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  • Google Assistant is About to Take Over Your Life

    Google Assistant is About to Take Over Your Life

    Our world has in a very short time become almost totally voice controlled by an autonomous A.I. robot with a pleasant female voice. One voice is always listening,  to answer, or facilitate your every whim. She can order your food, turn on your lights, tv, and set your A/C. She can settle debates, do calculations, wake you up in the morning.

    “She” has many uses and many names, Alexa, Siri, some call her Bixby or Skynet, Clarice, Cortana, Whatever you call her, she has a name. Then there is the unnamed, just known as the assistant.

    “Hey Google”. This phrase is the next big thing in A.I. assistants. Google’s very own assistant to help you verbally command across devices, computers, speakers, Google Home, your phones, tablets, and everything else with a plug. No Google’s assistant isn’t new, but it is improving faster than the rest of the field.

    While Siri and Alexa are getting complacent with their functions, focusing on expanding. The Assistant is getting smarter at all the things she does, she is learning, evolving…

    Google Assistant will be the A.I. Assistant that wins the war and establishes dominance. Even though it looks as though Google is falling behind at the moment. Alexa is sexier, and Siri is already everywhere. Why will it be Google? Google CEO Sundar Pichai  says the companies priorities are shifting from “mobile-first to AI-first.”

    For Google, that priority will be AI-powered intelligent assistant, Google Assistant. That is why they will prevail and take over the A.I. world. A.I. first and design devices and peripherals around the assistant,  instead of A.I. just being a component or another feature.

    In short, the Google Assistant is a voice-activated digital assistant created by Google. Much like all the others out there it can perform actions on a user’s behalf and provide conversation and contextual information. Google Assistant is now the primary focus of Google’s AI-first strategy. In cohesion with the mountain of user data, Google has on all its users will create the dominant voice-enabled A.I. assistant to lead the world into the roaring 20s.

    Most of the world’s smartphones operate on Google’s Android OS, which supplies Google Assistant already for free. If you haven’t tried out the Google Assistant on your smartphone, now is the time to yank out the device in your pocket. I think you will be very impressed with your assistant. Try it, ask your Assistant to look up the last book you read, music, your favorite bible verse or send a quick text message.  See what the weather is like in Temecula or turn off your bedroom lights. Google can do it, just ask.

    Why is So Much Data Needed?

    The biggest disadvantage of the Assistant is that it requires users to give access to a lot of data. If you want it to turn off your light, you need to give it access to your home. If you want her to remind you of an important meeting tomorrow, she needs your calendar. You get the picture.  This disadvantage is also why Google will improve in the near future.

    It has all the data to play with already.  Yes, we are creating a monster, a self-serving monster. How, when, or if this will come back to bite us is all up in the air. It all seems like that is someone more important’s problem, and now is just the time to enjoy the best of all times to be alive. We want all this glorious tech without giving up any private data, which is just not possible. Or is it?

    What About My Privacy?

    Don’t be terrified, It’s going to be great. While privacy in the 21rst century is going extinct, it’s not really linked to you… think of it as one person with two personalities, the in real life “IRL” and your digital personality. You can control every part of your digital personality, it can even be a caricature of your IRL self.

    Yes, everything you say, post, think, search or learn is being tracked. What is not being tracked is you, just your behaviors, then compiled into a database with 5 billion other people and used to develop patterns. When strong enough patterns are compiled, very accurate predictions can be made. Take solace in the anonymity of it all, or you can take the next step.

    A third personality, make a second digital personality. New email, second twitter, FB, Insta, use this solely to create erratic online behaviors. Search for random things, click on ads you are not interested in, simply skew the data. If enough of us do this we can restore privacy. Maybe. Who’s with me?

  • Our Guide to the Best Portable Generators of 2019

    Our Guide to the Best Portable Generators of 2019

    When the power goes out, or you’re out camping, you really want to have the best possible portable generator on hand. It can be hard deciding on which ones are the best, though, as they’re somewhat expensive and hard to just test out.

    However, you’re in luck if you’re looking for a great portable generator. Today, we’re going over the best of the best. Here’s our guide to the best portable generators of 2019. Whether you’re temporarily without power or on a fun adventure in the woods, here are our picks for the portable generator you should have with you.

    Our Guide to the Best Portable Generators of 2019

    Honda EU2000i

    This lightweight and quiet generator comes in right at 59 decibels, making it a great pick for those looking to splurge. Best of all, the generator is a light 46 pounds, and it rocks a 1.1 gallon tank for fuel. When operating at 100 percent, the generator puts out four hours of energy. At a stretch it can even put out ten hours of energy if it’s operating around 25 percent.

