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This application for iPhones and Droids is essentially a handheld personal trainer for 1$ that a person access at any time.  Certainly this is not new technology, but improved technology.  It is called the Fitness Buddy available at the Apple Store and the Android Marketplace.  This application has over 1700 various workouts programed.  If the user has a workout that is not listed, they can input it into the application.  This program will track and plan all of the users work outs.  It also includes tracking metrics and blood pressure.  The user can search the workout they want by clicking on a list of muscle groups .  The muscle groups are specifics such as core, lower body, chest, shoulders, back, arms etc.  Each workout has a detailed picture of how to perform the workout, and text clarifying the workout.  The application includes a calendar tracking the user’s prior workouts and future workouts.  This saved data can be viewed and exported at any time.  This application is good for tracking the user’s personal progress and seeing future goals.  It is a good alternative to a personal trainer, less expensive, and joining a gym is not required.

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Managing your cell phone needs abroad can be more tricky. Many international travelers take the easy way out and simply subscribe to their Carrier’s service, such as the Verizon Global Travel Program, however that can be costly. With a little planning ahead you can save a lot of money.

First, you can connect to Wifi in hotels and cafes and use Skype during your visit. I always make sure I have at least $10 credit on my Skype account so that I can call any phone in the world using a WiFi connection. Also, the “Skype to Go” service allows you to use a cell phone from abroad to call the US. The international phone needs to be registered or you have to use a PIN supplied by Skype.

When I travel abroad I carry an old unlocked cell phone and purchase a “pay-as-you-go” SIM card in the country and use that, however that will not allow you to make international phone calls. That is what I use “Skype to Go” for. I also set up Skype Call Forwarding so that I only have to give out one number to my contacts and they can reach me no matter where I am.Bottom line, Skype is a “must have” service for any international traveler.

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Security issues strike yet again for Android users. Lookout Mobile identifies 26 applications thus far containing the malicious malware affecting between 30,000 to 120,000 users. Tim Wyatt’s Lookout Blog suggests the malware contains a significant amount of personal data “likely created by the same developers who brought DroidDream to market back in March.” The offender; a stripped down version of DroidDream called the “Droid Dream Light” (or DDLight).

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