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  • iPhone XS, XS Max and XR Breakdown

    iPhone XS, XS Max and XR Breakdown

    There has been months of speculation and hype about new iPhone X models rumored to be coming. “Today, we’re going to take iPhone X to the next level,” CEO Tim Cook said during the presentation and unveiling of new iPhone models.

    The iPhone X released last year was a total rethinking of the iPhone with features like Face ID and a edge to edge screen. Anticipation was high among iPhone fans and the day is finally here, and we have all the recaps.  Apple finally took the wraps off its new iPhones, including the iPhone Xs Max, its largest iPhone ever. With 3 new phone announcements, let’s take a look at what makes them different and sort through all the new details and features.

    iPhone Xs and Xs Max

    First off Apple  introduced the 5.8-inch iPhone Xs, which also has an OLED screen. The iPhone Xs is made of surgical-grade steel, is covered in new glass and comes in gold, silver and space gray. With the new A12 chip, more on this later, it allows the storage to be increased to 512 gb. The Xs will have 3 size options, 64gb, 256, or 512gb. The smaller 64gb is cutting a little close these days but 256gb should still be more than enough for 99% of the users out there.

    The iPhone XS will also incorporate more real-world machine learning for features such as augmented reality and FaceTime. The iOS upgrade will also open the door for Siri shortcuts, which users can customize.  For all the Instagram photographers out there the back camera has a 12-megapixel wide-angle camera and 12-megapixel telephoto camera, along with improvements to flash. For the selfie lovers the front camera will feature 7 megapixels.

    Both devices are identical with only one difference, the iPhone Xs is 5.8 inches, the iPhone Xs max is 6.5 inches. There also have been improvements to the overall strength of the glass screen, which is a great improvement for those of us with butter fingers.

    The iPhone XR

    Alongside with the Xs models Apple also revealed it’s midrange iPhone model, the XR.  The XR is the  bargain model that will be more affordable with most of the same features as the Xs. The iPhone XR has an LCD display called liquid retina and it features a 6.1-inch screen. It’s the same size as the iPhone 8 Plus, but with a larger screen because of it’s edge to edge screen.  The iPhone XR will also feature Face ID, and include the A12 Bionic chip like the XS. The big difference among these phones is the back camera: a single 12-megapixel wide-angle camera for the XR. The front camera will feature the same true depth features as the XS.

    On battery life, XR will offer an hour and a half more on one charge than the iPhone 8 Plus. Specs-wise, the XR is notable for matching many of the specs of the new XS, but one notable omission is 3D Touch, which  isn’t available with XR model. 

    While the 6.1-inch display seems large, the reduced bezels above and below the display  will make the XR slightly smaller than a traditional “Plus” iPhone and only slightly larger than the 5.8-inch iPhone XS. The iPhone XR will be available in a variety of colors including black, white, blue, coral, yellow and red.

    Pricing

    The iPhone XR will come in three sizes: 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB, and start at $749. Pre-orders arrive October 19, and ships October 26. XS available in 64GB, 256GB and 512GB starting at $999. The XS Max will start at $1,099. Both Xs models are available for pre-order immediately with shipping to begin on September 21st.


  • Best Over the Counter and Natural Pain Remedies!

    Best Over the Counter and Natural Pain Remedies!

    Sometimes you just need a bit of pain relief. Whether it’s sore muscles, a bad bruise, a killer headache or whatever else, you’d rather it just not hurt so bad.

    Thankfully, there are plentiful over-the-counter remedies available as generics to help relieve your pain. There are also a few natural solutions that many people swear by when it comes to pain remedies. We’ll highlight a few of the most popular so you can make an informed choice!

    Best Over the Counter (or Natural) Pain Remedies

    OTC: Ibuprofen

    The brand name versions of this drug are Advil or Motrin. It’s been clinically tested with a nearly 9 out of 10 rate of people feeling it’s worth taking. It could upset your stomach, so make sure you take it with food. Also, it could cause kidney damage, so don’t take it if you’ve got a history of kidney problems!

    Natural: Turmeric

    Many swear by the anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric. It’s been shown to help with upset stomach, indigestion, and even help as part of treatment for more serious conditions. It could even help with common aches and pains. If you’re the type who doesn’t tend to like taking pills, try this out the next time you’ve got a sore muscle!

    OTC: aspirin

    Aspirin is one of the most well-known pain relievers, often found in the brand-name Alka-Seltzer. In its various forms, it can be either a pain reliever or an indigestion aid. Children under 12 should avoid aspirin, though, as it could be harmful to the liver if taken too much. Keep in mind this is aspirin with a lower-case a, which is different from the version from Bayer with a capital A.

    Natural: Heat and Ice Application

    The pain-relieving qualities of applying heat and/or ice to a sore area are well-document. However, be careful when applying hot or cold items to your body! Apply heat to an area if it is stiff or if your pain is arthritic. Conversely, ice can help reduce swelling and cut back on inflammation. Athletes swear by this pain-relieving method! Speak to a physician about how this natural remedy could be applied to your aches or pains if you’re hurt.

    OTC: Aspirin

    The brand name Aspirin, which is different from Alka-Seltzer’s version, is another well-known pain remedy. It can reduce fever, as well, and is even known to have helpful effects in those with heart disease. However, keep in mind that it is a blood-thinner. If you’re at risk for internal bleeding, stick with ibuprofen or one of the natural pain remedies!

    Natural: Acupuncture

    Seeking pain relief from an acupuncturist may seem silly at first, but it’s a well-documented and ancient practice. The Chinese art helps relieve pain through a process known as qi manipulation, altering the path of your body’s natural energies. Scientific study of the practice has found that the pain-relieving qualities are a result of the serotonin released by the sensation of the needles being driven into your skin. Either way, it’s been proven to help in some cases!

    OTC: Acetaminophen

    This medicine works by affecting the part of your brain that controls temperature and regulates pain messages. As such, it doesn’t alter the physical causes of your pain, but instead tricks you into not feeling the pain. While that might sound scary, it’s quite safe! Prolonged sessions of taking acetaminophen can lead to liver damage, though, so be aware! Just take enough to ease your pain, don’t overdo it.

    Natural: Cryotherapy

    There are a few ways to go about this, whether with a cryotherapy chamber or just an ice bath. The idea behind cryotherapy is that, by shocking your body with cold, you make your body produce special type of protein. These cold-shock proteins have anti-inflammatory properties that can help naturally fight pain!

    OTC: Naproxen

    Those with a history of heart disease may prefer naproxen over ibuprofen. Naproxen is good for treating general aches and pains, as it is an anti-inflammatory. It does run the same risk of upsetting the stomach that many other over-the-counter pain remedies, so take it with food!

    Natural: Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy

    The theory behind PEFT is that using electromagnetic fields to stimulate natural anti-inflammatory compounds. While it sounds high-tech, you can actually get the treatment for between $30 and $60 from a physical therapist or chiropractor. If you want a machine in your own home, they’re a bit pricey: they run around $1500 on the low end.


  • Top 5 Best Car Warranties 2018

    Top 5 Best Car Warranties 2018

    Car warranties are agreements that cover vehicle malfunctions and defects for a certain period of time. For new cars, warranties generally protect the owner from paying repair costs for an average of three years, or 60,000 miles driven, from the date of purchase.

    When the warranty expires, or when purchasing a used vehicle, drivers can opt for the security of an extended warranty from an independent provider.

    Car warranties are best for people unable to cover the large potential costs associated with a sudden repair, which can amount to thousands of dollars. Without a warranty, and depending on the severity of the breakdown, it may sometimes be more cost-efficient to replace the car entirely. Depending on the plan, warranties are also useful as they provide services like roadside assistance and rental car reimbursement.

    When selecting a car warranty, consider the vehicle’s specific coverage needs. There are three main types of coverage: powertrain, inclusionary, and exclusionary. Powertrain warranties only cover the main generative components, and are the least comprehensive. Inclusionary warranties provide a list of specifically covered components. Exclusionary warranties are the most comprehensive, and therefore will usually only list what is not covered rather than what is.

