Still off topic here, but hey, internet stuff is important, right! I find this new browser stable, fast, and simple. Here are a few undocumented commands that can be typed into the Google Chrome address bar, that provide stats on the browser operation. about:memory about:stats about:histogram about:cache about:version about:dns about:plugins about:stats about:network Continue reading Google Chrome browser hidden commands | last off topic post [this week]

Uncategorized10 Comments

Google Chrome | new browser for Windows

2008-09-022008-09-02 Colin Henderson

Update: have tried out the new browser, and running short of superlatives. I can only suggest that everyone at least try it. Fast, secure, and at the same time simple to use. Maximum use of screen is acheived by eliminating things like the status bar, and by repositioning the tabs. Google Chrome Continue reading Google Chrome | new browser for Windows

Uncategorized1 Comment

Google Browser to be announced Tuesday Sept 2nd

2008-09-022008-09-02 Colin Henderson

I have been watching for this download to happen but nothing yet. A Google browser that’s supposed to show up Tuesday. The information suggests a very efficient browser based on webkit that manages the internet better. Internet is no longer a set of web pages. Its become a set of applications, videos, and pages with privacy and security needs that requires a different way to interact. This is exciting! Google Chrome Today there was a comic book in my mail, sent by Google and drawn by no less than Scott McCloud, creator of the classic Understanding Comics. Within the 38 … Continue reading Google Browser to be announced Tuesday Sept 2nd

Payments5 Comments

Online bill pay represents a huge cost, that will drive irrational Bank behaviour

2008-08-28 Colin Henderson

Before 1996, and the advent of online banking Banks made money from bill payment. Each bill paid required a cheque that incurred service charges, or an in branch payment, that incurred a fee. No more. Online bill pay to cost US banks $1bn by 2010 – TowerGroup The provision of free online bill payment services to retail banking customers will cost the US financial services industry $1 billion by 2010, according to research from TowerGroup. The research house estimates that nearly 24 million Americans currently use electronic bill payment and presentment services (EBPP). Usage is increasing at a compound annual … Continue reading Online bill pay represents a huge cost, that will drive irrational Bank behaviour

Payments, subprime

US shoppers turn away from credit according to certain retailers

2008-08-28 Colin Henderson

In the clearest sign yet of impacts on the Banks from the subprime crisis, US consumers are shifting to cash or debit and away from credit cards. US shoppers turn away from credit Mainstream retailers are reporting that shoppers are opting for debit cards or cash instead of credit cards as they face tighter credit limits, illustrating how the wider credit crunch is being transferred to main street spending. However the message is clouded by the fact that while certain retailers are noting the shift, Visa and Mastercard are seeing card usage relatively unchanged. The shift was first noted by … Continue reading US shoppers turn away from credit according to certain retailers

AI2 Comments

Where are Banks in Community Management?

2008-08-252008-08-25 Colin Henderson

James has a good post on the shift from traditional PR to Community Management, and he explains that mechanics quite well. His example of Debbie at Wesabe is an ideal one. BankerVision: PR shifts to Community Management One final question is in my mind, though, is what use HSBC’s or Citi’s Community Outreach Coordinator will make of a competitive bank’s blogger like myself? Will they just ignore me, or take a leap of faith and realise that the community is powerful regardless of who is in it? Relevance to Bankwatch:His final paragraph says it all. With the lone exception of … Continue reading Where are Banks in Community Management?

Uncategorized

My “email for Bankers” system

2008-08-132008-08-13 Colin Henderson

Every Banker needs to read James post here. This particular paragraph resonated for me, having lived this life for years, and now being in a position to re-orchestrate my day according to my schedule. I have some suggestions …. the back to back meeting day is the death of effectiveness. BankerVision: Email bankrupt A cultural oddity of the bank is that we do back-to-back meetings, probably most days. So our email keeps piling up, and so many of us have resorted to fitting email processing into odd slots of the day. I have some cures for this ailment, before you … Continue reading My “email for Bankers” system

subprime

Tokyo Mitsubishi UFJ invest further in UnionBanCal

2008-08-132008-08-13 Colin Henderson

As predicted, here is the first example of Asian Banks seeking positive investment opportunities amongst the American Banks. In this case they are being characteristically careful and investing in one they already know. FT.com / Lex / Financial services & property – MUFJ/UnionBanCal The second is that the would-be buyer is Japanese. Mitsubishi UFJ wants to buy the 35 per cent it does not already own of UnionBanCal for $63 a share, implying a valuation of $8.8bn for the owner of Union Bank of California. Relatively unscathed, Japanese banks have already lent a financial hand to struggling global peers. MUFJ … Continue reading Tokyo Mitsubishi UFJ invest further in UnionBanCal