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  • New Galaxy Watch and What We Know

    New Galaxy Watch and What We Know

    The Samsung Gear was lackluster and not a commercial hit. The adoption in comparison is dismal to the iWatch’s success. Samsung is looking to change that with its next Galaxy Watch. While its name, its OS, and its features are pretty much still in flux, which, at the very least, makes it sound a bit more exciting.

    What We Know

    Very little Im afraid. There have not been alot of details released yet. Lets start with what we know. It will be round for starters, they will not be adapting to Apples square face. Bixby will be a huge and integral part of this watch.Although Bixby has been out for more than a year now, Samsung’s homegrown AI assistant has not descended on any of the current smartwatches. That will change with the Galaxy Watch. Oh yeah,  Presumably we also have a name, ,A registered trademark on “Galaxy Watch” has been leaked.

    Its Safe To Assume

    While we don’t have any confirmation its safe to assume the next line in the Galaxy Watch will be a big upgrade from previous models. For it to compete with the legendary and most popular watch on the planted, the iWatch, it will have to be something special. Look for vast strides in the ai and voice control aspect. Bixby will do things Siri just cant and hasn’t even though of yet. It will be much easier to use and that in turn will give this the commercial appeal all of android is been lacking since the dawn of time, or 2010.

    What Would Be Cool in the Galaxy Watch

    This is the part of these articles I like the most. This is where we get to throw in all the stuff my little heart could desire in a new Galaxy Watch. What do I want, I want battery. Battery Life, I can not stress this enough. A watch I  don’t have to worry about charging for a week. Use that cool Rolex kinetic energy technology they have been using since the beginning of watches to recharge my smartwatch. A big face, 52-54mm. Make is glorious and a true fashion and status statement, like a watch should be. Holograms? ummm yes please. a bit better speaker, just to make taking a phone call on your watch actually viable. Last but not least, lets change Bixby to Sam. Sam, short for Samsung seems like a friendly guy I would like to chat with. The name is also very gender neutral and could easily pair with a nice female voice.  Plus we get the added feeling of being Dick Tracy and talking to Sam back at the station.

    The Final Thought

    Whats left to say? Well plenty. We will have more solid info when these details emerge. My industry sources tell me look for a Note release in late Aug for this new Galaxy Watch.

  • Apple Music Control Update for Sonos Speakers

    Apple Music Control Update for Sonos Speakers

    Finally. Finally, Finally. Up until now when using our Sonos Speakers you had to use the Sonos app to control the music. The app was not as intuitive, extensive or as viable as the iTunes music app built in to you phone. You had to create your playlist through the Sonos app and it was clunky and not very easy not to mention you couldn’t load existing playlist in. Well now out troubles are over. Sonos has announced the AirPlay 2 has arrived. This makes compatible Sonos speakers the first third-party AirPlay 2 speakers to hit the market, and support is being added retroactively through a free software update.

     

    Whats This Mean Really For Your Sonos Speakers

    Yes, this means you can use Sonos speakers to play audio from iTunes on the Mac and all iPhone and iPad apps including Music, TV, YouTube, and Netflix. Sonos speakers can also be used for multi-room audio playback with HomePod and Apple TV, and Siri can control Apple Music and Podcasts playback from iPhone, iPad, HomePod, or Apple TV. Great right?

    We are told AirPlay 2 works with the newest Sonos speakers (recognizable by their touch controls instead of hardware buttons) which includes Sonos Beam, Sonos Playbase, Sonos One, and the second-gen Sonos Play:5. Sonos customers can update compatible speakers through the software update section of the Sonos controller app today. For iOS users, start by updating the Sonos controller app in the App Store, then look for the new software update within the Sonos app for compatible speakers.

    The Final Thought

    While I got very excited for this at first. I soon realized all my Sonos Speakers are not going to be compatible. Tear. I have been hesitant to grab the Homepod because of my existing 4 speaker Sonos system. Now a change may soon be in order.  I like the group playlist functionality of Sonos that you cant get really get anywhere else. When I throw a dignified cocktail party everyone can sync in and que up songs or add to the party’s playlist. This adds a social element I have truly come to enjoy. Now I have convinced myself, my Sonos system will get a overhaul.

  • Largest Bike Sharing Service in the US Bought by Lyft

    Largest Bike Sharing Service in the US Bought by Lyft

    Lyft has recently acquired the largest bike sharing service (yeah, that’s a thing, apparently) in the US for $250 million. If that’s got you scratching your head, don’t worry, we are too. Jokes aside, the bike company, called Motivate, operates a number of bike rental services in urban centers that use bikes instead of cars. The offered bike rentals around the city are a combination of novel and useful. For one thing, they’re just neat: you go to a docking station and grab a bike! Additionally, the usefulness of not having to lug a bike downtown is a big draw to customers.

    Ride Sharing’s Interest in Bike Sharing

    Similarly, Uber recently purchased New York-based Jump Bikes. Lyft and Uber’s sudden interest in the bike sharing market may seem odd at a glance, but it makes sense. The primary income for both companies comes from densely-packed urban centers. Those same urban centers are a prime location for using a bike to get around. And, what better way to dig into Uber and Lyft than offering cheap bike rentals?

    In order to head off this potential thorn in their side, the companies did the thing they do best, and threw money at the problem. In this case, it worked out pretty well: they both possess significantly more bikes now than they did, and the competition is gone.

    That said, Lyft seems to have come out on top, as Motivate currently operates in dozens of cities in the US. This marks the first time the ride sharing company considered second-fiddle to Uber has come out on top in a bid for supremacy. This can only spell good things for customers: increased competition leads to better, cheaper services. If you find yourself in a large metropolis looking for a good way to get around, keep your eyes peeled for a Lyft sign over a bike station. You might just be able to drop some quarters and grab a two-wheeled ride!

  • Which is our Favorite Grocery Delivery App?

    Which is our Favorite Grocery Delivery App?

    Grocery delivery apps are surprisingly plentiful these days! While everyone hates having to set aside time to go to the grocery store, delivery services help lighten the load. Spending less time in stores and driving around free up more you time! Which is the best grocery delivery app for your money, though? We’ve got some of our favorites for you to check out right here! 

    Walmart 

    Photo Credit: The Edgelands 

    Whether you’re doing curbside pickup or having the groceries delivered right to you, Walmart has it. Some areas don’t have access to delivery, but most have same-day pickup at least. While we don’t try to disparage major retailers, any excuse to not have to venture into a Walmart is a good one. So, if you like the prices of Walmart’s groceries but would rather not go inside, this is a great app for you. The cool part, you don’t need a membership to take advantage of the service, unlike some delivery services. 

    Instacart 

    Photo Credit: Instacart 

    Available in larger cities, Instacart is great for those who love eating whole foods. They shop from stores like Whole Foods, Petco, Costco and CVS. Professional shoppers fulfill your order and then deliver it to you. Order have a $10 minimum, though. On the bright side, any order over $35 have no delivery fee. If you subscribe to the Instacart Express service, you can have shoppers go to multiple stores for you on one delivery. 

    Shipt

     

    Photo Credit: Appcrawlr 

    While Walmart has its own service, Target has delivery through the Shipt service. Shipt is an excellent app, well-designed and clean. It’s either $14 per month or $99 per year, and then you’re set to have groceries delivered. The service is very personable and offers same-day delivery. Great for lovers of Target’s products! 

    Peapod

    Photo Credit: Softpedia News 

    Peapod has the distinction of being the only delivery service on this list founded in the 80’s! Founded back in 1989, the service is now a full-scale delivery app. It has robust filtering features, allowing you to shop easily from the app. You won’t have any trouble finding exactly what you’re looking for! Also useful are the meal kits that let you order all the ingredients for a specific meal. The “Order Genius” helps to autofill your common purchases, too! You can do either delivery or pickup in certain cities. You even get free delivery for the first 60 days with the service! 

    Google Express 

    Photo Credit: iTunes 

    Google Express shops from a wide variety of retailers to fulfill your order. These include Walmart and Target, as well as Costco and Walgreens. You can do one- or two-day shipping on orders, and as long as you hit the order minimum, there’s no delivery fee. What’s even better, there’s no membership fee either! As long as you’re just shopping for groceries, this service doesn’t really cost you anything. Nothing’s better than free, right? 

    FreshDirect

    Photo Credit: Yelp 

    Available in the Northeast, FreshDirect is a great service for you if you live in an area it covers. They don’t offer same-day delivery, but they have partnerships with many local farms and fisheries to ensure the freshest food is delivered. Their focus on freshness extends beyond just their name! While they offer a few household supplies for delivery, their main purpose is delivering farm-fresh food. Order minimums are $30, though, so be ready to buy a good few groceries at once! 

    Thrive Market

    Photo Credit: Jenni Kayne 

    Thrive Market focuses on wholesaling for great deals. By buying direct, they try to control for great, organic food that also saves you money. That’s pretty hard to beat, huh? The best part is, this service puts its money where its mouth is. For every subscription, the app offers a subscription to a low-income family. That’s pretty noble and earns them some deserved goodwill. If you eat paleo, gluten-free, or other such health diets, this is a great delivery app for you to look into. Your first 30 days with the service are free, so you can test the waters before you buy! 

    Brandless

     

    Photo Credit: Brandless 

    Brandless has a pretty interesting gimmick: everything on the service is $3. For $36 a year, you have access to the unique pricing and packaging of the Brandless brand. Every product is non-GMO, if that’s your jam. Even better, when you sign up, ten meals are donated to the hungry. Each time you shop after that, two more meals are donated. Hard to say no to a win-win, isn’t it? 

    Best Overall Grocery Delivery App: Amazon Fresh

    Photo Credit: The Verge 

    Our favorite grocery delivery app is Amazon Fresh. You can sign up for a 30-day trial and try it out, but if you already have Amazon Prime, you’re set. Just hop on and shop from Amazon’s huge selection of groceries available for delivery. You can even get groceries from Whole Foods, since Amazon acquired them. Between the selection, the service and the price, this is your best bet. If you already use Amazon for your other delivery needs, it only makes sense to use them to have your groceries delivered. 

  • How to Keep your Dog Calm During Fireworks

    How to Keep your Dog Calm During Fireworks

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

    Masking Sounds of Fireworks

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

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

    Comforting Pressure

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

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

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

  • Which Pool Alarm is the Best for Your Family?

    Which Pool Alarm is the Best for Your Family?

    It’s the time of year that everyone’s opening their backyard pools! While having the pool open is awesome fun, it can also be stressful if you have small children. You’ve got smoke alarms, so why not have a pool alarm? If you have a pool and want to keep your family safe from injury, or worse, drowning, check out these great pool alarms. 

    Pool Guard Safety Buoy Alarm 

    This alarm is adorable and hilarious and helps keep your pool safe! It’s a bright red safety cone that floats on the top of the pool. How awesome is that? It’s designed to work best with above ground pools or small in-ground pools. It’s also great for spas. If you want a cute buoy for an alarm, here it is! 

    Poolguard GAPT-2 Outdoor Pool Gate Alarm 

    This gate sensor is awesome for more unusual gates. It’s a no-contact sensor, so installation is pretty simple. If other gate sensors have proved hard to use for your gate, this one is a great pick. The conatacts need only be attached to the gate and fence within a half inch or so of one another. Adults need only press the button to allow a pass-through, but kids that can’t reach the button will trigger the alarm. This makes it easy for pool parties and general use while still keeping the kids safe! 

    Techko S187D Safe Pool Alarm 

    This is a straightforward alarm that works on any opening like a door or gate. It’s weather-resistant and will survive splashes from the pool, too! It’s easy to set up and install, and it has a very no-frills interface. If you’re looking for a simple, affordable alarm that will keep your backyard safe, this is the way to go. If you want something with more functionality, though, check out our final entry. 

    Our Favorite Pool Alarm: iSmartAlarm DWS3R Contact Sensor 

    If you’re in the market for a more advanced solution, this is for you. It sports wireless contacts that keep your pool safe, and it has a ton of integration. If you want to hook up motion detectors or cameras, those are also available. You can even synch it with an Alexa-enabled device to arm it with your voice. How cool is that? This one is easily our favorite pool alarm. 

     

  • Beau’s Number 1 App Review: Pokemon Quest

    Beau’s Number 1 App Review: Pokemon Quest

    Beau’s App series. Each week, I install whatever is the No. 1 bestselling app on the iOS or Android store and review it, to save you the effort in case it’s total waste of life. This week a game called Hole.io is still in the top spot but out of now where Pokemon Quest has jumped to the number 2 spot so today we will look in on the number 2 app.  Why isn’t it No. 1? not sure, its a very simple and basic game but it’s free. So let take a look and see what has this game rocketing to the top of the charts.

    Pokemon Quest

    There has been some hype and anticipation following the announcement of the latest game in the Pokespere. The last Pokemon game Go was a spectacle the likes of which we had never seen in the gaming world before. The first vidoe game bubble?

    Pokemon Quest is a free-to-play action-adventure game in the Pokémon series developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo. Pokémon Quest features a blocky, voxel-style design similar to Minecraft. The game is set in Tumblecube Island, featuring cube-shaped Pokémon called “Pokéxel”. The Pokémon featured in the game are from the original lineup from the Kanto region in Pokémon Red and Blue. In the game, players control the base camp and the pokémon team. The player’s main task is to complete all the levels on the island, beating the wild Pokémon. The game process can be divided into four parts: base camp management, storyline, the Pokémon‘s training and the attraction of a new ones.

    Taking a left-turn from their typical animation style, the pokémon in Quest have been transformed into cube versions of themselves and inhabit a brightly colored — also 90-degree angled — terrain called Tumblecube Island. After choosing a pokémon companion to begin your quest, trainers are tasked with exploring the island for hidden treasure

    Getting Started

    You start off by selecting your first partner Pokémon: Bulbasaur, Charmander, Squirtle, Pikachu, or Eevee. Not sure the effect of your choice will have on the game but i choose Eevee because hes the cutest. you’ll attract new Pokémon to your team by cooking. You can cook by tapping the pot located at the center of your camp and selecting ingredients. The dish you create will determine which Pokémon you’ll attract and how many stages you’ll need to take on before it’s done cooking.

     

    Yes you can evolve Pokémon. All Pokémon that evolve in Pokémon Quest do so by reaching a certain level. There are two different ways to do this. One is by training, which involves sacrificing other Pokémon (don’t worry; they won’t die, they’ll just leave your team) to improve another. Think of it like a support group. Up to four Pokémon can be used to improve another.

    The other way is by using Power and Move Stones that you obtain through Expeditions. Each Pokémon has a Power Charm grid, which holds Power and Move Stones. As the Pokémon levels up, more slots open up.

     

    The Final Thought

    Just scratching the surface of this one and there is alot to this game. It is not the average time killing mindless tap app. I realized it is way to in depth for a app review. Im going to dig a little deeper into this game and for all of you Pokemon fans I highly suggest giving it a download. No this wont have the explosion and bubble pop the last Pokemon game had, that was something of legend. This will still be a very popular game and my define 2018 in itself.

     

  • Verizon’s Unlimited Internet Scam Breakdown

    Verizon’s Unlimited Internet Scam Breakdown

    Due to some massive fraud and outright lies to their customers, Verizon has to update their unlimited plans. They have some how managed to sell consumers 4G LTE service at the most expensive price rates in the industry while limiting them to dial- up internet speeds. For those of you to young to remember what dial up speeds mean its internet speeds of 56kbps. For comparisons sake the official legal speed requirements to have a mobile service labeled 4g is 4 Mbps. Nearly 900 times what Verizon is reducing its ” Unlimited” customers cellular service to. Now we get a price increase to combat the options to Verizon’s Unlimited internet ruse.   Let’s take a dive in to  how the Big Red Machine is  dividing up “unlimited” and reserving the most useful features and the best speeds for the more expensive tiers.

    Go Unlimited: You get Verizon’s Unlimited data, but at any time, your service might be temporarily slowed down in favor of other customers when the network is busy or “congested.” Mobile hotspot speeds are restricted to just 600kbps. Video streaming off Wi-Fi is limited to 480p.

    $75 single line / $130 for two lines / $150 for three lines / $160 for four lines

    Beyond Unlimited: You get Verizon’s Unlimited data free of potential slowdowns until you pass 22GB of usage in a month. The mobile hotspot feature offers full LTE speeds until you hit 15GB of usage. Video streaming is limited to 720p.

    $85 single line / $160 for two lines / $180 for three lines / $200 for four lines

    Above Unlimited: You get Verizon’s Unlimited data free of potential slowdowns until you pass 75GB of usage in a month. Which is probably a ceiling you’ll never hit. Hotspot is full speed LTE until 20GB of usage. Video, even on the highest plan, is still limited to 720p. Each month, Verizon tosses in 5 TravelPasses (good for 4G speeds until you cross 512MB of daily usage) that work in over 130 countries.

    $95 single line / $180 for two lines / $210 for three lines / $240 for four lines

    Verizon charges an extra $10-per-month fee if you want to stream 1080p video on your smartphone. This add-on is only available to Beyond Unlimited and Above Unlimited customers.

    The Final Thought

    I have personally experienced the slow down, nay, collapse of the mobile service that I pay a premium price for. In a recent trip to the movies to see American Animals my internet speed was metered to the point of not being able to load a single fandango web page.

    I ran a speed test to reveal my internet speed had been reduced to  .03 Mbps. While  I wish i could say this was a extremely rare case and I was in the middle of the Daytona 500. I was not, just  a random Tuesday at off peak times. This seems to be the norm rather then the exception. Looks like ill have to fork over another $20 a month, per line, to get the service they originally roped me into.

    I wish we could blame this on net neutrality but they have been playing this game long before it was legal again.  I guess ill just be another one of Verizon’s massively duped customers.

  • Our Favorite Grills to Heat Up your Next Cookout!

    Our Favorite Grills to Heat Up your Next Cookout!

    It’s that time of year: grilling season! Invite over some friends, grab some beers and get ready for an awesome cookout! What cookout would be complete without the star: the grill! To help you find the best one for your summer fun, we’ve got a list of our favorite grills! 

