Kim Roman, Vice President, Consumer Lifestyle, GCI Canada

This edition of GCI Squeezed Fresh is all about how our reality is changing in an increasingly digital and mobile world. We've highlighted some creative ideas, interesting trends and new technologies that are sure to shape 2010 and make you look forward to the future.

Read on for a quick sip of inspiration and be sure to check out our newly revamped website at www.gcicanada.com. Stay in the know and discover all the latest trends in art, design, music, fashion and culture by following us on Twitter!

1.  Gapminder

A useful and beautiful data-crunching tool, Gapminder creates playful animated graphs from all sorts of facts and statistics. Google Motion Chart is modeled after Gapminder software, which aims to make data more accessible and easier to use for instant visual impact.

2. Palm Projections

Cutting-edge imaging technology has made it possible to integrate powerful projectors in handheld devices like mobile phones and digital cameras. In 2009, the Nikon Coolpix S1000pj became the first camera to include a tiny built-in projector and the tiny yet mighty 3M MPro 150 PocketProjector was listed as one of the year’s best products by PCWorld.com. Pico projectors can project digital images on any surface from the palm of your hand, allowing a whole new form of content-sharing, guerilla art and citizen journalism.

3. Giving on the Go

Supporting your favourite charitable foundation or cause has never been easier. Several non-profit organizations including Plan Canada, Princess Margaret Hospital and The Canadian Red Cross are tapping into wireless channels to reach the 21 million cell phone users in Canada. By merging powerful philanthropic messages with the convenience of wireless resources, consumers are inspired to make micro-donations of $5 or $10 through a simple text message.

Try it now: Text HAITI to 30333 to support ongoing relief efforts.

Augmented Reaity

Augmented Reality (AR) blends real-world and computer-generated data to create real footage in real time. AR has already revolutionized modern medicine and now it’s starting to change the face of architecture, gaming, publishing, advertising and retail. Magazines like Esquire and Wallpaper are using AR to bring content to life and some companies like GE and Adidas have begun to use AR graphics as an advertising and sales tool. Watch this demo and let yourself imagine how AR might change the way consumers shop or how companies advertise their brands in the future.

How can you augment the reality of your brand?

Enhanced Editions

Enhanced Editions is an iPhone app created by editors, publishers and designers to make multi-media interactive e-books. E-books like Barack Obama’s The Audacity of Hope and Nick Cave’s The Death of Bunny Munro feature bookmarks, typeface changes, exclusive videos, navigation and audio clips. It’s like a cool hybrid between a best-selling novel and the movie version. Page through the latest literature on the recently launched iPad, featuring a large multi-touch screen rivalling other e-paper devices like the Sony eReader and the Amazon Kindle.

With the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games finally here, fashionistas and techies everywhere are trying to keep up with all the latest athletic trends and gadgets. Stay warm and show off your patriotism by wearing a pair of iconic red mitts from the official Team Canada clothing line at HBC, recently declared the must-have it item of the season by several media outlets including Toronto Life. If you can’t get your hands on a pair, a toasty toque from the Cheer Gear line at Lululemon or a classic sweater from the Canadian Collection at Roots will do. Clothiers everywhere are capitalizing on Olympic-themed merchandise and products that are resonating with Canadians.

It’s easier than ever before to stay connected during the Olympic season with the Samsung Omnia II, a sleek phone featuring special software that allows you to keep track of must-see Olympic moments in real time and receive up-to-the minute news on Olympic schedules, results and medal standings. Protect your smart phone with the new Grip Ergo by Belkin. Its ergonomic ridges will let you tweet, blog and email comfortably whether you're on the slopes or cheering from the sidelines.

Wind Mobile took the wireless industry by storm in December when it launched its conversation-driven service with at-cost phones and no contracts. Analysts and industry experts are predicting the new player will gradually erode market share of Rogers and Bell and mobile customers have welcomed the new carrier.

Wireless players continue to expand their offerings in an ever-evolving tech-savvy and competitive marketplace. There are more products, technology and service options for consumers to choose from, including network upgrades, visual voicemail services and shiny new toys like the latest BlackBerry Bold 9700. As our personal lifestyles and business practices become increasingly untethered, mobile channels will serve as a vehicle for many more growing forms of communication.

It will be interesting to see which Canadian wireless providers are first to pick up Google's Nexus One or Dell's Mini 3 Smartphone, both recently premiered at this year's Consumer Electronics Show.