Free Video Slideshow Software Review Android

​There are a number of free video slideshow software solutions on the market, and particularly for the android platform. I have had the challenge of using a number of them in an effort to create a slideshow video presentation. I can also say that while although I was ultimately successful in creating my movie from a slide presentation the effort and time required was more than I expected. It made me question the utility of using my tablet to make video slideshows when an original voice component was required.

Another important point to make is that while free mobile video editor apps were fine for making movies from slideshows combined with existing formatted stock audio mp3 files, premium (paid) software was required for combining multiple original audio files in a movie editor.

Here is a list of some of the apps I tried, followed by the combination of apps I ultimately needed to complete my project.

  • Video Show
  • Video Maker
  • Video Maker Pro Free
  • KlipMix Free Video Maker
  • VideoFX Music Video Maker
  • Video Maker Movie Editor
  • Movie Studio (Android preloaded)

… At this point if you’re getting the idea that I installed and tried literally every free movie making app in the Google Play marketplace, I would say you’re pretty close to the mark. Ultimately none of them were fully capable of doing all I was asking the software to do. In the end I was able to create a slideshow and convert it into a movie by splicing several audio files together in a timeline, publish the video and upload it to YouTube. The audio was not that great (see the video here).

In the end, I find it much easier to use my desktop PC to turn PowerPoint into video. If you are in fact determined to turn slideshows into videos on your android device then this combination of apps will get the job done:

  1. Google Slides (presentation slides maker)
  2. Android Sound Recorder (audio files)
  3. Android Gallery (crop photos of slides to size)
  4. File Manager HD (rename files for convenience)
  5. Media Converter (convert sound files)

and finally, the Pro version (pay) of MovieAid, which cost less than $10. Given the laundry list of software needed to splice audio and slides together… I seriously recommend staying with the desktop video slideshow solution instead.

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No Comments updated November 14, 2014

Website Startup Costs Nothing If You Know Where to Start

Free Website Startup and Training

Can You Reach the World with Your Website Idea for Free?

​Many people who have seen the money being made online have wondered what website startup costs would be. The honest-to-God truth is that there are no startup costs if you know where to start.

Misconceptions Deceive Would-Be Entrepreneurs

There are many misconceptions about owning or beginning an online business in 2014. The first and foremost of these deceptions is that there must be some sort of cost associated with “getting a website up.” The truth is there are literally hundreds of places to start a website without any costs whatsoever. With an internet connection and as little as a smartphone or tablet you could be working on the web.

No smartphone or tablet? No problem! If your local library has computers and an internet connection you have all you need – and you don’t have to pay a dime.

What About the Costs of Starting a Business Online?

Again, the beauty of beginning a business on the web is that nearly any (non-adult) business can be started on the web with a minimally functional computing device and an internet connection. No special tools, equipment, or even special skills are necessary (tho’ some or all of these 10 internet skills very likely will come in handy). Obviously an existing brick and mortar company wishing to extend their brand online would likely end up spending some cash up front to secure a domain and hire someone to make a professional site – but the average Joe out there looking to try out a bunch of different ideas doesn’t need to spend that kind of money – there’s just no reason for it.

Don’t I Need at Least Some Training Start a Website?

The short answer is yes, you do. But do you need to spend even one dime to get the training you need to get a website up and have an actual business online? Nope! While there are literally hundreds of different training books and manuals about putting a business up on the web, anyone reading this text could literally click this link and have a website of their own up and ready to begin working on in 30 minutes. Better still, following the link above (or see comparison chart below), starting a website here gives you the exact (free) training you need to make a real, unique, business which will allow you to add value to your future customers and (as a result) produce profits for yourself.

Comparing Web Business Training Courses

Consider the chart below, where we compare two of my absolute favorite online business courses – Free Wealthy Affiliate Online Entrepreneur Certification Level 1 versus Premium WordPress Goldmine. Both courses teach slightly different techniques, and both offer excellent long-term value to students. But – just look at the difference in what you get between the two systems: you get vastly more value from the free course than you do from the premium one! Odd but true – that’s just the way it is. Come meet me inside and we’ll start your new website together for free.

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No Comments updated October 1, 2014

3M Supports TNFD Emergency Training Program

3M TNFD Grant 2014

3M employees (clockwise from top) Joe LaPlante, Eric Gallien, Candace Robinson, and Susan LaFlamme present TNFD Captain Tim Joubert a grant check. Proceeds went to airway training equipment and fire training software.

3M presented TNFD a $2500 grant check going toward the purchase of new life-saving training equipment and fire simulation software. TNFD & 3M recognize the importance of continuing to master and retain safety and emergency response skills in the community. Last year 3M’s charitable giving organization gave nearly $1.5 million in combined product and cash donations to charitable organizations in the State of NH.

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No Comments updated July 25, 2014

$50K 3M Grant Supports Boys and Girls Club of Lakes Region

(L to R) 3M Employees Candy Robinson, together with Joseph LaPlante and Susan LaFlamme present Boys and Girls Club of the Lakes Region Directors Amber Royea (holding check) and Dana Leslie Meade (middle row second from right) a check for $50,000 to go toward their building fund.

