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  • 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.


  • Best All New Wireless Headphones for 2020

    Best All New Wireless Headphones for 2020

    Whether you’re looking for a good pair of headphones for working out or just something to wear while drowning out sounds during your commute, not having to fuss with wires is a huge plus. No one wants to worry about the tangle of wires in their pocket or bag, or their cord snagging on something and damaging their headphones. Thankfully, there are some stellar Bluetooth headphones on the market. Here are some of our top picks.

    Jabra Elite 75t

    If you like having wireless earbuds for sports activity, we can highly recommend the Jabra Elite 75t. These new earbuds fit snugly in most ears, and they have a great sound quality for their small size. The drivers are solid, offering punchy bass, good mid-levels, and decent overall sound: while these won’t be beating any dedicated audiophile headphones, they’re good for their price point and size.

    A notable draw to the Jabra Elite 75t is their microphones. They work incredibly well as a headset for taking phone calls, doing a great job of filtering out background noise. If you like wearing earbuds while jogging, cycling or other types of activity, this is a great draw. Taking a call while getting in your workout is a great two-in-one feature for busy professionals.

    Sony WF-1000XM3

    Sony has finally taken its wildly successful WF series headphones and put them into a smaller package. The WF-1000XM3 takes the quality of their full-size headphones and puts them into a smaller earbud form factor.

    Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless

    If you’re looking for the intersection of portability and sound quality, you’re looking for the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless earbuds. These wireless earbuds offer incredible sound quality and accurate reproduction of recordings. They’re incredibly light: you might even forget they’re in your ears. When you need a good set of earbuds for taking with you on trips or to work and back, these are a great go-to.

    While they’re not the best for sports or activity, the Sennheiser earbuds are great for daily activities like walking or commuting. For the person who wants portable wireless earbuds that can be tucked into a pocket but still wants the best sound quality, these physics-defying little earbuds are the best option.

    AirPods Pro

    If you’re already in the Apple ecosystem, these are a no-brainer. Their intuitive gesture controls allow you to change the song, adjust the volume and answer calls quickly and without having to pull your phone out.

    The 2019 update brings even more useful tricks to the AirPods Pro. With Apple’s propriety H1 chip they feature snappier Siri integration. You can send messages, start playlists and ask for internet searches all while jogging, cleaning or whatever you’re doing while wearing the AirPods. If you love high-tech integration and cool fashion statements, the AirPods are a great pick for you.

    Beats Solo Pro

    Apple has finally stepped up the quality of their Beats headphones. The Beats Solo Pro is a set of over-ear, active noise canceling, headphones. They used the same noise-canceling technology featured on their more premium, over-ear, Studio3 Wireless. The H1 wireless chip makes sure they are easy to connect to your phone and feature full Siri support. They’re a bit more expensive than the average headphones, but their great technology integration and stellar sound quality on phone calls makes them great for people on the move.

    PowerBeats Pro

    If you love the idea of the AirPods but want a more fitness-oriented set of wireless earbuds, the Beats Powerbeats Pro are for you. The same technology that went into the second generation AirPods is on display in the PowerBeats Pro, just in a more fitness-oriented shape. The over-ear design on display here helps the earphones stay on your ears while your exercise, making them great for any active person.

    We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.


  • Cyber Monday Deals You Won’t Want to Miss!

    Cyber Monday Deals You Won’t Want to Miss!

    We’ve checked in with some of our most retail savvy resources to discover what the best deals of the year are going to be this Cyber Week.

    Look to the Past

    If you want to know what to expect for Black Friday this year, you’ll want to look back to the deals offered in 2018. Each year, retailers keep their sales consistent, offering the biggest bonuses and markdowns on the hottest, most sought after products of the year. Last year, retailers released a host of incredible discounts – and those specials were unveiled as early as November 9th. Some of the top deals shoppers scored included:

    • iPhone + Gift Card Offers: Customers who purchased an Apple iPhone X, iPhone 8, or iPhone 8 Plus received a $300 Walmart gift card.
    • Samsung Galaxy + Gift Card Offers: The popular Samsung Galaxy Note 8, Galaxy S8, and Galaxy S8 Plus came with a $300 Walmart gift card.
    • PlayStation Bundle Discount: Buy a PlayStation 4 bundled with GranTurismo Sport and a virtual reality set for $100 off.
    • Smart LED TV Discount: A Sharp 55” 4K Smart LED TV was discounted down to just $298.

