Tag Archives: technology

Dec28

Make Your Home Life Easier By Getting To Grips With These Great Gadgets

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Technology is an amazing thing. The achievements of the modern day make life a lot easier than it used to be. It’s not just everyday life that gadgets can help with, either. Installing some devices around your home can take the hassle out of those jobs that we all love to hate. All you need to do now is know which ones to install. We’ve got a rundown of a few things you need in your home right now. Don’t do things the hard way. Get connected to get on top!

Garage Door Openers: The garage door has long been a point of contention. Having to get out of the car to open the door is always a chore. Not to mention that you have to maneuver the vehicle so that you have enough space to get that door open! Garage door openers are the oldest gadget on this list, but they’re one no home should be without. Openers, like those found at www.garageautomatics.com will take the hassle out of parking. Some options use a remote control while some work automatically. Whatever you choose, it’s an investment worth making. Entering and exiting your home won’t be the chore that it once was with one of these in your life!

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 Wikimedia Image

WiFi Thermostats: Do you often find yourself returning to a cold house? Do you dread getting out of bed in the morning because of the cold that is lurking outside your duvet? You needn’t suffer anymore. With the invention of the WiFi thermostat, it’s never been easier to turn the heating on. For years, thermostats have given the option of timed heating. That’s not always practical, though. The amount of heat you waste with this option is insane. Plus, it’s never warm when you need it to be!

With a WiFi thermostat, you can connect your heating straight to your phone. That way, you don’t even need to be at home to turn the heat on! Turn your thermostat on when you leave the office and return to a toasty warm house! Forgetting to shut down the heating won’t be a problem with one of these, either. You can just open the app on your phone and turn the heat off from wherever you are. Save time and money with one of these bad boys!

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 So Handy!

Automatic Vacuum Cleaners: Cleaning is a chore that none of us relish. We may all be dreaming of robots that can clean the whole house, but technology isn’t quite there. The good news is, is that it’s not far off. If you hate vacuuming, then you need an automatic vacuum cleaner in your life. With one of these, you’ll never have to worry about the job again. Just set your automatic cleaner to roam your house, and it’ll clean as it goes. You can connect these to your phone too so that you can ensure a clean room for your return! Automatic vacuum cleaners have been around for a while now, so there are many options. If you’re unsure of which one is best, sites like  www.toptenreviews.com can give you an idea of the top products on the market.

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DJ Roomba! Parks & Rec, anyone?

Dec22

How To Get The Most Out Of Your New Tech

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How To Get The Most Out Of Your New Tech

If you’ve shelled out on an expensive gadget just in time for Christmas, then you’re going to want to get the most out of it. That means everything from optimizing it to protecting it. The first thing you must do when you purchase a new gadget is to buy a good case for it. There are plenty of options on the market but don’t just go for style. It won’t matter how good your new iPad case looks if it disintegrates on contact with the floor. Buy the case that will give your iPad the best protection from the elements and the occasional drop. A good case is going to save you a lot of money in the long run. If you’ve spent a lot on a gadget, you’re going to want to protect it like it is your home.

If your gadget has a huge screen area in comparison to its chassis, that means that it is mostly glass. You should know exactly how fragile glass is! Along with a good case, investing in a screen protector won’t only protect your phone or tablet from the oils that your skin leaves behind and smudges from swiping, but it could stop your screen from shattering upon contact with the ground. Invest in a tempered glass screen protector if you dislike the feel of the plastic versions.

A power bank is a modern essential. Phones seem to run out of juice more quickly than ever before. A good power bank will not only give your phone a new charge to full from zero, but it will also do it again and again. Most power banks will work with a wide range of portable gadgets, so if your Kindle runs out just before the end of the chapter, you’ve now got your answer. As with cases, there are plenty of options on the market. Just do your research on a site like IThingum before you lay down the cash.

A good SD card is a lifesaver if your gadget allows it. Most Apple products won’t, but if you’re an Android head, then you’re in luck. An SD card will upgrade the storage of your device to levels that you’ll be able to appreciate if you take too many photos! A 32gb upgrade will do the trick for most and it won’t set you back too much. It might even increase the lifespan of your device.

You should also download anti-virus software for your new device. Mobile devices, as well as laptops, are increasingly becoming targeted by cyber-criminals. Scan your systems and ensure that you are protected from the get-go. The consequences of this are disastrous and could leave you in a bad place. Don’t take the risk!

If you’ve got a new gadget, you’re going to need to look after it to get the most out of it. With portable devices, there’s not much more that you need to do as most are already optimized for performance. Just give your gadgets a boost and the occasional clean, and they will serve you well. IF you choose to neglect them, they are going to fail sooner than you could have prepared for.

Featured Image By: Flickr

Dec18

Transform Your House Into A Techno-Geek Paradise

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Transform Your House Into A Techno-Geek Paradise

The modern home has changed a lot over the last decade, more than most people though it would. But today technology is so advanced that the possibilities for transforming your home into a slice of techno heaven are greater than ever. It feels as if we’re on the cusp of a lifestyle revolution on the same scale as that which people living in Victorian England experienced when they first got piped water. In a word, it’s huge.

So what cool things are out there and how are our homes changing for the better? Check this out.

ISmartAlarm: Ever since the middle ages, we’ve been relying on bits of metal in our pockets to keep our homes secure, also known as keys. But keys are problematic. Not only can they get easily lost, they also don’t provide us with any active protection while we’re out of the house. The good news, however, is that there are a bunch of new technologies, mainly paid for through crowdfunding, that promise to make our homes a lot more secure.

One of those is the iSmartAlarm project, starting on Indiegogo a couple of years back, which is designed to monitor our homes from top to bottom and alert us to any and all threats. It combines things like motion detection, pet tracking, video cameras, and child tracking. In fact, it’s everything you need to create an Orwellian superstate in your own home.

Sites like www.suddenlink.com/internet are already looking into ways to provide customers with the high-bandwidth WiFi and coverage they’ll need to keep these systems up and running. So it’s probably only a matter of time before we’ll see these sorts of Mission Impossible movie security system, which used to be used to protect priceless diamond jewelry, coming to our homes.

Control4 Home Automation: Ever since the 1960s, people have lusted after a consumer robot that would do the dishes, make them drinks (especially this!), and clean the house. We’re still waiting, of course, but in the meantime, there’s a lot to get excited about. One thing that is piquing the interest of techno geeks worldwide is the idea of the automated home –  a home where you no longer have to do the boring stuff, like turn on the lights. It’ll do it all for you. Well now, thanks to firms like Control4, their dream is becoming a reality. The company offers a product that controls the lighting, the security, the climate and even the audio all from one control panel. It’s currently being marketed mainly to restaurant owners and hotels, but there’s no reason why the system couldn’t be set up in somebody’s home.

The system allows people to customize their living experience in any way they want, according to www.mensbe.com. That means that you can dedicate an entire room to a theme you love – Star Trek, Harry Potter, CANDY?!

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 Dream room!!

Featured Image By: Flickr

Dec13

Is Your Home Boring? Then Check Out This Guide!

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No one wants a boring and dull home. Even the most laid back and relaxing home doesn’t need to be boring. It is actually pretty easy to spruce up your place once you put your mind to it. It doesn’t even have to be a lot of work. Just read this guide below to see how you can make your home a lot more visually interesting.

Color: The number one home refresher that can break up the visual boredom is to inject some color. People get so scared of color, but they don’t have to be, as they are in control of it. You can have as little color or as much as you like. You get to pick the shade, and how intense it is, so there is nothing to get anxious about.

If you aren’t used to having a lot of bright colors about the place, then go for something more subtle to start off. The use of pastel or ice cream colors can create interest and drama without going too over the top. But, if you are looking for some serious impact, then go for something super bright. Paint a feature wall to inject some drama into an otherwise boring room. Or you can even get super creative and leave the walls white and paint the furniture brights colors instead!

Pattern: Patterns are something else that people can get a little afraid of when decorating their home. But used properly they can help create a dynamic room that isn’t boring at all. 1970’s style patterns in one or two colors are a great (and fun!) way of injecting a retro vibe that isn’t too overwhelming into a room. Or you can inject a pattern into your accessories which can work wonders against any surface that is one solid color. For example use, bright paisley patterned pillows on a block color sofa. This will break up the single color and draw your eye to specific points, which can prove to be very visually appealing.

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 Pixabay Pattern!

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So cute!

Decoration: Another way of preventing your home decor from slipping into boredom territory is to get creative with the decorations you use. There are so many fun and simple ways to spruce up the home, even if its just taking your white or cream walls and decorating them with modern art or reproductions of the old classics. This will provide a perfect point of interest. If you’re going for a really dramatic look, use multiple pieces that are of a similar style in one space.

Interactivity: Another great way of getting your house to pop is to make use of all of the technology that is out there now. There are plenty of operator controlled items that you can interact with that can make an impact on your home’s visual appearance. For example, how about getting a mood light bulb? The color of which can be changed depending on what you are using the room for at that time. So you could have blue or purple for relaxing or a warmer orange or red when you want a cozy feel.

While revamping your home, use patterns, accessories, and decor that is uniquely you. Home decorating is just another amazing way to show off your personality!

Dec6

Get Ahead On Life With These Practical Pieces Of Home Technology

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Spend a day counting up all the different pieces of technology you see and use and you will realise just how much we live in a technological age. A lot of people are concerned about just how much we rely on it – and this can certainly be true when it comes to bringing up children. It’s very important that we spend time in the real world, rather than just on social media or playing video games, as this can rub off on our kids.

But at the same time, there are many amazing pieces of technology that have now been invented to make our lives easier. If you haven’t already invested, you may not be getting the most out of what this constantly developing sector has to offer. Technology that’s cool and helps you out day to day? What’s not to love? Take a look at these tech-forward solutions for any home that can have a real impact on your life.

Smart Home Heating: Hands up who wants to save money on their heating bills? That will be most of us, then. Many people think that the only way to heat their home economically is to layer up and switch off the central heating. But, this isn’t much fun, especially throughout the cold winter months. Thankfully, new technology allows us to keep our homes warm while still saving us money and being kinder to the environment. We are, of course, talking about the best wifi thermostat. These amazing high-tech thermostats can be controlled from your cell phone, allowing you to dictate when your heating comes on and off even when you’re not at home. Many of them also come with motion sensors, so they can determine when you need heat and when they can switch themselves off.

Smart Home technology can be implemented not just for heating but for lighting and security systems as well. This provides homeowners with extra peace of mind and that is priceless. If you are interested in a smart home update, simply enter a search for “professional smart home system installers in Lake Tahoe” (or your local area). This upgrade will modernize your home and help save you money too!

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Forever Freezing!!

Slow cooking: Time is something all of us could do with more of – but it’s so hard to find! Working long hours, trying to have a social life, and looking after children (if you are a parent) all means that when it comes to cooking, most of us would just rather order takeout. But as well as being bad for your health, this can also become quite an expensive habit! Investing in a slow cooker, however, can help to solve this issue. Slow cookers, or crock pots as they are also known as, have quickly become a staple of every savvy chef’s kitchen. Simply put all your ingredients in there in the morning, set to ‘low’ for a few hours and then when you come home you will have a bubbling meal ready to eat straight away.

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Yummmm

Motion Sensor LED Lights: It comes as no secret to most of us that LED lighting is much more economical than regular lighting. They consume far less electricity and are also much safer, due to the fact that they are cooler and more resistant to breakage. If you are already considering installing LED lights in your home, why not go a step further and go for a motion- sensor option? These lights switch on and off when someone enters a room, so you’ll never waste money due to leaving lights on again.

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Pexels Image

Nov15

The Top Ways Your Smartphone Could Be Entertaining You

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The Top Ways Your Smartphone Could Be Entertaining You

Almost everyone has a mobile phone these days. And of the people who have them, a smartphone is the popular choice. While some people choose simpler phones or don’t have one at all, smartphones are taking over. Many people who own a smartphone don’t use it to make calls too often. They might text and message on it as their main methods of communication. They also use it as a media center, from internet use to listening to music. Even if you use your phone every day, you might not be making the most of it. There are some great ways that it can entertain you and you might not even be using them.

Play Games: Playing games on smartphones is something people have been doing for a while now. Some of the most popular ones include Angry Birds or Candy Crush Saga. However, playing games on your smartphone doesn’t have to involve only small apps like these. With many smartphones, you can play games that are more sophisticated. If you want to play games on a smartphone, one with a larger screen will serve you well. You get a better picture, and it will be easier to control. You can also use your smartphone alongside your computer or console, such as with FIFA 17.

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Watch Movies: Many people are moving away from the traditional model of having a television with aerial, cable, or satellite reception. Fewer people own DVD players or similar machines, too. It has become more common to stream movies or to download them to either a storage device or the cloud. Smartphones are excellent for watching movies. You can use them to store them or find apps that allow you to stream them. There are some great apps that offer free movies for Android. With some of them, you can hook them up to Chromecast and similar devices to put them on a larger screen. You can also use your smartphone with a projector.

Learn New Skills: Smartphones don’t have to be all about passive entertainment. You can also engage in some apps that will improve your education. For example, you might want to learn a new language. There are lots of apps that you can choose from, several of which gamify the process of learning. Apps like Duolingo can help you to learn the fundamentals of a language, although you still have to use other materials.

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Be Your Music Library: Your phone can make a great music library, too. Many people don’t bother having a separate media player anymore. They can just put their music on their phone. And it’s easy to hook it up to speakers. You can put your phone in a speaker dock, use Bluetooth, or use Apple AirPlay to play music from your phone. The music doesn’t need to be on your phone, either. You can just use it to stream, assuming you have a decent internet connection.

Your phone could be much more useful than it currently is. Make sure you use it to its full potential to get your money’s worth.

Featured Image By: Public Domain Pictures

Nov14

Why Your Smartphone Could Be Damaging Your Health

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Why Your Smartphone Could Be Damaging Your Health

It’s becoming hard to imagine a time when we didn’t have smartphones. Despite their small size, these devices have become something we cannot leave the house without. They provide us with entertainment, help us stay connected, and give us the ability to capture the world around us. But despite all of the benefits they can give to us, there is a downside to using a smartphone regularly. As our dependence on them has increased, so have the amount of smartphone-related health conditions. While they might not sound severe, they can be extremely damaging to your health. Read through these health issues which can be a result of using your phone too much.

Insufficient sleep: Sleep helps our bodies to repair and regenerate at the end of each day. This allows it to function correctly while also giving us the energy we need for the following day. However, smartphones can prevent many of us from getting the vital sleep our bodies need. The light on your phone screen can trick your body into thinking it is daytime. This can prevent you from feeling tired while also encouraging you to stay up later. It can also disrupt your body’s production of the hormone melatonin which tells your body when it’s time to sleep. To increase the amount of sleep you get each night, keep your smartphone away from your bedroom or shut it off at a certain time each evening to prevent those late night Facebook binges.

Repetitive Strain Injury: Repetitive strain injuries, otherwise known as RSI, is a health condition that has seen a significant increase in recent years. It causes pain and even numbing in the hands, wrists, and arms. It is caused by doing the same task continually over a prolonged period of time. Medical experts believe that texting on a smartphone is the reason why many people have developed this condition. If left to progress, this condition can intensify and could result in a disability. You might need to wear compression gloves, take medication, or need specialist massages to help you manage your symptoms. The best way to reduce your chance of developing an RSI is by reducing the amount of texting that you do on a daily basis.

Depression: Recent studies have found that spending too much time on your phone can increase your chances of developing depression and anxiety. Being constantly connected can make you overly reliant on the comments and status updates of your friends and family. When you don’t get a response straight away, this can cause you to feel anxious and question your relationships. Spending every spare moment on your phone can make it harder to care for your mental health. You don’t have time to cook healthy meals, exercise, or see friends in person because you’re permanently attached to your handset. To reduce the risk of your developing depression and anxiety, you need to decrease your usage immediately.

Each of these conditions can progress and become more severe. While you might not want to give up using your smartphone altogether, make an effort to reduce how often you use it so you can remain both healthy and connected.

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Nov2

Six Useful Technical Skills You Can Make A Living From

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Six Useful Technical Skills You Can Make A Living From

When it comes to considering a career, nothing beats having technical skills. Having the ability to do something practical which many people can’t do will instantly stand out to employers. Not only that, but you can often make your own business or freelancing venture with your technical skills. The best thing is that you can learn many of these skills without having to take a college course. All it takes is some time and dedication. You can learn many of these through short training sessions or even at home!

Many kinds of technical skills can help you make a living. Almost all of these revolve around using a computer. That makes them even easier to learn, as often all you need is your computer and the internet to learn them. A lot of the times, these skills also involve a lot of creativity. It makes for a much more fulfilling job than simply filling in data or working at a cash register.

If you’re feeling ambitious, you could even learn more than one. Having a range of practical skills is useful for getting hired. Many can also be used to offer profitable freelance services. If you’re ready to start learning a technical skill, here are some of the most useful ones to learn.

Graphic Designing: Excellent graphic designing is a skill that’s in high demand and people will pay a lot for ones that do a fantastic job. There are many routes that you can take with graphic designing. Learning how to use Adobe PhotoShop allows you to create enticing posters, flyers, and other materials. Businesses will appreciate this, as they often need these kinds of images created for them.

Graphic designing also comes in handy when it comes to creating websites. Web designers often need someone to design the graphical interface of a website. If you learn both graphic design and web coding, you could become a skilled solo web designer. Nonetheless, even knowing how to create attractive web graphics by yourself will pay off.

Graphic designing is a skill which yields many opportunities for employment. But a lot of people who are skilled create their own businesses. You can appeal to both businesses and individuals with graphics design skills. People need all kinds of things designed – from leaflets to t-shirt designs. If you want to take things a step further, you could even learn about 3D designing and modeling. This is a skill often used in animation, product design, and things like architecture and interior design.

Video Editing: With YouTube becoming the second most popular website in the world, video editing skills are more valued than ever. All kinds of businesses want to create video content for their company these days. People even pay for video editing skills for personal projects. Of course, learning video editing can also come in handy if you plan to become a content creator yourself.

Adobe’s Premiere Pro is a world-leader when it comes to video editing, as it works well on both Mac and Windows. Other software such as Apple Final Cut and Sony Vegas Pro is also useful for advanced video editing. It doesn’t hurt to become proficient in multiple programs.

It’s easy to get started in video editing. You can invest in some video editing software and start practicing yourself. There are also training courses which can help you learn fast. For instance, you could take Premiere Pro training classes to learn the software in less than a week.

Many companies hire video editors as part of their media operations. You can also offer your skills on a freelance basis, editing videos for various people. You might want to dabble in video creating and editing yourself by building a YouTube channel. If you become a video-editing whiz, you might even be able to achieve heights of becoming a film or TV editor.

Languages: Having a good command of more than one language is an extremely valued skill. Businesses who need to communicate with international clients will need someone to translate. Some companies need people who can speak multiple languages to deal with overseas colleagues and customers.

In fact, there’s never been a better time to learn new languages. Being able to speak a foreign language is the hottest job skill right now, with 25,000 jobs for interpreters expected to open up by 2020. Government institutions often need those who can speak different languages. The military also hires foreign interpreters relentlessly. Even Fortune 500 companies value multi-linguists.

It’s also a great skill to have for freelancers. Those offering their interpreting skills on a freelance basis can make a serious amount of money. You could also get some exciting opportunities. For instance, you could translate and interpret interviews at sporting events.

A degree will help you get the best opportunities. But you can also learn new languages at home with sites like Duolingo. Usually, the lesser-spoken languages are more valuable. You can get lucrative opportunities by learning Arabic, Farsi, and Asian languages. You could also teach in foreign countries or tutor language students.

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Pixabay Image

Coding And Programming: Learning how to code a website or program some great software is a highly useful and profitable practical skill. There are many different coding and programming languages you can learn. But if you learn one, you’ll be able to pick others up much easier.

You might want to start with HTML. It’s the primary language used in creating websites. There are many online resources which can help you get started. The fundamentals only take a short time to learn, but it’ll take more time to create more advanced websites. Make sure you find out how to code a site that’s functional on all browsers. Learning to code to W3C standards is also helpful.

Learning PHP and JavaScript is also necessary for professional web designing. You can add things like forms and dynamic web apps using these languages. You should also learn CSS, which is used to style websites. You should also become familiar with MySQL databases. These are often used for managing databases on sites with a base of users.

When it comes to programming software, Java, C, and C++ are the most popular programming languages. You might also want to learn some of the top programming languages for mobile development. The smartphone app market is becoming huge. Learning to create useful and engaging apps is a highly valued skill. You could get paid to develop apps for business, or even create your own and profit from them.

Writing: Writing is becoming more and more valued in today’s content-heavy market. Businesses often hire talented writers to create blogs and promotional materials for them. Those with creative copy-writing skills could also work in advertising writing jingles and scripts.

You should also look into technical writing. It involves simplifying complex materials for a wider audience. It’s a valuable skill, particularly for writing things like instruction manuals and white papers.

The best way to develop writing skills is to get plenty of practice. Creating a blog and taking on freelance writing jobs will help you to develop a portfolio. Although education can help, your body of work will be the most important factor in getting lucrative opportunities.

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Sound Editing: Audio editing is another skill that comes in handy, especially for freelancers. You can use free software like Audacity for basic editing jobs. Becoming proficient in programs like Adobe Audition and Avid Pro Tools will allow you to take on more complicated jobs.

You can take on various sound editing tasks, like editing radio advertisements and video voice-overs. Those who want to take things a step further may want to get into audio engineering. Those who master sound engineering software are capable of becoming music producers or working on sound for films.

Like other technical skills, you can find resources such as YouTube tutorials and courses to learn. It’s a talent that can take you a long way if you dedicate yourself to it.

Featured Image By: Pexels

Oct28

Ways To Wrap Your Mind Around New Technology

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Ways To Wrap Your Mind Around New Technology

Technology is at the center of everything. With new developments happening every day, it can sometimes feel as though gadgets are taking over. But when things are advancing so fast, how can we keep up? As soon as you get the hang of one new gizmo, there’s another one to get to grips with. There’s no denying that technology has made a lot of things easier, but what do you do when you can’t get the hang of it? There’s no stopping the pace of technology but you can at least take steps to help you get to grip with things a little faster.

Instructional Videos: Presumably, the computer is one thing you are comfortable with. You found this blog post, after all! It may seem crazy to use one form of technology to help with another, but it’s a good tip. A computer can help you with an abundance of things. There is a wealth of information on the internet so it would be silly not to use it. Watching videos is a fantastic way to get the hang of new technology. There are videos on just about anything. Whether you’re struggling with a phone, a camera, or a microphone, there’s sure to be a video showing you how to use it. These videos are fantastic because they’re easy to follow and you can see the steps to take. You don’t have to worry about understanding instructions when you can watch (and rewatch!) somebody show you how.

Product Reviews: If you’re struggling with knowing which product is the right match, reviews could be a great help. It’s worth checking out thesmartcave. They have some fantastic product reviews that are sure to help you navigate the technological minefield. From phones to thermostats, they’ve got you covered. Reviews are excellent at laying out in simple terms what features a product has to offer. You don’t want all the fancy lingo and sales pitches. You just want an easy to understand lowdown of what a product can do! That’s exactly what reviews offer you.

Ask The Kids: This might sound strange, but it works! Kids are growing up in this technological age where there’s a new gadget for them to play with every week. And what’s more, they’re picking them all up extremely quickly. Kids approach technology in an entirely fearless way. Even better, they are fantastic at using it. If there’s something you’re struggling with and you know some technically minded kids, then don’t be afraid to ask for their help. A kid who started using a smartphone before they started walking will be able to set up your new Sat Nav with ease.

The trick is not to let technology overwhelm you. Even if the instruction manual makes no sense, don’t let yourself get disheartened. There is always an easier way. Use old technology to help you understand new technology. Alternatively, use those who have grown up using these confusing gadgets. Either way, persevere. With a little effort, you’ll be a technological whizz in no time!

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Oct18

The Tech We Simply Can’t Live Without

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The Tech We Simply Can’t Live Without

In a world where it seems like there is a new iPhone coming out every other weekend, it can be hard to keep track of all of the latest amazing technology that is available. Here are some of the top “must haves” for the tech savvy 2016-er. Take a look:

The Tech We Simply Can’t Live Without:

Do you ever watch really old movies and wonder how on earth they survived without having a smartphone? It’s really hard to imagine needing only a roof over your head and a well in your garden! Life today can seem like a world away from how things were just thirty years ago, before the internet. But it’s not just our online lives that rely on tech. Our home life is pretty dependent on it too:

Smart TV: TVs have been around for decades, but these days, they need to be able to connect to the internet. After all, how would we access all our favorite shows through services like Netflix? Then, of course, are all those cute YouTube videos of kittens chasing laser lights and puppies falling over their tails. TVs are bigger than they’ve ever been, but how we use them has changed a lot over the years.

My family actually just recently indulged in a Smart TV and, I must say, it is fantastic. The convenience of being able to connect to Netflix with the literal touch of a button and binge watch your day away is heavenly. Our Smart TV came just at the right time – when I was binging on Breaking Bad. With the Smart TV handy, I was able to complete the entire series during my two week summer break from school/work. Impressive? Kind of. A little sad? TOTALLY! 😉

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Image courtesy of Flickr

Smart Phone: A lot of tech is ‘smart’ these days, but none quite so smart as our humble mobile phone. Many of us have our entire lives on these little devices. Almost all of our communications are done on them, online and offline. You can work remotely, video call with friends on the other side of the world, and take photos for your blog. Apps like those at https://play.google.com/store/apps make it all happen. There are thousands to choose from. Being so dependent on these little babies can definitely make your stomach drop when you realize you left it at home!

Wireless Headphones: Cords and cables used to be everywhere. They were hanging out of the back of your TV. They were running riot from your modem. And they tethered you to your music player or phone. Now everything is wireless and that includes the headphones you use to listen to media and music. Websites like www.dextroaudio.com specialize in reviewing the latest models. You can get headphones, earbuds, and headsets to suit you.

GPS: Gone are the days of pulling over to the side of the road to unfold a paper map. No longer do we need to purchase a new map book publication every year. With GPS, everything is updated and accurate all the time. It knows where you are and where you’re going. It will verbally tell you all of the turns you need to take to get there, too. It’s like having the world’s best map reader with you for every journey you take. Of course, map reading skills aren’t quite what they used to be!

GPS is a Lil Red must have. I am the most directionally challenged gal on the planet. Thanks to no sense of direction, I am extremely dependent on my GPS. It is the best for helping me to get to different meet up areas with friends as well as assist me with the traveling that I do for my job. Thank goodness for it because I don’t think that I will be learning how to read a map any time soon!

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Image courtesy of Flickr

Fitness Band: Whether you have a pedometer or just a band around your wrist, you know how many steps you’ve covered. There aren’t many people that leave them behind when they go for a long walk. Each of them hooks up to an app on your smartphone to detail your progress each day. Some will buzz you to remind you to get moving while others sit passively around your wrist fitting awkwardly in with your outfit. These things are the beginning of highly functional wearable tech. Are they just a fad, or the most essential tech in your life?

With new advances being made in technology daily, who knows what the newest tech must have will be? What is one piece of tech gear that you can’t live without? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah