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  • Oh The Iphone XS Max Battery Life!

    Oh The Iphone XS Max Battery Life!

    The iPhone XS Max has a super-sized 6.5-inch screen, the largest display of any iPhone to date. We have heard about how great the Iphone Xs camerica has scored. 82 out of 100, 2nd only to the Galaxy Note 9 at 83. However no one is talking about the iphone xs max battery life. Consumer Reports focused on the “noticeable improvement” in battery life, putting the XS and XS Max among the industry leaders. Despite the numerous claims about charging issues, dubbed “chargegate”. The iPhone Xs has beena  magnificent accomplishment from apple. To say the least the iPhone Xs Max battery life is nothing short of astounding

    The Test and Results of the iPhone Xs Max Battery Life

    I have been using the iPhone XS for a little less than two weeks now. It is unsurprisingly a great phone—the best iPhone that’s ever been made, despite a smattering of complaints and issues that have cropped up. Now, after two weeks of testing, I want to rave about this phone and its battery life.

    For those with short attentions spans ill break down a quick results show so you can move on to the next article. Over the 2 weeks one would expect, 14 charges. Negative. I have had 6 full charges, that is all I have needed.  an average 16 hours day of moderate to heavy use is running about %44 a day. The nice and easy thing about these statements is they are easily tracked through the batter option in the iPhone xs settings.

    It’s said to be 3,174mAh, which is larger than the 2,691mAh one found inside the iPhone 8 Plus, and it makes it the biggest battery Apple has ever put inside a phone. Apple says the iPhone XS Max battery offers an additional 90 minutes of power over the iPhone X. While it’s unclear how Apple arrived at that particular figure, we can be sure about one thing: the iPhone XS Max can last almost 2 days on a single charge with moderate to high usage.

    Just simply fantastic.

  • Tech Throwback: 5 Devices Kids Can Not Operate Today

    Tech Throwback: 5 Devices Kids Can Not Operate Today

    I like to take a look at where I’ve been to evaluate where Im going. Technology is cyclical after all… wait no its not. That said I still like all the feels that come rushing back like a flood of nostalgia every time I get my hand on the tech I grew up with. I’m going to go back periodically and take a looking at the stuff that used to blow our hair back and get our minds rolling. Some of these device blew up and changed the world, some where ahead of their time and some just fell flat and became colossal failures. Today tech throwback our trip down memory lane will be about the devices we know well but the kids could not operate if their lives depended on it.

    The Rotary Phone

    Oh the fun and frustration.  The Rotary dialing phone pre dates the touch tone, but just after the live operator dialing. A rotary dial is a component of a telephone or a telephone switchboard that implements a signaling technology in telecommunications known as pulse dialing. It is used when initiating a telephone call to transmit the destination telephone number to a telephone exchange.

    Recently a class of second graders was given a rotary dial to make a one call. After 2 and half hours they gave up.

     

    The Transistor Radio

    No stations, no genre separations, no skip, stop, or replay? A transistor radio is a small portable radio receiver that uses transistor-based circuitry. Following their development in 1954, made possible by the invention of the transistor in 1947, they became the most popular electronic communication device in history, with billions[manufactured during the 1960s and 1970s. Have fun giving one to your grandchildren and watch their frustrations.

    Program a VCR

    REmember when that was the status quo of a tech genius. It was an accomplishment and something to brag about. Before the advent of on-screen displays, the only interface available for programming a home video recorder was a small VFD, LED or LCD panel and a small number of buttons. Correctly setting up a recording for a specific program was therefore a somewhat complex operation for many people. G-Code, VideoPlus+ and ShowView were introduced in the late 1980s to remove this difficulty.

    Load a Floppy Disk

    Computers before Windows 95 will destroy a child’s spirit. GUI are the only computer language they know. DOS and floppy disk are a relic that completely baffles them. THey just don’t know the command prompt struggles.

