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  • Amazing Cyber Week Deals: Home Security Systems Are Now Half Off!!

    Amazing Cyber Week Deals: Home Security Systems Are Now Half Off!!

    You can save 50% on any SimpliSafe security system you like now through Cyber Monday. Smart homes add convenience to your everyday life, but security systems are the most popular feature when homeowners want to feel safe in their own home.

    It is now easier than ever to set up a smart home in which you can remotely control your door locks, lights, thermostats, vacuums, lawn mowers, and even pet feeders, using your smartphone and an app. It’s also made it simple (and relatively affordable) to monitor your home from pretty much anywhere.

    SimpliSafe

    With plenty of deals available well ahead of Thanksgiving, it might be time to start calling Black Friday “Black November,” instead. The latest case in point: SimpliSafe, which is now offering 50% off any new home security system purchased via the company website now through Cyber Monday. SimpliSafe packages typically start at $230 — but that drops to $115 with the Black Friday discount. Meanwhile, the company’s most popular starter kit, “The Essentials,” usually retails for $259, but you can snag it right now for $130.

    Ring Alarm

    Amazon cut prices on the Ring Alarm Home Security Systems eight-piece kit for the lead up to Labor Day sales. Normally priced at $239, the Ring Alarm eight-piece system is $189 during this sale, plus it includes an Echo Dot smart speaker at no extra charge.

    The eight components in the kit include a base station that connects the whole system to your home Wi-Fi network, a keypad to arm and disarm the system from inside your home. The system includes a range extender so the base station signal will reach all installed components. There are also two motion detectors and three contact sensors to protect windows or doors in the kit.

    ADT

    The most well-known home security system is the professionally installed ADT. It’s not terribly easy to get pricing information from ADT without subjecting oneself to lots of salespeople, but here’s some rough numbers for a base system. For the upfront cost of around $129, and an ongoing cost of roughly $47, you get a 3-year contract with monitoring and two door contacts.

    ADT’s not for everyone, though, as the contract length and high price of monitoring can be a turn-off. However, the company is a trusted name, the monitoring is well-regarded and the system is high-quality.

    Nest Hello

    A stylish, modern and slick doorbell camera, Nest Hello is from the same company that makes the Nest Thermostat. Ample Alexa integration and face recognition make this a very high-tech security solution. It’s around $230 for the up-front cost to get the system installed, and then it’s about $5 per month for the ongoing costs for recording.

    For an upcharge, you can get the more upscale features like facial recognition. The most impressive part about the Nest Hello is the integration, though, as it works together with Alexa or other smart home systems.


  • Want to Enjoy the Holidays Without Gaining Weight? Here’s the Trick:

    Want to Enjoy the Holidays Without Gaining Weight? Here’s the Trick:

    Americans gain about one to two pounds during the holidays. While this doesn’t sound so dramatic, research shows it adds up over the years. Luckily, there are tricks to avoid holiday weight gain. We’ve got you covered:

    Tip #1: Don’t Skip Meals

    Saving your appetite for a big holiday party or feast? Don’t. Skipping meals during the day usually results in overeating. It is especially important to have breakfast, as research shows that those who eat this important morning meal tend to consume fewer calories throughout the day. Include lots of fiber by eating fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Fiber-rich foods are high in volume and will satisfy hunger but are lower in calories.

    Tip #2: Eat Small Portions

    Holiday meals tend to be large, buffet-style and include second and third helpings. While one might not eat an entire cake, a common mistake is eating large portions of foods that are perceived as healthy, but they’re simply not. It’s important to include nutrient-rich foods in your diet, but also remember that these foods also have calories and should be eaten in moderation. Using this trick at the holiday dinner table will allow you to maintain a healthy diet — one that includes dessert!

    Tip #3: Avoid Overeating

    There are many strategies to help you avoid overeating. For example, using a smaller plate lets you put less food on your plate and encourages proper portion sizes. Also, start by filling your plate with veggies and salad before going to the entrees and desserts. Eating a salad before your meal can help you eat fewer calories overall. Eat slowly and enjoy every bite, and before you go back for a second round wait 10 minutes to see if you’re really still hungry.

