to comment on in a simple yet stylish blogging platform.

The site is still in invite only mode, so you’ll need to register and wait for an invitation to join. It has been in this phase of testing for a while though and there is a good community already building, so it’s worth the wait if you can find the patience. Connect with other Percolate users like any other social network to read their commentary and start building a conversation on the topics you have in common. In theory it’s similar to Tumblr, but there is a lot less pressure to create content if you just want to dip in occasionally or browse what others are saying. 

.@MyWebDaily NEWS: This week on the web #12

.@MyWebDaily reviews: Whishin

I have to admit I'm a bit of a 'lists' person, so I like sites like whishin.com; a free social bookmarking tool designed to help people collaborate on wish-lists… It's the perfect way to let people know what you want for your birthday or wedding presents without tying them to a particular retail outlet. It’s also a really good way to share ideas on buying something big with other people, like a holiday, as you can discuss, add items, rate & decide together online.

.@MyWebDaily reviews: Worms Golf HD

Remember Worms? That seminal turned based combat game that had everyone shouting “leave me alone!”? Worms Golf HD is a modern re-enactment that takes the form of a mini golf tournament, complete with cute little wiggles to explode in various ways - and is now available for Android, iPhone & iPad.It’s not free, but it’s not massively expensive either for such a well-produced game – and definitely worth the investment if you’re Worms fan. For the full retro experience there are 2010 updates of the original game also available for a small purse of coins on iPhone & iPad. Now, leave me alone!

.@MyWebDaily reviews: Stuff your Rucksack

Stuffyourrucksack is an amazingly simple idea that aims to help adventurous travellers make a difference to the lives of the people they meet by bringing along certain sought-after commodities that will really be valued where they are going. I'm talking about things like school books & stationery for rural schools, or toys for impoverished orphanages. Even the smallest thing can make a huge difference in these places. Just check the map to see what's most needed where you are going. No middle men. No bureaucracy. Just you and a rucksack full of life changing donations for a community in need. Feels pretty good doesn't it?

.@MyWebDaily reviews: Google Translate

Google translate works in real time on 57 different languages and will speak the translation back to you – or the person you’re trying to communicate with. The free mobile apps for android & iphone use voice recognition so you can use them anywhere as long as it’s quiet. As an essential travel tool & in this world of cross-border social relationships, this free service should be on everyone's essential kit list.

.@MyWebDaily reviews: Image Composite Editor

If you’ve ever spent hours trying to stitch together a group of photos you’ve taken to make a panorama (like the ones above I took in a Nairobi slum last year), you might thank me for this free application. Microsoft has made a rather clever Image Composite Editor, otherwise known as ICE. This application works beautifully and so quickly. Just drag & drop your collection of photos into the working panel and let the software do all the hard work for you. There is no limit to the size or number of pictures it will work with, and automatic resizing & exposure blending will give you a seamless finish, even if your camera work was a little ropey. Once finished save in your format of choice, or you can publish it to the Photosynth website for other enthusiasts to enjoy. 

.@MyWebDaily NEWS: This week on the web #11

Behind this innocent looking button I have stashed a special thank you gift - crafted by my own RSI-riddled hand (which does have too much time on it, yes :P)

.@MyWebDaily reviews: Joobili

Most travel websites start by asking you where you would like to go. But what if you don't know? That's where joobili.com wants to help those thinking about travelling in Europe. By setting the slider on the opening page you can find out what's happening, where – which is especially useful if you're looking for a weekend city-break and want to experience something a little bit different. I love how simple, yet visual this site is. Listed events are generally accompanied by photos & text descriptions. Though this site is still in Beta, so some events don't have much detail yet. It's up to us as the users to edit & build the content for the greater good of all.

If you want a little more control you can filter the suggestions by category, country or keyword – and while membership isn't needed to use the 'inspire me' slider, if you do want to register it's free and easy, and you can then save the events you're interested in and connect with the site's community to find travellers with the same kinds of interests as you.

.@MyWebDaily reviews: Qik

Ever been at a family event, like a wedding or birthday party, and thought to yourself, I wish so-and-so could be here? Well now thanks to qik.com, they can be – as long as you have a mobile videophone. Signing up is really easy – just pop your mobile number in and everything you need to stream live video to the net will be sent to your phone. The list of supported phones is modest but growing. Check the FAQ for more information. If you DO have a phone that works you can start streaming video straight away, to the qik site, or even direct to your twitter account if you have one. Capture all those magical moments and send them out to your loved ones around the world, live & online - the quality isn't that great, but it's free & really easy, which makes up for it I think. Streams are recorded & stored in your profile section so you can look at them time and again. But do remember that others can watch them too unless you choose to make them private.