    Also great to have is the two AC outlets in addition to the DC outlet, making this a flexible generator. The generator is able to hook up to similar generators and output double the power if you have a very high power requirement. That’s a pretty tall order, though, as the unit can put out 2,000 watts of energy.

    The Honda EU 2000i also sports Eco-throttle and clean output in order to reduce its environmental impact, making it a smart choice. If you’re looking for a good generator to treat yourself on, this is it. It even comes with a 3-year warranty. Environmentally friendly and easy to maintain, it’s hard to go wrong with this Honda.

    Briggs & Stratton 30651 P2200 PowerSmart

    Next up is the Briggs & Stratton PowerSmart generator. Its biggest draw is the extremely portability of the device. This unit has an H-handle design that makes it very easy to pick up and transport, even for just one person. Two people can easily share the weight of the unit, making it a great pick for those who love camping.

    The motor puts out 2,200 starting watts and offers 1,700 running watts. At 25 percent output it can run for eight hours on a full tank, which is about a gallon. In fact, this device can run most 120V appliances with no problem. It can also power smaller devices like laptops and smartphones, making it a versatile pick.

    The PowerSmart is also quite understated, running at only 59 decibels when operating, making it no louder than a normal speaking voice. The panel offers one DC outlet and two household outlets, as well as a USB plug for power output.

    Much like the Honda 2000i, it can also plug into another unit for more power output. Additionally, the generate offers a “PowerSmart” mode that allows it to shift performance in order to conserve power, allowing you to do more with less.

    WEN 56200i

    The best overall generator in our experience is the WEN 56200i, for a number of reasons. This lightweight portable generator is a surprising 48 pounds, making it very easy to recommend as a first-time generator. It’s also rather quiet, like the other entries on this list, coming in just at 51 decibels while operating.

    If you need power, the WEN has you covered, putting out 2,000 starting watts and 1,600 watts when running. It’s got two three-prong outlets, both of which put out 120V, as well as a DC input capable of putting out 12V. Additionally, there is a 5V USB port that will allow for even smaller devices like smartphones to receive power.

    The internal tank is capable of holding six gallons of gas and can offer up to six hours of energy when running at 50 percent. If you’re worried about running out of fuel, don’t be! The generator offers low-fuel automatic shutdown in order to keep the generator from damaging any items plugged in when it shuts down.

    Further, the generator offers up an Eco-Mode that not only helps the unit to use less power but also watches out for the environment by being less wasteful! This allows it to switch its fuel consumption to a lower mode to keep the unit charged up for longer, and also keeps power going to your devices. Overall, this is the best portable generator for your buck on the market today, thanks in no small part to its versatility.

  • Cracked Phone Screens are the Worst!

    Cracked Phone Screens are the Worst!

    You’ve got that fancy, expensive smartphone in your pocket. You know, the one that cost you hundreds of dollars but is also incredibly fragile and prone to developing those unsightly cracks. Yeah, that smartphone.

    If your phone has developed a series of spiderweb cracks following an unfortunate high-speed encounter with the floor, it’s frustrating. However, you need to get it repaired as soon as possible. You see, it’s not as expensive as you might think, and you could be causing more damage to your phone by leaving it cracked and still using it.

    Fix Your Cracked Phone Screen Right Away

    Cracked Screens are Even More Fragile

    So, as you well know, a glass screen is a fragile thing. It’s glass, after all. When your phone takes a high-dive off of a table to the hard floor, it’s going to crack. However, this isn’t the least of your worries when it comes to phone fragility.

    Here’s the thing: even the most durable Gorilla Glass has a finite lifespan. Your phone might be rock-solid for the first several drops, but once the first cracks start to show, it’s likely not far from shattering completely. You see this in spiderwebbing damage that spread out from smaller cracks in some situations.

    If your phone screen gets cracked, it’s not enough to simply put it in a case and hope nothing bad happens. You need to get the screen replaced entirely, which can be a tough ask, as it’s often expensive to go through this kind of repair procedure.

    Say Goodbye to Waterproofing

    If your phone is a newer model with a high waterproofing and dust-resistance rating, then we’ve got bad news for you. Once the screen is cracked, it’s unlikely your phone resists these outside materials anymore. Much like when your body has a cut, any open exposure to the outside world is terrible for your phone.

    Where before water would simply roll off of your phone and cause no damage at all, now it can flow straight into that hairline crack. Even if your phone doesn’t get wet, it could be getting dusty. Dust and debris can get stuck in your phone’s internal components after entering through an external crack. That’s because your phone’s normal dust resistance is compromised.