    Maps

    We take for granted how far and fast we have come in navigation. We forgot to teach the kids the struggle, not just of folding a map but how to read one. I watched my 5 year old nearly pass out from confusion after giving him a compass. explaining NESW to him and asking him to walk south. He tried shouting “Siri take me south”. I laughed. From Cartography to road maps to Mapquest to where we are today. These kids are truly lost with out us.

     

    The Final Tech Throwback Thought

    These kids today are useless. They cant play a record, load film, open a phone booth door, open a soda can with out a tab or even read manuscript. Are we all doomed? probably not they still have google. I take a little be of comfort knowing ill be long gone before its too late.

  • AT&T Senior Plans They Don’t Tell You About

    AT&T Senior Plans They Don’t Tell You About

    All four major US carriers offer discounted plans if the subscriber is older than 65, and Verizon, T-Mobile, and Sprint’s plans are available to people over the age of 55. While AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, and Sprint have all spent the past year boasting of unlimited data plans, they’ve been a little less forthcoming about a different set of plans that deserve just as much fanfare. The Senior Plans. Most carriers offer a discounted version of their standard unlimited data plan with senior use in mind. Today lets see what AT&T is offering the baby boomers with there AT&T Senior Plans.

     

    The AT&T Senior Plans

    If you’re 65 or older, the AT&T Senior Nation plan gives you 200 Anytime Minutes, Unlimited Mobile to Mobile Minutes, and 500 Nights and Weekends minutes, without roaming and long distance charges. This plan will only cost $29.99 and works with all non smartphones. So break out that old nokia and hook it up. Even if you just leave it in the glove box for emergencies.

    What about Smartphones? The baby boomers are the largest growth market for the smartphone sector. Everyone else already has them. Well, If you are an AARP member you can get an additional 10%. Plus Waived activation and upgrade fees. If you are looking for the right smartphone to get yourself connected, AT&T is also offering seniors the iphone SE for only $12 a month.

    Perhaps

     

    The Best AT&T Senior Plan

    The plan I like the best for the not so into your smartphone group is AT&T Senior Plan for Prepaid. The plan is $35 smartphone plan with 1 gig of data, also discounted by $5 with auto pay. With that you get unlimited mins/text and 1gb of data. With the auto pay discount that is only $30 a month, plus no monthly taxes. You will however have to pay the state sales tax. The only downside to that is that you have to purchase your phone at a full retail cost, none of those delicious two year contract freebies.

  • The Fix and Update to the iPhone XS Charging Issue

    The Fix and Update to the iPhone XS Charging Issue

    The iphone XS and XS Max are tremendously successful. While the release has not been the blockbuster event it usually is in the US it was all in all a great launch and a wonderful iPhone day celebration. However there have been massive complaints about Apple’s fancy new iPhone XS, The iPhone XS charging issue.  It appeared that when the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max started arriving in people’s hands late last month with the iPhone XS charging issue.  Reports started that the iPhone wouldn’t charge when connected to a lightning cable while the screen was asleep.

    Reports say the phone would recognize the charger. It would give that comforting buzz and alert sound that let you all know power is good and on its way to iPhone glory. Sadly the phones were not charging. I have tried to duplicate the issues but with no success.

    Now Apple never commented publicly on the issue, but a beta update out today (iOS 12.1) solves the problem. I have been using me XS Max since the launch date with no charging issue what so ever.  It is still in Beta so it has to be thoroughly tested before a commercial release. Apple is already advertising how iOS 12.1 comes with some new emoji as well. That is good news and the release should be available soon.

     

    I Have the Fix for the iPhone XS Charging Issue

    However if you are having the iphone charging issues the Media is dubbing “Chargegate”. They tend to over react when ever their is a problem with the iphones. remember in 2010 when the electricity in your body was causing iphone 4 to drop calls. Was that casegate or antennagate? I can remember. Needless to say I have a fix for chargegate… QI

    Qi?