    Finally, before committing to a car warranty agreement, look at the fine print, and make sure you understand all the terms of the contract. Some good questions to ask include: How long is the initial enrollment waiting period? Which documents are needed to file a claim? Are repairs covered by the warranty company, or are they reimbursed later? Will deductibles be charged?

    Our Top Picks

    #1. Endurance

    • 24/7 roadside assistance
    • 350,000 certified mechanics in US and Canada
    • Vehicles up to 160,000 miles
    • 30-day money back guarantee
    • Rental car benefits
    • Waiting period
    • No upfront payments
    • Consistently #1 in customer satisfaction

    #2. CarChex
    • Wide selection of extended warranty plans
    • 150,000 miles
    • 10 year vehicles
    • Corporate credit card payments
    • 30 day money back guarantee
    • Deductibles

    #3. Infinite Auto Protection
    • Online quote process
    • 30 days money back guarantee
    • Cars with up to 150,000 miles
    • 24/7 claims processing
    • 100% payment of all covered repairs minus applicable deductibles
    • Call center hours are Monday–Thursday, 9am-6pm GMT-4 and Friday 9am-1pm GMT-4

    #4. Complete Car Warranty
    • A+, BBB Accredited Business
    • Get instant quote online
    • Accepted at all dealers and mechanics
    • Unlimited repair claims
    • Full protection for up to 60% off of dealer prices

    #5. AutoPom!
    • Licensed California Agents
    • Specializing in CA mechanical breakdown insurance
    • Offers vehicle service contracts in most states nationwide
    • Unlimited starting mileage (most brands up to 14 years old)
    • 30 or 60 day money back guarantee
    • Rental car assistance
    • 24/7 roadside assistance
    • Choose your own repair facility
    • Consultative, low-pressure selling style
    • A+ BBB Accredited


  • Gorilla Glass 6 Unveiled for New Oppo Smartphone

    Gorilla Glass 6 Unveiled for New Oppo Smartphone

    Corning, the company that makes the ultra-strong glass Gorilla Glass, has an even stronger variant on the way. Called Gorilla Glass 6, it’s their strongest one yet, and it’s a doozy. This time around, the glass-maker will ship it first with the newest Oppo flagship phone, on that is as-yet unnamed. However, Oppo has a solid track record in China of making cutting-edge phones.

    Oppo: Chinese Innovators

    While in the West Apple, Samsung and Google are the biggest names in smartphones, China is a different market indeed. Chinese smartphone makers like Xiaomi, OnePlus and Oppo dominate the market there. While Americans tend to measure their success with the newest models of cars, in China it’s more common to see wealthy people flaunting their new phones. This is due to a number of factors, but primarily is due to the ubiquity of public transit and relative lack of usefulness of personal vehicles.

    Oppo, for their part, is a highly-respected and excellent brand. Their phones tend towards the higher-end of smartphones, and their most recent designs are reminiscent of Apple’s iPhone X. Design features like the edge-to-edge screen, minimized bezels, phone notch and glass back are mainstays in the Chinese market. In fact, these designs are even seen on mid- to low-end phones by some manufacturers.

    Corning and Gorilla Glass 6

    The name Gorilla Glass should sound familiar: it’s the screen and back of most modern smartphones. If your smartphone is mid- to high-end, has a glass back or it generally just durable, odds are good it’s Corning’s Gorilla Glass. That is to say, if you’re a fan of high-end smartphones, odds are good you’ll be seeing Gorilla Glass 6 in the US soon.

    The next Oppo flagship is due out in a matter of weeks, which means we could see Gorilla Glass 6 in the US as soon as the next few months. The newest batch of phones from Apple, Samsung, LG and Google are all due out this fall. It seems likely that many of these new phones will come with the newest, toughest material from Corning.