    Tip #4: Keep Moving

    After dinner, get some physical activity. It’s important to get up from the dinner table and keep your body moving. This is a great time to go for a walk and catch up with family members, or play catch or a game of basketball with the kids.


  • Holiday Season Blowout: Car Deals Too Good To Miss!

    Holiday Season Blowout: Car Deals Too Good To Miss!

    Like it or not, Christmas and New Years are just around the corner. That means that the biggest car-shopping time of the year is rapidly approaching! Everyone loves getting to drive a nice new car. There’s something about being behind the wheel of a luxury car that’s just so… luxurious. Not everyone can swing the huge payments to own a nice new car though.

    What’s a good compromise for someone who wants a nice ride but doesn’t want to take a long time to pay it off? For such discerning individuals, we have our top ten luxury cars that won’t break the bank! The entire Thanksgiving holiday week including Black Friday and Cyber Monday present a perfect storm of conditions that make it easy to find discounts and deals.

    2019 Acura ILX

    The ILX is a great choice for those who want a luxury ride but still want to have a practical vehicle. This vehicle has some pretty sweet amenities for its low price tag. While base models cost about $29,000, they also have keyless entry and ignition and heated front seats. they also sport dual-zone climate control, for when the driver and passenger feel comfortable in two different temperatures, and automatic LED headlights to help cut through hazardous weather conditions. For those who want a bit more, they can also opt for some safety features like adaptive cruise control and front collision mitigation. The ILX can also be equipped with navigation, leather upholstery and satellite radio.

    2019 Audi A3

    The next car on our list, the elegant Audi A3, starts at around $33,000. And it does more than just look pretty: it has some stellar luxury features. The A3 comes standard with forward collision mitigation, helping make sure you keep your nice new luxury car out of trouble. It also ensures a comfortable ride, with heated front seats and leather upholstery, and even a panoramic sunroof! If you want even more, you can opt to add on blind spot monitoring to even further keep your A3 (and yourself) safe, and even parking sensors. To round it all out, you can even opt for Apple CarPlay mirroring, letting you use your phone as your car stereo!

    2019 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

    Mercedes-Benz, a well-known name in the world of luxury cars, offers the CLA-Class as a more affordable entry option to their range of vehicles. While you’ll only pay $33,695 for base models of the 2018, you’ll get the full Mercedes-Benz luxury experience. Some of the base features are pretty high-tech and impressive. For instance, it comes stock with drowsy-driver sensors, forward collision mitigation and rain-sensing windshield wipers. If that’s not enough for you, it even sports dual-zone climate control and Bluetooth! Add-ons include LED headlights, heated seats and adaptive cruise control. You can even opt for blind spot monitoring if you’re like me and forget to check those every time!

    2019 Volvo S60

    An extremely elegant car, and a great buy for $35,095. The S60 is a looker and boasts an incredibly comfortable ride to boot. Base models have low-speed collision mitigation, which is great when driving around town. They also have xenon headlights, leather upholstery and sunroof equipped standard. Oh, and don’t forget the Wi-Fi connectivity. Pretty cool, right? You can also opt for rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control and navigation.

    2019 BMW 3 Series

    The 3 Series is the most affordable of BMW’s luxury cars, but it feels anything but “affordable.” This decadent ride is smooth, responsive and just plain fun to drive. You can grab a base model for $35,895, and that equips you with push-button start, dual-zone climate control and rain-sensing windshield wipers. You even get Bluetooth connectivity! If you want a more upgraded experience, you can also opt for a sunroof, among other awesome options.


  • FINALLY! This Year Cyber Week Shoppers Can Celebrate too.

    FINALLY! This Year Cyber Week Shoppers Can Celebrate too.

    As the days in November fly by, with few exceptions, many major retailers plan to kick off their in-store Black Friday sales on Thanksgiving. But Cyber week is their chance to appeal to shoppers who prefer to do their shopping behind a keyboard.

