Me and Windows 8
If you asked me what are things I can't live without, one answer would definitely be my gadgets. My laptop and smartphone, most specially. They help me maximize my time (Work on-the-go). It enables me to accomplish more (Multi-tasking for a multi-hyphenate). It helps me be in touch and accessible, wherever I may be (I must always be just a call or text away). As a mom and an entrepreneur, time management and accessibility throughout the day everyday is an absolute essential.Since I'm on my gadget/s practically all of my waking hours (though I try to hold my husband's hand just a few more minutes than my smartphone. haha.), i'd say I have 3 qualifications for my choices: 1) It must be easy to use 2) It should provide me with 100% connectivity and 3) Must be visually appealing. Yes I'm quite specific on the number 3, and I don't mean that my gadgets should always be sleek, high tech and "pang porma." What I value most is how the screen looks, how functions are accessed, the colors and brightness of the screen and images. Maybe because based on a Multiple Intelligence Test, I am a visual-spatial learner (seriously!) meaning I absorb information best by seeing and visualizing concepts. This I want my gadgets' to look and feel "pretty." No wonder I am more productive when I work with good looking people. Har har!Late last year I had lunch with Mae Rivera-Moreno, Windows Client Business Lead for Microsoft Philippines, and she gave me a sneak preview on the then soon-to-be-launched Windows 8 OS. I was amazed to see (I told you, visual learner here!) a total facelift from past Windows OS versions. The new Windows 8 interface now came in a colorful LIVE TILES format, it looks alive and fun, and with my chosen desktop theme, it's really beautiful. Mae showed me how easy it is to navigate through the tiles specially with new devices already on touchscreen. Swipe, slide...all very fluid and fast.I am also a believer in the notion that work can be fun. Whatever will make work easier and will also "make work seem less like work", and more fun, I will love. So when Mae invited me to become one of Windows 8 brand ambassadors, I was more than happy to accept. Mae went on to share with me the new innovations Microsoft has and will introduce, and I knew the world was in for something new and big from Microsoft come launch date and I felt honored to be part of it.
With my fellow Windows 8 brand ambassadors, Karen Pamintuan, Christian Bautista, Daphne Osena Paez, Coach Jim Saret, and myself. I am in the the company of these celebrities as I humbly represent fellow mompreneurs and moms:)So now I am into the world of Windows 8, and I'm enjoying discovering something new almost everytime I'm on my device. With the launch of the new OS, Microsoft also launched its Windows Store where one can download or purchase a wide range of apps for work, efficiency and fun to use with Windows 8.
At the launch there was an exhibit of different brands of available devices that are bundled with Windows 8!
My Windows 8 device is a Lenovo Twist. The screen twists 180 degrees and lies flat like a tablet allowing me to use the touch screen.
At the launch, the program showcased Windows 8's features and how it is used by people of different passions and lifestyles. Here's Mae demonstrating Windows 8 with host KC Montero.
Christian Bautista treats the audience to an upbeat musical number.
“Today, we are launching a product that will respond to the needs to today’s brave new world where the lines between work and play have all but disappeared,” said Karrie Capellan-Ilagan, Managing Director, Microsoft Philippines. “Windows 8 is the most tested, reviewed and ready operating system in Microsoft’s history. It is the platform that can seamlessly and effectively bridge the gap between PCs, laptops, tablets and mobile phones, to create a no-compromise experience for all.”
Mayor Junjun Binay, Ms. Karrie Capellan-Ilagan, Managing Director of Microsoft, Ernie Lopez of ABS CBN Publishing (5th-7th from left) with the Windows brand ambassadors Jim, myself, Daphne, Karen, Christian, and KC MonteroHere I am with Mae Rivera Moreno, Windows Client Business Lead for Microsoft Philippines.
and with Lalaine Zulueta of Microsoft Philippines and Vicky Agorilla, Country GM of Lenovo Philippines
with Microsoft Philippines team members, including Jonica Pena (extreme left), Marketing & Corporate Communications Manager of Microsoft Philippines, and Christian Bautista
Windows 8 works for my business and my life. I love that it's easy because it makes life easy too...Mail
Calendar
Plus the newly launched Miscosoft Office 365!
Windows 8 keeps me in touch and updated...My People Tiles (shows all social media activity of my friends on social media)
Messaging (shows the latest messages on all social media platforms including Mail)
What's New (shows the latest notifications/ updates on all my social media platforms)
News "in a tap". The visuals are presented so nicely on Bing News, i feel like I'm reading a magazine every morning.
And I ALWAYS love the view...
On weekends, my kids go into their own (separate) user account and use it for their favorite games and apps.
It is also such a pleasure using my Windows8 device when I do my talks. This was the view from the podium at the Montessori de Sagrada Familia school in Bulacan where I was asked to speak about the use of social media and teens.
Mompreneurs! Read about Microsoft's ongoing contest: UPGRADE YOUR BUSINESS! Click here.
Selected winners will get a business package from Microsoft as well as a mentorship session with Hapinoy president, Bam Aquino, Adphoto owner Harvey Chua and myself.