    The new Gorilla Glass is rated for at least 15 drops from one meter off the ground. That’s double the number Gorilla Glass 5 could handle, which inspires a great amount of confidence. One of the biggest issues with glass-backed phones is durability. As such, it’s good that smartphone manufacturers are teaming with Corning to make them more durable.

  • Ten Best Pickup Trucks for the 2019 Model Year

    Ten Best Pickup Trucks for the 2019 Model Year

    The upcoming model year is shaping up to be a big one for fans of pickup trucks. Luxury accoutrements are becoming more standard, prices are staying reasonable and competition is at an all-time high between the biggest manufacturers.

    It’s worth looking into upgrading to a new vehicle this year for those reasons alone. If you’re still not convinced, maybe today’s list will sway you. Today, we’re looking at the ten best pickup trucks for the 2019 model year. These are the biggest, the toughest and the best!

    Ten Best Pickup Trucks for the 2019 Model Year

    Honda Ridgeline

    While Honda’s truck may be lesser-known than some others on this list, it’s a solid pickup. It’s versatile, roomy and powerful, and is well worth your attention. The 2019 Ridgeline starts at $30,725, making it a mid-priced, mid-sized, full-value truck!

    Nissan Titan

    The Titan lives up to its name! A massive, rugged truck, the Titan’s 2018 model is still a fantastic value even as we move into 2019. If you’re a fan of Nissan’s quality and reliability, you can rest assured this mid-sized pickup follows suit. The Titan starts around $30,000, which is impressive given its 9,500 lb towing capacity and 390 horsepower. There’s a lot of truck here to love!

    Chevy Silverado 2500HD

    Now with a diesel engine option and a slick new look, the 2019 Silverado is a truck to watch. This year’s model is lighter while still being even bigger than the previous year’s. It’s longer, overall, too! That means there’s tons of leg-room for driver and passengers. The bed is huge, and the towing capacity doesn’t disappoint: this sucker can tow up to 14,000 lbs. The 2500HD starts at $37,500, and it’s worth every penny.

    GMC Sierra

    The 2019 Sierra 1500 is a mean machine. The price is on par with what you’d expect for a truck in this range: it starts at $33,500. It can tow up to 9,700 lbs, sports up to 420 horsepower and has a slick look to match. The interior is roomy, and the bed is as spacious as you’d like from a truck this size. While this year’s model isn’t a huge change from last year’s, the price isn’t so much higher that this is an issue. It’s still a luxurious yet rugged ride!

    Ford Ranger

    The 2019 Ford Ranger is a beast of a machine. Ford’s name carries some weight, and for good reason. You’ll probably notice that three of their trucks are on this list! The Ranger is a great midsize truck for those looking to get there in style while also hauling a load. This is the first new Ranger since 2011, so you know it’s going to be under some serious scrutiny! Interestingly, unlike its pre-revival predecessor, this is a larger, steel-body truck. The 2019 Ranger doesn’t have a set price tag yet, but we’d expect somewhere in the mid $30,000’s.

    Chevy Colorado

    The 2019 Chevy Colorado makes the list almost on the merit of its low price alone. This pickup starts at $20,500, making it one of the least expensive trucks on this list. It doesn’t sacrifice on size or power for that low price point, either! The Colorado tows 3,500 to 7,000 pounds, depending upon configuration and conditions. What’s more, it has solid gas mileage, getting 22 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway! That’s not too bad for a midsize truck.

    Ford F-250

    Ford’s second (but not last) entry on this list is the massive, heavy-duty F-250. If you’re looking to seriously haul some heavy stuff, this is a great option. With a seriously roomy cab and a massive bed, you’ll find yourself able to cart tons of things from job site to job site. If your friends ever need help moving, you can likely use an F-250 to take their entire furniture set to their new house. Okay, that last one is hyperbole, but you get the idea. The 2019 F-250 starts at $33,150 and can tow up to 13,000 pounds.