    As the days in November fly by, with few exceptions, many major retailers plan to kick off their in-store Black Friday sales on Thanksgiving. Here are the major Black Friday ads that have been released. Check back often as we will continue to update with more sales circulars as they are released:

    Best Buy

    If you’re in the market for a new TV, Apple device or other electronics, this is the Black Friday ad you’ve been waiting for.

    Best Buy revealed its Black Friday sale, kicking off hundreds of early deals available through Sunday, Nov. 10. For the sixth year, most stores will open at 5 p.m. Thanksgiving and close at 1 a.m. Friday. Stores will then reopen at 8 a.m. Black Friday.

    In addition to the early deals, from Monday through Nov. 20, Best Buy will roll out “Daily Doorbusters,” giving early access to “the very best deals in the ad” with one doorbuster available each day while supplies last.

    Target

    Bullseye! One of the most anticipated Black Friday ads of the season has arrived.

    Target kicks off early deals from its Black Friday ad Nov. 8-9 and then will have more deal days leading up to its big holiday sale that begins Thanksgiving. Shoppers with a RedCard and members of the new Target Circle loyalty program get early access to deals Wednesday, Nov. 27.

    Target also introduced “HoliDeals” – savings on thousands of items throughout the season – kicks off Friday, Nov. 8 with a two-day Black Friday preview sale.

    Walmart

    Walmart is gearing up for a shorter holiday shopping season by launching online deals earlier than ever before.

    Walmart hasn’t released its Black Friday ad yet, but it launched “Early Deals Drops” on Oct. 25, which is earlier than ever before. Walmart is launching Early Deals Drops on Walmart.com, which is earlier than ever! Some of the top deals include a VIZIO 55-inch Class M-Series Quantum 4K Ultra HDR Smart TV for only $398.

    Home Depot

    Home Depot has dropped their early Black Friday deals and is offering major savings on appliance suits.

    If you’ve been waiting to buy a brand-new suite of matching appliances, November is the right time to do it. You will see some of the lowest prices of the year this month, on most major appliances—from ranges, refrigerators, and dishwashers to matching washer and dryer sets.

    Costco

    The members-only warehouse club is holding its holiday sale in five windows, with some deals available now and others continuing through Cyber Monday (Dec. 2). Costco is closed on Thanksgiving, but some of its Black Friday doorbusters will begin online that day including deals on televisions, electronics, gaming systems, jewelry, food and more.

    J.C. Penney

    Keeping with tradition, J.C. Penney will kick off its Black Friday sale at 2 p.m. Thanksgiving Day with a mystery coupon giveaway and chance to score a $500 shopping spree. There are deals on small appliances, toys and clothing.

    Bed Bath & Beyond

    Bed Bath & Beyond is bucking its longtime tradition of staying closed on Thanksgiving and, for the first time ever, the New Jersey-based home goods retailer will kick off its in-store Black Friday sale on the holiday. Thanksgiving Day and early Black Friday shoppers can get a coupon for 25% off their purchase.

    Kmart

    Kmart’s Black Friday ad is much smaller than in 2018 and so is the retailer’s store footprint. Days after releasing its ad, a new round of store closings was announced with 45 Kmart stores included. The liquidation at these stores is set to start after Black Friday on Dec. 2. Kmart stores will be open 6 a.m. to midnight Thanksgiving and reopen 6 a.m. Black Friday.

    Kohl’s

    Kohl’s is bringing back its $15 Kohl’s Cash for its Black Friday sale starting on Nov. 25 and continuing through Black Friday. Limited doorbusters will be available starting at 12:01 a.m. CST Thanksgiving Day online ahead of the in-store sale. The in-store sale continues through 1 p.m. local time on Black Friday, Nov. 29, and while supplies last Friday online.


  • The Best Holiday Appliance Sales are Here!

    The Best Holiday Appliance Sales are Here!

    Holiday season is the best time to find great deals on furniture, Apple electronics, and clothes, you can expect to see a ton of rare great discounts on big-ticket items like kitchen appliances and Roomba vacuums.

    As soon as holiday deals officially start to roll in, we advise you to take full advantage of the offers and act quickly: there’s nothing worse than just missing a good sale and having to pay full price the next day.

    If you’ve been waiting to buy a brand-new suite of matching appliances, November is the right time to do it. You will see some of the lowest prices of the year this month, on most major appliances—from ranges, refrigerators, and dishwashers to matching washer and dryer sets.

    But as good as those deals are on a one-off basis, you’ll save the most money buying a pre-packaged appliance suite like these best Black Friday finds we have listed below:

    Four-Piece Samsung Suite
    The deal: $1,858 at Home Depot
    Savings: $1,496
    What’s included:
    • Samsung French Door Refrigerator RF260BEAESR
    • Samsung Gas Range NX58H5600SS or Samsung Electric Range NE59M4320SS
    • Samsung Dishwasher DW80M2020US
    • Samsung Over-The-Range Microwave ME16H702SES

    Simply put, you won’t find a better-looking stainless steel appliance suite for this price, but you need to make some concessions. This package is all about the range. You can choose from gas or electric versions. The dishwasher cleans and dries well and the microwave is similar, proving decent at heating quickly and evenly. Samsung always earns a a good rating for both owner satisfaction and predicted reliability in French door refrigerators.

    Four-Piece Whirlpool Suite
    The deal: $2,699 at Home Depot
    Savings: $1,597
    What’s included:
    • Whirlpool Four-Door French Door Refrigerator WRX735SDHZ
    • Whirlpool Gas Range WFG540H0ES or Whirlpool Electric Range WFE540H0ES
    • Whirlpool Dishwasher WDT750SAHZ
    • Whirlpool Over-the-Range Microwave WMH32519HZ

    The savings here are substantial and this suite is a solid choice. The standout appliances are the dishwasher and microwave. The dishwasher cleans exceptionally well and earns an excellent rating for predicted reliability. The microwave also heats evenly and quickly, and is easy to use. The gas range is good at baking and has a big oven. The suite has a four-door French door refrigerator, a rare find in an appliance package that’s priced this low!

    It’s no secret that Black Friday is a great time to find kitchen and appliance deals. So if you’ve been holding out on getting that kitchen gadget or countertop appliance, now’s the time to finally take the plunge!


  • Looking for a Change of Career? Upgrade Your Life With These Quick Online Programs:

    Looking for a Change of Career? Upgrade Your Life With These Quick Online 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:

    Accounting

    Accounting is a very stable field of work. If a company exists and does business, it has an accountant. As long as there are people doing business, people need an accountant. You can pursue a degree in accounting through many great online programs, and getting into the field is straightforward once you have a degree.

    Independent work in the field of accounting is plentiful, whether as a bookkeeper, payroll professional or freelance accountant. Arguably the most plentiful work for a freelance accountant would be tax preparation. On average, an accountant makes $68,000.

    Human Resources

    HR is a field that offers very stable work, as all large companies need an HR department. Without an HR department, companies can’t easily manage their people. If you like working with people and don’t mind defusing potentially incendiary situations, HR might be a great field for you.

    You’re sure to find ample work in the field once you get an online degree in HR. Companies with large enough profiles require sizable HR departments, making the field very consistent and stable. On average, HR professionals make around $60,000 per year.

    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!

    Graphic Design

    If you’ve got a hand for art and want to get into a paying career, graphic design could be the path for you. Designers typically work for companies that need lots of graphics, such as designing logos, advertisements and the like. Graphic design work often sees lots of overlap between art and computer science. As such, it’s a highly competitive field with lots of job opportunities.

    On average, graphic designers make around $47,000. That number can vary a lot based on how much experience you have, who you’re working for and where you’re located.


  • Your Acne-Prone Skin is Begging For These Essential Things

    Your Acne-Prone Skin is Begging For These Essential Things

    When it comes to finding the right acne treatment, there are a million products out there—and they’re not all created equal. From acne washes to creams and spot treatments, the options can be overwhelming, making it impossible to tell which is truly the best acne treatment for you.

    Even more frustrating? The fact that we’re still dealing with acne at all. But knowledge is power, and just knowing that there are different types, and that each kind requires its own plan of attack, puts you ahead of the clear-skin curve. Once you figure out what you’re working with, it gets far easier to treat.

    Hormones, stress, genetics, and even pollution can lead to breakouts. A blemish starts deep within a pore, weeks before any signs of infection surface. So, prevention and care are key. We are warning you: Squeezing, popping, or picking at a blemish can lead to scars and discoloration! Instead, try these top-rated treatment options:

    On-the-Spot Fixes

    Our powerful pick uses acne fighters like salicylic acid or sulfur to tackle flare-ups head on.

    Acne Healing Dots are the new craze. They are a powerful set of healing dots with hydrocolloid technology and an infusion of blemish-fighting ingredients to help soothe, treat, and assist in the prevention of picking.

    These little guys are the first to combine healing hydrocolloid dressing with an infusion of potent, acne-fighting ingredients. The bacteria-fighting technology extracts impurities and provides a barrier from external irritants, while preventing picking and inflammation.

    Complete Sets

    Eliminate guesswork with a regimen of products combining acne-fighting, exfoliating, and hydrating ingredients of ProactivMD.

    Try this intro-size kit featuring a prescription-strength acne-clearing retinoid along with cleansing, hydration, and sun protection, in one easy system. Cleanse, moisturize, and protect. Deep Cleansing Wash cleans and gently exfoliates the skin with tiny beads. Daily Oil Control Moisturizer is a lightweight three-in-one moisturizer that hydrates, protects from sun damage, and controls shine with surface oil absorbents. Adapelene gel is the first FDA-approved over-the-counter topical retinoid for the treatment of acne.

    All-Over Treatments

    Tame and help prevent breakouts with clarifying solutions like Sunday Riley’s U.F.O. Ultra-Clarifying Face Oil that sweeps away blemish-causing buildup.

    It’s a quick absorbing, medicated dry oil to clear congested pores, treat and prevent acne, and smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles for clearer, smoother skin. Counterbalancing the potentially drying effects of salicylic acid, milk thistle and cucumber seed oil nourish the skin and smooth the appearance of lines and wrinkles, without leaving a greasy residue. Chamomile and neroli soothes stressed, blemish-prone skin.

    Brightening Treatments

    When breakouts leave their mark, turn to skincare that visibly improves the appearance of discoloration, scar depth, and size.

    Murad’s InvisiScar Resurfacing Treatment is a breakthrough resurfacing treatment for acne scars (old and new) that visibly minimizes size, depth, and color in as little as eight weeks. The velvety-smooth formula in this resurfacing treatment instantly fills pitted scars. It is clinically proven to minimize the look of scar size, depth, texture, and discoloration in eight weeks. BHA exfoliates, while a blend of highly purified centella asiatica and vitamin C encourages natural radiance.

    Makeup with Benefits

    Rely on oil-free formulas and corrective solutions like Bare Mineral’s Complexion Rescue Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 that conceals problem areas rather than making them worse.

    This oil-free tinted moisturizer hydrates and protects with mineral-based SPF 30, and evens out the complexion with a dewy, healthy-looking glow. The creamy, lightweight formula blends effortlessly onto skin. It’s your go-to formula for natural-looking coverage and everyday protection.


  • 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!


  • Top Rated Robot Vacuums That Do The Dirty Work For You

    Top Rated Robot Vacuums That Do The Dirty Work For You

    When it comes to house cleaning, vacuuming is rarely a chore any of us truly enjoy. We often find ourselves dealing with bulky machines that may or may not do the best job of removing debris. They not only tend to stir up dust, but some models also get clogged often as well. Instead of wrestling a big, old push vacuum out of the closet, what if you could have a robot do the vacuuming for you? Could it make your life easier?

    Smart Vacuums

    Instead of wrestling a big, old push vacuum out of the closet, what if you could just press a button? With a robot vacuums, that’s often all you need to do.

    These little machines are essentially the future brought right into your home. They use special navigation technology and sensors to determine where to clean. Plus, they require very little effort on your part.

    They do, however, vary widely from one model to the next. The prices range anywhere from $150 to $1,000+, and some have special features that warrant higher price tags.

    Controlling a Robot Vacuum

    There are several different ways to control robot vacuums. Some use smartphone apps, others have remote controls. Many popular iRobot Roomba models also connect to wi-fi and allow for voice control using a home smart speaker.