    Apple

    While Apple doesn’t normally jump into the Black Friday pool with both feet we expect this year to be a little different. In the last month, Apple has released a series of more affordable iterations of their most popular products.

    Apple has released their newest budget 10.2inch iPad starting at just $330. Add in the $100 apple pencil and you have a high-end portable tablet that can basically replace a laptop for a fraction of the past price.

    High Tech Smart Speakers

    Smart speakers have been some of the hottest Black Friday sellers in recent years, especially now that big names like Amazon and Google are essentially all-in on the connected home. Expect more of the same for shoppers in 2018, with lots of deals on Alexa and Google Assistant gadgets, smart thermostats from names like Nest and Ecobee, home surround sound smart speakers, connected lighting kits, video doorbells app-enabled robot vacuums… you name it.

    Brand New Smartphones

    Some of your favorite new phones might be receiving discounts this Black Friday. In 2019 Samsung has released updates to its flagship S10 Galaxy and Note series phones. Even if you’re not due for an upgrade, the full retail price of the Galaxy S9 dropped below $600.
    Brick and mortar retailers are known to offer $300-$400 gift cards for the most popular brand phones from Apple, Samsung and Google. Like the consumer, these brands know that black Friday is a time where people consider investing in things they hadn’t considered before.

    High Definition Televisions and Gaming

    Is your living room due for an upgraded TV? Black Friday is historically the best to pull the trigger and purchase your new TV. Last year large retailers had 55-inch 4K displays as low as $300. Those kinds of prices were around $200-$300 off of MSRP. A lot of retailers even used those huge TV discounts as one of the biggest draws to shopping in their store during the huge holiday sales. However, if you’re upgrading to 4k, make sure that you have all the right gear to enjoy your entertainment in 4K.

    That means the correct HDMI cables, entertainment players. Walmart has advertised that they’ll be offering the all-new 1TB Microsoft Xbox One S All Digital Edition V2 for just $199. Walmart has also announced that they’ll be offering a Nintendo Switch plus a game of your choice for $329. If you’d like a budget streaming solution, Amazon usually discounts their fire stick tv line from black Friday through Cyber Monday. They’re also known to offer generous discounts on amazon branded smart TV’s to bring people into the “Prime ecosystem.”


  • 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!


  • Try This Surprising Cure to Help Alleviate Seasonal Depression

    Try This Surprising Cure to Help Alleviate Seasonal Depression

    Winter months can be difficult for many people. Those who suffer from seasonal affective disorder experience symptoms of depression that typically occur during fall and winter. However, there are ways you can help ease these symptoms.

    What’s a LightBox

    One helpful tool for alleviating symptoms of SAD are lightboxes. It’s important to talk to a medical professional to determine if using a lightbox would be helpful in eliminating your symptoms. Often times they’ll recommend combining a lightbox with other modalities of therapy.

    SAD is reported most frequently by people living far north or south of the equator. Researchers believe the change in total daylight effects causes a change in brain chemistry to spark the depression. Lightboxes help by mimicking the effects of outdoor light.

    In order for the light to be effective it must meet some basic requirements. It must be of at least 10,000 lux. Any light that doesn’t meet that minimum standard hasn’t been proven to be medically effective. It must also only emit a small amount of UV light. Lights emitting large amounts of UV light could be more dangerous for the long term health of your eyes than the symptoms that they are trying to remedy.

    Get The Right Lightbox

    · Use within the first hour of waking up in the morning
    · For about 20 to 30 minutes
    · At a distance of about 16 to 24 inches (41 to 61 centimeters) from the face
    · With eyes open, but not looking directly at the light

    What to consider

    Make sure that the light is specifically for SAD. Some lightboxes are designed for skin disorders. Lightboxes used for skin disorders primarily emit ultraviolet (UV) light and could damage your eyes.