    You don’t need us to tell you how much of a problem these things are. Your phone is already damaged, so getting it repaired right away is your best bet. If you don’t, leaving it damaged and accruing dust and water damage could result in an even more expensive repair process. When it inevitably fails thanks to the buildup of damage, you’ll wish you had gotten it fixed right away.

    Resale

    When it’s time to upgrade to the newest model, you really don’t want to try to sell a phone with a cracked screen. No one wants to buy a phone that looks like it was owned by a butter salesman with no thumbs. After all, the most common way to get money to upgrade is by trading in, so why hurt your phone’s resale value?

    What’s more, all phone resellers know that a cracked phone could be evidence of more damage inside the device. Like we mentioned, water and dust damage is much more common among phones with cracks.

    On top of this, it’s much more likely that someone clumsy enough to have a cracked phone is clumsy enough to have more damage inside the phone than is showing. At least, in the eyes of a phone reseller this is the case.

    Health Risks

    There are also notable healthy risks associated with keeping a phone with a cracked screen for months without fixing it. For one thing, you could accidentally incur a cut from the sharp glass of your screen. If you’re rolling your eyes, don’t. Your phone’s cracks could spiderweb and result in small shards coming loose, resulting in potential injury to your fingers or hands.

    Further, trying to read text through a cracked screen puts further strain on your eyes. It’s already been shown that staring at a phone screen for too long can result in poor vision, so imagine adding a cracked screen on top of that.

    Consider the costs for either of these things. If you get badly cut by your phone screen, you might need to visit a doctor’s office, which is expensive. If you end up needing glasses from straining to look at a damaged screen, that’s pretty expensive.

    Bottom line? Get your phone screen fixed right away if it cracks. There’s no reason to limp along with a broken phone.

  • Are These The Best Earbuds for Working Out?

    Are These The Best Earbuds for Working Out?

    There is a phenomenon going down with the culture in our youths today. It seems the younger people have ditched the self-destructive and human deprecative behaviors of adolescent debauchery and replaced it with working out.

    Yes, I have said it before and that won’t stop me from saying it again, the gym is the hot new bar or club scene of the 21rst century. These young misguided adults have ditched the drugs, booze, and promiscuous dancing for the gym.

    Now instead of getting the hot new designer clothes and dancing the night away, one dawns on their finest spandex, water bottle, and sneaker, in the wee early hours of the day. As weird as it sounds, it’s the new world we live in. There is still one constant though… Music.

    They all are still listening to music at the gym. Music, radiating from little tiny buds stuck in everyone’s ears, helping to keep this new health generation motivated and achieving.  I know this took me a while to get here, but let’s talk about the best earbuds for working out, shall we?

    Earbuds at the gym are crucial, they are not only the peripheral sense that interacts with all of your smart gym tech, but they pump the music to keep you on that elliptical for just one more song.

    Plus you need the best pair to look cool, this is the new club scene after all. Like everything these days, you don’t have to sacrifice quality for aesthetics. These are the top 5 best sounding and best-looking earbuds for working out.

    Bose SoundSport Truly Free Wireless Sport Headphones

    Bose, of course, Bose, would be number one. They are the most elegant and fantastic sounding earbuds on the planet. These beautiful little buds just screw into place right in your ear. This will form a snug fit in all ears, just adjust the sound for the perfect earbud.  Rocking the company’s highest-quality speakers, the sound is incendiary. They give up t0 five hours of play time with each charge.

    If that is not enough for your workout, the case can give you an additional charge of 10 hours. Inspired sweat-resistant headphones with the Bose Connect app’s “find my buds” feature, there is no risk of damage or loss.

    Jabra ELITE ACTIVE 65T

    Number 2 should be Jabra’s motto. Never better than Bose,  but demolish everyone else. They are the Mack Robinson of earbuds. These completely wireless headphones have a waterproof coating. They also sport an astonishing call drop rate, next to zero.

    Plus smart features like Amazon’s Alexa, Apple’s Siri, or Google Assistant. Got to stay connected when you want to disconnect and run right? Five hours of battery life, but with the jabra, you can go 15 before needing to charge up your carrying case.

    Skullcandy METHOD WIRELESS IN-EAR HEADPHONES

    Skullcandy slips into the 3 holes here for its quality and for separating itself from the pack. Individuality, you want to be unique at the gym. Skull candy packs the hardware to a flexible collar leaving your buds light AF. To make this list they have to be sweat- and water-resistant headphones. Light, great, flexible and different, not to mention cheap. $39.99, a magnificent bargain.

