Mediabee - Frequently Asked Questions: General

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mediabee?

Mediabee is a new life management system that allows users to exploit the power of PCs and mobile devices to improve quality of life and interpersonal communications.

Currently available as a software download, it is a planner and communication center that's great as a dashboard for households, small groups, and busy individuals such as managers and professionals.

Originally conceived to handle the rigors of everyday life in busy households, Mediabee now provides unparalleled ease-of-use and convenience to both non-technical and technical users everywhere.

What is Mediabee not?

Mediabee is not a groupware system like Microsoft Exchange®. Mediabee is not an email client like Microsoft Outlook®, although it could be used to send short emails & text messages. Mediabee is not an instant messaging (IM) system like AOL Instant Messenger®, although it does use IM technology.

Why is it better than other desktop programs such as Microsoft Outlook® or web-based programs such as Yahoo® or MSN® calendars?

If you've been looking for a good shared calendaring program that's (i) inexpensive/free (ii) easy to setup and as easy as paper to use (iii) doesn't require any other software or server (iv) can be accessed from anywhere and (v) will work even when there is no Internet connectivity, you've found it. Otherwise, even if you are satisfied with your current calendaring program, one reason why you may want to consider Mediabee is its strength in planning. Also, you don't have to give up Outlook - Mediabee can help you get synchronized with Outlook as well. There are many people who use paper-based planners rather than use their PCs or PDAs. Mediabee is aimed at these people — as a replacement for paper-based planners.

There are many reasons why Mediabee is different and better.

Will it work with my Outlook, cell phone, PDA, etc.?

Yes. There are several ways to exchange and synchronize information between Mediabee and your other electronic devices:

If you use Mediabee as a planner either at work or at home, you can have Mediabee send emails with vCal (VCS) attachments to any email address — whenever a change is made or even on a daily basis as a list. This will allow you to add calendar entries to your Outlook easily.
You can set Mediabee to send reminders, grocery lists, addresses, directions, etc., to your cell phone or Blackberry® device.
Soon, you will be able to import iCalendar (ICS) files, so, for example, you could synchronize your work calendar back into your home calendar. Also, in the future, an Outlook connector will allow you to do this on a real-time basis.

What's wrong with drag-and-drop? Why don't you have standard dialog boxes like Outlook?

Personal computers have been around for 20+ years. Calendaring programs like Outlook have been around for 12+ years. So have personal digital assistants (PDAs). Yet, as a late 2002 U. of Maryland survey and a late 2003 Mediabee survey revealed that 87% of U.S. households with PCs and PDAs relied on paper calendars and planners for their coordination needs. The Mediabee survey also revealed that 2/3rds of those surveyed were very to extremely dissatisfied with the current tools, paper and electronic.

Mediabee's solution mimics paper tools for their ease-of-use. Instead of a dialog box with various drop-down boxes and radio buttons, for example, the Mediabee calendar entry screen presents a single text box. On a wall calendar, a user might note down "Soccer, 3:30pm". The same can be done with the Mediabee calendar. We also have a list-oriented planner that mimics people's list-making behaviors. We developed these patent-pending innovations after years of user research and prototyping.

This is a change for heavy computer users, and likely to cause some discomfort for them. Our solution is aimed at the remaining 87%, many of whom love the way our system works. With this kind of innovation, we're finally able to realize the promise of "information at your fingertips" that the big players have been promising for years. We invite heavy computer users to take the multimedia tutorials - once you understand the basics, we're sure that you'll start loving it too.

Why should this be a desktop application? Why not a hosted application like Yahoo?

There are several pros and cons to having an application being a hosted one versus not. We currently don't offer a hosted version of our application, although that could change if a sufficient amount of demand exists. Here are the reasons why we think our current architecture makes sense:

If you don't have constant connectivity to the Internet, as on your laptop or with dial-up, a desktop application makes more sense.
If your broadband Internet connection goes down, you'll still have your calendar (much like your wall calendar).
Sensitive data can stay on premises rather than be put out on some third-party host. This is particularly important now that the courts have ruled that Internet service providers (ISPs) can "eavesdrop" on the data they're hosting.
As a desktop application, Mediabee can add a lot of value in bringing together disparate pieces of information, local and non-local. For example, our web player, which is a personal improvement tool, can seamlessly mix your local photos, kids' artwork, HR notices, etc.
You have broadband connectivity and powerful computers with lots of memory and hard disk. Why should you keep your personal calendars anywhere else?
It's the American way. Americans love their cars even though it may make environmental sense to use public transportation more. With Mediabee, you own the data, it's located in your premises, and even if we go out of business (which we hope we won't), you can still keep the application going for a long time.
We hope to sell (through manufacturers, resellers, and other distributors) systems running Mediabee that could bring the usability and utility of wall planners to PCs, kitchen TVs, plasma displays, laptops, etc. in homes, small businesses, conference rooms, notice boards, and so on. The current architecture permits these to be self-contained units requiring no further contracts or monthly service fees for basic operation.

