DIGIPENDENCE - declare yours!

In the last few years, file-sharing sites have grown in popularity and the recently-launched Upload Robots service is a ‘new breed’ among file sharing services, and once it becomes more well-known, it’s going to be a huge hit. It’s all part of what’s known as cloud computing. Think of Upload Robots like a virtual thumbdrive that can’t be lost.

Most people who need to share files want to do so quickly and easily with a minimum of fuss. Sometimes, it’s just not practical to email a large file, or one runs up against file-size restrictions or account timeouts. And not everyone has an FTP program on the computer they’re using which may not even be theirs - they may be using a work or school computer, or even be at a public library - let alone server space to which they can upload a file. Additionally, it can be a hassle to keep setting up secure FTP accounts just so friends, family or clients can grab a file.

Visually pleasing and easy-to-use, UploadRobots.com offers two account flavours: Regular (free) and Pro ($5.00 a month). Both offer SSL Encryption, no advertisements and uploaded files don’t have expiration dates. The Pro account’s additional features include the ability to create subdomains, increased monthly storage space, up ten gigs, and users can upload a file as large as 250 megs which is substantially more than the ten megs limit offered with a free account.

People around the world have a variety of connection types, from dial-up to high-speed. Upload Robots promises to maximize connection types for maximum efficiency. In other words, however one connects, the company will do their best to make it a pleasant and speedy experience. They’re able to do this because they host the site on dedicated servers.

A major distinction which elevates Upload Robots - and separates the service from its competitors - is the ‘no-wait’ feature. Most file-sharing sites require users who are not members or who are not logged in to wait before the file they’ve requested begins to download. This delay can be anywhere from thirty to ninety seconds. Also, if a visitor wants to download a second file, they’re often forced to wait as long as fifteen minutes between downloads.

Currently, for uploading, Upload Robots works best when accessed from desktops and laptops, but an inquiry to their 24/7 support department on compatibility with handhelds elicited a fast response which explained that an iPhone application would be forth-coming for use with Pro accounts. In the mean time, a few quick tests showed that it was possible to download a file from the site using an iPhone, an iPod Touch, an Android phone and a WindowsMobile-powered Pocket PC simply by entering the download link into the browser.

Download this post as an .mp3 file (3m18s, 3.02 megs) from the Upload Robots site. Links of interest: Feature Tour, Blog, Sign Up, Twitter: @UploadRobots. And here is a video tour:

By now, I’m sure you’ve all heard that Apple has a new-new gen iPhone aka iPhone 3Gs with the “s” standing for speed (features, tech specs).

When it comes to mobile devices of this variety, I’m a hardcore Windows Mobile girl - they don’t call me the ‘Pocket PC Princess’ for no reason - BUT I’m a journalist and filmmaker, so the new video features really have me paying attention to the 3Gs, and I was delighted to find a detailed post by someone who actually is a serious filmmaker.

Yesterday, indie helmer Steve Ellington posted a great article called: “Everything You Wanted to Know About iPhone 3GS Video” in which he does a terrific rundown of the video shooting capabilities of this new iPhone. He shot the following video to illustrate his points, and he also wrote a comparison to his Flip MinoHD, and follows that up with a iPhone 3Gs ‘wish list’ - one very important feature missing from the 3Gs is HD.

On a side note, I’ve been hearing a lot about user frustrations over the lack of battery life of iPhones. Here’s a helpful review of an interesting product called Mophie Juice Pack Air, ‘an add-on battery pack that doubles as a case’ (PDF manual). Currently it’s available in white, black, and purple, but sadly, not a bright blue. Maybe that colour will be available by the time i get an iPhone, or a next-gen video-capable iPod Touch.