     Powerbeats 3

    Yeah, as expected beats make an appearance in the top 3. Monster and Dr. Dre have some terrific sound equipment, like the Powerbeats3. You never need to worry about these guys Shifting or moving at the gym. The universal ear hooks keep them right in place, and comfortable. 12 hours of battery life, That will last me a month of gym time. I know, I should spend more time at the gym.

    Aftershokz

    Bone conduction? It transfers sound via vibration of your cheekbones. That means nothing goes in or on your ear. You can hear your surroundings and the music at the same time with no blockage. Imagine being able to hear the music at the gym and have a conversation too, music to my ears.

    The sound is different but terrific, it’s not like it is playing but rather being produced in your head. Truly amazing distraction free headsets, comfortable and easy to use. These tend to stay on after the gym.

    Honorable Mention: AirPods

    As a full fledge apple fan geek, I must mention the Airpods. While they were not designed for working out, their weight acts as a terrific counterbalance. This keeps these insanely light buds in place through almost any workout, while remaining totally comfortable.

    They are not the best sounding option on the list but hold no liability.

  • Coolest TVs Seen at CES 2019

    Coolest TVs Seen at CES 2019

    CES 2019 has came and went, and we’ve seen a ton of new technology that is more than exciting for the future. The consumer electronics show was also the first place that 8K TVs were seen in an official setting! This exciting new TV panel development is a big step forward in the world of display panels.

    Today we’re breaking down some of the coolest TVs we saw at the 2019 Consumer Electronics Show. From rollable displays to massive, immersive 8K screens, there are a number of TV screens to be excited about in the coming year.

    Coolest TV Screens Seen at CES 2019

    LG OLED65R9

    Let’s start with the show-stopper, the LG OLED65R9. This massive OLED display rolls up when not in use. Yeah, it’s finally time to see this tech in real-life. After nearly a decade of hearing about prototype rollable displays, LG is set to be the first to market with the tech later this year or early next year. The display is downright amazing, producing a picture quality that rivals LG’s other OLED displays.

    The screen rolls into its Dolby Atmos speaker stand when it’s not in use. It can be toted relatively easily thanks to the speaker, and the speaker provides awesome sound quality to match the huge, high-end screen. The slick, futuristic design is likely to be a smash-hit when the OLED R line hits the market.

    The OLED R line is comparable in picture quality to the other LG OLED screens releasing in 2019, but the R line is likely to turn more heads. For one thing, the ease of stowing the screen and making the room much more visitor-friendly is a huge plus. For another thing, the R line of screens offers a built-in Dolby Atmos speaker, making these immediate home theater solutions.

    Sony ZG9

    The massive 88 and 95-inch versions of Sony’s ZG9 Master Series screen are set to be the first of these panels to support 8K. The screen is actually a departure from the existing Master Series line that uses OLEDs, in that it uses backlit LED technology that is state-of-the-art.

    The ZG9 also sports upscaling processes to clean up 4K and below images to make them sharper. Many people have noted that if they have a screen with a better resolution than the images they’re displaying, those images tend to look worse than they would on their native display.

    In order to combat this visual degradation, the ZG9 is set to clean up any images that are below that display standard. That’s a good thing, too, since there is currently no existing 8K content to view on one of these bleeding-edge screens.

    Panasonic GZ2000

    This Panasonic screen isn’t the most cutting-edge screen on the list, but it does have a lot going for it. It’s not a concept-style screen in the way that some of the others on this list are. However, it’s a much more straightforward style of screen and will be much more affordable than a lot of the others listed here.

    What makes it special enough to mention here, then? Well, a few things. Firstly, it’s got a brand-new processor running within that attempts to keep the screen much clearer and smoother even on high frame-rate images. The other big selling point to this screen is the Dolby Atmos implementation. Thanks to the aforementioned processor, the sound quality is uniquely excellent.

    In short, this Panasonic TV is going to be a budget option worth looking out for. It’s set to punch well above its weight class, so to speak.

    Samsung 75in Micro LED TV

    Micro LEDs are a huge step forward in screen technology. OLED screens look amazing and offer perfect blacks and great color accuracy. However, they have a few drawbacks. They don’t last as long as LED screens, they consume more energy, and they’re not quite as bright or vibrant as LED screens.

    That’s where Micro LED screens come in. By using a number of smaller LED screens working in concert, the Micro LED technology offers up the best of both worlds. The precise blacks and intense contrast offered by OLED screens pairs with the brightness, efficiency and long-lasting panels of LED screens with this tech.

    The Samsun 75-inch Micro LED is a massive leap ahead in this tech. It’s one of the largest screens that uses this tech that we’ve yet seen. Previously, “The Wall” model showed off this ultra-thin, multiple-display style of panel. This new screen is the natural evolution of this kind of technology, and likely to set a new bar for TV panels.

  • Recruitment Tools to Make Your Hiring Process Easier

    Recruitment Tools to Make Your Hiring Process Easier

    Let’s face it: hiring isn’t easy. When you’re looking for top-level people to really make your company fire on all cylinders, it’s hard to find who you need. There’s only so much time in the day, so how do you make the most of it? Going over application by hand is time-consuming, and a lot of headhunter agencies don’t filter out the riff raff.

    Well, if you’re looking for a better way to hire quality people, then you’re in luck. Today we’re going to show you just how to fill out the ranks of your workplace with nothing but the best people with some simple recruitment tools. After all, the backbone of a strong company is a great workforce. Let’s get to hiring!

    Recruitment Tools to Make Your Hiring Process Easier

    Testing Sites

    An often-overlooked type of recruitment tool is the testing site. If you’re hiring for a position that requires quick math skills, or fast recognition, you might want to use one of these services. Despite the relative ease of these sites to filter potential hires, only 57% of companies use these tools! These are some of the best knowledge, skill, abilities and other qualifications (KSAOs) test sites out there.

    Self Management Group is a science-based assessment program that relies on accumulated data to score and test potential hires. The site is well-known for their accurate sales profiling, which is notoriously difficult to pin down over an internet test. Even better, the program is available in over 40 languages.

    HackerRank is a great site to use if you’re trying to hire coders or software engineers. This technical type of assessment is very particular, so this site is a great resource for web-based companies. The site even offers an online interviewing tool!

    Finally, we’ve got pymetrics, a site that works on “bias-free algorithms” to sort candidates. The site is game-like, offering fun games and activities that candidates fill out that then offers up helpful data to employers.

    Job Boards

    One of the most readily available recruitment tools for companies is the job aggregation board. While this one might seem like a simple solution, there’s actually a lot going on with these sites. Let’s look at some of the most popular job posting boards. Remember, nearly half of all hires come from job boards like these.

    Indeed is one of the most well-known such job boards and one of the biggest sources of hires in the US. In fact, the site is so popular that it is accountable for 65% of 2017’s American hires and 72% of interviews conducted during that time. There are over 100 million resumes on the site, so it’s a great resource for companies.

    Next up is Google For Jobs, one of Indeed’s biggest competitors. Salary information, location filters, job bookmarking and selectable job boards. For both employers and job candidates, it’s a really well-made and fleshed-out job posting board.

    Finally, CareerBuilder is currently the second-highest source of hires in the industry, just behind Indeed. They have great surveys for job seekers and offer excellent recruiter tools, making them a very well-rounded career site.

    Applicant Tracking Systems

    ATS are used by nearly all large companies and well over half of all small businesses. ATS programs like Greenhouse, Workday and iCIMS are all quite popular.

    Workday is a fast-growing system that helps track applicants and offers ample backend support for employees. The service also acts as an employment hub for workers through a smartphone app that lets them track their hours and time off.

    Taleo is more recruitment-focused and is a massive organization. In fact, the company was acquired by Oracle in 2012 to the tune of nearly $2 billion. They have a staggering 23% market share, too.

    Greenhouse is a quickly-growing ATS that has taken a large portion of the market in the last 2 years. The service is well known for its unique structure and straightforward hiring and interviewing process.

    iCIMS is the second-largest ATS, behind Taleo, and specializes in content-generation. The service is widely used in office and retail jobs. Their unusual name is actually an acronym for Collaborative Information Management Systems.

    Recruitment CRM Programs

    Candidate Relationship Management programs are a new trend among companies that seek to reach out to entice potential employees. The programs, as their name implies, seek to foster good relationships between employers and candidates to get things off to the right start.

    Notable examples include Ascendify, Avature, Beamery, Smashfly and Yello. Essentially, these sites work as branding that keeps employees engaged with the company’s values and image.

  • Combat Menstrual Pain without Medication

    Combat Menstrual Pain without Medication

    Menstrual pain can be downright awful for some people. Studies have found that more than ninety percent of women suffer from menstrual pain, and of them, around forty percent describe their menstrual pain as being detrimental to their daily activities.

    These pains can surface as cramps that make it hard to concentrate or stabbing lower back pain.

    Many women experiencing this pain opt to use medicine to try to combat it, though they often find over-the-counter medication isn’t very effective. There are some new technologies that will help you fight the pain without medication, though!