How much does Mediabee cost?

Mediabee Beta is free. Pricing will be announced when we end the beta.

Does Mediabee contain spyware? Is Mediabee going to somehow invade my privacy in order to make money?

Absolutely not. We subscribe to the "do no evil" philosophy of our brethren at Google. The purpose of Mediabee is to allow users to have access to the information they need in a clutter-free and safe environment.

There is no spyware embedded in Mediabee. Please see our privacy policy for explicit information on our privacy practices.

We have the deepest respect for your privacy and convenience. In fact, we go to extraordinary measures to maintain your privacy while bringing you offers that are highly relevant to your lifestyle. Messaging from our sponsors is integrated in the most tasteful and respectful manner possible. We don't accept popups, popunders, spyware, malware, and any other dubious forms of advertisement. Please see the privacy policy for more information.

So how do you make money?

We make money by (i) selling our premium versions and support (ii) selling services such as voice-based access and value added products (iii) corporate sponsorships (iv) selling products through our magazine, which is offered through the application; and (v) selling our products to corporate distributors who may offer their own products and services through the application.

Is Mediabee open source?

We expect it to eventually become open source, although it currently is not.

Mediabee is in beta. Is it stable?

Mediabee is stable. We have a quality assurance process to make sure that we don't release versions with major known bugs. Mediabee's feature set was changing rapidly until recently - that is one reason Mediabee is still in beta. If you see any bugs, we'd appreciate it if you would contact us through email at support@mediabee.com.

Where can I get it?

Download it here.

Can I use this for my business? Will it work as a small group calendar for my business?

Yes. You will need to install the main application on one machine and a special client for each member who wants to access the information. Please email bizuse@mediabee.com for the client installer. Remember that the product is made for information sharing for small tight-knit teams, and not as groupware. It is more useful as an electronic replacement for a wall calendar or wall planner than as a replacement for Microsoft Outlook, for example.

Can I use this on multiple PCs at home?

Yes. You will need to install the main application on one machine and a special client for each member who wants to access the information. Please email multipleclients@mediabee.com for the client installer.