    Jeep Wrangler Pickup

    The distinct-looking and brand-new Wrangler Pickup is an interesting vehicle to watch for this model year. We likely won’t see this truck until early in 2019, but the combination of Jeep’s reliability with the size and power of a pickup is enough to pique our interest. There are no pricing details, but expect to hear more as 2019 grows closer.

    RAM 1500

    The storied RAM brand of trucks is a serious contender in any arguments about “best pickup.” The rock-solid brand doesn’t disappoint with its 2019 model, which can tow upwards of 8,000 pounds and starts at $31,695. It also boasts an impressive 390 horsepower! As a primary competitor of Ford’s, RAM does a good F-150 impersonation with this year’s entry.

    Ford F-150

    This is the truck you should be looking at in 2019. Ford’s reputation precedes them, and for good reason. The F-150 is a downright stellar vehicle, pickup truck or not. As you well know by now, the Limited F-150 has the Raptor V6 engine, making it the mightiest light pickup in the class. While we don’t have pricing or release info for the 2019 model yet, if you’re looking to pick up the Limited trim, it’s worth waiting to hear more about what Ford’s cooking up this year. We’re looking forward to being blown away.


  • 7 Signs and Symptoms of Addiction

    7 Signs and Symptoms of Addiction

    When you discover that a friend or family member has a problem with drugs or alcohol, it often comes as a huge surprise to you. But secrecy is the drug on which addiction thrives, so it’s not really that odd that you were in the dark.

    Addiction grows worse over a sustained period of time, and there are some indicators that may give you an idea something is wrong with your loved one before the bottom falls out.  Here are the 7 signs and symptoms of addiction you should look for if you suspect someone you love has a problem with drugs or alcohol.

    7. Change in Behavior

    As people’s addictions get bigger, their lives start to change and the things that they value the most begin to fall away. Depression sets in, and suddenly they stop doing activities or hobbies that they once loved, or maybe their mood becomes erratic. An example of a change in behavior that’s worth noting would be when a person who values health and fitness abruptly stops exercising or eating well.

    6. Change in Friends

    This sign isn’t always the easiest area to recognize, because it’s fairly normal for friendships to fade and new people come into our lives. But when normally social people stop hanging around with their usual group of friends with no explanation, it’s important to take notice — especially if there wasn’t an event that precipitated the change. Or, maybe there’s a new person in their life that just doesn’t seem to be someone they would normally be friends with. This can be a telltale sign that something funky is going on.

    5. Job/Career Issues

    When addiction takes hold, inevitably some issues are going to come up at work or school. Over time, addicts becomes less capable of hiding performance flaws in areas of their lives that are under the microscope. If a normally responsible person is missing deadlines or not following through on commitments, this could be an indicator that something’s up.

    4. Legal Issues

    Addiction is likely to create a bevy of legal issues that are going to make it hard to ignore that something is going on. A DUI or getting thrown in the clink for a drunk and disorderly is an obvious tell that your loved one’s judgment is off. But there are also less obvious signs, like doctor shopping or frequenting ER rooms. And addicts can justify their behavior so that they make you feel foolish for asking why they have so many doctor appointments. But if you think something’s wrong, go ahead and ask anyway.

    3. Family Strain

    Relationships with family are often jeopardized when people develop an affinity for drugs or alcohol. Early on, it may reveal itself in behaviors like retreating to their room after work or spending too much time with their face in the computer, playing games or surfing the Web. Communications become strained, and the addict stops showing up to family engagements, or maybe even to dinner. If you feel a substantial shift in your relationship with a family member, you should start asking questions.

    2. Physical Changes

    Extreme physical changes are a big indicator of a problem. Maybe they’re getting scraggly and smelly because they’ve stopped grooming or showering.  A noticeable weight loss or gain can be a symptom, and the same goes for a change in eating and sleeping habits. For example, crystal meth addicts can stay up for days, then crash and sleep for days. When they eat, they’re likely to ravenously consume sugary foods.

