Home

Author: Cameron

  • How to Keep your Dog Calm During Fireworks

    How to Keep your Dog Calm During Fireworks

    If you live in a state where commercial fireworks are legal, and you have dogs, this is probably your least favorite time of year. Fireworks are bad for the environment, of course, and terrible for wildlife. Not to mention, they cause most domestic pets to panic and potentially cause harm to themselves or others. Here are a few quick tips to help sooth your pets while the fireworks are going off.

    Masking Sounds of Fireworks

    One great method to help your pup feel calmer during fireworks shows is to mask the sound. Turn up the TV or crank up the tunes, hop on the couch and snuggle with your buddy. Give them tons of treats and affection and try to just keep their mind off the explosions outside.

    If your dog isn’t big on cuddling on the couch, or doesn’t like loud music, there’s another version of this technique. Go into a bedroom with lots of soft, sound-absorbing things like pillows and blankets. Grab a huge box fan and crank it up. This will provide a ton of loud white noise. Then, get in the floor and play with your dog and keep them distracted from the otherwise-distressing noise.

    Comforting Pressure

    Some dogs can’t handle loud sounds at all, so masking it is not an option. For dogs like that, pressure is the best way to keep them calm. Not a lot, mind you, just enough to be reassuring. For a smaller dog, wrap them in a blanket and just sooth them the way you normally would.

    For a larger dog who you can’t hold tight in a blanket, you’ll have to get a bit more creative. Such a dog will need a special compression vest or suit, several of which are available online or in pet stores. Find one that’s the right size for your dog and slip them into it before the fireworks start.

    I sincerely hope these suggestions help you and your dog. With luck, no one’s pup will run away or hurt themselves this year. Until then, have a safe and happy 4th of July.

  • Moto G6 Feature Roundup: Surprisingly High-End for Low Price

    Moto G6 Feature Roundup: Surprisingly High-End for Low Price

    Normally, if you want a high-end phone, you have to pay high-end money. In the case of the new Moto G6, though, that’s not quite the case. Motorola’s been making handsets for years now, but this may be their best balancing act yet. In nearly every respect, this is a step up from the G5 of last year. For the price, you’re not going to find a better smartphone value. 

    Upgrades This Year 

    If you’ve used a Moto G5, you know that it’s a great budget phone. However, this phone is an upgrade in nearly every way. This year’s model comes with a USB-C port instead of micro-USB, for one. For another, it sports two cameras, allowing for portrait mode photos (which are totally in right now, just check Instagram). The design has been modernized, too, with an ultra-long 18×9 display and curved edges. Not to mention, that smooth, enviable Gorilla Glass back. If those design notes sound familiar, it’s because they echo the excellent (if pricey) iPhone X.  

    The Downsides 

    The drawbacks to this phone aren’t numerous and are mostly forgiven for the low price point. For one, it has a relatively small battery when compared to the G5. That alone isn’t a deal-breaker, but it’s a slight bummer. It does support Turbo Charging through its USB-C port, though! The only other drawback is the somewhat lackluster camera. But, at the low price, it’s hard to fault this phone much for those gripes. 

    Moto G6: Bottom Line 

    The final word on this phone? For $250, you’re not going to find a more premium-feeling phone. If you like the Android operating system and want a great deal on a modern phone, you should check out the Moto G6. If you’re in the market for something that is a bit more premium, of course, the Samsung Galaxy family of phones is probably more your speed. However, if you’re not looking to spend a fortune on a smartphone but don’t want to look like you didn’t, this is the phone for you. 

  • 2019 Silverado Arrives with Lower Price

    2019 Silverado Arrives with Lower Price

    Chevy’s 2019 Silverado surprised the industry by announcing that the price will be $700 lower than last year’s model. The new truck is set to be the largest volume vehicle in the range, which is fantastic for the lower price.

    Not to mention, the vehicle will be more fuel efficient than last year’s model, which makes it a win-win! 

    2019 Silverado: Premium, But Priced for Everyone 

    People are excited that a truck with as much room and luxury as the Silverado is seeing a price reduction. Standard features on the truck are even more exciting for that price. These include active aero shutters, eight-speed automatic transmission and start-stop technology. The coolest new feature is under the hood, though: the 2.7 liter, turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Nothing screams “great deal” like a lower price and new standard features, right? 

    Spacious Interior, Great Towing 

    If you’re a truck lover, you probably love the roomy interior. Thankfully, the 2019 Silverado will deliver on that front. According the Vice President of Chevrolet, Brian Sweeney, you have nothing to fear on that front.  Compared to every other vehicle in the range, he says “it offers more interior and cargo room, higher towing and payload capabilities.” 

    If you own a truck, you have it to do work. Whether that’s towing, carrying cargo or carrying people, you’ll love the spacious truck. If you’re serious about your work, you want the most power and the most room for the best price. If there’s anything to be said at this stage, it’s that this new offering from Chevy delivers. How often is a brand-new vehicle less expensive than its predecessor and even better? Well, there’s a first time for everything!  

    Pricing and Release Date 

    The starting price for the 2019 Silverado is $29,795. Release is slated for Fall of this year. It looks like this year’s modeled in positioned in the sweet spot between luxury and high price. It might be time to think about getting a new truck! 


  • Tesla Production for Model 3 Triples in Second Quarter

    Tesla Production for Model 3 Triples in Second Quarter

    After some recent controversy, a lawsuit against a saboteur and some unpopular layoffs, Tesla has some good news. After releasing the production numbers for the second quarter of 2018, the company has seen a three percent uptick in stock prices. It seems they kept their self-set goal of ending July producing more than 5000 Model 3’s per week. This is good news for the company as it seeks to fulfill the record-breaking orders for Model 3’s. This uptick in Tesla production indicates the potential for a profitable third quarter, a rare sight for the ambitious automaker. 

    Tesla’s Profit Loop 

    Tesla doesn’t often turn a profit. This is an odd piece of trivia for a company this big and this ambitious, and it is especially disappointing when one considers the recent layoffs. That said, this uptick in Tesla production does bode well for the company’s bottom line. The question is, will the company follow its typical loop that it follows after a profitable quarter? The few times Tesla has turned a profit in the past, it has immediately funneled that cash into production of a new vehicle.  

    When the Model S, and later the Model X, began to turn profits, production on the next vehicle would rapidly devour those profits. This is consistent with a company that aims to radically change the face of transportation, but it’s frustrating for investors and enthusiasts alike. 

    Tesla Production of Model 3’s Could Be Different 

    The Model 3 production line could be different for the company, though. As their first mass-market car, the Model 3 is meant to make the company a household name. While the Models X and S were experimental proof-of-concept style cars, the Model 3 is meant to be for anyone who wants an electric car. So, maybe this time Tesla will actually just make a profit and be okay with that.  

    No one expects them to stop planning for new cars, like the Roadster and Model Y concepts. It would, however, be nice to see them focus on just producing good, affordable electric cars. Especially in light of their recent layoffs and the controversy surrounding recent accidents with Autopilot, a bit of goodwill will go a long way for them. In the meantime, Tesla has expressed its goal for August is to produce more than 6,000 Model 3’s per week. It seems like they might just do it. 

  • Technology Rumors: Microsoft’s Andromeda May Not Materialize

    Technology Rumors: Microsoft’s Andromeda May Not Materialize

    Microsoft’s rumored dual-screen “Andromeda” device might not become a reality after all. Leaked APIs and patents for a folding, phone-sized device have been swirling for some time. The project is said to have been headed by Terry Myerson during his time at Microsoft, but he departed the company back in March. The resulting reorganization in the company has likely shuffled the dual-screen smart device further back in the release schedule. However, that’s not the only challenge the rumored tech would be facing to see release. 

    Microsoft’s Smart Device Record 

    For one thing, Microsoft isn’t exactly a winner in smartphone world. While you can still get a Windows phone, the platform isn’t exactly a success story. The mobile platform has almost no third-party support, which has always been Microsoft’s Achilles heel. In order to make a hypothetical dual-screen pocket device attractive to customers, Microsoft would need to address the third-party issues they had with Windows phones.  

    Why Release it at All? 

    Another hurdle Andromeda would need to leap is a problem of purpose. Who exactly is the device for? What niche does it fill that isn’t covered by existing technology? Why does it sport two screens, and is it worth the unusual design? Smartphones are ubiquitous, and nearly every customer carries one. However, attempting to sell that customer another smart device that has less overall functionality has proven to be unpopular. Look no further than the recent decline in interest in tablets to see evidence of this. As such, a dual-screen smart device would have a hard time defining its niche in the crowded gadget market. 

    Any Hope for Andromeda? 

    Microsoft notably killed the dual-screened Courier concept in 2010 after lukewarm internal reception. Similarly, in 2014, the company shot down its prototypes for a Surface Mini, something between a tablet and a phablet within the Surface family. As such, you can see the trend of devices in this space not making it to a public release. That said, that doesn’t mean there’s absolutely no hope for the rumored device: recent reports hold that another small Surface-like device is on the release schedule for Microsoft. Only time will tell, but the prospects for the unusual hinged device seem grim. 

    Feature Image Credit: The Verge 

  • Video Game Roundup: July Video Games Worth Playing!

    Video Game Roundup: July Video Games Worth Playing!

    E3 has come and gone, and while the heavy hitters won’t be dropping until the holiday season, that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to play. The dog days of summer are in for some awesome new game releases! You’re certainly eager to get gaming, so let’s talk July video games worth playing! Whether you’re playing on console or PC, there’s plenty of great games coming this month! 

    Mega Man X Legacy Collection 1 + 2 

    For $40, you can pick up the entire Mega Man X series. Fan favorites for years, the X games sport sleek, responsive side-scrolling, robot-busting action. While you can buy either 1 or 2 for $20, each one comprised of 4 titles in the X series, we recommend getting the whole bundle. The game series that redefined Mega Man sees a re-release on PC, Xbox One, PS4 and Switch on July 24th.  

    Shining Resonance Refrain 

    An odd name for an interesting game, Shining Resonance Refrain releases on July 10th. This Japanese RPG follows the adventures of protagonist Yuma, a hero in a Norse-style fantasy setting. If you’re a fan of the Tales series of RPGs, this game will likely scratch the itch. Featuring a huge supporting cast and turn-based combat, the game is a bit of a throwback. The unique visual style and setting help set it apart from the field, though, so it won’t feel like a strict rehash of older concepts. The game will be released on PS4, Xbox One, Switch and PC on July 10th. The game will retail for $50, ten dollars less than most big releases. 

    Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker 

    If you missed this adorable spin-off on Wii U, here’s your chance to play it again! Toad is a cute protagonist and has the interesting drawback of being unable to jump. The reimagining of Mario’s world when playing as a character that can’t leap over obstacles is an interesting one. Manipulating the environment and helping Toad find treasure is as endearing now as it was four years ago. Whether you have a 3DS or a Switch, the game will be released on both on July 13th. The port will retail for $40, which seems fair for a game originally released in 2014. 

    Octopath Traveler 

    The highly-anticipated Switch-only project from Sqaure Enix arrives this month. Following in the style of the excellent Bravely Default, Octopath Traveler offers eight distinct protagonists and quests. The game’s art style is distinctive and endearing, marrying SNES-style sprites with breathtaking backgrounds. The combat is turn-based, the story is epic, and the feeling is excellent. If you’re itching to relive some of the classic RPGs of yesteryear, look no further. On July 13th, this game launches exclusively on Switch for a full MSRP of $60. Don’t miss this gem in the rush of July video games!

    Feature Image Credit: Destructoid 

  • The Coolest Crowdfunded Gadget Ideas You Can’t Have Yet

    The Coolest Crowdfunded Gadget Ideas You Can’t Have Yet

    If you’re a hardcore tech enthusiast, you definitely keep your eyes open for crowdfunding projects. There’s always some crazy idea being crowdfunded on one of the various funding sites. While some of them are stinkers, a ton of awesome gems go up every day! Today we’ve got a roundup of some of the coolest crowdfunded gadget ideas you can’t get your hands on… yet! 

    Limbo Top 

    A favorite toy of mine as a child was a gyro-top that I would spin, and watch go on for minutes. The inertia, momentum and tilt would always fascinate me. A young Cameron would have been delighted by this high-tech Limbo Top, a new crowdfunded gadget from Kickstarter. The Limbo Top uses a mechanical gyro to keep the toy spinning via a battery. It sports an internal computer that helps it maintain equilibrium, which is delightfully mundane and awesome at once. While a number of technological advances have been world-changing, this one is quaint. One could almost describe it as cute! And you know you want one now. 

    Giiro Posture Robot 

    Straddling the line between clever, cute and helpful, this robot aims to straighten your posture out. You can see just how cute it is in the feature image! The little robot comes with a mat and connects to Alexa. When your posture slips into an unhealthy one, the robot lets you know. It stands the way you do in live time, and its facial expressions inform you of how you’re doing. If you’re looking for a fun, engaging way to encourage better posture, the Giiro Posture Robot is it. Just get ready to be nagged by an adorable machine about how you’re standing.  

    NILS Wearable Charging Cable 

    If you’re the type of person that always needs to charge your phone, but never carrying a charger, here’s your newest accessory. The charging cord has an interesting locking mechanism that keeps the delicate electronics from getting damaged. A thick, braided cord makes for a durable and fashionable gadget! Don’t worry about having to pack a charger or keep up with where you stashed it. While there are other companies already selling cords like this, the NILS one will be worth the wait: it’s inexpensive, durable and stylish. 

    Coolest Crowdfunded Gadget: Beeline Moto 

    They say the journey matters more than the destination. Envision a GPS-like device that helps you learn the route, rather than following the directions of a computer. That’s the idea behind Beeline Moto, a bicycle and motorcycle attachment that’s a sort of “smart compass.” The compass points in the general direction of your destination, allowing you to choose your own path there. This lets you learn the route more naturally, functionally a guided exploration of a space.  

    The compass can, however, be set to give turn-by-turn directions for when you’re in a hurry. But, that’s no fun! It’s the exploration mode that promises a different GPS experience. Limitations breed creativity, and this gadget exemplifies that. Sometimes the fastest route isn’t the best! 

    Feature Image Credit: The Verge 

  • PC Roundup: The Best PCs for Oculus Rift

    PC Roundup: The Best PCs for Oculus Rift

    The Oculus Rift virtual reality headset is an amazing way to experience immersive video games. Virtual reality experiences have been around for some time, but they are now more accessible than ever. In fact, they’re more accessible than you might think! Today we’re rounding up some of the best PCs for Oculus Rift; they cost less than you think! 

    Dell XPS Tower Special Edition 

    Retailing for right around $1,000, the Dell XPS Special Edition is a great pick for VR. It sports an Intel i7-8700 processor, clocking in at 3.2 GHz. While the processor is important, it’s the graphics card that powers a lot of your VR experience! This computer’s Nvidia GeForce GTX 1070 won’t disappoint on that front, seeing to it that your games will look gorgeous. All that comes in a nice, compact case that takes up little room. That compact size does have its drawbacks, though. The case leaves little room to work in for upgrades, and the fans are quite loud. That said, it’s still a fine gaming PC, and perfect for VR headsets. 

    Dell Inspiron Gaming Desktop 

    The second Dell to make the roundup, the Inspiron Gaming Desktop is a great value at $600. It sports the exact same processor as the Tower Special Edition, but it only boasts 8GB of RAM to the Special Edition’s 16. Similarly, it has an Nvidia 1060 GPU, a slight step down from the 1070. However, those small steps back result in a $400 price reduction, making this an excellent choice even for power gamers. And, as expected, it’s fantastic for VR. It has plenty of power to render immersive worlds and engross you in your games.  

    Our Favorite PC for Oculus Rift: Origin Neuron 

    The Origin Neuron is the very top of the line when it comes to gaming PCs. If you’re interested in high-end gaming at all, this is the computer for you. It also just so happens to be amazing for VR! Your games will run butter-smooth on this machine’s Nvidia 1080 Ti graphics card. The 5 GHz i7-7700K processor puts in some serious work for this rig, and its 16GB of RAM let you multitask with the best. As top-of-the-line computers go, you can’t go wrong with the Neuron. It retails for a hair over $950, and it’s well worth the price. If you’ve been itching to try out Oculus RIft VR, this is the machine to do it on. 

  • Believe it or Not, Volkswagen’s Record-Breaking I.D. R is Electric

    Believe it or Not, Volkswagen’s Record-Breaking I.D. R is Electric

    While some still doubt electric cars, Volkswagen has brought a record-breaking electric car to the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. The I.D. R is a powerful vehicle because of, not in spite of, its electric engine. The record, an astonishing 7:57:148, wowed the competition and showed that a sub-8-minute time was actually possible.  

    How Electric Beat Combustion 

    The Hill Climb is a great place for an electric race car to show up combustion engines. For one, the attitude of the hill makes it difficult for combustion to occur in the engine. For another, the temperature range is ideal for batteries. Further, you need not worry about range beyond the relatively short climb, so the battery doesn’t have to be big. The lack of the combustion engine cuts the weight of the vehicle down considerably, too! 

    I.D. R: Awesome, if Unpractical 

    While the record-setting vehicle is certainly a treat to see in action, it’s hardly a read-world indicator of electric supremacy. While companies are making great strides with electric engines, the I.D. R is hardly the model to base on. For one, it was made specifically for high-end racing and would be impractical in normal situations. Volkswagen isn’t trying to market it that way, of course, but it’s still worth noting. The best part of showcases like this, for automakers, is the controlled setting.  

    That all said, this does inspire confidence that electric innovations in everyday vehicles is on the way. While many still feel as though electric is a distant fantasy, companies like Volkswagen and Tesla are looking to change that. Tesla, for its part, is having some issues with production numbers, but their ambition is unquestionable.  

    One thing is certain though: if Volkswagen can set world records at prestigious races with an electric engine, the time for electric to shine is now. Oil companies will fight it tooth and nail, but electric might just be the way of the future. I, for one, can’t wait to not have to gas up anymore; that stuff’s expensive! 

  • Laptop Roundup: Best Laptops of 2018

    Laptop Roundup: Best Laptops of 2018

    Today, we’ve got a laptop roundup to bring you some of the best laptops of 2018 so far. If you’re in the market for a new laptop, these are the cream of the crop. While your mileage may vary, we’ve included a few different choices in case your tastes differ from ours. Alright, let’s get into it: the best computers for the pro on the go! 

    MacBook Pro 13-inch 

    The MacBook Pro is a fantastic laptop for creative professionals. The model without the Touchbar is a fantastic value, but the Touchbar model is a tad pricey. If you’re interested in creating content and looking for a laptop to keep up, this is the one. Mac has a reputation for being great for creators, and they’ve earned it. A sleek interface, beautiful aesthetic and great design decisions bolster this laptop. The only drawbacks? It’s still relatively expensive at around $1,300, and the keyboard leaves a lot to be desired. That said, Macs are notoriously well-made and Apple’s customer service is top-notch. 

    Chromebook Pro 

    Samsung’s Chromebook Pro may be an odd decision on its face but hear us out. If you’re a student, or looking for a second computer, this inexpensive option is great. It’s got everything you need for studying, composing papers and taking notes. While you won’t be editing films or hardcore gaming, you probably don’t need that if you’re in the market for a Chromebook. It’s worth noting that the Chrome OS is a scaled-back, user friendly but overly-simple operating system. If you’re a power user, steer clear. If you’re just looking for an affordable laptop, though, this is a great pick. 

    Surface Pro 

    Microsoft’s Surface Pro is the very best 2-in-1 on the market, and that’s saying a lot. The crowded 2-in-1 market is an attempt to appeal to those that want something between a tablet and a laptop. The Surface Pro impresses on both fronts and compromises nothing to be the very best tablet and an excellent laptop. The power on this sucker rivals most other laptops in its price range. It just so happens to also have a detachable keyboard and a touch screen! Creative types, students and business professionals all love the Surface Pro. It even comes with a great stylus to get you started. All that, starting around $800. It’s a steal! 

    Our Favorite of this Laptop Roundup: Dell XPS 13 

    Our current favorite laptop overall is the Dell XPS 13. A fantastic all-rounder at a decent price, the XPS 13 is great for everyone. Well, everyone except gamers, but gamers already know what they’re looking for. Everyone else will love this sleek, fast laptop. The i5 version of the XPS 13 runs at $1,000, and the i7 runs $1,400, but that’s a reasonable price for this premium laptop. If you don’t mind footing that bill, you’ll get a powerful, zippy and portable laptop that’s sure to impress and delight.