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  • Best Ways to Save Battery on your Phone: Stop Running for the Charger

    Best Ways to Save Battery on your Phone: Stop Running for the Charger

    If you’re constantly finding yourself dashing for the phone charger, you’re probably sick of your short battery life. Why is your phone always dying, you ask? Well, you might have your phone settings drawing too much power from the battery. Here are some of the best ways to save battery life on your phone.

    How to Save Phone Battery

    Brightness

    The first setting you want to check is your brightness. If your phone is dying too fast, turn off auto-brightness and turn your phone’s screen brightness way down. Your phone’s huge, backlit screen is a massive draw of power, so having it turned all the way up is a surefire way to burn through your battery quickly.

    Low Power Mode

    Most phones have some form of battery saver mode. For instance, with the iPhone, when your phone is below 70 percent power, you can activate low power mode to cut off nonessential functions and let your phone operate at a much lower power consumption rate.

    If you want to save battery even before you hit that 70 percent benchmark, though, here are some more steps you could take to slow your battery’s depletion rate.

    Location Settings

    Go into your phone’s settings and deactivate location services for all of your apps. If you use your maps app to navigate, consider keeping that one on. However, leaving location services on for all apps lets them drag on your battery as they run in the background, doing you no good other than targeting you with ads based on where you’ve been.

    Background Functions

    Turn off your app’s background functions, like automatic updating or refreshed. While you’re at it, you can go into your settings and turn down the frequency with which apps fetch new data in the background. That means that app like Facebook and Twitter will look for new notifications less frequently.

    If you really want to cut back on your phone’s power use, consider cutting your cellular data off entirely when you’re not using it to surf the web or use an app. Background features in apps are a massive draw on your battery life.

  • 2019 BMW X5: What’s New for 2019

    2019 BMW X5: What’s New for 2019

    BMW’s name tends to conjure up images of fast-moving, sleek sports vehicles and cutting-edge car technology. However, the company has proved they can make an exciting and responsible SUV in the form of the X5, and this year’s model is no different. Is it worth the hefty price tag, though? Let’s see how the 2019 BMW X5 stacks up.

    2019 BMW X5 xDrive 50i

    Styling

    This is unmistakably a BMW, from the petal-style front grille to the smooth body lines that run along the side. The headlights are long and narrow, and the SUV cuts a handsome figure in profile. It’s not easy to sit in an SUV and not look kind of lame, but the X5 has a way of just looking cool that other SUVs don’t.

    Inside the cabin, it’s as luxurious and spacious as you would expect for a luxury SUV. BMW knows how to make their cabins both comfortable and stylish, and the X5 does not disappoint. The ride is quiet and smooth, and the sound system leaves little to be desired, putting out ample bass and a full sound. The huge infotainment system makes it easy to navigate through Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, putting your music on quickly and handling your calls and texts.

    Performance

    It’s more than just the looks that scream “BMW” on this car. It drives and handles in a way you wouldn’t expect from a luxury crossover: it’s responsive, accelerating and turning with power and precision not unlike a coupe or sedan. There’s 335 horses under the hood, and the wheels can put out 330 pound-feet of torque.

    The xDrive50i, a sportier trim, offers even more power from its twin-turbocharged V8. That beast puts out 456 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque, making it a direct competitor to the likes of the Porsche Cayenne. All of that entails a 0-60 of 4.6 seconds, a ridiculous number for an SUV to hit.

    Pricing

    While it may sound like a great car across the board, the X5 carries a hefty price tag. The base trim starts at a whopping $75,750 and that number climbs fast if you want a few bonus features. For instance, if you want the higher xDrive50i trim, for instance, that’ll set you back $79,550. All said, though, if you’re in the market for a stellar luxury SUV, you can’t go wrong with BMW’s X5.

  • Looking for a Change of Career? Consider These Online Degree Programs

    Looking for a Change of Career? Consider These Online Degree Programs

    When it comes to careers, it’s a bit disheartening to think about having to change your path as an adult. You’ve already been trained and educated in your field! How are you going to switch gears when you suddenly find yourself without a job, or start looking for a change of pace?

    Today we’re going over some of the top online degrees that are sought out by people changing careers. These are programs that will work on your schedule, at your pace, and help you transition into a new career path with no fuss.

    Top Online Degree Programs:

    Nursing Degrees
    If you have a compassionate heart and want to get your foot in the door in a medical career, consider an online nursing degree. Nursing is a rewarding and stable career that you can pursue via an online degree course. No matter where you live, there are hospitals that need nurses, so the job is consistent. Additionally, nurses make good money and often receive full benefits for their work.