(L to R) 3M Employees Candy Robinson, together with Joseph LaPlante and Susan LaFlamme present Boys and Girls Club of the Lakes Region Directors Amber Royea (holding check) and Dana Leslie Meade (middle row second from right) a check for $50,000 to go toward their building fund.

Laconia NH-

3Mgives – the charitable foundation of 3M Corporation – has awarded a cash grant in the amount of $50,000 to the Boys and Girls Club of the Lakes Region for their building initiative. Each year 3M donates via cash or product donation through various initiatives. These initiatives include working with premier groups positively impacting climate change and biodiversity, fostering healthy youth development, encouraging youth participation in math and sciences, and the arts.

In 2013 3M brought over half a million dollars into the Northern New England region alone out of some $61 million in cash and product donations globally. “3M sees the Boys and Girls Club as a nationally recognized youth organization which develops future leaders and doers in America – and they are proud to support them,” said Barry Livingstone, Tilton’s community affairs secretary. The $50,000 grant to the Boys and Girls Club of Lakes Region represents the largest cash award to date secured by the Tilton plant for the community.

Outside the scope of the overall corporate giving, Tilton’s 3M employees also volunteered at several local organizations. Participation in volunteering activities is encouraged for 3M employees and the local plant participated in activities such as the A Day of Caring program, performing arts programs, and food drives for local food pantries. “3M employees care a great deal about their communities,” Livingstone added.

About the Boys and Girls Club of the Lakes Region:
The Boys & Girls Club of the Lakes Region is part of a national network of affiliated Clubs. The national organization, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, began in 1860 with several women in Hartford Connecticut, believing that boys who roamed the streets should have a positive alternative, they organized the first Club. The Boys & Girls Club is a place, an actual neighborhood-based building designed solely for youth programs and activities. The Club is open every day, after school, when kids have free time and need positive, productive outlets.

About 3M:
A recognized leader in research and development, 3M produces thousands of innovative products for dozens of diverse markets. 3M’s core strength is applying its more than 40 distinct technology platforms – often in combination – to a wide array of customer needs. With $23 billion in sales, 3M employs 75,000 people worldwide and has operations in more than 65 countries. For more information, visit www.3M.com, or follow @3MNews on Twitter.

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No Comments updated February 19, 2014

The Hunger Games Gift Ideas

With a little research and prodding it’s easy to come up with a few Hunger Games gift ideas for friends or family who are fans of the Suzanne Collins book / movie series. A couple of popular themes dominate the series and are available in a number of attractive merchandise options at a variety of good price points. Let’s take a look at some of the major film themes.

The Rugged / Outdoorsy Heroine Katniss Everdeen

An easy gift choice for any young girl fan of heroine Katniss are any of the wide assortment of great looking stuff worn in the movie. Lionsgate (licensor of the franchise) has really done a nice job of creating a wide variety of merchandise themed on their female star Jennifer Lawrence. Some of the items include:

  • T-shirts
  • Posters
  • Jackets
  • Pajamas
  • Thermal Activated Mugs

Although a number of the fashion items tend to be a little on the drab side (particularly the replica costume pieces worn by the tributes), Lionsgate has managed to add a splash of color here and there for more girly girl fans of Katniss. PS – the mugs are fun!

The Districts of Panem

Each district within the country of Panem is represented both by a number and a symbol based on the principle good or service that district supplies to the capital. Katniss and Peeta are District 12 tributes, and their home district supplies coal – and is basically impoverished (like most of the others). Lionsgate has developed a number of items based on identifying with the home of the heroes as a result. Gift ideas around this theme tend to be more practical – such as:

  • Backpacks
  • Charm Jewelry
  • Pajamas
  • T-Shirts
  • Keychains
  • Bag Clips
  • Magnets

These gifts are much more subtle in appearance than some of the star likeness items above. Fans can wear these items out identifying themselves with the movie without putting the likeness of someone else prominently on their body.

The Mockingjay Medallion /  Symbol

Arguably the most powerful symbol of the film series has been the Mockingjay pin. It is no coincidence that the emblem is featured on just about any item you can think of – either as a standalone, ringed in flames, or combined with one of the featured characters. Basically this symbol is just about everywhere – and the only place you aren’t likely to find it is on the above mentioned District themed items. Just to give an idea of some of the kinds of items you’ll find out there with the Mockinjay:

  • Necklaces
  • Pendants
  • Charm Bracelets
  • T-Shirts
  • Backpacks
  • Magnets
  • Belts

The real beauty of the work done by Lionsgate in merchandising this film is that so many of the items are found as gifts you can buy for under $25. While most of the items admittedly are designed to be gifts for girls there are also a number of items boys can appreciate as well – such as the replica jackets, backpacks, fleeces, and shirts. I am a big fan of the film series and I have to say I am also a big fan of the job Lionsgate has done in bringing the film to life in merchandise that is both attractive, functional and accessible to fans of all ages, sizes, and incomes.

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No Comments updated February 15, 2013