    Broil King Baron S520 

    If you’re looking for pure power out of your grill, this $650 entry to the list is for you. With a combined power of 50,000 BTUs from its five burners, you can guarantee you’ll cook your meals fast with this grill. It’s recommended that you exercise caution with this one: you don’t want to burn your meats! Experienced grill masters who want fast cook times should consider this one, though! If you can handle the heat, step into this kitchen! 

    Char-Broil Performance XL 

    Sometimes, you don’t need the very top of the line to have a good time. For those who want a solid grill for a great price, check out the Char-Broil Performance XL. A great budget choice for those looking to just cut up with friends in the back yard and grill a few burgers and dogs. Sporting five burners and running only $300, this is a great value! It’s even got an extra side burner for those smaller side dishes. It’s also great for grilling chicken, so if that’s your dish of choice, this one is for you! 

    Weber Spirit II E-310 

    A customizable and high-tech experience, those who want a flashy grill should go with this one. Retailing for $600, this one comes in a variety of colors to match your backyard aesthetic! If you have the Weber Temperature Probe you can keep an eye on the food without having to disturb it, which is awesome. Additionally, the unique tank design means you can keep tabs on how much propane you have at a glance! This means you won’t be running out right as you start making food for your guests! 

    Our Favorite Grill: Char-Broil Commercial Double Header 

    This Double Header will run you about $700, but it’s well worth the investment! If you’re a grilling multitasker, you’ll want this one. With two distinct cooking zones, you don’t have to worry about differing cook times or heat requirements. True grill masters will love the versatility of this one! While it isn’t the flashiest grill on this list, it’s easily the most rewarding for those serious about their grilling! 

  • Sonos Beam, The Answer to the SoundBar Problem

    Sonos Beam, The Answer to the SoundBar Problem

    The Sonos playbase sound bar had its problems. It was large, unsightly and looked like it belonged in the low rent apartment of a Best Buy employee. Sonos is now fixing this with the Sonos Beam. The latest in the Sonos family of speaker includes Alexa — and promises Google Assistant support — and it improves your TV sound immensely. Designed as an add-on to your current TV, it can stand alone or connect with the Sonos subwoofer and a few satellite surround speakers for a true surround sound experience. It truly shines alone, however, thanks to its small size and more than acceptable audio range

    The Great

    • Great Design
    • Terrifically Priced
    • Elegant Size
    • Big Amazing Sound

     

    The Not

    • Lacks pop on Sound Effects in Movies

    The Conclusion

    The Sonos Beam is the best sounding, best looking soundbar you can buy for $300. Its a great way to get started on your Sonos collection and start the ultimate home filling speaker system.

     

    The Design

    No metal grill on this Sonos, surprisingly it sports a e wrap-around cloth grille of the Beam . You know, the ones most commonly associated with the company’s ultra-budget competition. Yes its a bit of a  surprise on a Sonos product. Yet, the speaker retains a Sonos look with its plastic top and the touch control panel that debuted on the One. The pill-shaped Beam is smaller than most other sound bars at just 25.6 inches wide by 2.7 inches high and 3.9 inches deep (68.5 by 651 by 100 mm). You can get it in black or white. Unfortunately, the Beam doesn’t include a wall bracket in the box, but the company will sell you one for an extra $59.

    The Beam is two feet long and three inches tall. It comes in black or white and is very unobtrusive in any home theater setup. Interestingly, the product supports HDMI-ARC aka HDMI Audio Return Channel. This standard, introduced in TVs made in the past five years, allows the TV to automatically output audio and manage volume controls via a single HDMI cable.

     

    The Sound

    Not surprisingly, the Beam sounds pretty great too, though not quite at the level of the Playbar or Playbase. The soundstage is wider and the bass reaches lower on both of those models, especially the Playbase, but they’re both significantly larger and more expensive. For its part, Sonos recommends the Beam for small and medium-sizes rooms, where these disadvantages are minimized.

    The Sonos Beam does have some liabilities. Ive noticed with the soundbar by itself, it lacks sound and misses on sound effects. Mostly in high action movies with alot of explosions the Beam seems to sound flat, almost like it is dimming down the boost in sound. Im not entirely sure if this is a noise reducing functionality or a issue with the Beam itself> However when paired with other Sonos speakers they seem to fill the air and pick up what the Beam seemed to put down.

     

    The Final Thought

    With this low cost, High quality soundbar the Sonos Beam will be picking up a lot more customers and putting them in the Sonos sound world. Much like potato chips, when it comes to Sonos speakers, you cant stop at just one.