iPhones and Vlogging
On Monday I decided to jump on the iPhone bandwagon after the recent announcement of the iPhone 3GS. Most of us who watch technology had been anticipating this announcement, both from a hardware and software perspective. While the other versions of the iPhone have been good, this is the version I felt was a good mix of technology for a smartphone. In another development, Mayor Julian Castro has started vlogging from City Hall in an effort to provide a more open and transparent government for San Antonio. Aside from the normal political and civic agenda you get a better picture of what’s on his iPod. It’s probably the first time an iPod has been a main component of the office. Who knows? Maybe he’ll start podcasting for those of us with iPhones.
The current iPhone model is still missing a few features I’d like to see in an iPhone such as an FM receiver but maybe Apple has bigger visions than I do. Nonetheless, after enduring several fits and starts on the website I was finally able to order my iPhone, opting for the 16GB model. Last night Apple kindly informed me that my phone would arrive on the 19th and not the 24th like the order status had listed. I’m sure a lot of people who ordered online griped and complained that they would be getting their phones later than those who camped out in front of the Apple stores starting at some ungodly hour. Honestly, I didn’t really care. If some Applenista wants to waste time in front of the store for a phone let him have one ahead of me. We’re only talking 5 days. I’ve gone two years without one at this point so what’s a few more days. But some people are so driven to be the first …
Regarding vlogging it appears Mayor Castro has started a new vlog series hosted on the Express-News to help communicate with the citizens of San Antonio. In his first entry he talks about the challenges facing city council with an expected budget deficit of $11 million and how to balance priorities. He also gives a small glimpse into the hectic schedule of the office. Mayor Castro seems to be wanted to leverage technology and social media to help people get a better understanding of what’s going on at City Hall and hopefully to provide feedback. During the campaign social media was leveraged a lot, using both Facebook and Twitter to get the message out and staging a series of virtual town halls. I really feel Castro will help change the face of city government and San Antonio and use technology as one of the tools for change.