    Registered nurses can make an average of $70,000 per year once they’re in full swing.

    Criminal Justice
    If you’re interested in a more civic-minded career, you could look into online degrees in criminal justice. The criminal justice field includes jobs like corrections officer, court functionaries and even police officers. While the degree itself has a wide scope, it can be pursued online and offers a great change of pace to a rewarding career serving one’s community.

    Police officers usually make an average of $60,000 per year, though that number can vary widely depending on the county, experience and other factors.
    Cyber Security
    Jobs in cyber security are highly sought-after in our increasingly connected world. While you might not think it, IT specialists and cyber security professionals are in higher demand than most other skilled labor. If you’re passionate about technology and interested in a career in cyber security, a degree in the field can be pursued online at your own pace.

    Cyber security professionals can make an average of $90,000 per year if they’re successful and have relevant experience. This makes the field very attractive for people looking for a change of pace from their existing career!


  • Tesla Model S, Model 3 Post Results in Tire Rack One Lap of America

    Tesla Model S, Model 3 Post Results in Tire Rack One Lap of America

    It’s no secret that Tesla’s electric vehicles have some ludicrous performance. Whether they’re being compared to other electric vehicles or conventional cars, Tesla’s vehicles can seriously burn some rubber. That was put to the test at this year’s Tire Rack One Lap of America, one of the most notorious street races in the world.

    Tesla Model S, Model 3 Posting Big Results

    The One Lap

    The Tire Rack One Lap of America, better known as the One Lap, is a direct offshoot of the legendary Cannonball Run. Cannonball Run itself was an infamous outlaw street race that started in New York and ended in LA. The modern One Lap race is much more, ahem, legal, than its predecessor, but it is no less grueling.

    One Lap consists of no less than 3,500 miles of transit and endurance-testing tracks all across the country. In short, both driver and car better be made of some stern stuff to tough out the One Lap street race.

    The Standings

    Impressively, the Model S and Model 3 teams not only both completed the race, they posted serious results. In fact, the Model 3 landed the top spot among the Alternative Fuel class and second place in the Stock Touring class. Overall, the Model 3 team finished 17th out of 77 entrants in the One Lap race.

    The Model S also posted impressive results, though it was somewhat hindered by its own battery overheating while on the track. Unlike the Model 3, which offers a Track Mode and has great thermal management, the Model S was consistently having its battery overheat and offering less power for the team to pull from.

    What This Means

    While it could be some time yet before electric cars are posting huge wins in every category, this is impressive for a pair of cars from a relatively new automaker. Perhaps in ten years an electric performance vehicle will bring home the trophy in the One Lap street race!

  • HP Spectre x360: A Capable Two-in-One, or Overpriced Computer?

    HP Spectre x360: A Capable Two-in-One, or Overpriced Computer?

    HP’s popular Spectre series of two-in-one laptops has seen a huge uptick in features and usefulness with the recent 2019 model. Sporting a gorgeous 13-inch display and three different viewing modes, there’s a lot to love about the newest Spectre. The question remains: is it worth the hefty price tag, or are there better deals for your money?

    HP Spectre x360 Review

    Design

    This is a stylish, sleek and all-around classy device. The all-metal encasing is very eye-catching, and the gem-cut corners add an air of elegance that you don’t often find on laptops. This would look right at home on a professional’s desk, in a coffee shop or in a lecture hall. In fact, it might look a little too fancy in shabbier surroundings!

    Features

    As a two-in-one, this is a highly portable device. It barely weighs three pounds, so it’s easy to toss it into a bad and take it on the go with you. The touch screen is responsive and looks great, though it’s a little hard to see in the sun.

    The Spectre x360 also sports three distinct viewing modes, making it a flexible and easy-to-use device. Whether you need to be productive, want to kick back and watch videos or just need a tablet for some fun games, the Spectre can accommodate.

    The most impressive aspect of the Spectre, however, is the huge battery life. If you’re going to be spending a lot of time far from any charging ports, this is the laptop for you.

    Pricing

    It’s worth noting that the 2019 13-inch Spectre x360 also touts a premium price tag. The two-in-one starts at $1,150 for just the basic model, while additional storage space or a better CPU can run you a few hundred more.

    That said, even the base version of the laptop comes with a nice leather sleeve for the device, as well as an active tablet pen for drawing and taking notes. All in all, if you’re looking for a powerful, sleek and long-lasting two-in-one, the Spectre x360 is the computer for you.

  • Sega Genesis Mini: Pricing and Release Details at Sega Fest

    Sega Genesis Mini: Pricing and Release Details at Sega Fest

    The upcoming Sega Genesis Mini looks promising. Sega has ditched third-party hardware makers in favor of manufacturing a proper emulation of their own classic hardware. At Sega Fest 2019, we got even more details about the upcoming retro console, including ten more game reveals and info on pricing and release!

    Sega Genesis Mini

    The Games

    While we already knew 20 of the games coming to the Genesis Mini, Sega has unveiled ten more games coming to the system. These include Ghouls and Ghosts, Sonic Spinball, Beyond Oasis, Golden Axe, Street Fighter 2, Vectorman, Mega Man: the Wily Wars, Alex Kidd and the Enchanted Caste and Phantasy Star 4.

    The remaining 10 games coming to the Genesis Classic will be unveiled in June, according to Sega.

    Pricing and Release

    We learned more than just that at Sega Fest 2019, too. We also learned when we can expect the micro console and how much it will cost! The system will release on September 19th, and is already available for preorder at some retailers.

    As for how much it’ll run you, Sega has announced an MSRP of $80. With any luck, the system will be produced in large enough quantities that anyone who wants one will be able to snatch them up before scalpers do. Hopefully Sega learns from the mistakes of the NES Classic launch, which saw systems being sold on eBay for four times their MSRP by scalpers.

    In Europe, the system will be marketed under its Mega Drive branding, much as it was originally in the 80’s and 90’s.

    What’s in the Box

    The Sega Genesis Mini will come with two replica Genesis controllers, as well as an adorable mini version of the classic console. It’ll also come packed in with a USB cable for power and an HDMI cable so you can hook it up to your TV.

    We’re excited to get our hands on one, if only to relive some of the classic Sega goodness of years gone by. Also, it’ll look great next to our SNES and NES Classic Minis.

  • What’s New for the 2020 Audi A4

    What’s New for the 2020 Audi A4

    Audi’s announced a slate of new features and updates for the A4, which will be rolling out for the next model year. Between a new look, hybrid engine options and new tech, there’s a lot to cover in this A4 update. If you’re in the market for a luxury car, this news might be music to your ears.
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    Audi A4 Updates

    Styling

    The A4 has received a styling pass this time around, and it looks slick. A number of adjustments have been made to the outside of the car, from the wider and flatter grill to the introduction of 12 new paint options. The headlights have been updated and are now LED, and there are multi-element running lights along the body now. Besides that, the A4 also sports an updated rear, with more updated styling on the rear lights that is reminiscent of the A6.

    Technology

    New tech makes an appearance in the A4, including a new 10-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system. You can upgrade for a Bang and Olufsen sound system, taking full advantage of the luxurious and quiet interior of the A4. Meanwhile, the vehicle now offers a Wi-Fi hotspot and natural language searching for the infotainment system. Thankfully, this A4 model will forego the second, lower touchscreen in favor of physical buttons. The secondary touchscreen on other Audi models has notable less sensitivity and outdated graphics, making it less luxurious and more off-putting. We’ll take the physical buttons and knobs over a Windows XP-looking touchscreen.

    Mild Hybrid

    In Europe, where the A4 will be offered starting this Summer, there will be mild hybrid powertrain options. Three of the six available powertrains will offer 12-volt mild hybrid options to help keep the gas mileage high, making these more economic options. Time will tell how long we have to wait to see these new luxury options for the A4 to roll out in America. However, Europe will be seeing these changes in the coming months. We’ll be keeping our eyes on the A4 as a serious contender in the luxury sedan market, though.
  • Which Smartphone has the Best Camera? Head to Head

    Which Smartphone has the Best Camera? Head to Head

    Smartphones are getting better all the time, and one of the areas they’ve been excelling in recently is the camera. Smartphone cameras are an area where this is especially true: it seems that they’re always getting that much better! Which phone camera is the best, though? Today we’re going to look at some of the best cameras available in a smartphone!

    Best Smartphone Cameras

    Google Pixel 3

    The Google Pixel 3 sports an incredible camera that will impress you in any conditions. Taking pictures in dark or moody environments still yields gorgeous pictures, thanks to some crafty software solutions from Google. The Pixel 3 offers gorgeous portrait mode shots, too, using its software to simulate the Bokeh dual-focus style of portrait pictures.

    All of this is housed in one of the most stylish and slick Android phones on the market. If you want to take some great pictures and own a flagship phone, the Pixel 3 is the phone for you.

    iPhone XS

    The iPhone XS sports the best iPhone camera we’ve ever seen. While it takes great night shots thanks to its software, it also takes stellar portrait mode shots due to its multiple rear-facing cameras. Interestingly, it can even take selfies in portrait mode, using the multiple forward-facing cameras, though these are of a lower quality than the rear camera.

    Notably, the iPhone XS offers the best phone video recording on the market. While a few Android phones offer better-looking still shots, none of them can match how silky and gorgeous the video quality on the iPhone XS is. That’s not to mention just how good images look on the iPhone XS’s huge OLED screen!

    Huawei P30 Pro

    This phone isn’t for sale in the US, thanks to some complex legal pressures on Huawei. However, if you’re in the market for a great Android phone with the best still-shot camera around, consider buying the P30 Pro from a third party. Just beware of sketchy sellers when you’re shopping!

    The P30 Pro is a great handset, though it’s a bit on the pricey side, even before you have to buy it secondhand in the US. That said, if you want to take the best pictures around, the P30 Pro is the phone for you.

  • Microsoft Build 2019: Biggest Headlines

    Microsoft Build 2019: Biggest Headlines

    Microsoft’s Build summit is a yearly developer’s conference held to unveil new features in Microsoft’s various initiatives. This year’s headlights weren’t focused on Xbox or Windows, the way one might expect. Instead, Microsoft focused on their Azure platform, deep-learning algorithms, mixed reality and all things artificial intelligence.

    Here are the biggest headlines from Microsoft Build 2019.

    Microsoft Build 2019

    AI is Here to Stay

    Microsoft is driving full-speed ahead with artificial intelligence. While the company is best-known for its Windows operating system, they’ve been focusing ever more and more on their artificial intelligence projects. Namely, Azure, their deep-learning software, has been a huge focus at the last few Build events.

    Initiatives like Azure Cognitive are focused on understanding audio and visual data, while voice recognition is another huge push for the company. The keywords here were machine learning and data interpretation. For the most part, it appears that Microsoft is focused on offering services for businesses, using machine learning to parse huge amounts of data.

    Microsoft’s in with Blockchain

    Microsoft announced their recent involvement with cryptocurrency at Build 2019. They unveiled the JP Morgan Ethereum ledger platform, Quorum, which was built using Microsoft Azure. However, blockchain tech is about more than just crypto. Microsoft announced they’d be using blockchain technology to help businesses form trustworthy ledgers built on the infallible nature of the chains.

    Mixed Reality

    Mixed Reality, or augmented reality, is a type of VR that allows for virtual constructs to be displayed alongside real-world objects. The most obvious applications, of course, are for video games. However, other uses for mixed reality could include virtual presentations of 3D blueprints, making it an ideal tech jump for drafters and designers.

    Linux for Windows

    The only big Windows news at the Build conference this year will likely be completely overlooked by the average user. The Windows Subsystem for Linux functionality was recently added in a Windows 10 update, which is a big deal for developers, thanks to Linux’s dev-friendly architecture. However, it’s unlikely that the average Windows user will have any need to mess around with Linux.

  • OnePlus 7 Pro: Can it Take on Samsung as an Android Flagship?

    OnePlus 7 Pro: Can it Take on Samsung as an Android Flagship?

    Samsung is the name to beat in the world of flagship Android devices. However, OnePlus, a premier Chinese manufacturer, is gunning for the throne. Their recent releases have been of exceptional quality, all while coming in at a lower cost than the average Galaxy phone or iPhone. Is the OnePlus 7 Pro on this same track, or is it a lesser phone than its siblings?

    OnePlus 7 Pro Review

    The Pros

    OnePlus is pulling no punches with their newest handset. The OnePlus 7 Pro sports three rear cameras, a huge screen and a pop-out selfie cam. In light of the numerous selfie cam solutions that phone makers have come up with, we love the huge, break-free screen on the OnePlus 7. The pop-out selfie cam is a little unusual at first, but we much prefer it to a notch or cut-out in the gorgeous screen.

    This phone has excellent performance, befitting of a flagship phone going toe-to-toe with Samsung. All of this power, the gorgeous cameras and top-of-the-line parts all come in at a surprisingly low starting price of $669. That makes this cheaper than both the iPhone XR and the Galaxy S10E.

    The Cons

    This phone isn’t without its faults. Glaringly, this phone lacks a lot of features that are standard among other flagships. It supports no wireless charging, it isn’t water resistant and it has a heavy, plastic construction. This phone doesn’t feel great in the hand the way an iPhone XS or Galaxy S10 does. Frustratingly, there is also no headphone jack, which is the worst impulse of any new flagship phone.

    The Verdict

    The OnePlus 7 Pro is likely the best value for your buck you can pick up in an Android phone. For the low price, this phone sports amazing specs, great performance and a gorgeous display. If you’re looking for a flagship Android phone and don’t want to break the bank, this is the phone for you.