    Luckily, in no instance are you forced to push it around yourself. And don’t worry, you don’t have to block off stairs either. Most of these vacuums have sensors to prevent them from traveling where they can’t go – like downstairs. (That is one minor drawback if you have stairs you need to vacuum.)

    Special Features

    Some robot vacuums do more than vacuum, too. There are models from ILIFE, iRobot, and others that can also sweep or mop hardwood, tile, and laminate floors. Many have special corner brushes, and some are also designed specially to tackle pet hair as well.

    Plus, most robot vacuums are exceptionally quiet and can easily transition from a one-floor type to another, too. You’ll honestly be surprised how far these things have evolved since the first models hit the market.

    A lot of models will also automatically return to a docking station where they’ll recharge themselves without any human intervention. Some of the really expensive ones can even empty themselves. However, that’s often a cost-prohibitive feature, especially when it’s not too difficult to empty them manually.

    Do you have a robot vacuum? Are you singing its praises, or do you prefer the old fashioned approach? Let us know in the comments below!


  • Google’s New Pixel 4: Should You Upgrade?

    Google’s New Pixel 4: Should You Upgrade?

    With the Pixel 4 bringing so much newness to the table, why in the world should you keep your Pixel 3? It shouldn’t come as any surprise that the Pixel 4 is loaded with upgrades compared to the Pixel 3. For some, the changes Google’s made might be enough to encourage them to upgrade, here’s why:

    While the Pixel 3 isn’t nearly as flashy as its newer sibling, it’s still plenty capable these days and should get you through another year of use just fine. There’s no denying that Google created a killer smartphone with the Pixel 4.

    With a camera that captures detail that the competition can’t, a futuristic way to use your phone without even touching it, your own personal Google Assistant, and a fast and responsive display, Pixel 4 packs new technology into a must-have new design.

    Get the perfect photo

    Pixel 4 brings Google’s biggest camera upgrade yet. The Pixel 4 comes two cameras on the back of the phone and includes a new telephoto lens. When you combine this new hardware feature with Google’s Super Res Zoom software, it gives you exceptional image quality, even planets away.

    Night Sight already takes beautiful photos in full darkness, and now you can use Night Sight for shots of the night sky, the stars, and even the Milky Way (when you find a clear night). Pixel 3 and 3a will also get a version of this capability with the latest camera app update!

    Your new Google Assistant

    Thanks to a deeper integration into Pixel 4, the Google Assistant is now a faster way to get more things done, think of it like your own personal assistant. Google redesigned the Assistant so it doesn’t take up too much room on your screen, letting you better multitask across other apps. It can quickly open apps, search your phone, share what’s on your screen, and more.

    It also considers the context of your query to do a better job answering. For example, you can ask the Assistant to “show my photos from Miami” and then say, “the ones in South Beach.” Then, you can share a picture by saying “send it to Brad.”

    A phone that senses what you want it to do

    Pixel 4’s Motion Sense feature uses a miniature radar sensor to detect movement around your phone. It can sense when you’re reaching for the phone and will initiate face unlock, or turn off your screen when you’re not around. New Quick Gestures let you skip songs when you don’t want to pick up your phone. Just wave your hand to snooze alarms, dismiss timers, or silence your phone.

    Built for performance and security

    With 6GB RAM, a 90hz display, and Pixel Neural Core, Pixel 4 is fast and powerful. Pixel Neural Core is the engine for on-device processing, always-on computing, and machine learning, meaning more tasks are done on the device for performance and privacy.

    Pixel 4 also includes Google’s custom-built Titan M security chip to protect your most sensitive data and ensure the integrity of the operating system. Combined with the latest version of Android 10, monthly security updates for 3 years, and access to Google’s advanced security services, Pixel 4 is designed to keep your data secure.

    Pricing

    Beginning today, October 15, you can pre-order a Pixel 4 for $799 and Pixel 4 XL for $899, and phones will ship on October 24, globally. Pixel 4 comes in three colors, including white, black and a limited-edition orange!