Tech tips from Robert Scoble

SAN FRANCISCO -- Tech writer Robert Scoble, known for his Scobleizer blog, during a Tuesday presentation at Real Estate Connect rattled off a list of some online tools to assist with daily life -- or just to have fun with.

1. Foursquare is a reality-based game that let's you log visits to local hangouts, and is an example of "mobile plus social plus search" building something new.

2. Trapster can help you locate speed traps, and Google Maps also offers traffic information.

3. Redbeacon is an online site that allows users to request contractor services, compare prices and schedule the work.

4. Plancast allows users to share their upcoming plans with friends online.

5. Goby.com is useful for identifying some nearby bike and hiking trails and finding a range of other activities and events.

6. Gowalla is an app to share favorite places and upcoming events.

7. Whrrl is a site for recording and sharing a digital log of your "Footstream," or the places you visit, and to discover new places shared by other users.

8. WolframAlpha is a "computational knowledge engine" that can solve math problems, compare stock prices, and even offer information about your birth date -- including what phase the moon was in on that day.

9. Tripit can help you to build a travel itinerary and tell you if your flight is delayed.

10. Glympse can share your current location with friends, family or colleagues, to let them know if you're running late, for example.

Scoble also noted that there are apps available to find a nearby bathroom (see SitOrSquat) to find a taxi (such as Call a Taxi), and even to track your stolen iPhone (see iHound).

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