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Month: January 2021

  • Need a New Laptop? Our Team Reviews the Best on the Market

    Need a New Laptop? Our Team Reviews the Best on the Market

    We’ve reviewed the top laptops and notebooks on the market today!-

     

    Samsung Chromebook Plus:

    Samsung’s Chromebook Plus is an excellent laptop for those who are looking for a laptop with a smaller screen. This laptop is great starting option for kids.

    • 11 hour batter
    • lightweight- 3lbs
    • 4GB of Ram and 32 GB of storage

    Acer Chromebook:

    Acer’s Chromebook is great for basic tasks without compromising on overall size. For the price it is a great option.

    • 15.6 inch screen
    • High processing power
    • 16GB of storage

     

    An excellent choice if you want a high quality windows laptop.

    • <$500 price point
    • 256GB SSD
    • 8GB of Ram

     

    Lenovo Ideapad S340:

    HP 15z Touch Laptop:

    Touchscreens are great for kids, a natural transition from interacting with a phone. This laptop has great better life and graphics.

    • 15 inch HD screen
    • 9 Hours battery life
    • Built in Webcam

     

    ASUS Vivobook 15

    Another amazing choice for those on a budget who also want a large screen.

    • Powerful video card
    • USB-C ports
    • 3.5 lbs

     

     

     


  • 3 Crazy New Credit Scams, Don’t Be A Victim!

    3 Crazy New Credit Scams, Don’t Be A Victim!

    Let’s face facts – if you don’t take credit fraud seriously, scammers will, and at your expense, search for credit fraud alerts. At a time when more and more people are turning their backs on cash in favor of credit and debit cards, the risk of credit fraud is higher than ever. Yet Americans don’t seem to be doing enough to protect themselves against credit scams.

    In this new generation, you might have had to be convinced by your kids or grandkids at some point that using your credit card online is safe. “It doesn’t feel safe,” you may say, but they tell you that’s the way everyone shops all the time, and their credit card information is totally safe.

    But they’re wrong. Credit card numbers do get stolen, and credit fraud does happen, both online and offline. In fact, security experts say virtually everyone has been the victim of at least one data breach at this point.

    New survey data from AARP show that Americans are unnecessarily putting themselves at greater risk by failing to adopt smart digital safety practices. In fact, 47% of U.S. adults have reported being victimized by a fraudulent purchase using their credit or debit card.

    Here is a look at 4 of the most convincing scams that you will want to be on the lookout for:

    1. The Jury Duty Credit Card Scam

    In this scam, the con artist calls the victim claiming to be a representative from the local court in their area. They tell the victim that because they failed to show up for a scheduled jury duty an arrest warrant has been issued in their name. The victim replies by saying that they never received a jury duty notice.

    The scammer then says that, in order to clear up the matter, they need to verify some information. The scammer will go on to ask for personal information including the victim’s address, social security number, birth date, and credit card numbers. The unknowing victim, who is frazzled and worried about the arrest warrant, complies and gives the caller the information, becoming subject to identity theft and credit card fraud.

    2. “Skimming” Your Card

    Skimming machines, known as “skimmers” have become high-tech these days. Recently, skimmers have been found in gas pumps and ATMs across the country. With these skimmers, credit card data is collected and transferred via Bluetooth to the scammers who can then replicate the cards and go on a shopping spree. Other traditional, less technological skimming tricks include restaurant waitstaff and retail employees skimming your credit card and then using it to make small purchases that are very often missed by the victim.

    The bottom line is that you should always look your bill over carefully each month and report discrepancies immediately to your credit card company. If reported in time, you will never be liable for fraudulent purchases.

    3. Scam Phone Call Claiming to Reduce Your Credit Card Debt

    In this marketing scam, the victim receives a phone call from someone who claims that he is a representative of their credit card company and can get them significantly reduced interest rates and debt payments. The catch? The victim needs to provide their credit card information to confirm their identity.

    Recently, these types of marketing cons came under the scrutiny of the FTC, and it is now illegal to demand upfront fees for debt settlement services. In addition, debt reduction companies are now required to maintain a dedicated account, entirely owned by the client, for use in paying creditors. However, not everyone knows this and therefore is still a potential victim to this sneaky scheme.

    Make sure to monitor your credit card statements, bank statements, and credit reports on a regular basis. The earlier you catch a potentially fraudulent transaction, the better the chances that you’ll be able to prevent further trouble!


  • Tips for Signing up for Life Insurance

    Tips for Signing up for Life Insurance

    If you’ve been looking into life insurance, it can be a complex and daunting field! Whether you’re worried about your spouse, children or even grandchildren, life insurance is a great thing to have. You never want it to come up, but someday your family will need it!

    Tips for Signing up for Life Insurance

    Visit Your Doctor

    The first thing you’ll want to do before signing up for life insurance is head by the doctor for a quick check-in. This is doubly true if you used to smoke but don’t anymore. Similarly, if you were overweight but have lost weight since your last check-up, you’ll want this reflected in your records.  That said, this is a good practice anyway: checking in with your doctor regularly is important, regardless of whether you’re looking to get life insurance soon!

    Buy Layered Coverage

    You probably don’t need one gigantic policy. You can save yourself some money by layering your coverage and buying coverage for different lengths of time and with different criteria. While this might sound complex, it’s not too hard to accomplish. You simply see what your life insurance needs are and figure out how much coverage you need. Then, take out individual policies that offer the coverage you need! That way, you’re getting more coverage for less! That’s the definition of a win-win.

    Volunteer No Unneeded Information

    While it can be tempting to simply offer up all of your info unbidden, it’s best not to. When it comes to life insurance, you should only tell the insurance company the information that they ask for. A lot of times, you’ll be penalized for information like whether either of your parents died of cancer. However, some applications will only ask about things like heart disease. It’s okay to simply answer the questions they ask, and not offer any elaboration unless they specifically request it.