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faqs Setup Usage Calendar Memo Pad Address Book List Planner Photo player Web Player Compatibility discussions blog	Frequently Asked Questions What is Mediabee? Mediabee is a new life management system that allows users to exploit the power of PCs and mobile devices to improve quality of life and interpersonal communications. Currently available as a software download, it is a planner and communication center that's great as a dashboard for households, small groups, and busy individuals such as managers and professionals. Originally conceived to handle the rigors of everyday life in busy households, Mediabee now provides unparalleled ease-of-use and convenience to both non-technical and technical users everywhere. What is Mediabee not? Mediabee is not a groupware system like Microsoft Exchange®. Mediabee is not an email client like Microsoft Outlook®, although it could be used to send short emails & text messages. Mediabee is not an instant messaging (IM) system like AOL Instant Messenger®, although it does use IM technology. Why is it better than other desktop programs such as Microsoft Outlook® or web-based programs such as Yahoo® or MSN® calendars? If you've been looking for a good shared calendaring program that's (i) inexpensive/free (ii) easy to setup and as easy as paper to use (iii) doesn't require any other software or server (iv) can be accessed from anywhere and (v) will work even when there is no Internet connectivity, you've found it. Otherwise, even if you are satisfied with your current calendaring program, one reason why you may want to consider Mediabee is its strength in planning. Also, you don't have to give up Outlook - Mediabee can help you get synchronized with Outlook as well. There are many people who use paper-based planners rather than use their PCs or PDAs. Mediabee is aimed at these people — as a replacement for paper-based planners. There are many reasons why Mediabee is different and better. Will it work with my Outlook, cell phone, PDA, etc.? Yes. There are several ways to exchange and synchronize information between Mediabee and your other electronic devices: If you use Mediabee as a planner either at work or at home, you can have Mediabee send emails with vCal (VCS) attachments to any email address — whenever a change is made or even on a daily basis as a list. This will allow you to add calendar entries to your Outlook easily. You can set Mediabee to send reminders, grocery lists, addresses, directions, etc., to your cell phone or Blackberry® device. Soon, you will be able to import iCalendar (ICS) files, so, for example, you could synchronize your work calendar back into your home calendar. Also, in the future, an Outlook connector will allow you to do this on a real-time basis. What's wrong with drag-and-drop? Why don't you have standard dialog boxes like Outlook? Personal computers have been around for 20+ years. Calendaring programs like Outlook have been around for 12+ years. So have personal digital assistants (PDAs). Yet, as a late 2002 U. of Maryland survey and a late 2003 Mediabee survey revealed that 87% of U.S. households with PCs and PDAs relied on paper calendars and planners for their coordination needs. The Mediabee survey also revealed that 2/3rds of those surveyed were very to extremely dissatisfied with the current tools, paper and electronic. Mediabee's solution mimics paper tools for their ease-of-use. Instead of a dialog box with various drop-down boxes and radio buttons, for example, the Mediabee calendar entry screen presents a single text box. On a wall calendar, a user might note down "Soccer, 3:30pm". The same can be done with the Mediabee calendar. We also have a list-oriented planner that mimics people's list-making behaviors. We developed these patent-pending innovations after years of user research and prototyping. This is a change for heavy computer users, and likely to cause some discomfort for them. Our solution is aimed at the remaining 87%, many of whom love the way our system works. With this kind of innovation, we're finally able to realize the promise of "information at your fingertips" that the big players have been promising for years. We invite heavy computer users to take the multimedia tutorials - once you understand the basics, we're sure that you'll start loving it too. Why should this be a desktop application? Why not a hosted application like Yahoo? There are several pros and cons to having an application being a hosted one versus not. We currently don't offer a hosted version of our application, although that could change if a sufficient amount of demand exists. Here are the reasons why we think our current architecture makes sense: If you don't have constant connectivity to the Internet, as on your laptop or with dial-up, a desktop application makes more sense. If your broadband Internet connection goes down, you'll still have your calendar (much like your wall calendar). Sensitive data can stay on premises rather than be put out on some third-party host. This is particularly important now that the courts have ruled that Internet service providers (ISPs) can "eavesdrop" on the data they're hosting. As a desktop application, Mediabee can add a lot of value in bringing together disparate pieces of information, local and non-local. For example, our web player, which is a personal improvement tool, can seamlessly mix your local photos, kids' artwork, HR notices, etc. You have broadband connectivity and powerful computers with lots of memory and hard disk. Why should you keep your personal calendars anywhere else? It's the American way. Americans love their cars even though it may make environmental sense to use public transportation more. With Mediabee, you own the data, it's located in your premises, and even if we go out of business (which we hope we won't), you can still keep the application going for a long time. We hope to sell (through manufacturers, resellers, and other distributors) systems running Mediabee that could bring the usability and utility of wall planners to PCs, kitchen TVs, plasma displays, laptops, etc. in homes, small businesses, conference rooms, notice boards, and so on. The current architecture permits these to be self-contained units requiring no further contracts or monthly service fees for basic operation. How much does Mediabee cost? Mediabee Beta is free. Pricing will be announced when we end the beta. Does Mediabee contain spyware? Is Mediabee going to somehow invade my privacy in order to make money? Absolutely not. We subscribe to the "do no evil" philosophy of our brethren at Google. The purpose of Mediabee is to allow users to have access to the information they need in a clutter-free and safe environment. There is no spyware embedded in Mediabee. Please see our privacy policy for explicit information on our privacy practices. We have the deepest respect for your privacy and convenience. In fact, we go to extraordinary measures to maintain your privacy while bringing you offers that are highly relevant to your lifestyle. Messaging from our sponsors is integrated in the most tasteful and respectful manner possible. We don't accept popups, popunders, spyware, malware, and any other dubious forms of advertisement. Please see the privacy policy for more information. So how do you make money? We make money by (i) selling our premium versions and support (ii) selling services such as voice-based access and value added products (iii) corporate sponsorships (iv) selling products through our magazine, which is offered through the application; and (v) selling our products to corporate distributors who may offer their own products and services through the application. Is Mediabee open source? We expect it to eventually become open source, although it currently is not. Mediabee is in beta. Is it stable? Mediabee is stable. We have a quality assurance process to make sure that we don't release versions with major known bugs. Mediabee's feature set was changing rapidly until recently - that is one reason Mediabee is still in beta. If you see any bugs, we'd appreciate it if you would contact us through email at support@mediabee.com. Where can I get it? Download it here. Can I use this for my business? Will it work as a small group calendar for my business? Yes. You will need to install the main application on one machine and a special client for each member who wants to access the information. Please email bizuse@mediabee.com for the client installer. Remember that the product is made for information sharing for small tight-knit teams, and not as groupware. It is more useful as an electronic replacement for a wall calendar or wall planner than as a replacement for Microsoft Outlook, for example. Can I use this on multiple PCs at home? Yes. You will need to install the main application on one machine and a special client for each member who wants to access the information. Please email multipleclients@mediabee.com for the client installer.
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