    Qi (the Chinese word for “energy flow“, pronounced like the “chee“ in “cheese“) is the universal standard for wireless charging of battery operated devices like cell phones, iPods, MP3 players and cameras. The wireless power transfer occurs through electromagnetic induction. With inductive charging the required power reaches the device not through a traditional cable but rather wirelessly through the use of electromagnetic fields. The principle is very simple: the Qi Sender (Charging Station) transfers the required energy to the Qi receiver (the mobile phone).

    Simply using a relatively inexpensive Qi wireless charger, readily available on Amazon… Problem is solved. No need for hysterics, and the update will be out soon.

     

     

  • Check Out Elon’s New Hyperloop Capsule

    Check Out Elon’s New Hyperloop Capsule

    Hyperloop is Elon Musk’s hypefast,blazing transport technology of the future. We have been following its design and progress closely.  The design is simple and the objective is  to transport people through low-pressure steel tubes at speeds to match a typical passenger aircraft. . Hyperloop technology has been in development for six years. Engineers envision a system that uses magnet-powered passenger capsules in a vacuum tube to accelerate travellers to rapid speeds, drastically cutting travel times. We today we have further updates and progress, The first full-size Hyperloop capsule designed to carry passengers at 1,000 kilometers per hour (620 mph) was unveiled. Lets all take a look and marvel and the future of travel.

     

    First Look: Hyperloop Capsule

    The sleek capsule was unveiled Puerto de Santa Maria, Spain. Near where it was constructed at the aerospace facilities of Airtificial, a partner of Hyperloop TT.  It is gorgeous in its black,white, gray, red, and blue coloring. Weighting in at 5 tons and almost 100 feet long, dub the  “Quintero One”. This is the magical tube that will connect the world.

    The Presentation took place this afternoon in Spain, the CEO of Hyperloop Transportation Technologies, one of several companies racing to deliver on Elon Musk’s dream of high-speed tube travel, unveiled his company’s first full-scale passenger capsule.

    “In just five years we have solved and improved upon all of the technology needed for Hyperloop with our new levitation system, vacuum pumps, batteries, and smart composites,” CEO Dirk Ahlborn added. “This capsule will be a part of one of the most efficient transportation systems ever made.”

    The Final Thought

    As small as this seems and news and developments are monumental. This is like getting a front row seat to the wright brothers experiments. We are hear watching the world evolve and Elon Musk is heading the evolution. Soon they will start the track test for these capsules. Warp speed!

  • Let Me In; August Smart Lock

    Let Me In; August Smart Lock

    We all want to just Lock and unlock your door with your phone. Giving keyless entry to family, friends, housekeepers and other home services without worrying about lost or copied keys is key. With the new 3rd generation August Smart Lock you have that capability.  The August Smart Lock easily attaches to your existing deadbolt so you can also use your regular keys. Piece of cake, Peace of mind, that’s all I ever wanted from a Smart Lock.

    The Great

    • Works with Alexa for voice control (hub required, Alexa device and hub sold separately). Requires 110-240V
    • Secure, keyless entry for your smart home. Lock and unlock your door, control keyless access and keep track of who comes and goes, all from your phone.
    • Keep your existing lock and keys. Easily attaches to your existing deadbolt, so everyone can still use their keys.
    • Control access for anyone. Grant access for a few weeks, a few hours, a few minutes. It’s up to you.
    • Be sure you are secure with DoorSense. DoorSense to tell you the door is completely closed and locked. 
    • Locks automatically as you leave and unlocks when you arrive.
    • Simple, DIY installation. Install in about 10 minutes with just a screwdriver.

    The Not

    • To remotely control the lock you have to purchase a seperate wifi adapter
    • Not Homekit compatible
    • Loud internal operation when the lock is activated

    The Conclusion

    This seems to have everything I would want in a smart lock. However if you want anything more than bluetooth connectivity, you’ll need to buy the separate device that hooks up to wifi, called the August Connect

     

    August has been at the forefront of home security for several years, impressing consumers with two generations of smart and secure door locks that integrate with third-party devices and work with Amazon Alexa, Siri, and Google Assistant. August’s family of Smart Home products include the Smart Lock Pro, the August Connect Wi-Fi Bridge, and August Doorbell Cam Pro. Today we take a look at August’s new entry-level smart lock. That is just what it is entry level.