    This might seem a bit counterintuitive: after all, no one wants to be dishonest. However, it’s not dishonesty if the insurance company doesn’t ask about it. Simply offer them the information they’ve asked for and you’ll make things much simpler for yourself!

    Whether to Have an Exam

    We highly recommended getting a policy that has an exam if you’re healthy. This is where that doctor’s visit from earlier comes in handy: if your doctor gave you a clean bill of health, you can save some serious money with an exam policy. The policies that don’t have exams can be anywhere from three to six times more expensive than those that do! Don’t spend money you don’t need to, if you’re healthy, go with the exam!

    If you’re not in terribly great health, however, it might be less expensive to get a no-exam policy. However, you should discuss with your doctor any health issues that you think are affecting you. We highly advise you talk to a knowledgeable independent insurance agent if you feel as though your application may be complicated by poor health.


  • Tips for Saving Big on Your Next Car Rental

    Tips for Saving Big on Your Next Car Rental

    When you take a trip out of town, one of the expenses you have to keep in mind is your car rental. However, you don’t have to break the bank just to rent a decent ride to get you around town! Today we’re going to help you save big on your next car rental. Save your money so you can afford to do more fun things on your trip or vacation! Trust us when we say you’re going to be thankful you read this list the next time you travel out of town.

    Tips for Saving Big on Your Next Car Rental

    The Basics

    Most major car rental companies offer coupons for their services that you’d be remiss to not take advantage of. If you’re anything like us, you love finding great deals lurking around the internet. Use some search engine mastery or a plug-in like Honey before you fork over any cash for the next car rental you pay for. There are many sites that collect coupons and codes from many of the biggest car rental companies, so saving money could be a few short clicks away.

    Another basic thing you can try is to simply ask for a discount. You’d be surprised at how many companies offer discounts for various organizational affiliations. For example, if you’re in the military or a retired veteran you may get a discount. Many places offer discounts for AAA members, or AARP members. It never hurts to ask what kind of discounts you can get! The worst that could happen is they simply tell you that they don’t have any discount programs.

    Frequent Flyer Miles

    Another discount you might find could come through your frequent flyer miles. If you’re a member of a frequent flyer program, such as through your credit card company, you might be eligible for discounts on rental cars using your miles. Sometimes frequent flyers don’t even realize these savings are available through their rewards program! Additionally, your rental company may be able to offer you miles in return for renting through them. As always, it never hurts to ask!

    Rental Car Loyalty Program

    Much like with frequent flyer programs, it might be a good idea to look into a car rental loyalty program if you’re out of town and renting cars rather often. Many of these loyalty programs are free to join and give you tons of benefits for sticking with your favorite rental company. Often these programs will allow you to store up points the more you use the company in question for car rentals.

    Once you have so many points, these programs typically allow you to cash them in for upgrades to your rental, or even outright free rentals. While these programs might not occur to you right away when you’re thinking of savings, they’re a stellar way to keep extra cash in your wallet. After all, if you’re often out and renting cars, then you might as well get rewarded for it!

    Shop for the Best Price

    Make sure you do some research beforehand if you plan on heading out for a vacation or distant trip. After all, it can be difficult to find the best price on a car rental when you’re standing in the airport. Instead of getting caught out like that, do your research at home before you set foot on the plane.

    Many websites, like Kayak and other price aggregators, allow you to see a number of car rental prices side-by-side. This allows you to pick and choose which prices look the most appealing to you. This ensures that you not only get the best deal, but it also means you know what you’re in for when you land in a distant airport.

    While you’re online, you should also consider prepaying for your car rental. A lot of people don’t realize that you can save as much as twenty percent if you opt to prepay for your rental car before you go to pick it up in person. This requires a bit of planning ahead on your part, but it will save you a decent chunk of change.

    Consider Avoiding the Airport

    When it comes to car rentals, you should consider avoiding picking up in the airport. While it is very convenient to step off of the plane and get your rental car right away, it could be costing you as much as thirty percent more. If you take a cab into town and rent from there, instead, you could likely save a lot of money (even considering the cab fare).


  • New Year, New You! Time to Get in Shape: Peleton or Echelon?

    New Year, New You! Time to Get in Shape: Peleton or Echelon?

    Have you been missing the gym? If you’re playing it safe and working out at home, the Echelon or the Peleton spin bike may be for you.

    Owning a spin bike is a great alternative to the gym, and the Echelon offers live spin classes via their app to make your workout exciting and strenuous. Spinning is relatively low impact on your body, but gives a high intensity workout. Here are the pros and cons of owning an Echelon vs. Peleton.

    Echelon Pros: 

    🙂 It costs less than 1/2 of the price of a Peleton

    🙂 It has 32 levels of resistance

    🙂 It is smaller and weighs less than a Peleton

    🙂 It has 2-sided pedals so that you can switch between a SPD pedal or a shoe with a cage

    🙂 It has a very quiet flywheel

    🙂 The design is sleek and ergonomic

    Echelon Cons: 

    🙁 The flywheel is at the rear of the bike and may be a hazard for small kids

    🙁 It does not come assembled, additional fee is required for assembly

    🙁 Instructors for the live classes aren’t as high caliber versus Peleton

    🙁 It does not have a built in screen

    Peleton Pros:

    🙂 22″HD built-in display for the app

    🙂 App is more user friendly

    🙂 Live classes are more popular vs. Echelon

    🙂 It is delivered and assembled in your home

    🙂 Features a smoother and more advanced resistance system vs. Echelon

    🙂 Pedals are designed for cycling shoes

    Peleton Cons:

    🙁 The price is DOUBLE the price of the Echelon

    🙁 It is slightly heavier vs. Echelon

    🙁 It uses a belt drive system, which can deteriorate over time

    The Bottom line:

    If you can afford it, you’re not going to go wrong with a Peleton. But if you are more price conscious- the Echelon is for you. Both deliver a fantastic workout and you’ll be saving money in the long run versus most gyms.