    Combat Menstrual Pain without Medication

    The Old Way

    When cramps and stabbing back pain start to set in, many women go for over-the-counter NSAIDs, though studies have shown these are little help for menstrual pain. That’s because many women create a chemical called prostaglandin during their periods. This chemical is what sends the signal to your body to cramp, and overproduction of it is what leads to the extreme cramps of menstrual pain. While NSAIDs slow prostaglandin production, they don’t stop it.

    What’s more, though NSAIDs have little effect on menstrual pain, they can cause worse problems than they solve. Use of over-the-counter pain meds can lead to stomach issues like diarrhea and constipation. If you’re experiencing these issues, it may not be your period causing them! Other problems with these over-the-counter medications could include the development of ulcers, and they could even increase your risk of kidney or heart failure.

    The New Way

    If suffering through with ineffective pain meds was the old way, what’s the new way? Thankfully, new breakthroughs in technology may be able to help ease menstrual pain. Nerve stimulation technology is a new breakthrough that has been showing promising results in clinical tests. Officially known as transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulations, or TENS, the process involves the use of electrical currents to send signals to your nerves that will, in turn, ease your menstrual pain.

    Using a TENS device is pretty straightforward. You attach a few electrodes to your body, wherever you’re feeling the worst pain. These electrodes then receive a very slight electrical signal from a machine. You don’t feel much of the electrical pulses, as they are so slight as to be very hard to notice. They do, however, prevent your nerve receptors from sending pain signals to your central nervous system.

    This means that TENS devices don’t stop your pain by addressing the symptoms. You’ll still be having your period, your body will still be cramping and producing large amounts of prostaglandin. However, you simply won’t feel the effects of these functions thanks to the signals from the TENS device.

    Results

    Researchers at many universities have found promising results with TENS therapy for use with women experiencing extreme menstrual pain. Many studies showed patients immediately reporting relief from their painful menstrual symptoms. TENS is an ideal procedure for addressing these problems, as it is both noninvasive and safe. It doesn’t require the patient to take any medication that could have harmful side effects and it doesn’t prevent the patient’s body from undergoing normal menstrual activity. All it does is block the pain signals being sent by the patient’s nerves.

    While there are a few adverse effects that could occur if a TENS unit is improperly used, proper use has, thus far, showed no danger for women experiencing menstrual pain. This is a great solution for some people who experience intense menstrual pain but don’t want to take medicines that might not even help them feel better.

    Types of Units

    There are many different varieties of TENS units available for home use. Research into specific units can be quite detailed, though there are a few basic varieties. For example, some of the earlier units, and some of the stronger units are home-only. These units tend to be larger and can’t be taken out of the home with you, as they are only for use indoors.

    Other examples include travel units that are smaller and can be packed up to travel with you. These types of TENS units tend to be less expensive, though they might not offer the same power as a home unit. They would be ideal for someone who travels often, such as on business trips or often goes on vacations. These can be easily slipped into a bag or purse!

    Finally, there are even wearable TENS units that can attach to your body under your clothes to give you relief throughout the day. These types of units are often even made with menstrual pain in mind!

  • Coolest Tech Takeaways from CES 2019

    Coolest Tech Takeaways from CES 2019

    2019 is only just getting started yet we already have a roadmap for what kinds of tech we’re going to be seeing this year. The biggest takeaways from CES 2019, held in Las Vegas this year, are that technology is still changing in new and exciting ways.

    If you’re curious about what kinds of tech trends are in store for the year, look no further. Today we’re going over some of the biggest show-stoppers and coolest tech seen at CES 2019. The future is closer than you think!

    Coolest Tech Seen at CES 2019

    5G Networks

    Often discussed and rarely seen, 5G devices are being hyped up like you wouldn’t believe. Verizon, Sprint and pretty much every other company at the show wouldn’t shut up about 5G. And that’s cool! It’s the future of network infrastructure and will likely change the landscape for internet connectivity. What’s weird is how much talk there was compared to how little actual 5G-enabled tech was seen at the show.

    There were a few glimmers of 5G devices here and there, but nothing to write home about. An old Moto phone with a snap-on 5G modem was the saddest and silliest of them, though the 5G home router was also quite humorous. The only proper 5G device seen was squirreled away in Samsung’s booth: a prototype Galaxy phone with 5G capabilities.

    While the 5G wave is being hyped like crazy, it’s still unclear how soon we could expect to see the tech go live. Some are saying we’ll be seeing the earliest roll-out to metropolitan areas in late 2019, though it may be late 2020 (or later) before we see the tech rolled out to the rest of the country.

