Microsoft’s already done a lot right with Windows Phone 7 , and it’s not even out until late this year. But after today’s announcements , there’s one lingering question: How can Windows Phone 7 possibly catch up, in terms of apps? To be clear, the problem is as follows: When Windows phone 7 launches later…

You have more of your memories stored online than all of your ancestors ever left behind. The future of memory is already here. When I take picture of a really delicious chocolate bread pudding that I’m about to eat, I might upload it to share with tens, or thousands, of people. That …

When you use a site like Gmail, you have to decide: Do I want to use the service’s website, or do I want to use it through an app, like Outlook? Here’s how to get the best of both worlds. What I’m talking about is something called site-specific browsers , which are…

Foursquare means business . The 1-year-old startup now has a huge brand — Starbucks — using its platform to test out an experimental customer rewards program. Starting today, frequent Starbucks visitors who check in at retail locations using Foursquare will earn customer rewards. Although there’s no financial incentive or free coffee to begin …

We just finished watching Google’s live announcement of the launch of the Google App Marketplace . Keep reading for information on what they’re offering users and developers. Oh, and know that the Marketplace is live today . Updating. The event is called “Google Campfire One” and it’s all about how easy it will be to …

Cliff Atkinson is author of The Backchannel : How Audiences are Using Twitter and Social Media and Changing Presentations Forever (New Riders, 2009). What do you do when you’re giving a presentation, and notice that your audience is looking down, busily typing on their laptops and smartphones? And what about when …

This post is part of Mashable’s Spark of Genius series, which highlights a unique feature of startups. If you would like to have your startup considered for inclusion, please see the details here . The series is made possible by Microsoft BizSpark. Name: ZipList Quick Pitch: ZipList is a free online…

GMAIL USERS: We hope you’ll join the discussion over on Mashable’s Google Buzz account . Whether you’re using it on your phone or your desktop, Google Buzz is quickly becoming an interesting and popular way to share content with your Gmail friends. However, because it’s tied to Gmail, Google …

Although many businesses are starting to embrace social services and networks to connect with potential customers, such tools are still by and large built for end users, not for businesses. That can make managing multiple social media accounts, moderating comments and scheduling posts difficult. Syncapse launched its SocialTALK social media workflow tool…

This post originally appeared on the American Express OPEN Forum , where Mashable regularly contributes articles about leveraging social media and technology in small business. With so many online productivity tools at our disposal, there’s never been a better time to check up on what’s out there to help optimize your work flow. One…