    1. Personality Changes

    In an adult brain, defined as a brain that’s 24 years or older, there are really only three things that are likely to cause a profound personality change in someone. Substance abuse or chemical dependency, mental illness and or a physical ailment, such as a brain tumor are the three things that can cause a profound personality change. Mind you, this isn’t the same as watching a person get a little down in the dumps, or go through a period of anxiety. Profound personality changes are much more extreme. If you witness this, it’s advised to reach out to a professional for guidance and counseling on how to address your loved one.


  • Which Cordless Vacuum is the Best?

    Which Cordless Vacuum is the Best?

    Everyone hates vacuuming! Although a necessity for keeping carpets clean, vacuums can be difficult chore and a even more difficult purchases due to the wide variety of brands and features to choose from.
     

    One thing that does makes the chore of vacuuming more bearable is a cordless vacuum. Not having to pick around chairs and tables to get to those out-of-the–way spots is a great feature, to be sure! The question is, which cordless vacuum is the best bang for your buck?

    You don’t want to buy a lemon and have to return it, so we’ve got a list of our favorites. If you’re looking to clean up with no cord, check out our roundup: it doesn’t suck, I promise!

    Shark Navigator Freestyle SV1106

    For an impressively low $130, you can pick up this excellent stick vacuum from Shark. It’s quite light and very easy to use and store! It’s also very powerful, great for big messes, and possesses two distinct brush speeds. This lets is work optimally on both carpet and hard floor! While it’s not quite as powerful as most upright vacuums, the low price and great versatility easily make up for it. If you have pets that shed a lot, this is a great choice, is it’s powerful enough to suck up pet hair. That all said, you can’t beat that price!

    Hoover Linx BH50010

    Hoover’s a respected name, and for good reason. This entry to our list retails for $200, which is a fine price, all said. While this vacuum has a shorter handle and no bag, it’s a very modern and useful appliance. It’s got edge-to-edge brush bristles and works great on carpet and floor. This one’s powerful and sports great performance even on rough messes. Not to mention, that shorter handle can recline all the way back to help you get those very out of the way spots. A great buy for the money, and well worth your consideration!

    Electrolux Ergorapido EL2055B 2 in 1

    For $279, this upright vacuum is a great deal. It’s super lightweight and very easy to maneuver around corners. It’s got great detachable tools for getting under sofas and close to walls, too! THat said, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. For one thing, it only takes name-brand Electrolux filters. That’s an odd feature for a household appliance in 2018, to be sure. What’s weirder, it only works with name-brand accessories. What gives, Electrolux? More importantly, though, the vacuum isn’t as good on carpeted surfaces as we’d hoped. That said, this is still a fine pick if you’re looking for a great, light vacuum.

    Our Favorite Cordless Vacuum: Shark IONFlex 2x DuoClean IF251

    Easily the most expensive on the list, this entry from Shark retails for $450. However, it’s worth every penny of that steep price: it’s a supremely high-end piece of household technology. It sports two battery packs that last a very long time, and while you’re using one you can charge the other. The vacuum has a handheld mode that helps you hunt down those out of the way messes. And, of course, it’s just a great vacuum and picks up dirt like no one’s business. In a crowded field, this high-end cordless vacuum is the best of them.


  • 5 “Smart Home” gadgets every house should have…

    5 “Smart Home” gadgets every house should have…

    It’s 2018 folks, and the future is here. Astronauts are driving Tesla’s through space and the Reese’s company is doing some really innovative stuff with popcorn. With all this technology around us, it’s easy to take it all for granted and we sometimes don’t get all the use we can out of it and take advantage of smart home gadgets.

    And the most important place you can use all this cool tech to your advantage is right in your very own home. Here are some amazing new smart home gadgets to make your life easier…

    1. The iRobot Roomba

    Ever since it’s inception in 2002, the Roomba vacuum has been an integral piece of smart home tech. With the ability to program this round robot to vacuum your home 7 days a week it can be a real time saver. With the latest 980 Model, the Roomba is more advanced that ever. With cutting edge mapping technology and dirt detection programs, this “set it and forget it” vacuum is a must have! For dog or pet owners life myself, I can stress it’s value enough. I have a lot on my plate and one thing I don’t to concern myself with is the daily sweeping thank to “Roger the Roomba”. Yes I named my Roomba, he’s family, folks. Word of advice…there are several competitors is the robot vacuum department, do yourself a favor and stick with the iRobot Roomba. You may a little more, but in this case “you get what you pay for”. This was been probably the best $900.00 I’ve ever spent.

    2. The Nest Thermostat

    Coming in at a price tag of $279.00, the Nest Thermostat is well worth the extra cost. Thanks to it’s smart and adaptive AI, the Nest knows when your home and learns your work schedule to monitor the A/C usage. You can also control the thermostat right form your Nest App on your mobile device to fine tune your A/C needs. For a native Floridan like myself, A/C usage and consumption is a real beast you have to tame. In the summer months, electric bills can soar thanks to primitive thermostats. There is nothing like a thermostat shutting down for the day knowing your at work, and then turn on a half hour before you get home so you don’t walk into a hot and muggy house. It’s just bliss. Once I had installed the Nest, I noticed an immediate 50% drop in my A/C consumption and a large drop in my electric bill respectively. This is a must have in your home.

    3. Brilliant Light Switch

    With the ability to control your homes, light, music, ambiance, and even take pictures with voice commands, the Brilliant light switch is a 2018 must have gadget for your home. Brilliant light switch also connects to several of your home’s smart gadgets such as Nest, Alexa, Sonos Speaker, Ring doorbell system, and more. Starting at $200.00 per panel, Brilliant Switch is a costly addition but this innovative new gadget gives your home a brain.

    4. Amazon Echo and Echo Dot

    This smart home “must” is quickly finding it’s way into every home, world wide. Alexa and Echo Dot, is a voice-controlled system that used to play music, make calls, send and receive messages, read the news, set alarms, and even order and Uber or takeout! With the capability of syncing up to Amazon-Fire, Apple Music, Audible, Pandora, and more, you easily find usage and justification for this piece of smart tech in your home. At a price tag of $150.00, the Amazon Echo has many uses to help in your home and is a fantastic smart home gadget. Word to the wise, Alexa has a built in microphone for consumer purposes that is ALWAYS LISTENING…Use responsibly. 

    5. The Ring II doorbell system

    The Ring Video Doorbell, provides you with the capability to see who is at your door from the safety and comfort of  your bed or couch. It lets you accept or deny visitor calls if you’re not home, and uses motion detection to alert you of activity on your doorstep even when the bell hasn’t been rung. By working off your home’s Wifi and mobile data, the 1080HD  camera will alert your smart phone of any activity at your door step day or night. For an extra $3.00 a month, you can pay for cloud storage and have all moments video recorded for later purposes if desired. The newest model also has a 2 way intercom system, and infrared night vision. For that extra bit of security at a relatively inexpensive cost of $199.00, this doorbell is the must have for any smart home.

    The Conclusion

    With so many smart gadgets available, some better than others, these products can make our homes better, safer, and more convenient. 2018 is going to be a big tech year and the “smart home” business is growing evermore advanced daily. If you can pick-up just one of these items this year, you’ll be headed in the right direction. I’m still anxiously awaiting the release for Rosie the robot maid, but I may have to hold my breath for awhile.


  • Moviepass on Life Support

    Moviepass on Life Support

    First off I want to give a big thank you to Moviepass . Thanks to you its been a terrific summer at the movies. I have seen everything I could stomach to sit through. Yes I even saw Oceans 8. Going through my history in the Moviepass app I checked in and saw 52 movies since I signed up in March. It was a test just to write an article and I fell in love with watching movies in the theater again. I even found myself going out of my way to visit the towns older theaters that I used to frequent as a child just for nostalgia purposes. I can truly say it was a great summer at the movies thanks to movie pass.

    52 movies in 5 months, at an avg. ticket price of $10 Moviepass paid $520 for me so far and I only shelled out $50 for the 5 month subscription. That is probably why Moviepass is on life support right now. We have seen the stock verse split in the past week for a 1:250 reverse, Only to watch that crash again. Shutdowns, crashes and failures on the user end. We are watching the deep a dying breath of Moviepass.

    Is it time to give up? Cancel my subscription? Go back to paying for each movie I want to see? Not a chance, like it or not Moviepass has changed things. There is no going back and theater subscriptions are the business model of the future. The industry was taking a down turn for the first time in a 100 years and Moviepass breathed new life back in to it. THey will have to pry my Moviepass card from my cold dying hands…

    Is There Any Hope?

    While it is looking very dark and there seems to be no chance of pulling out of this nose dive they are in now Moviepass is still clinging to life. They have been working on a cash shortage situation and a way to make this subscription turn a profit. They have in emergency fashion cut a lot of the options from the app. You can no longer see new release movies and some Movie times are just not available. They are in the process of raising the price to $14.95 monthly. I did a quick rundown on the math, with my usage its still highly advantageous for me. $74.95 for $520 worth of movie visits.

    The only way this can work is if the theaters and studios start to see the impact Moviepass has had and can start using Moviepass to their advantage making it worth wild to subsidize the ticket cost for them. The price will obviously have to increase. $19.95 would be optimal if they can find a way to even make that profitable. Another option is to use the app to show movie trailers and gaining user interest through there. Have the app play an Ad for a trailer of an upcoming movie upon checking in to the app. Maybe even a 1-5 rating question of how likely are you to see this movie. Giving valuable user input of 5 million subscribers could be a nice barging chip for them.

    The Final Moviepass Thought

    I’m all in on Moviepass and I’m really hoping it finds a way through this organizational pivot. Pivot they must, but I keep going back to the early days of Netflix when they disrupted the video rental industry.” They don’t charge late fees and the expense of using the mail system will break them”, on pivot and here we are. Hold strong movie pass, and for all of you debating on whether to cancel your subscription, stay tuned for my next article “ 5 reasons to keep Moviepass this fall”

  • Hori Bringing Real D-Pad to Switch this September

    Hori Bringing Real D-Pad to Switch this September

    If you’re a Switch owner who likes to play classic fighting games or platformers, you’re likely aware of how underwhelming the Joy Con’s D-Pad is. The four separate buttons with no central rocker feel very different than a traditional D-Pad. To remedy this, Hori released an officially-licensed Left-Hand Joy Con in Japan with a real D-Pad. New reports hold that Hori is looking to bring the Left-Hand Joy Con to the US in September.

    Details: Pricing and Real D-Pad

    The Hori controller is only the left-hand Joy Con, which is interestingly asymmetrical. The D-Pad is real, with a central rocker and click-y action. However, it’s missing some key features used by the normal Joy Con. For one thing, the Hori controller has no Bluetooth, so it has to be connected to the Switch in handheld mode in order to function.

    It naturally follows that it has no SL or SR button, as it can’t be used when off of the main tablet. Another no-brainer for an always-attached Joy Con is the lack of an accelerometer and gyroscope. It also has no HD rumble, which is standard for a third-party Switch Accessory.

    These cuts do allow for one good thing: a lower price point. Nintendo sells two Joy Cons for $70, but Hori’s controller sells for $25. If you really want to play hardcore platforming titles like Celeste or Shovel Knight on the go, this might be a good choice for you.

    Not All Good News

    However, the Japanese release of the Hori Joy Con hasn’t been entirely smooth. The Joy Con apparently has a bad habit of slurping the battery out of Switches it’s connected to. Whether the Switch is active or in sleep mode, the controller seems to greedily draw power from it. There are even a few scattered reports of the Hori controller disabling Switch docks when left attached to a Switch in its dock.

    Hori has promised they are looking into these problems and intend to have them resolved by the time the device launches in the US. We will recommend all Switch owners use any third-party accessories with caution. Check reviews and sites like this to see if there are any reports of hardware failure. And, as always, try to stick with first-party devices for your Switch when you can.

    Feature Image Credit: Nintendo Everything