    8K TV Screens

    If you’re anything like us, you probably haven’t even caught up to the 4K standard yet. It feels like just recently that 4K was the top-of-the-line for TV panels, but now all the buzz is around 8K displays. And these 8K displays are absolutely, ridiculously, absurdly big. For instance, Sony and Samsung will be hitting the market with 98-inch 8K TVs this year. Who has a living room big enough for a 98-inch TV? We wish we did…

    LG will be hitting the market with a massive 88-inch 8K TV with OLED tech inside, as well. If you’re thinking these will be expensive, you’re right! The cheapest one seen at the show was a 65-inch 8K from Samsung that starts with the low, low price of $5,000. You know, chump change. Especially considering that these screens, while impressive-sounding, don’t yet have any content to support them. Remember when 4K first came out and there was nothing you could run at 4K on your awesome new 4K screen? Yeah, 8K will be like that again.

    Apple’s Playing Nice

    Speaking of TV, Apple surprised a lot of people by changing their stance on TV makers. At CES, the Cupertino-based tech giant confirmed that AirPlay 2 will be compatible with Vizio, LG, Sony, and Samsung displays. While Samsung’s TVs will be the only ones allowed to display iTunes on-screen, the others will all have access to AirPlay through the Apple interface.

    AirPlay, for the uninitiated, is a way to send media from an iPhone, Mac or iPad to a big screen for viewing or listening. The technology is not dissimilar from Chromecast, allowing you to show guests and parties media that you don’t want them to have to huddle around a phone or iPad to see.

    Robots

    Robots are a sci-fi staple. Nearly every sci-fi future has robots everywhere, yet our real world is disappointingly robot-free. Well, if CES 2019 is any indication, that won’t be continuing for much longer. There were robots everywhere at the show, from sports-playing bots to air-purifying bots. Samsung showed off flexible bots that could be retail sales robots, health monitors or many other tasks. Groove X also introduced a companion robot, an adorable little guy called Lovot.

    While some might worry about the morals or ethics of these robot companions, it’s clear that they’re the next step for human technology. Many people are lonely or just want someone to hang out with, and robots are a great alternative to being alone. They can help people feel more relaxed and happy, they can do menial tasks for humans and they can even help make our lives better.

    In short, this CES was one of the most exciting seen in years. Huge leaps and bound in technology have us excited to see where technology goes as the years go on!

  • New to Dating Apps? Here Are Some Tips to get You Started

    New to Dating Apps? Here Are Some Tips to get You Started

    Online dating has been around for a few years now, but that doesn’t mean that everyone is a master at it. There are a lot of moving parts when it comes to this stuff! Learning how to make the most of your profile and maximize your matches is hard. If you’re looking for some tips for getting matches on dating apps, look no further. Today we’re going to walk you through some of the best tips for getting started meeting new people through dating apps.

    Tips for Getting Started with Dating Apps

    The Basics

    When it comes to dating apps, the most important thing to remember is that you need to be honest with people online. Don’t lie about your age or post a picture of yourself from a decade ago. You need to make sure you’re giving an honest look at who you are in your profile. Maybe you’re afraid that people won’t be attracted to you, but don’t start your relationships off on a lie. Nothing is a bigger red flag when meeting someone in person than their profile picture not matching what they look like in real life.

    Take a Good Profile Picture

    That said, your profile picture is also very important. It’s the first thing people see when they click on your profile, and first impressions are important. Make sure your profile picture has good lighting, you’re clean and look happy in it, and it’s taken from a good angle.

    Here are a few tips: try taking a profile picture in natural light and holding the camera at a higher angle. High angles make you look more approachable, thinner and more optimistic. Low angles, by contrast, can make you look arrogant, heavier or even less positive. Try to avoid them!

    There’s nothing wrong with your profile picture being tailored to show the best version of you. Just make sure it’s not overly-doctored to the point of being inaccurate. Authenticity is very important!

    Show What You’re About

    Don’t skip that bio section! People are going to want to know what kinds of things you’re into. Are you a huge gaming nerd who spends a lot of time playing retro video games? Awesome, put that in your bio! Do you love hiking, skydiving and going to the beach? Cool! Add that to your bio. Are you a bookworm who loves getting lost in a good tale? You can guess where you should be recording that info.

    If people are attracted to your initial profile picture, they’re going to want to lean more. Keep it short and sweet, and don’t go on forever. Put a list of your interests and a brief summary of what you’re about. Maybe mention what you do for a living and what kind of partner you’re looking for. If you’re looking for something serious and long-term, say that. If you want more casual relationships, be up front about that in your bio. Again, honesty goes a long way towards saving you headaches down the road.

    Keep Using the App (or Apps)

    No matter what dating app you’re using, don’t be ashamed to use it daily. Check for your matches, browse profiles, and just generally give it some screen time. It might feel weird to be this compulsive about an app (and trust us, we hate smartphone addiction as much as you do) but in this case there’s a reason for it.

    Your dating apps are using algorithms to prioritize your profile. If you don’t log in very often then it’s likely your profile isn’t near the top of most people’s lists. It’s harder to get matches when you’re not showing up for anyone! Remedy this by logging in and using the app regularly so the algorithm sorts you higher in the profile order. This allows you to stay relevant and have your profile grace more people’s screens.

    Mix it Up

    Don’t be afraid to mix it up and use more than one app. Maybe you first installed Tinder but you’re not having a lot of luck with it. Consider installing a few other dating apps, too! There’s nothing wrong with using two or three apps at once. By doing so you’ll not only increase your chances of meeting someone you’ll connect with, you also diversify who you’re seeing. And who’s seeing you, too!

    Don’t worry if you’re not seeing immediate results. There are millions of people out there. All you need to do is relax, take it easy and keep your confidence high. You’re awesome, and you’re going to meet someone great.

  • Phones that Make Life Easier for Seniors

    Phones that Make Life Easier for Seniors

    It’s a simple fact of life that everyone needs a phone. It’s surprising, then, that so many seniors are so resistant to upgrading to a new smartphone. After all, smartphones are deceptively simple devices to use and operate. However, many people don’t realize just how senior-friendly these devices are. Most modern smartphones sport huge, bright displays and bold, easy-to-read text. Even phones that aren’t marketed for seniors have settings that can be activated to make them that much easier for seniors to use! Here are some of the best phones that make life easier for seniors.

    Phones that Make Life Easier for Seniors

    GrandPad

    First things first, let’s talk about that adorable name. GrandPad. Doesn’t that just make you start grinning? As that name suggests, this is a device that is geared for seniors specifically, not just one that happens to be a good device for them. This one is a great pick due to its big screen and easy, intuitive controls. It’s really, really big, too: it’s something of a cross between a cellphone and a tablet. Those who want something with lots of screen space and a huge base font are in luck with this one.

    The device, unsurprisingly, handles calls, internet browsing, email and all of that good stuff. It supports video calls as well as voice, which is great for distant grandparents who want to video chat with their grandkids. Another cool feature is the ability to view social media streams without needing to have an account. This lets grandparents keep up with family without having to navigate complex social media profiles, which is awesome in our book.

    Other awesome features of this phone/tablet hybrid that make it great for seniors are the wireless charging dock and 4G LTE connection. The wireless charging, for its part, is great since you don’t have to keep up with any wires or fiddle with trying to fit the charging cable into a port. All-in-all, this is one of the best phone options for seniors.

    iPhone X Plus

    The iPhone X line of smartphones has a huge design benefit for seniors. That’s the lack of any face buttons. However, the base iPhone X and XS phones are a bit small when compared to phones that are ideal for seniors. The iPhone X Plus, however, is a great size for seniors. Apple’s iOS platform is very intuitive, and gesture-based commands are easy to learn. The FaceID unlocking method is also great for seniors, as it make it easier for them to unlock their phone without needing to always input a password.

    Apple offers a number of great features for seniors through their iOS platform. For instance, if a senior user is having a hard time finding a function, they can call “hey, Siri” and call up the voice command assistant in their phone. This will allow them to use simply commands like “call Susan” or “text Bob,” which lets them get around some of the tougher parts of navigating an operating system.

    Another feature that senior users love about Apple’s iPhone line is the built-in FaceTime video calling feature. FaceTime features crisp, clear video and sound quality and makes you feel like you’re really in the room with your family when you call them up. Generally speaking, Apple’s products are sturdy and you can expect them to last a long time. They are also very responsive, with snappy menus and short loading times. All in all, iPhones are great for anyone, not just seniors.

    Galaxy Note 9

    Another great smartphone for seniors is the Samsung Galaxy Note 9. This massive phablet is a great cross between a phone and a tablet and sports a handy stylus. The pen is a favorite of older phone users who love to have precise control when it comes to touch screens. Tight, tactile and easy-to-use, the Note 9 is an example of everything a phone should be.

    The Note 9 also uses biometric scanners to unlock the phone. You can opt to use either fingerprint scanners, iris scanners or both to open the phone, meaning you don’t have to constantly enter a password over and over to access your phone’s information. Much like the iPhone, there is also an integrated voice assistant in the form of S Voice. This allows you to use your voice to make calls, video chats or send text messages.

    In all, there are many great options for phones for seniors out there. However, these are some of the best overall options. Big displays, easy access and great video chat services all make these ideal choices for seniors.