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  • Top Apps for Travel Deals

    Top Apps for Travel Deals

    Who doesn’t love to travel? Going on a fun adventure far from home is a great way to relax, recharge and energize! It can, however, be quite expensive. If you’re like me, you love traveling, but you also love saving money! With that in mind, today we’re going to try to do a bit of both. Let’s check out the tops apps for travel deals! Adventure awaits!

    Skyscanner

    Our first app is Skyscanner, a solid choice for travel deals. The notable functionality of this app is its ability to show you all the best deals on flights based on date and destination. The app will even alert you when better prices on flights become available.

    You can schedule your travel around when the tickets will be the least expensive. You can even browse by top deals if you don’t have a destination in mind, seeing which flights from your local airport offer the best value.

    Hopper

    Much like Skyscanner, Hopper is an app that helps you find good prices on plane tickets. Unlike Skyscanner, Hopper’s gimmick is sending you push notifications for when to buy tickets.

    You can save a ton of money through Hopper if you’re the kind of person who has plane ticket money just laying around. By striking while the iron is hot, you can snag crazy deals. Just be ready to fly (and buy) at some odd hours.

    Hotel Tonight

    Hotel Tonight lets you get a hotel room booked in seconds. The app offers some pretty fantastic deals, as it partners with hotels to get their empty rooms sold quickly. Hotels are an odd business, and they’re seeing increased competition from Airbnb.

    As such, they’ve started to get a little more creative in how they encourage guests to stay. Using Hotel Tonight, you can snag rooms that were canceled and are otherwise going to go unsold. The hotel would rather sell it, and you’d rather save money, so it’s win-win!

    Airbnb

    If you don’t mind the prospect of sleeping in someone else’s house, you can get some pretty great savings through Airbnb. The app offers curated experiences called Trips that allow you to get a more authentic, genuine-feeling experience in your city of choice.

    While some have raised concerns over the ethics of apps like Airbnb, it remains one of the best apps for travel deals. It’s hard to pass up some of the savings it offers! Just make sure it’s legal in the city you’re thinking of visiting: many localities have forbidden the divisive app. Safe travels!

  • Samsung Galaxy Tab S4 Feature Roundup: Android 2-in-1

    Samsung Galaxy Tab S4 Feature Roundup: Android 2-in-1

     

    Samsung’s Galaxy line has long been the very top of the line in terms of Android smartphones. However, their Galaxy Tab line has struggled to stay relevant as tablets themselves have fallen out of favor. Does the Galaxy Tab S4 have what it takes to put Galaxy Tab (and tablets) back on the radar of tech-lovers? The answer: sort of. It’s a step in the right direction, at least.

    Samsung Galaxy Tab S4 Feature Roundup

    Design and Peripherals

    It’s a Galaxy device, that much is sure at a glance. Trademark Samsung design is all over this simple, straightforward tablet. The major selling point, however, is the two-in-one functionality that makes it into a laptop-like device. The keyboard cover is another $150 on top of the device’s $650 price tag, but it’s a solid add-on. It’s not as bad as typing on a block of wood, but it’s not going to replace your home keyboard. The S Pen helps a lot in this respect, and thankfully the Tab S4 comes with it packed in. Unfortunately, the two-in-one functionality isn’t quite what you’d expect for the price.

    Two-in-One

    The Galaxy Tab S4 manages to be both a superfluous tablet and a sub-par laptop! Okay, jokes aside, it’s not amazing in either mode. The tablet mode is fine, but you have a smartphone. Why would you seriously need a tablet? It’s expensive and it performs a role you already have covered. In laptop mode, or “Dex Mode,” the touch screen is unreliable and unresponsive. That would be one thing if this was actually a laptop, but we’re talking about a tablet. You have to actually, you know, touch the screen to navigate through the operating system.

    It sounds like we really hated this tablet, and that’s not exactly true. It’s not a terrible device, it just doesn’t do anything to justify its steep price tag. Especially when you consider that the amount of money you spend on this tablet could also just be spent on an iPad, which is a far superior piece of technology. The iPad is gorgeous, fast and responsive; all the things the Galaxy Tab S4 isn’t.

    Bottom Line

    Unless you really, really love the idea of an Android two-in-one, skip this. Android is a passable operating system on phones, but it was made for phones. Nothing proves that more than this Galaxy Tab. If you love Android, that’s fine, and you’re certainly not alone. It’s a popular OS, due in large part to its open nature. However, you’d much rather work with a two-in-one running Windows or iOS, and if you disagree then you’re lying to yourself.

    That said, maybe this is the first step for Android devices into the 2-in-1 space. Perhaps Samsung is opening the door for another device to come along and make me eat my words. Until that time comes, though, I’ll remain unconvinced.

  • Smartphone Spotlight: Galaxy Note 9

    Smartphone Spotlight: Galaxy Note 9

    The 128GB Galaxy Note 9 can be purchased through carriers including AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, U.S. Cellular, Verizon Wireless and Xfinity, along with Best Buy, Costco, Sam’s Club, Straight Talk Wireless, Target, Walmart, Samsung.com and the ShopSamsung app.

    The Great

    • Slamtastic Screen
    • Instalike worthy camera
    • Adequate long battery
    • Interesting new S-Pen tricks
    • All the Specs needed

    The Conclusion

    The Galaxy Note 9 is Samsung’s Ultimate cry for tech geek attention. It has all the specs, a gigantic, magnificent, Fortnite worthy screen, a Bluetooth-powered S Pen, and a headphone jack… you know just all the essentials on the checklist for the kind of Android user that Samsung is targeting with a Note update. It’s a Phablets lover’s dream come true!

    I’m sure we all remember the note 7 scandle, but that is all history for the Galaxy Note brand. That was two years ago, this is the Note 9 we are talking about today.

    Galaxy Note 9 puts powerful technology in the hands of the tech geeks and gamers who demand more powerful and more screen from their smartphones. It certainly boast Innovative features and design make it the only phone to keep up with the next generation of users. Yes the rumors we have been telling you are true. Packed with a huge battery, a massive screen, and a powerful stylus, the Note 9 has more of everything than any other phone on the US market.

    How does it look and feel

    It’s large, I mean this phone is obscenely large. And when you put it in a case, it will become a liability. This is not a one-handed phone for any but the largest hands. Samsung moved the fingerprint sensor so no longer will the Note 9 fit into Note 8 case. On the bright side no more inadvertently smudging the camera lens.

    The Galaxy Note 9 has a 6.4-inch quad HD Super AMOLED curved screen, and USB-C and standard headphone jacks, it is IP68 Waterproof. We have been through this, the checklist of required wants and needs are covered. Not only that but it is stunning, think Charlene Theron on the red carpet elegant.

    No 5g on The Galaxy Note 9

    We have talked about 5G coming next year, Don’t get hung up on that; it will be another year before 5G is widespread and before chipset makers work out the power-management kinks that come with new wireless data systems. Yes write that down you are hearing it here first. Next year’s Note 10 will be 5G. Wanna wait that long? Anyways, The existing X20 modem get speeds up to 700Mbps with the right carrier setup, showing there’s still plenty of room in 4G. That’ll do, That’ll do just fine.

    Sounds and Stuff

    The Note 9 brings the S9+’s dual speakers to the Note line. The two speakers are by the earpiece, and along the bottom. Compared to the previous Note 8’s single bottom speaker, the speakers here aren’t much louder but clarity and treble are off the charts. Outside of the iPhone X I don’t think I have heard a better device speaker.

    The Biggest Difference

    The Galaxy Note 9’s biggest upgrade is its enhanced and gargantuan 4,000mAh battery hit it with a 10-hour battery test video. Yes you know the one where I leave it on the10 hour loop of He-Man singing 4 non blondes “what’s going on”. Results, 13% left, astounding. This leads me into projecting screen-on battery life out to 12 and half hours. That Destroys all other flagship smartphone on the market. The battery is significantly larger than the one in the Galaxy S9+ (3,500mAh, 10+ hours), the Galaxy Note 8 (3,300mAh, 6 hours), or the Galaxy Note 5 (3,020mAh, 8 hours and 30 minutes).

    Quick Speck Look

    • Graphics Mali-G72 MP18
    • Processor Octa core (2.7 GHz, Quad core, M3 Mongoose + 1.7 GHz, Quad core, Cortex A55)
    • Architecture 64 bit
    • Ram 6 GB
    • Audio Features Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus
    • Display Type Super AMOLED
    • Aspect Ratio 18.5:9
    • Screen Size 6.4 inches (16.26 cm)
    • Screen Resolution 1440 x 2960 pixel

    The Final Thought

    The screen alone will improve your Fortnite results instantly giving you an unfair advantage over any other player on a regular smartphone.


  • Top 5 Best Car Warranties 2018

    Top 5 Best Car Warranties 2018

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

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

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

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

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

    Our Top Picks

    #1. Endurance

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

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

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

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

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


  • 7 Signs and Symptoms of Addiction

    7 Signs and Symptoms of Addiction

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

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

    7. Change in Behavior

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

    6. Change in Friends

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

    5. Job/Career Issues

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

    4. Legal Issues

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

    3. Family Strain

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

    2. Physical Changes

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

    1. Personality Changes

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


  • Which Cordless Vacuum is the Best?

    Which Cordless Vacuum is the Best?

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

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

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

    Shark Navigator Freestyle SV1106

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

    Hoover Linx BH50010

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

    Electrolux Ergorapido EL2055B 2 in 1

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

    Our Favorite Cordless Vacuum: Shark IONFlex 2x DuoClean IF251

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


  • Infinite Battery? The Matrix Powerwatch X

    Infinite Battery? The Matrix Powerwatch X

    Wearable technology is at a bit of a crossroads. Most people who are interested in the tech have pretty much seen everything the field has to offer. However, technology is a notoriously ever-moving industry. Tech companies are not content to see customers hanging on to gadgets they bought four, five, even six years ago. As such, wearable tech has seen a ton of crazy innovations recently to catch consumer interest. Notably, the Ticwatch Pro recently incorporated a revolutionary dual-screen display to help cut down on battery usage. