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Month: April 2018

  • Top 10 Cars With the Best Mileage in 2018

    Top 10 Cars With the Best Mileage in 2018

    Whether you want to save some money or save the environment, a gas saving car is something that interests many people. There are even cars on today’s market that are hybrids that you can plug in and run on electricity. Below is a list compiled of ten cars with the best mileage today.

     

    10) 2018 Kia Niro FE – 52 mpg city/49 mpg highway/50 mpg combo

    This Kia is subcompact SUV with a great deal of cargo space. It has many extra technology features and is one of the most efficient on the market. The Kia Niro FE is a hybrid vehicle, meaning you can use gasoline and plug it in to charge.

     

    9) 2018 Toyota Camry Hybrid LE 51 mpg city/53 mpg highway/52 mpg combo

    This hybrid Camry is one of the most powerful hybrids available on today’s market. Combined, the gasoline and electric puts out a 208 horsepower. A great addition to this car, it has a safety feature to warn of potential collisions and pedestrians, called Toyota Safety Sense.

     

    8) 2018 Toyota Prius Eco 58 mpg city/53 mpg highway/56 mpg combo

    This pick is completely gasoline run, and it has one of the best fuel economies. The safety score reigns high, as it also has the Toyota Safety Sense and other safety features. The score for this vehicle overall is great with almost a 9/10.

     

    7) 2018 Hyundai Ioniq Blue 57 mpg city/59 mpg highway/58 mpg combo

    Another top choice that is a great hybrid, it gets almost sixty miles per gallon just based off gasoline. That is insane! The price is an amazing one for a hybrid vehicle, if you are wanting something that is not going to break the bank, here is your best bet.

     

    6) 2018 Kia Optima PHEV 103 mpg-e/40 mpg combo

    Without using any gasoline, the Optima can travel up to 29 miles using electricity. This car is high-quality and has an amazing sound system. You can even hook up your phone to the car to the 10-speaker Harmon Kardon sound system.

     

    5) 2018 Kia Niro PHEV 105 mpg-e/46 mpg combo

    The crossover body style of this vehicle allows for more cargo space! This hybrid allows up to 26 miles of electric range. You are able to use Kia’s UVO eco infotainment system to do things like set up to charge your vehicle and even to heat the steering wheel!

     

    4) 2018 Chevrolet Volt 106 mpg-e/42 mpg combo

    One of the first vehicles to come out with a hybrid system, it has a perfect safety score of 10/10. You can’t beat the 53 miles this car runs solely on electricity. It is packed full of great features, the Chevy’s Teen Driver system being a unique one.

     

    3) 2018 Honda Clarity PHEV 110 mpg-e/42 mpg combo

    Honda is a very popular pick for a car, this hybrid can travel 47 miles just on electricity. The gasoline engine is strong with an amazing 212 horsepower. This car has many safety features like the LaneWatch camera and an adaptive cruise control.

     

    2) 2018 Hyundai Ioniq PHEV 119 mpg-e/52 mpg combo

    This version of the Ioniq has a more high class look to it yet has great cargo space. It is also a lot more economical than you may think; it can travel up to 29 miles alone on just electricity.

     

    1) 2018 Toyota Prius Prime 133 mpg-e/54 mpg combo

    Last, but not least, this car is the best pick of all hybrid vehicles. It has two electric motors and can run on that electric for up to 25 miles. Between charging this car and filling up on gas, the Prius Prime will last 640 miles! Other ways to help get the most of your miles in this car are to use the Entune Prime App to adjust the climate control.

  • Passwords Are Soon Going the Way of the Blockbuster

    Passwords Are Soon Going the Way of the Blockbuster

    Passwords, I cant remember, I try to develop a system to keep track. I have tried to use the same one for everything, then a variation, I tried to use the same word and change the last number. I spend half of my life resetting passwords. Well good news everybody, the password may soon be a thing of the past, yesterdays problem, and something ill write a tech throwback about in 15 years. A welcomed goodbye and welcome to biometric ID.

     

    Announced in a press release today (April 10) by the FIDO (Fast IDentity Online) Alliance and the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), the new Web Authentication (WebAuthn) standard will let users move to biometric logins or verification via a USB security key.

    The new standard aims to lure users away from current password-based systems, which leave users open to phishing attacks and other ways of abusing stolen login credentials.

    The press release notes that “Google, Microsoft and Mozilla have committed to supporting the WebAuthn standard in their flagship browsers and have started implementation for Windows, Mac, Linux, Chrome OS and Android platforms.”A development status page for WebAuthn in Chrome shows that it is slated to be enabled by default in version 67, two major releases from the current version 65. The standard is already supported by Firefox, and Edge will be gaining support in the coming months.

    Login via USB security keys is already widely supported for products such as the Yubikey by major websites such as Facebook, Google and Bank of America

    Face ID and Apple

    Apple has already embraced this and has been implementing it slowly for several years, it started with the finger print sensor in the iPhone 5s. Now the iPhone X and FaceId are taking it to the next level. I havent entered a password on my iPhone X since I got it in November. It even remembers passwords from years ago before I started using the fingerprint reader for my password Chain.

    Face ID is enabled through a TrueDepth front-facing camera on the iPhone X, which has multiple components. A Dot Projector projects more than 30,000 invisible dots onto your face to map its structure.

    The dot map is then read by an infrared camera and the structure of your face is relayed to the A11 Bionic chip in the iPhone X and transformed into a mathematical model. The A11 chip then compares your facial structure to the facial scan stored in the iPhone X during the setup process.

     

    The Final Thought

    Biometric Identification is the path to the future, we have seen it in every future set movie we have ever watched. The time is coming and we are making great progress to it. Apple alone has this nearly set with FaceID, adopt it in to multiple devices in a year or two and its set. Im glad to see all the big tech establishments embracing this and setting a standard for biometric ID. See you in the funny papers, Passwords.

  • Blackmagic Design Releases 4K Pocket Cinema Camera

    Blackmagic Design Releases 4K Pocket Cinema Camera

    The folks over at Blackmagic Design have unveiled their newest version of the Pocket Cinema Camera. The new model, first seen at NAB 2018, supports 4K HDR RAW video.

    Perhaps most importantly, the retail cost of $1,295 makes this camera the least expensive way to get started shooting 4K HDR.

    Pocket Cinema Camera 4K

    Following on the heels of the popular Pocket Cinema Camera, the 4K version supports 4K HDR RAW at 4,096 x 2,160 resolution and 60 fps in 12-bit RAW or 10-bit ProRes. The redesigned body is much more modern than the original Pocket Cinema, and since it’s built with carbon-fiber, it is much lighter.

    Before you worry about dropping it, Blackmagic countered the new, lighter weight with a bigger grip. It also has larger dials and buttons for recording, ISO, shutter, aperture, white balance and other standard camera features. This is a departure from the previous version, where the rear display controlled most of the settings.

    Full-Size Sensor

    The old Pocket Cinema featured a Micro Four Thirds mount but had a smaller than full-size sensor. The 4K version has a full-sized Micro Four Thirds sensor with native DCI 4K resolution and 13 stops of dynamic range.

    Storage Options Aplenty

    The Pocket Cinema 4K can record ProRes or RAW to standard SD, UHS-II or CFast 2.0 cards. You can also record 4K directly to a media drive by using the USB-C expansion port. This is a great feature for those who dread transferring files… All you need to do is plug the external drive into your computer and you are ready to edit!

    Brighter Touchscreen

    Another bump up from the previous model is the brighter 5-inch touchscreen. The original Pocket Cinema caught a lot of flak for being so dim. With the screen you can frame shots, check focus or use the menu. There are also histograms, focus and peaking indicators and 3D LUTs that can be viewed on the screen.

    DaVinci Resolve 15

    Also launching with the Pocket Cinema Camera 4K is a new version of DaVinci Resolve. This “massive update” now includes the Fusion compositing VFX package to allow even more work to be done in the same program.

    DaVinci Resolve 15 includes support for Apple Metal and CUDA and can recognize multiple GPUs.

  • You Can Preorder a Red iPhone 8 or 8 Plus Today!

    You Can Preorder a Red iPhone 8 or 8 Plus Today!

    Apple announced a new color option for the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus. Working with HIV/AIDS charity Product (RED), Apple has released stunning deep red versions of the iPhone for the same price as existing models.

    Product (RED) Models

    Now positioned alongside of the existing space gray, silver and gold models of the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus is the Product (RED).

    This is just the latest collaboration between Apple and Product (RED). Since 2006, Apple has donated more than $160 million to Global Fund.

    Last year, Apple released red versions of the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus models. They were only available for purchase for about half a year. The new 8 models may follow the same pattern, so don’t wait too long if you are hoping to get one.

    Preorders Open

    Preorders open up on Tuesday, so head over to the Apple store and see if you are lucky enough to snag one. They will begin showing up in stores on Friday.

    The red 8 and 8 Plus start at $699 and $799 for the 64 GB model. For 256 GB of storage, the prices are $849 and $949 for the 8 and 8 Plus models.

    A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Global Fund HIV/AIDS grants to provide testing, counseling, treatment and prevention programs. There is a special focus on eliminating the transmission of HIV/AIDS from mothers to their babies.

    What About the iPhone X?

    While there isn’t a special edition of the iPhone X available in red, Apple is selling a red leather folio for the phone. You can order it for $99 with proceeds going to the same charity.

  • Samsung DeX Pad a Big Leap Forward, and it Could Be Free

    Samsung DeX Pad a Big Leap Forward, and it Could Be Free

    Samsung is opening up a new device that will add a whole new level of smartphones. Samsung’s DeX Pad allows its smartphones to become minicomputers when they’re hooked up to the device. Connecting a smartphone to the dock allows the user to see the screen of the phone projected onto a monitor.The new Samsung DeX Pad that transforms newer Galaxy phones into a desktop-like virtualization tool is available for pre-order in the US, Samsung announced today.

    With the power we are seeing in the latest phones this could be a real jump in our tech evolution. I know you have asked Why do I need, a computer, tablet, smartphone, 2 laptops and 6 other specialized devices? This will be the first step in a consolidated universe.

    Samsung announced that it would be releasing the DeX Pad in the U.S. on May 13 for the price of $99.99. This new device was revealed back in February during the debut of the Samsung Galaxy S9. When a smartphone is connected to the dock, the phone’s screen can be seen on a much larger monitor.

    How to get a DeX Pad for free

    The new Samsung DeX Pad is like having “a secret Chromebook hidden in your phone.” But not everyone will be willing to pay for this extra.

    Luckily, while it costs $99  at retail, Samsung is bundling the DeX Pad with new Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9 Plus deals in the US through its website starting today.

    Yes, this means early adopters who already bought Samsung’s new phones in the last few weeks get the short end of the stick if they want multitasking beyond 5.8-inch, and 6.2-inch and 6.3-inch smartphone screens.

    The Final Thought

    The Samsung DeX Pad has two USB-A ports, one USB-C port for powering the DeX Pad and your Galaxy smartphone, and an HDMI port. It outputs 1920×1080 and 2560×1440 resolution to a display. The DeX Pad supports the Galaxy S8, Note 8, and S9 models with the Android 8.0 update. I will have a on review for this upon its May 13th release, stay tuned.

  • HP Chromebook X2 Detachabley Terrific

    HP Chromebook X2 Detachabley Terrific

    So we have made it to a place in time where Chromebooks can run Android applications as natively as a Google Pixel 2, it is only natural that we’re starting to see detachable, hybrid Chromebooks that double as tablets.

    Now HP is leading the charge in the 2-in-1 detachable Chromebook space with its Chromebook x2. Like the HP Spectre x2 before it, the HP Chromebook x2 is a thin and lightweight tablet that can be magnetically hinged to and unhinged from its included keyboard at will. That’s where the similarities end between the HP Chromebook x2 and its Windows-based predicessors.

    HP is making Chrome OS devices that can do away with the keyboard. It just unveiled the Chromebook x2, a 12.3-inch laptop that’s really a detachable tablet — unlike the earlier Chromebook x360, you can leave the keyboard behind instead of merely flipping it behind the screen (though you can do that too). There’s an included pen for note-taking and sketching, and you’ll find a 13-megapixel rear camera on top of a more conventional 5-megapixel front shooter.

     

    Hows it Running?

    The Chromebook x2 has a Core m3 processor from Intel’s prior generation of Kaby Lake chips, 4GB of RAM (it can be configured with 8GB, too), 32GB of storage, a 2400 x 1600 resolution, stereo speakers, a 5-megapixel front camera, a 13-megapixel rear camera, two USB-C ports, a microSD card slot, a headphone jack, and an estimated 10.5 hours of battery life. It weighs a little bit more than an iPad Pro, and it’s a little bit thicker than an iPad Pro, but not by much.

    HP also emphasized that the keyboard was designed to hold firmly enough to the tablet that it should feel like a clamshell laptop when the two are connected. I haven’t seen the Chromebook x2 in person, but HP’s images make it look relatively nice. While the Chromebook x2 looks like a bargain compared to the iPad, it’s expensive for a Chromebook, which people often buy for around $300.

     

    The Final Thought

    So if you’re looking for a more premium Chromebook, and you don’t want to shell out $1,000 for Google’s Pixelbook, the Chromebook x2 seems like a potentially interesting middle-ground. But we won’t know for sure until it comes out later this summer on June 10th.

  • Spring 2018 Dell Lineup Includes All-In-Ones and Gaming Laptops

    Spring 2018 Dell Lineup Includes All-In-Ones and Gaming Laptops

    Dell has refreshed their computer lineup for Spring 2018 with some new choices in all-in-one machines as well as blazing fast gaming laptops called Dell G.

    All-In-Ones

    Two new Inspiron models land featuring different screen sizes and resolutions. The Inspiron 24 5000 has a 23.8 inch 1080p screen, while the Inspiron 27 7000 features 1080/4K on a 27 inch screen. The Inspiron 27 7000 even has optional HDR support (although it’s not as bright as a true HDR television).

    They are sleek looking computers, similar to Dell’s XPS laptops in their style. Metallic cases, simple lines and no bezels.

    Both of the Inspiron models are powered by 8th generation Intel Core processors. They can hold up to 32 GB of memory. The best video card you can opt for is a GTX 1050, which can handle most new games at 1080. If you’re looking to game at 4K on the Inspiron 27 7000, the 1050 will not be enough power.

    The Inspiron 24 5000 starts at $850 and the Inspiron 27 will be at least $1000 when it launches in May.

    Dell G

    Evolving from the Inspiron 7000 gaming series, the new Dell G laptops are aimed squarely at those who want to game on-the-go. They aren’t flashy like Dell’s Alienware computers, but their sharp aesthetic suits us just fine.

    The Dell G laptops come in three flavors: G3, G5 and G7, with each incremental step featuring more powerful hardware. You can get a 15 or 17 inch screen for each model.

    The G3 features 8th generation Intel processors and a GTX 1060 Max-Q GPU. Limited to 1080p, they should have no problem running the newest games.

    The G5 and G7 feature the same GTX 1060 Max-Q but have better cooling for lengthy gaming sessions. The G5 and G7 can also be upgraded to 4K screens with an HDMI 2.0 output to connect to a bigger screen.

    The G3 15 starts at $749, the G3 17 and G5 start at $799 and the G7 15 starts at $849.

  • Is the New Apple iPad Worth It?

    Is the New Apple iPad Worth It?

    Whether the newly released Apple iPad is a worthy purchase depends on a few factors, but there is no denying that the 2018 iPad is the best tablet you can buy for under $500.

    Education Push

    It’s clear that Apple wants iPads in every classroom. After establishing a foothold years ago, Google swept in with its Chromebook computers and has come to dominate school systems around the country.

    Apple wants their new classroom software to be the magic bullet in retaking the classroom, but time will tell. The new iPad, $329 for retail and $299 with an educational discount, is still pricier than many Chromebook models.

    Apple Pencil

    One great feature the new iPad has going for it is the ability to use the Apple Pencil. It uses the same touch sensor that the first iPad Pro used, which should be a very satisfying user experience. Since the Apple Pencil will set users back another hundred bucks, the adaptation rate for a budget-friendly tablet remains to be seen.

    Hardware

    The design can probably now be called “classic” as the new iPad looks identical to last year’s model and can trace its lineage back to 2013. It’s 7.5mm thick and weighs just over a pound.

    As far as processors go, the new iPad uses Apple’s A10 Fusion chipsets – the same kind that the iPhone 7 and 7 plus used.

    Pros and Cons

    For the price, the new iPad is a great value and you’ll have access to an incredible number of curated apps. The Apple Pencil support is also a fantastic feature if you can swing the extra hundred bucks.

    However, the classic design is pretty long in the tooth and the new iPad is thicker than some of the other iPads. The 8 megapixel camera on the back is decent for snapshots, but not much for creativity. And finally, although the price-to-value ratio is solid, $299 may still be too expensive for many schools looking to put a device in all of their students’ hands.

  • Wireless Earbuds: the Best 3 to Choose From

    Wireless Earbuds: the Best 3 to Choose From

    Wireless earbuds are the new way of listening to music and talking on the phone. All thanks to bluetooth, you simply can connect your earbuds to your phone and you’re set to use them! You can’t beat the cost for what these earbuds can do, so let’s look at the top three best on the market!

     

    Phiaton BT 100 NC

    If you’re looking for a great pair of earbuds to use for long periods of time, these are the best of the best. The charge is phenomenal which lasts for 7.5-12 hours, and you can even use them while they are charging! These earbuds are great to use at the gym because they are water and sweat resistant. If you decide you do not want to use the bluetooth feature, you can always use the cord that is included and plug it up to your headphone jack. The sound is great, noise cancelling is decent, and phone calls are amazing with these earbuds. Overall, these are the top pick of wireless earbuds!

    Samsung Level U Pro

    For these earbuds, you have to have a Samsung phone. The sound is not as great as some wireless earbuds, high notes may make your ears ring. But if you have a Samsung or Android phone or tablet, you can get the Samsung Level app and you can adjust the treble to help with this. The comfort of the collar is great and there are magnets that can attach the earbuds when not in use. To reactivate the earbuds to work, you simply separate them and your phone call or music will resume. Battery life is great with these earbuds, lasting at nine hours, and you can use these while they are charging as well.

    BeatsX

    If you’re an Apple user, these are a great pick for you! They are on the pricey side, but if you are not a fan of a bulky collar, these just might be for you. These earbuds can coil up pretty small, making them easily more portable. The great thing about these, which is super beneficial to Apple users, is it contains a W1 Bluetooth chip. The battery life is roughly eight hours, but these will not charge while in use. The sounds is great with these earbuds, minus the occasional extra loud bass. Phone calls work well enough, but will probably pick up more background noise than some wireless earbuds.

  • Three of Our Favorite 4K Projectors

    Three of Our Favorite 4K Projectors

    There’s no denying that televisions can provide a great viewing experience. But if you want the true movie theater feel in your home, then you need a projector. Projectors can also be very handy for easier portability, so if backyard viewing is your thing, then a projector trumps a large television any day of the week!

    Here are some of our picks for the best 4K projectors available. Enjoy some ultra-HD goodness!

    Optoma UHD60 4K Ultra UD Home Theater Projector – $1,799

    Not only does the Optoma offer the stunning 4K resolution that you would expect, it also supports HDR10 color technology. This means the blacks are blacker and the colors are more vivid than ever (if the source film supports HDR).

    With 3,000 lumens and a contrast ratio of 1,000,000:1, the Optoma is able to deliver razor sharp images that you can see in 4K detail from up to 10 feet away. 1.6X zoom and 1.30 to 2.22 throw ratio means you can fit your images in various spaces 140 inches and up. The Optoma features a single DLP chip system for easy set up.

    Vivitek HK2288-WH 2000 Im Bright Ultra HD 4K DLP – $1,425

    This is the best budget 4K projector you can buy currently. At this price point, there is no competition!

    This Vivitek features a 2,000 lumen bulb and a 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio. Like the Optoma, it supports HDR10 for enriched brightness and beautiful color reproduction.

    Also, like the Optoma, this Vivitek features a DLP chip system.

    Epson Home Cinema 5040UB – $2,299

    The Epson 5040UB features a 3-chip design which ensures that there is never a rainbow effect to your picture. It also supports HDR10 high dynamic range and high contrast. Like the others, it features a 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio for better brights and darker darks.

    At 2,500 lumens, it lands between the Vivitek and the Optoma on the bulb output. You can set up to 10 positions for motorized focus, zoom and lens shift.

    Another great feature is the Bright 3D Drive which allows for 3D projection.