In the 21st century, were are getting to a point where we rely on machines and computer programs to get through our day. We are kind of like the Jetsons without the flying cars and Rosie the maid robot with an attitude.

At my day job I deal with people who are terrified of technology. These same people are secretly easing into sites such as Twitter and Facebook to keep in touch with or meet new people. While this is exactly what those sites are meant for, they CAN do a lot more

While average people are talking about the crazy party they went to the night before, numerous companies with web applications are finding ways to integrate their applications with Twitter. At a quick glance, this may seem like these companies are jumping on the social media band wagon. When you take a step back and really look at the possibilities, it is actually a smart move.

Most of the Twitter based access to the web application or services usually involve sending a DM (Direct Message) to their Twitter account. If you have not sent a DM to anyone, here is a brief explanation of how it works.

Here are 8 of the applications I have came to rely on.

@gcal

Add calendar appointments wherever you are. Super handy for the person (like me) who’s memory is shot or who is very easily distra… LOOK A SQUIRREL!

@myen

Since Evernote is the pillar of productivity these days, it’s no doubt they have access via Twitter. Send something like this: d myen 2005 Robert Hall Rhone de Robles red wine goes great with steak. It will be popped into your default folder with Twitter DM: as the beginning of the title.

@rtm

Remember the Milk is a great free reminder program. It can intigrate into your Google Calendar, Gmail, Firefox, Blackberry and tons more. When you send a DM to @rtm, here are a list of commands you can use if you choose to Commands

@trackthis

Track packages via Twitter. Send a DM with the tracking number and what is being shipped to @trackthis. When new info about the package arrives, you get notified.

@timer

This is exactly what you think it is. Since you are already glued to the computer monitor and time flies when you are playing on Twitter, here is a timer for you. An example would be: d timer 30 laundry is done reminds you in 30 minutes with a return DM.

@mymm

Set up an account with My Mile Marker. Add in the vehicle (s) you would like to track the gas mileage on. Then while you are ar the pump, create a message formatted like this:  d mymm [miles] [gallons] [price]. For example, a message might look like this: D mymm 38935 14.34 2.599 The odometer read 38,935, and you filled up with 14.34 gallons at $2.599/gallon.

@twtbizcard

Send an online business card via Twitter by adding #twtbizcard to a @reply. It is a simple yet useful feature for the people who want to save the cost of business cards and never seem to have them handy. The free cards are very simple and incorporate your basic name, phone number and address along with your Twitter profile.

@xpn

Xpenser is a great tool for tracking expenses. You send a DM something like this: d xpn dinner 42.68 client meeting and Xpenser puts that in a spreadsheet for you. You will need to sign up for an account on the site. Once you have an account, you can send in all of your expenses while your mobile.

image credit: Geekr

If you're new here, don't miss out. Subscribe to my RSS feed. Thank you for stopping by!