     


  • Is Now the Time to Refinance Your Home?

    Is Now the Time to Refinance Your Home?

    When is the right time to refinance your home? That can be a tricky question, as the act of refinancing can be time-consuming and you want to make sure you’re getting the best deal. However, the general rule of thumb is that you want to refinance when you can save at least 2% of the interest rate of your current mortgage. Let’s get more into home refinance, what it means, and when you should pull the trigger.

    Remember: if you have specific questions about real estate or home values, you might wish to speak to a professional financial advisor. Everyone’s situation is unique, and while general rules are helpful, you’ll want specific advice when you go to make major moves like refinancing your home.

    Home Refinance

    What is Home Refinance?

    Home refinancing refers to a practice that involves taking out a new mortgage loan to pay off an existing loan. Broadly, this falls under the umbrella of a financial practice called debt consolidation. This might sound a bit odd at first. Why would you take out a loan just to pay off another loan? However, this makes more sense when you look at the benefits you could get. For instance, if you can get your interest rate lower on the new loan than your existing loan, it’s a good idea to refinance.

    Typically, people are going for the lower interest rate. However, there are other reasons to do this. These reasons could include switching from a fixed-rate mortgage to a variable mortgage, or vice versa. One could also make the switch in order to shorten the length of their mortgage.

    Lower Interest Rates

    One of the main reasons people will refinance is to get a lower interest rate. As a general rule, if you can reduce your interest rate by at least 2%, you should do so. In a market with historically low interest rates, you should also consider getting a fixed-rate loan, which will lock in a rate for the duration of the loan. This can give you peace of mind that the loan will remain stable even as the interest rates of the market go up.

    When one gets a lower interest rate on their mortgage, they have two options. First, they could simply opt to have lower monthly payments. This is great for people who might not have a lot of money left over at the end of the month. Another option would be to pay off the loan faster by keeping the payments the same. This is a great option for people who aren’t having any issue meeting all of their bills every month.

    Fixed Rate: The Right Call?

    Should you get a fixed rate loan when you refinance, or should you opt for an adjustable rate? This is a complex question that depends on a number of factors, like the length of the loan and the current interest rates in the market. However, as a general rule, if interest rates are low or your loan is for a longer period, you may wish to get the fixed rate. This locks in the interest rate and gives you peace of mind that you’re not having to keep up with the market’s rates.

    On the flip side, if you loan is longer, or if interest rates are historically high, you may wish to go with an adjustable loan. Adjustable loans change their interest rates based on the market, generally reflecting what you see on the housing market. These allow you to buy-in with a higher interest rate without worrying about getting stuck with it even while rates in the market fall.


  • Staff Picks: Top 10 Electronic for 2021

    Staff Picks: Top 10 Electronic for 2021

    Gift-giving is one of the most intimate activities we as humans partake in. For one person to gift another, a certain relationship must have been formed prior, and a certain level of understanding has to be between the two parties. It is often that we find ourselves overwhelmed by the intensity of buying gifts for one another, because not only does the gift symbolize the extent of the relationship, but it also epitomizes the understanding you have of the recipient.

    Though a certain level of individuality is ubiquitous to all gifts, certain things will almost most certainly do the trick and leave you, the giver, proud of your accomplishment, and the receiver feels valued and understood in the most intimate of ways.

    We have compiled a list of ten of the best gifts you can give when it comes to electronics and computers for the 2021.

    1. Microsoft universal foldable keyboard.

    For the perfect gift, an equilibrium between uniqueness and usefulness has to be achieved. You don’t want to buy something so unique that the receiver doesn’t even know what to do with it or get something so common and available that anyone would have gotten it. Attaining this equilibrium can a bit of an onerous task. Luckily though, the Microsoft Universal Keyboard offers the best of both worlds.

    We live in a world where our lives revolve around technological devices. Typing emails and working from home has become the norm. However, shifting between two devices, like from your iPad to your laptop, can sometimes be a bit difficult, because you have to deal with the change of keyboards.

    The Microsoft universal foldable keyboard is compatible with every device there is one the market, be it the iPhone, the iPad, all android and windows devices. It is ultra-thin. This, coupled with its portability, make it one of the best devices to own. Its rechargeable battery is so powerful, when fully charged, it can provide up to three months of usage till the next charge. The icing on the cake is the spill-resistant design, which means even after liquid-induced accidents are taken care of.

    You can also decide to go for the Logitech G915 TKL White Tactile Tenkeyless Lightspeed Wireless RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard, which is an excellent gift if the person you are buying it for is into gaming. The Logitech k780 and the Omoton Ultra-Slim Bluetooth Keyboard are also excellent alternatives.

    2. Nintendo Switch Lite

    Gaming is as entertaining as it is cultivating. However, an understanding of the intricacies of gaming devices is needed before you purchase anything. With the Nintendo switch lite, you get the power and the speed associated with the larger consoles, with the portability of a phone.

    Another plus is the slickness and the chicness of the device. The contouring used in the device’s design is every gamer’s dream, and you can play for hours and hours without feeling exhausted. The Nintendo Switch Lite is compatible with every single Nintendo Switch game, physical and digital.

    With the LYRA Creoqode and the Nintendo Switch, you get two more hand consoles that offer another dimension to gaming. Either way, you can be assured that the person you are getting it for will be as pleased as can be.

    3. Eufy RoboVac 30C

    Technological advancements have managed to deluge every single aspect of our life, from how we work to how we do our chores. When it comes to the latter, you will find no better vacuum cleaner than the Eufy RoboVac 30C.

    This device fuses technology, efficiency, and efficacy. The suction on this device makes it one of the very best vacuum cleaners, digital or otherwise, in the market. As a direct consequence of the device’s low height, it can apply its suction more efficiently than most. What’s more, its height makes it possible for the vacuum cleaner to reach the areas it needs to.

    The digital aspect of the device proliferates its elegance. It supports Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can voice command it to do whatever area of the room you want, without leaving the comfort of your couch. Additionally, it comes with boundary strips, and works so quietly, you wound even member it is there.

    The iRobot Roomba 614, its 675 counterparts, and the Roborock S4 also offer a similar level of efficiency and efficiency when it comes to dry cleaning. Thus, you have a wide array of choices to spoil your friend.

    4. Ring video doorbell 3 plus

    Home security systems provide the peace of mind we all desire. Wherever we are, the knowledge that our residence or workplace is protected makes it possible for us to continue with all our endeavors without distractions.

    With the ring video doorbell, you get a doorbell system that also functions as a home security appliance. It provides 1080 HD video quality, and it also has features that ensure that you will be able to listen, see, and speak with whoever is at your door. You can do this through a variety of features, be it your phone, computer or tablet.

    Perhaps the selling points of the Ring Video Doorbell is that you can easily install it. You don’t even need a technician or a plethora of tools to do so. You can also decide to pair it up with Alexa, hence being able to communicate with the device to provide the most premium of services.

    The nest doorbell, the SkyBell HD Wi-Fi Doorbell, and the August Doorbell Cam Pro provide a plethora of choices, and thus you are spoilt for choice. Though they have some differences when it comes to the intricacies, each of them has something different to offer, and each has something you would like about it.

    5. Airpods pro

    The Airpod pros offer premium experiences when it comes to sound. Their noise cancellation feature makes it possible to block out all the distractions surrounding you, hence you can fully concentrate on what you are doing.

    Apple has made sure that everyone who uses the Airpod pros will experience the best sound for them. By deploying Adaptive EQ, the devices make sure that the music or sound the person is listening to is automatically tuned and regulated to the best quality.

    Its sweat and water resistance feature will ascertain that it will last for a long while. With other Apple devices, like the iPad and the iPhone, pairing the two is as easy as it can get. This is also applicable to all android phones there are in the market.

    Though many consider the Airpods as the best in the industry, there is still a myriad of Bluetooth pods that offer excellent sound and other features. They include the Sony WF-1000XM3 and the Amazon Echo Buds. The Mpow X3s also hold their own.

    6. Foreo Bear Facial Toning

    It may prove a bit of an arduous task to try and get your female friends a gift that revolves around technology. However, with the Foreo Bear Facial Toning, this burden is lifted. As stated earlier, technology has somehow managed to provide a simpler way of doing almost everything. This becomes especially prominent when it comes to beauty and cosmetic products.

    This device is a quintessence of this fact. It provides the best anti-aging properties by using technology. It produces micro-currents that exercise 65 plus muscles in the face and neck, while also making sure that your skin produces enough collagen. The overall result is radiance and glow unlike any other. As it comes with three intensities, you can be assured that the person you are buying the gift for will get the one that works best for him or her.

    Many facial toning devices are available in the market. It is only through testimonials and referrals that you can get the best of them. The NuDerma Portable Handheld High-Frequency Skin Therapy Wand, the Vijuve Skin Care Booster, and the Yeoman 4D Microcurrent Facial Massager are highly recommended, and thus are viable options in case you are looking for something else.

    7. Sonos move speaker

    The sound system in your workplace or your residence should be as immersive as it is of high quality. With the Sonos Move Speaker, you can get these two aspects, plus a lot more.

    The Sonos move speaker is everything you would want with a speaker. Its design also makes sure that it will always be able to produce the best sound, irrespective of the room in which it is placed. With two Sonos move speakers, you can pair the two speakers, and the result is an excellent stereo sound.

    The speaker comes with a built-in audio control, meaning that you can control the speaker, and everything it is playing, by simply speaking to it. On top of all these features, you can connect Sonos speakers wirelessly, irrespective of the rooms they are in in the house.

    The Apple Homepod and the Google Home provide the best home sound systems, and they each come with a set of individualistic features. Thus, it will be easy to find one that fits what you are looking for.

    8. GoPro Hero Waterproof camera

    It is always worthy to capture the moment. After all, as time progresses, all we are left with are memories of the ones we loved and the places we’ve been. It has thus become paramount that everyone has a camera and a good one at that.

    If the person you are getting the gift for is into adventure and photography, then the GoPro Hero Waterproof Camera would be perfect for them. As you can tell from the name, this particular camera is waterproof, meaning you can record all your underwater adventures. It is fully functional up to depths of 33 feet, or ten meters.

    Like many of the devices on this list, you can control this particular camera with your voice. Additionally, it has features like Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, which make it possible to share information with it.

    Alternatives for the GoPro Hero Waterproof Camera include the Garmin Virb XE and the TomTom Bandit. The Yi 4k Action Camera is also an excellent waterproof camera.

    9. Dragon Touch Digital Picture Frame

    With the modification of how we take and store pictures, it is only right that we also find the best way to display said pictures. Long gone are the days when photo albums were where we stored our photos.

    The dragon Touch Digital Picture Frame provides the best platform for you to display all your photos. The 10-inch screen is more than enough when it comes to showcasing your photos. With the WiFi and Bluetooth features it has, you can easily send photos from one device to another. All that being said, it is its ease of use and its enormous storage capacity that makes it the best in the business.

    There is a plethora of excellent photo frames in the market. They include the Pix-Star Wi-Fi Cloud, the Aura Mason Frame, the Nix Advance, and the Meural Photo frame. All these give you the options you need to get the best digital frames as a gift.

    10. The brilliant pad

    For pet owners, it becomes a bit hectic trying to keep the house as clean as it is supposed to be. Even though pets are bundles of joy, you still need to make sure you clean after them.

    The brilliant pad endeavors to make all your cleaning endeavors as easy as they can be. The device automatically replaces the dirty pads, and so you won’t have any need for poop bags. As soon as the pet relieves itself, the pad turns the liquid into gel, while also wrapping and sealing the solid wastes. This keeps the house smelling nice throughout.

    What’s more, the device also helps keep you updated about the health of your pet, by sending regular notifications on your phone, thus, you can keep a good look on the health of the pet.

    The Rocket & Rex Washable pads and the Fresh Patch Real Grass Dog Potty are also viable options when you are gifting a pet owner.


  • Smart-Device Review: Make Your Home a Smart Home Today

    Smart-Device Review: Make Your Home a Smart Home Today

    In the past few decades, electronic devices in our homes have transformed from ordinary objects into what was only thought possible in science fiction movies. Televisions, refrigerators, security cameras, speakers, among others, have been fitted with sensors that allow them to see, touch, and hear their surroundings, as they can transform physical data into digital data. When brought together, these devices make up smart homes or in most cases, “internet of things”.

    Just about every device with network connectivity is initiated to the internet of things. In smart homes, these gadgets relieve us from chores, allowing us to have a breather, while adding magic to ordinary experiences. If you are yet to delve into this world, you might be lost on where to start. Lucky for you, we have just the right devices that will set your home on the path to being a smart home.

    We have a list of the most common devices that cut across all smart homes. These include smart speakers that you can converse with, smart security devices that will amp the security in your home and smart controls that allow you to orchestrate things in your home regardless of your physical presence. Are you hooked? Buckle up as we start off with smart speakers.

    Amazon Echo vs Sonos One

    Amazon Echo

    Amazon’s Echo smart speaker first came into the market in 2015 and has maintained the lead in the smart devices market. The Amazon Echo is a series of smart speakers and mobile accessories that are internet-connected and are paired with Alexa, Amazon’s digital assistant. It wears different hats including serving as an IoT hub, internet search engine, a music player, and pretty much anything that Alexa Skill allows it to do. Let’s take a look at Amazon’s 2020 Echo.

    Being a smart speaker, its primary purpose is offering sound and compared to former Echo products in the past, the Amazon 2020 Echo has improved sound quality. For starters, this smart speaker has adaptive sound, enabling it to adjust to a room’s acoustics. Also, it’s 3-inch woofer and dual 0.8-inch tweeters, lower-range mids and bass are stronger and richer. Additionally, it boasts of power, that is, more volume.

    In addition to offering sound, the Amazon Echo is an integral smart home hardware. This particular speaker has two ways that smart home devices can connect to it. One, the Zigbee receiver allows the Echo to connect with other smart home devices, without an additional hub. With this receiver, Echo users are able to hook a wide range of gadgets in their house without having to worry about a smart home hub. Two, the Amazon Sidewalk aims at creating a shared network that will benefit any Sidewalk-enabled devices that are in a community.

    Pros

    • Has improved sound quality and more bass
    • Improved smart home connectivity
    • Hassle-free stereo pairing

    Cons

    • Has a bulky design

    Sonos One

    When it hit the market, the Sonos One brought a revolution. It was among the first smart speakers that didn’t have users choosing between excellent sound quality and smarts because it had both. It also didn’t have users choosing between Google Assistant and Alexa.

    The top of the smart speaker has a touch-sensitive surface. Swiping right or left will skip forward or backwards in your playlist. Tapping in the surface’s center pauses and plays your music. Finally, when you tap the right and left halves of the panel, you raise or lower the volume. However, you’ll probably spend most of your time controlling the Sonos using the app. The device also boasts of voice control where the speaker has six internal microphones that enable it to hear your instructions, and a pair of Class-D amplifiers as well as a tweeter / mid-woofer driver combination.

    Setting up the Sonos involves installing both the Sonos and Alexa apps, signing into both your Sonos and Amazon accounts, and any music streaming services that you might want to listen to using the speaker. The speaker encourages you to perform a ‘Trueplay Tuning’ process, where you move around the room with your phone while your speaker plays some test sounds. Your phone then establishes how your speaker sounds while in the environment, and tunes its sound.

    Pros

    • Is the best Alexa and Google Assistant speaker
    • Has a great app and supports many streaming services

    Cons

    • Does not use Bluetooth

    Final Verdict

    The Sonos One is better overall because it is a compact smart speaker with a great app, support for multiple streaming services and digital assistants. However, in bigger rooms, the Amazon Echo Studio produces a huge sound. It also boasts of more features than the Sonos One, including its sensitive microphones that allow Alexa to hear you over loud music.

    When it comes to features, Echo Studio boasts of more features including being able to connect to a TV while also being able to replay Dolby Atmos streams. The Sonos One advantage over the Echo is that you can use either Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant to control it.

    Smart Home Security Systems: SimpliSafe vs Cove

    With the evolution of smart homes, home security had to be featured. The thing is, home security cannot be confined to one gadget but instead comes as a package. These include security systems that can be paired with Google Assistant or Alexa and that you can install on your own or have it down professionally. First off is Simplisafe.

    Simplisafe

    Simplisafe is the most popular choice of home security systems that are no-contract, easy to set up and quite affordable. In an hour’s time, you’ll be able to set up environmental and security protection. Additionally, you can have it professionally monitored for $14.99 a month. However, DIY monitoring is also available through the Simplisafe mobile app.

    The SimpliSafe starter set includes a base station, a wireless keypad, a keyring remote, one motion and two entry sensors. All these are at a starter set cost of $244. The deal also includes a SimpliCam, a high def video security camera that has a motion sensor and sends alerts.

    SimpliSafe’s equipment is inexpensive but very high quality. For example, they have SmashSafe, a backup against tampering. If someone attempts to disable their system, their monitoring services alerts the police. They also boast of a Heartbeat feature, which checks continuously that the security system is working.

    Setting up the system is quite easy. In fact, most customers do it on their own with only about three percent asking for assistance. All equipment is either freestanding or can be attached to surfaces using removable adhesive.

    Pros

    • There are no long-term contracts to sign
    • Easy to install
    • Affordable monitoring plans
    • Professional monitoring

    Cons

    • Costly up-front equipment costs
    • Too simple for some homes

    Cove

    If you’re looking for a quick yet easy setup, then Cove is the system for you. You save money by installing the system on your own. The system is already pre-programmed even before it is shipped. All you have to do is to stick the sensors to your walls using their 3M-backed adhesives.

    All of Cove’s systems call for 24/7 professional monitoring, but you can either sign up for a month if you paid for the equipment upfront, or sign up for three years if you don’t want to pay for the equipment upfront.

    During emergencies, Cove’s team texts you, which comes in handy if you should ever find yourself in a hostage situation. This explains why Cove’s response rate is 10x faster than competitors.

    Pros

    • Can be integrated with Google Assistant and Alexa
    • You can choose to pay nothing upfront
    • Has battery backup

    Cons

    • Professional monitoring a must
    • Expensive remote control

    Final Verdict

    The Simplisafe Security System is better overall because it has an option for no contract making it easy and affordable to install in your home. Additionally, their equipment is inexpensive because they make it on their own and there are no middlemen involved. However, being able to integrate digital assistants gives Cove an advantage over SimpliSafe. However, both are quite inexpensive and easy to install.

    Smart Home Controls: Amazon Echo (4th gen) vs Samsung SmartThings Hub v3

    If the smart home devices in your home are to ‘talk’ to each other, you’ll need a smart home control or smart home hub. This is the gadget that brings together all your devices and allows you to control them using one app. With that said, let’s take a look at two of the best smart home controls currently.

    Amazon Echo (4th gen)

    In site of this gadget having featured in the smart speakers spot, it also makes for a great smart home control. The combination of Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Zigbee make the Echo the best smart home control for most people. Furthermore, it has multiple radios, which help connect with a large number of low-power smart home devices. With Alexa’s routines, you’ll be able to use a number of triggers to activate other smart home devices.

    The hub also collaborates with Alexa Guard, which listens to smoke alarms and glass breaking, and can notify you in case of an emergency. Finally, it supports Amazon Sidewalk, which works with such things as Tile trackers and smart lights especially over greater distances.

    Pros

    • Awesome smart home skills
    • Impeccable spherical design
    • Good audio

    Cons

    • No battery backup

    Samsung SmartThings Hub v3

    This smart home hub is a darling among critics because it supports both Zigbee and Z-Wave. This allows you to link to hundreds of devices, which is considerably more than most hubs. Additionally, the SmartThings app is full of functionality, which allows you to come up with a diverse range of different scenarios for all gadgets in your home.

    This SmartHub also boasts of in-built Wi-Fi, meaning you don’t have to plug the device into your router. This gives you the freedom to place the smart home control in a location that is most convenient to you connecting it with other smart home devices.

    The downside is that it doesn’t have battery backup. Then again, if the lights go out, chances are you won’t be needing to turn your lights on.

    Pros

    • Supports Wi-Fi which makes installing easy
    • Supports automation more than any other hubs
    • Works with Z-Wave and Zigbee devices

    Cons

    • Doesn’t work with Nest products at the moment

    Final Verdict

    The Amazon Echo is the favorite for most people because of it’s ability to connect with many low-power smart home devices, thanks to its many radios. However, SmartThings ability to work with Z-Wave and Zigbee devices gives it somewhat of an advantage too. The Amazon Echo also boasts of better audio quality, especially at its price. The voice assistant, Alexa, is also pretty advanced which makes the smart hub, a darling to many.

    Conclusion

    The Internet of Things or smart homes are not in the future, they are here, and here to stay. In 2018, there were about 23 billion devices that were connected. Forecasters believe that the number will climb to more than 75 billion in 2025. This is mostly because people are becoming more comfortable with having these devices sit in their living room. Also, tech companies are dreaming up of new devices each day that work towards making life more comfortable.

    The future is evident in the evolution that is smart offices, smart buildings and even smart cities. Companies like Google are working towards autonomous vehicles that will connect to the internet and drive themselves to the destination of your choice. The bottomline is, smart devices are here to stay.

    The above smart devices are a good place to start when looking to transform your home into a smart home. Smart speakers and smart controls will be the heartbeat of every smart phone and purchasing one now is giving yourself a head start. Smart security systems also offer a cheap yet reliable way to ensure homes are safe. The fact that you can check up on your home remotely also makes them an attractive option. However, do your research before making a purchase depending on your needs.


  • Best Treatments for Migraines: Treating the Symptoms

    Best Treatments for Migraines: Treating the Symptoms

    Those who suffer from migraines know the feeling creeping up on them. It’s a tightness behind the eyes, stiffness in the neck and shoulder. Before they can respond, they’ve got a full-blown migraine hammering away inside their head. How can you take steps to alleviate your migraine symptoms?

    Today we’re taking a look at some of the medicines and treatments that are most effective for curtailing the effects of a bad migraine. While there’s no cure-all for the condition, there are steps you can take to make the symptoms a bit more bearable. So, let’s take a look.

    What is a Migraine?

    First, let’s look at what migraines are. Scientists aren’t sure, definitively, what causes a migraine, or what exactly they are. However, the symptoms are well-documented: splitting headaches, photosensitivity, nausea and extreme pain. The prevailing theory as to their physical origins in the body holds that they occur when your brain sends a wave of activity across your nerves into you trigeminal nerve.

    This, in turn, causes something of a “cascade” effect. The body releases a series of neurotransmitters that cause the blood vessels around the skull to enlarge, putting more stress on the nerves and muscles of the cranium. This, in turn, causes more of these neurotransmitters to be released, further engorging the blood vessels and increasing the pain. This creates a feedback loop that makes migraines incredibly painful.

    Remember, however, that migraines are not life-threatening, and you’re in no danger from them: they just hurt very badly. Your symptoms will not cause any long-term damage to you, they’re just highly uncomfortable.

    Setting

    Often, one of the best things you can do for a migraine is change your setting. If you’re finding yourself battling migraine symptoms in public, you might want to try to find a nice, quiet area to rest in. Migraines are usually exacerbated by bright lights and loud sounds, which prevent you from recovering from the symptoms quickly.

    In some cases, extreme temperature fluctuations can also make migraine symptoms worse. If you’re in a very cold room, or a very hot room, try to find an area that’s milder and more neutral. This will help you to focus on just feeling better!

    Stress

    Stress is a major factor in migraines. In many cases, stress is the only actual trigger for the headache, but just an emotional one. If you find yourself experiencing a major migraine while you’re stressing out, grab a stress ball and try to work out your emotions. Breathing meditation, yoga and the like can also be helpful for reducing stress.

    If you work in a stressful environment, consider keeping some tea on hand that you can brew and then drink. Ideally, this will allow you to take a brief break from your duties, if they’re stressing you out, while you steep your tea and drink it. The warm liquid and calming ritual both work wonder in helping you calm down!

    Pain Relievers

    Another way to address migraines is through the use of pain-relieving medicine. If you have them on hand, common NSAIDs can be helpful. Drugs like ibuprofen, Tylenol and Aleve are examples of these kinds of pain relievers. They typically take a few hours to get into your system, but they are rather effective at dealing with headache symptoms in most people.

    Another type of medication you can take is the “migraine abortive” variety of drugs. These usually can’t be taken with migraines that have an “aura” (a period of sensory overload before the onset of the actual migraine symptoms), so speak with your doctor about these types of medications. They’ll be able to help you select one that is right for your specific situation.


  • 2021 Phone Deals and Review

    2021 Phone Deals and Review

    If you are in the market for a new android phone to replace your current handset, you have a bit of work ahead. The breadth of options for new android phones can be overwhelming, especially if you don’t know what you’re looking for in your next android phone. But choice is the best thing about Google’s mobile Operating System. Currently, Android provides an almost similar user experience for customers across many makes and models, while letting users prioritize the features that matter the most.

    Those on a tight budget can now get a decent android phone for as little as $200. If you can set up a $400 range, you will have a much broader range of great android phones. Most of the premium android flagship phones start at around $900. For that price, these phones offer some of the sharpest, brightest displays, cutting edge features, and some of the most advanced photography features.

    For now, 5g Phones remain the most premium feature on android phones even as 5g android phones steadily arrive from the likes of Motorola, TCL, and Samsung.

    A Review Of The Best Android Phones

    1. Google Pixel 4a

    At the top of our list if the Pixel 4a. Fortunately, it’s also one of the most affordable, which is a good thing for android enthusiasts. At just $349, the Pixel 4a packs quite a punch when it comes to its insane features. Here’s a complete smartphone, like you will never find for this price.
    You wouldn’t find other phone brands like Samsung or Apple price their flagships at this price range if they had the same features. If anything, such brands would charge double, if not triple this price.
    The Pixel 4a comes with one of the best flagship-caliber cameras. It’s good enough for performance and packs impeccable software. It has a well-built design that makes it very pocketable, 128GB of built-in storage, and a dazzling, bright 5.8-inch OLED display. And yes, it runs the android version 10.
    If the Pixel 4a suffered any shortcomings, it would be on its battery life. It doesn’t pack enough juice to keep it functional for long periods. But other than that, this is one of those nearly perfect phone flagships that you can find today. For the price, this is one android phone to consider shopping for.
    Oh, and Google has also confirmed that the Pixel 4a will have a 5G-supported version for $400, which isn’t bad either, all things considered.

    2. OnePlus 8 Pro

    The OnePlus 8 Pro is another very impressive, well-designed smartphone options that you can find on the market today.
    The hardware also has a bright, colorful display with a 120Hz refresh rate. This smartphone boasts some exceptional specs that lead to fantastic performance thanks to its super-smooth OxygenOS software. The 8 Pro is just a joy to use. It brings the best camera experience with new sensors that step up the model’s game to a true flagship level.
    The 8 pro also has a very large battery that packs even more power. This makes it the best android phone brand for handling power-intensive tasks. And its also IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, which is a bonus on its end. It seems that this camera all its features covered. Rounding out the hardware aspect of things, the 8Pro is an excellent smartphone for the price.
    Perhaps the only downside of the OnePlus 8 Pro is its weak telephoto camera. But other than that, this is one android phone to consider checking.

    3. Samsung Galaxy S20+

    Samsung phones are basically great options and excellent picks, but that’s if you have the budget to afford them. If you are out to get yourself something special, then the S20+ is a serious contender. However, compared to the OnePlus 8Pro, you’ll primarily be benefiting more from nicer cameras and one of the best phone displays in the world. The S20+ also has a ton of other amazing features that you would hardly find on other phones.
    This 6.7-inch AMOLED panel comes with a 120Hz refresh rate and a Snapdragon 865 processor, which makes many users happy. It allows this handset to operate at breakneck speeds and support 5G on all U.S. carriers.
    Samsung also made several improvements in the S20+ like the 4,500mAh battery, which packs more juice to handle even the most intense operations. It also has plenty of RAM (8GB) and storage(128GB or 512GB) to keep you happy. Samsung also allows you to add additional space using a microSD card as well.
    There’s a huge move up with regards to its camera. This Samsung flagship offers a new array of features both at its front and back cameras. The new sensors are all larger and allow more light, which allows its users to take better low-light photos. Sure, the camera isn’t entirely on the level as the Pixel 4XL, but it will still get the job one.
    Perhaps the only downside with the S20+ is that its fingerprint sensor becomes less sensitive and is a hit-or-miss after long time use.
    For the money that you pay for this product, you’ll find that it’s worth every penny.

    4. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2

    As far as flip phones go, the Galaxy Z Fold 2 is the best on the list. Sure, at its onset, and first flagships didn’t look all that good. But the brand has made several massive improvements. Here’s an android phone that offers its user a futuristic concept of where mobile phones are headed.
    One of its most useful additions is the Flex Mode. This feature leverages the phone’s free-stop hinge, which prevents the device from folding while showing a custom, split-screen controls.
    The Galaxy Z Fold 2 has a massive 12GB RAM and 256GB storage that is expandable using a microSD card. This makes it excellent for multi-tasking and other computing functions like video chatting software.
    While these specs and other features are appealing to the eye, the Galaxy Z Fold 2 comes at a whopping $1,999, to be precise. Unfortunately, that’s way above most people’s budgets. Still, there’s no other phone in the world that performs quite like the Galaxy Z Fold 2, perched perfectly between a smartphone and a tablet.
    This foldable phone also comes with a few unique dilemmas. But that’s understandable considering that this is one of the first successful concepts today. The first downside is its ultra-thin Glass, which is prone to scratches, unlike the conventional glasses used on other phones. People have also questioned this foldable phone with regards to its durability. You also realize that most of the apps still aren’t properly optimized to show on such large display sizes.

    5. OnePlus 8

    People call this the iPhone 11 of android phones, and with good reason. This android phone flagship comes with a generous 128GB of storage and a higher-resolution screen of 6.55-inch AMOLED display. The OnePlus 8 has also been named one of the best 5g phones in the android market today. Thanks to OnePlus’ Warp Charge 30T technology, this model has one of the fastest wired charging systems.
    Unfortunately, it doesn’t have te best camera settings. It also doesn’t have an optical zoom. Users have also complained that it takes middling photos overall. That said, if photography isn’t your main concern, then this smartphone option should be a good fit for your needs. Some users also claim that its curved screen is more prone to accidental touches, which isn’t something users appreciate.
    Overall, this is an android phone that you can trust to perform when you need it to.

    6. Moto G Power

    As one of the longest-lasting android phones we have today, Moto G Power is relatively low-priced for the specs and impressive features. It also has a giant battery, which makes it a reliable option for users who perform a lot of power-intensive tasks on their phones. At around $300, this is another amazing midrange android model that you can get for the price.
    On the battery front, Moto G Power can last for up to 16 hours and 10 minutes when used to surf continuously while on LTE network, which is impressive.
    The G Power also comes with a 4GB Ram and 64GB internal storage. It uses Snapdragon 665, which can handle most power-intensive tasks. While the Pixel is still better at camera specs, the G Power‘s triple-lens provides decent shots that make it a worthy contender and decent choice for the price.
    Its only downsides are that its screen isn’t that much colorful, which some users might not appreciate. It also doesn’t have an optical zoom. However, again, for the price, these are features that non-photography lovers can do without.

    How To Choose The Best Android Phone

    Shopping for a decent android phone that meets all your requirements can be quite stressful. Of course, everyone would like to have their hands on the best android phones. However, there are a few limiting factors that you must consider, such as your budget, the processor speed, the camera, storage, etc. Some premium phone designs even offer foldable designs but can be very costly.
    Ideally, you can find a decent android phone for as low as $200 that comes with most o the basic features and specifications. However, as you move up to about $400, you will find even more compelling handsets that taut better processors, better camera lenses, and higher-grade materials. Process into the $700 range and up, and you have some of the best phones that flagship-caliber performance has to offer. These phones come packed with cutting-edge technology in photography and other special features.
    Basically, there are several options to consider when shopping for android phone. These include:

    1. The Screen Size

    Different phones come in different screen sizes, with the most expensive ones boasting some of the largest phone screens. The phone display plays a crucial role when considering factors like the phone’s resolution and refresh rate. For instance, a 6.9-inch screen usually results in a much larger phone compared to a 5.8-inch display.
    Also, considering that phones with smaller displays are much easier to manage, you may need to go for smaller phones. On the flip side, however, you will have less room on your screen to work.
    Then there are phones that have an average screen size. Most people prefer phones with these screens. But ultimately, the size of the display depends more on your preference.

    2. Are Software Updates Important?

    Software updates are another vital feature that most phone users hardly always consider. But it’s absolutely necessary, especially for android users who want phones that are always edging to evolve and make their phones better.
    Unfortunately, not many phones provide years-worth of software support. Currently, Samsung and Google are the best in the business in this front. They offer several security patches and updates to provide their users with better, more secure user experience.

    3. The Cameras And Megapixels

    This is aimed more at people who love taking pictures using their mobile phones. Over the past few years, there has been a tug of war between phone companies over which phones have the best cameras. Most of today’s phones now ship with two, three, or even four cameras. Unfortunately, having many camera sensors on your phone doesn’t automatically qualify your phone as the best at taking pictures. As much as having a 48MP primary camera boost Mobile Phones marketability. But this simply isn’t true.
    Take, for instance, the Pixel 4a, which has a single 12.2MP. But it takes much better photographs compared to most 48MP phone cameras.

    4. The Battery Size

    Battery life may not be the most fun feature to look for when shopping for an android device. But ultimately, it’s a critical component to consider, especially for users who use their phones for power-consuming operations.
    Sure, your phone may have the best displays or processors. But if it keeps dying several times a day, then what’s the point? The Pixel 4a has a 3,140mAh battery but can get you through a full day with continuous use. Then you have the Pixel 4 XL, which has a 3,700mAh battery but has worse endurance. Generally, the power your phone uses depends on several factors such as the refresh rate, and the size of the screen. Then comes the other features like power-hungry apps and constant use of the phone.

    The Bottom Line
    There you have it, our list of the best android phones to buy in 2020. Once you have an understanding of which android phones to consider buying and the budget to work with, you should be good to go. Hopefully, you will be better placed to make the right decision using this guide. Happy shopping!

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