I know we’ve been highlighting a lot of websites lately, but there are some truly amazing things going on out there. It seems as if technology, design and the web development are finally emerging to become true brand experiences. This is exciting stuff.

Today’s topic isn’t so much about the website as it is about innovation and technology. Flo TV, a new mobile technology of Qualcomm gives vell phone users a whole new way to watch cable television. Available on Verizon and AT&T networks, this technology provides a live broadcast feed of cable TV shows that you can watch anytime, anywhere. The quality is amazing…and it’s the same line-up as the cable channels you’d view at home on your TV.

The shows available are limited at this point, but there are some pretty heavy hitters (CBS Mobile, ESPN, NBC ToGo, MTV, Nickelodeon and MSNBC), and the cost is pretty affordable for the return. If you’re in the market for a new cell phone, Flo TV is worth checking out!

One drawback…right now, there’s no FloTV for the iphone….DRAT!

If you haven’t heard of Hulu…you better check it out!
This website has all kinds of great movies and television shows….legally…and free!

Sure, the movies aren’t the most current (think Speed 2 and St. Elmo’s Fire) and there’s a commercial here and there…but the quality is very good (available in full screen, hi and standard resolution).

The TV shows include current seasons of Family Guy, 30 Rock and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia (our favorites). It’s a great way to enjoy shows you may have missed and to revisit old classics.

The best part? They have Fantasy Island!!!

From a design perspective, it is first rate. Everything is very intuitively indexed for easy navigation. The video runs efficiently without skips and blips. The name is awesome. The brand needs a little work (it’s a little cold / lacking culture), but the logic behind the ads (how they monetize this site) is really well developed.

Fuelhaus gives it a funk-a-fresh A+!

Great web design brands the company, performs a service and creates a killer user experience. The Dominos website does all three!

I hadn’t ordered pizza from Dominos in awhile, but when I did, I was fascinated by the real time “pizza tracker” showing you exactly where your order is in the process. (When it said it delivered…it did!). While you wait, you fill out silly polls and surveys. It is absolutely brilliant.

A website is much more than an online brochure…it is a primary way for your customers to experience your brand.

Dominos does a great job extending the brand as well. From the delivery driver to the messages on the pizza box (reasons for late delivery…alien abduction). This is one cool pizza place that knows it’s audience. I’m a member.

Have you started using the power of RSS Feeds yet? They are a great way to stay on top of topics, trends and news that interests you most. In the interest of making new technology less scary for you (you know who you are)…we thought we’d explain a little bit about what they are, how they work, and how you’ll benefit from them as a user. Read on…

If you already know this stuff…skip ahead…we’ve got a few “must have” feeds you should check out!

RSS Feed: Stands for Really Simple Syndication, Rich Site Summary, or RDF Site Summary. You can learn all about it here…but basically, it publishes a real time feed of updated content in a standard format. It’s really cool because if you subscribe to a feed…all you have to do is run your mouse over the bookmark to read all of the latest headlines from that site.

How do I subscribe?
Easy. Basically, if you find yourself on a site that you frequent…all you have to do is click on a site’s RSS icon and put it in your browser’s bookmark tab. Done. It is updated automatically.

Use it.
It’s hard to introduce a routine into your daily schedule…but practice. You’ll find that this tool is probably one of the coolest advances in Web 2.0 technology…and you’ll start to check it every time you open your browser. You’ll find RSS feeds for all kinds of things that you’re interested in. Looking for a lawn mower? Sign up at Craig’s List and you can check the feed hourly until just what you’re looking for pops up.

Want a Kick Start?
Well, you can always subscribe to the Skool of Fresh (our icon is on the right)…but If you’re looking for inspiration (or just something to make the day go faster)…check out these great blogs. We follow a most of them daily…and they’re well worth the read.

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ISO50 The Visual Work of Scott Hansen

Scott Hansen has great work, and his blog is among the best. It’s great to follow the currents that give him inspiration. He also has a really great store with posters, pins and t-shirts. Visit it here.

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Smashing Magazine

Smashingmagazine.com is amazing.We visit everyday. It’s always full of fresh ideas, trends, tips, tutorials and free stuff (like calendar desktops, icons and fonts). It’s worth a visit.

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Brand New

Brand New is an awesome blog. It follows the latest brand redesigns. This site is legit because they really do their homework with links and commentary from the companies and designers who developed the brands. Plus…if we’re feeling “cheeky” we can put our 2 cents in as a comment. Love it.

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LinkedIn Answers

If you aren’t a member of LinkedIn…you should be (it’s free). If you are…and haven’t spent any time on the site…you’re just plain silly. Visit the answers section. Browse the industry that interests you (lower left) and subscribe to it. I check it everyday. People ask great questions and get answers and advice from tons of professionals who are “living it” in the field. You’ll get all kinds of insight…and connect with people all over the world. It’s cool.

If these sites don’t interest you…don’t worry. Just look for the little icon on any page you’re visiting and you’ll soon have your very own…custom web experience.

Rock on!