    With an  installation time of just 15 minutes thanks to an innovative design and step-by-step guidance through the process. Despite being less than half the price of the Smart Lock Pro, it’s pleasing to see that August hasn’t scrimped on the Smart Lock’s impressive user experience. It also won’t confound your friends or family members who haven’t seen a smart lock before. Mom…

     

    IT is easy to use, easy to set up and wont break the bank. The big catch is you have to  partner lock with the August Connect Wi-Fi Bridge, available separately at $79 for remote access and enhanced smart device integration. Otherwise, the August Smart Lock supports an impressive array of features.

     

    The Final August Smart Lock Thought

    There’s no Z-Wave Plus or Apple HomeKit support, and without the $79 August Connect bridge, you can’t use Alexa or Google Assistant, or remotely control your lock away from your home either. Those are notable missing features, but it makes the price gap — $279 for the Pro and $149 for the standard Smart Lock. Entry level smart lock to protect and modernize the entry of your home.

     

     

  • Monday Movie Review: Small Foot

    Monday Movie Review: Small Foot

    Hooray,  Its Monday. That means like most of you and the free world I got to hit the theaters over the weekend. I like to do this every weekend. I wanted to take a little bit of time to tell you my experience at the movie,. Just a minute to shed a little insight and perspective on Hollywood’s latest hit. Seeing a great movie in the theater can be life altering. It can also be an easy way to waste a couple of hours and 30 bucks. My hopes is that with a quick review from this self proclaim movie contasour I can save a few readers hours.  Or better yet, possibly change a few more lives. Today’s flick is the children’s movie Small Foot.

    Small Foot;  27% Waste

    Smallfoot is the latest in a long line of innocent kid movies set out to indoctrinate our kids with more liberal point of views.  Its a animated movie about a Yeti ( Channing Tatum) who lives a full, content and obnoxiously happy life in his Yetti village. His village is high in the mountain above the clouds. He has pride in role in the community and enjoys all the traditions, rituals and guides. HIs community is a wonderful eutopia of Yetis and everyone has a role to play. When he stumbles upon a human in a wrecked airplane, his thoughts and world are turned upside down. Fun, Fun, Fun.

    The laws/religion of the village, which are a set of stones worn as a robe, says no such small foot ( humans) exist. Now our hero is pitted against himself to refute what he saw and go against the village’s stones or “stuff his thoughts and questions down” admitting he didn’t see a “small foot”. In essence this movie sets out to state that the laws, religions, histories and traditions of the past are wrong and only forced on everyone. As it turns out the towns elders have always know the truth and set the stones up as a way of safety and societal protection, which worked magnanimously up until now.

    The Final Thought

    I came away thinking, maybe ignorance is bliss.  I mean I have never seen a happier, healthier Yeti than in the first 5 mins of the movie. All metaphors and indoctrinations aside, it was bland and predictable at best.  It was a forgettable kids movie that even my 5 year old nephew was bored with. He was ready to leave by the third act. All in all Small Foot was a waste of 2 hours and $30 bucks. For me it gets a  %27 Waste of Time. Jaxon said 2 gummi worms, out of five..

     

  • The Most Luxurious Cruise in the World

    The Most Luxurious Cruise in the World

    So you have decided to be whisked away to a magical destination. You want to travel in style and serenity. You want a luxury cruise. Discount cruise rates are not for you.  Time and money are no concern of yours, for this is the trip of a life time. This experience will grow your spirit and evolve who you are. You want a luxury cruise.

     

     

     

    The moment you step aboard a luxury cruise ship, a hostess is at your arm proffering a glass of Champagne while a cargo boy offers to escort your luggage. He escorts you to what will be your luxurious room for the next few days. You stow your things (likely in a walk-in closet) and then emerge from your suite to get the lay of the ship. As you walk the decks, friendly crew members greet you … by name. How can that be? You just set foot onboard! First-class, personalized service is just one of the hallmarks of luxury cruise lines. You can also expect exotic itineraries, varying degrees of inclusivity in pricing, fine wines and gourmet cuisine as well as universally high crew-to-passenger ratios. Lets take a look at the most luxurious  cruise in the world.

     

    Explorer

    Explorer from Regent Seven Seas Cruises is the most luxurious cruise in the world with destinations to The two main restaurants are Compass Rose and La Veranda/Sette Mari. La Veranda is the buffet option for breakfast and lunch, and then the space transforms to Sette Mari in the evening, offering a hybrid experience that includes a buffet as well as an a la carte menu.  Explorer exemplifies the hallmarks of exquisite cuisine and the super all-inclusivity that Regent is known for. If you’re looking for extraordinary accommodations at sea, look no further than this ship. All cabins are suites, and if you love balconies, Seven Seas Explorer features some of the largest in the industry, ranging from 55 to 995 square feet. 6 star service all the way.

     

     

    Viking

    Viking Ocean Cruises is more of an upper-premium line, but it rivals luxury lines when it comes to the inclusiveness of its fares, spa options and design aesthetic. The first thing you notice about Viking Star is its open, airy feel and the care put into the design of every space onboard. Larger accommodations include the Penthouse Veranda at 338 square feet, the 405-square-foot Penthouse Junior Suite and the Explorer Suite, which spans more than 757 square feet. Thoughtful touches in all cabins include bedside USB ports, quiet-closing drawers, heated bathroom floors and anti-fog mirrors.

    Dine in the most delectable ways possible for your duration on this cruise. Many fantastic options delivered and executed with the highest of class. The Chef’s Table offers a rotating menu of themed, set course meals. If you’d like to sample Norwegian delicacies, don’t miss Mamsen’s with its heartily topped waffles, open-faced sandwiches and bacon-and-pea soup — all inspired by the recipes of Viking chairman Torstein Hagen’s mother. If all of those freebie dining options aren’t enough for you, book The Kitchen Table experience. The World Cafe serve international menus in light-filled venues, with options to open floor-to-ceiling windows on balmy days.

     

     

    Silver Shadow

    This small fleet of just eight ships, led by the beautiful Silver Shadow, provides travelers with a personal and indulgent voyage experience that includes Egyptian cotton sheets, Bulgari bath amenities, uniquely stocked minibars, private verandas, and personal butler service. The boats in the fleet are smaller than most, so they are able to access smaller ports all over the globe.

    The line is known for its spectacular annual round-the-world voyage, which sets sail in January of every year and stops in 50 ports in 30 countries over 115 days while circumnavigating the globe. And it will just set you back for the small fee of $58,950.

     

    The Final Thought and Discount Cruise Rates

    It is fun to dream isn’t it. Most of us however will never have the time and money for something so absurdly fancy. I mean, your own butler? There are some great ways to get Discount cruise rates. The best way to snap up a cruise bargain is to focus on value rather than the deepest possible discounts. Cruise lines are increasingly offering add-on packages in addition to cruise fares that can save you a lot of money as long as you know what you would ordinarily spend extra for while on the trip. Travel Agents,  while being  a dying career,  can still get you some fantastic deals for a discount cruise rates.  Another great way to save on your cruise is to book way in advance. Cruise lines typically offer the lowest rates when a new itinerary becomes available.

  • The Best Wireless Home Security Systems

    The Best Wireless Home Security Systems

    Sadly we live in a world where  wireless home security systems are not just a necessity but vital. There are a lot of options for wireless home security systems, even do it our self options. Do-it-yourself setups are ideal for homeowners on a budget because they can save you a bundle on installation charges and subscription fees. Then there are the professional systems. The nice thing about professionally installed systems is you don’t have to lift a finger; after you’ve placed your order a technician will come to your home, set everything up for you, and show you how the system works. When it comes to my home and my family I want a professional wireless home security system. Lets take a look at the 3 best options available today.

     

    1.ADT Pulse

    ADT formed in the 1800s as American District Telegraph, the world’s first telegraph-based alert system. They are not number one for being the oldest, they are also by far the best. With features like  Wireless or Hardwired options, Professional instillation, Doorbell monitors, Intrusion Protection, Medical Response and state of the art  Home Automation. Just having the sign in your lawn reduces your risk of intrusion by 63%.

    The cost is manageable, and miniscule for piece of mind. ADT home security costs can range from $9/week * to $14/week * based on your monitoring package. However, an ADT home security cost depends on which monitoring package best fits your needs. The ADT monthly fee for the standard Essentials package starts at $36.99/month

     

    2.SimpliSafe

    This solutions is making a big splash. Using small and efficient IoT enabled devices and 24/7 live human monitoring they offer a complete protection package. Utilizing, Entry and motion sensors, Glassbreak detection, Video security.  Heads up burglars, start running. Being totally wireless, Its easy to install your self and customer service is just a quick call away. It’s like having your own personal security guard with a direct line to the police.

    Video equipment with instant live link anytime an alarm is triggered lets you see whats happening when you are not at home. You can Arm and disarm SimpliSafe with just a single touch on those incidental false alarms..

    3. Vivint

    Vivint the solution for All-wireless security. All your home controls on one app. Vivint Smart Home helps you live more and manage less. THey have a wonderful small sensor that can be placed at any entry point. This sends you a wireless alerts anytime a door or window opens. With a total control app you can manage your security entry points, Smart Locks, Doorbell Camera, Outdoor Camera, and Element Thermostat.

     

    The Wireless Home Security Systems Final Thought

    All of these will secure your home, protect your family and significantly reduce the chance of a home invasion. They are all very low cost and almost completely  hassleless. With all the threats we have looming, wireless home security systems are a non-negotiable for any homeowner.

  • Tempur Pedic Mattress Sale and a Wonderful Night

    Tempur Pedic Mattress Sale and a Wonderful Night

    I spent the night with the Tempur Pedic Nectar Zenhaven and now I am in love. Never thought it would happen to me but I have found my mistress, my happy place, my church. You will find me worshiping at the 10:00 am St. Mattress every sunday from now on. It started out simple. try out some new mattresses and replace the old one. Tried one, that’s all it took. With a Tempur Pedic Mattress Sale I was able to pick this dream bed up at a decent price.  Is the TEMPUR Adapt worth the money? Let’s take a closer look. Let me tell you why the Tempur Pedic is the tops in the mattress world.

     

    The TempurPedic Brand

    The Market is busting at the pillow seams with affordable memory foam mattresses. They are the industry legends Tempur-Pedic for a reason. They   provide a top-quality foam mattress that promises to maximize comfort and offer the most luxurious sleep. The Tempur-Pedic  is available as an all-foam or hybrid and also comes in different comfort levels to help sleepers find the best level to match their firmness preference. I like mine a little stiffer than most.

    Tempur-Pedic is the memory foam mattress pioneer and a household name in the mattress industry. It is a popular name brand mattress and part of the mattress powerhouse, Tempur-Sealy along with other name brands like Stearns and Foster. With the reputation of starting the memory foam mattress movement, Tempur-Pedic has a legacy to live up to, and with a suite of offerings to fit nearly every sleeper — there is a lot to be said for this brand.

    Tempur Pedic Adapt offers amazing support and cool temperatures with its smart climate system. What makes Cover is a premium fabric super-stretch cover with upholstered sides. The Tempur Pedic Adapt is designed to give you even weight distribution across your body

    Tempur Pedic Mattress Sale

    I was lucky enough to find the Tempur Pedic mattress sale at the first store I went to. I was able to pick up the adapt for 2699 then got an additional %20 discount with the stores coupon. When I originally set out to look in to this i was expecting to shell out $8000 for a decent nights sleep, now i’m in heaven. I mean sleeping is one of my oldest hobbies and It turns out a very good at it. Have a good night everybody