    Like many things in life, the dose does matter. The brighter the lightbox, the less time you’ll need to achieve the minimum effective dose. The minimum effective dose for a SAD lightbox is 10,000 lux.

    Is it the style you want? SAD lights have evolved since they first came on the market. In addition to providing relief, they can also now double as an alarm clock. They can be programmed to slowly get brighter and mimic the rising of the sun. This has been shown to ease getting up in the morning in addition to providing you with your daily dose of light.

    Make sure that your lightbox won’t cause eye damage. While most lightboxes provide a diffuse light that is harmless to the eyes, people with eye problems such as glaucoma, cataracts or other eye damage should further consult an optometrist.

    Lightboxes are considered a form of durable medical equipment by the government. That means they’re covered under Medicare part B.

    Where Does it Come From?

    People with SAD may overproduce the hormone melatonin. Melatonin is normally a helpful neurochemical that regulates our natural sleep cycle. When winter days become shorter it increases the amount of melatonin the body produces- this leaves people feeling sleepier and more lethargic.

    People suffering from SAD may also produce less vitamin D. Vitamin D has been shown to play a significant role in serotonin activity. Because of this, having a vitamin D deficiency has been linked to an increased chance of depression symptoms.


  • Don’t Let Hearing Loss Hold You Back! Explore These All New Options

    Don’t Let Hearing Loss Hold You Back! Explore These All New Options

    Baby boomers can be particularly hesitant to take steps to address hearing loss. Many do not think about it as a requirement like regular doctor or dentist visits. It can be seen as a definitive sign of aging and many just don’t like being branded with a brown plastic thing behind their ear. All of this on top of the fact that traditional hearing aids can cost upwards of $3,000 per ear.

    How to Save Right Away

    You know the reading glasses you find at the drugstore? There’s a hearing aid equivalent. While personal sound amplification products – or PSAPs – aren’t for everyone, they can perhaps help some. Unfortunately, they’re only good if you have mild hearing loss, and you do get what you pay for with them. Most of the ones that do a good job of canceling out background noise are around $200 to $300. They aren’t cheap, but they’re far less expensive than your traditional option.

    Even though these devices will be able to help your hearing they will not be able to be marketed as hearing aids or as a product to “improve” hearing loss.

    Curb Costs by Unbundling

    Avoid going to an audiologist that bundles the cost of exams with the cost of hearing aids. Instead, try to pay for services as you go and buy your hearing aids separately. You may have to pay for each follow-up visit, but you’ll avoid spending money on services you don’t need.

    Natural Look

    If you’re hesitant to move forward with a hearing aid for cosmetic purposes, there are options for you. There’s a new class of hearing aid that’s completely invisible. It’s small enough to fit in your ear canal by your eardrum. Don’t worry you won’t be placing it in there all on your own. In order to receive this type of hearing aid, you’ll need to take a trip to the audiologist. They carefully place the hearing aid in order to avoid any possible injury to your sensitive canals.

    These types of hearing aids also provide you with a more natural sound profile. Because they are so deep in your canal, the sound interacts with your ear in the same way it naturally would. Surprisingly, that ability is also a strong factor in how you’re able to detect where a sound is coming from.

    With all the great things about these types of hearing aids, there are also setbacks. They are not good for people with severe hearing loss. Also, because of their small size, their life can be shorter than that of larger hearing aids.

    Medicare is an essential resource for many Americans. It provides a base for coverage for private insurance is not an option.

    Don’t Upgrade, Recalibrate

    First of all, you should never buy the top-of-the-line anything, since you’re paying a premium for that luxury. Try things until you find one that is suitable. Once you’ve found hearing aids that work, instead of upgrading them to the latest and greatest, have them recalibrated instead.

    The odds that a new pair will be all that much better are slim. Most people only notice minor improvements when opting for a newer pair. That’s why upgrading every year or two is often a waste of money.


  • 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!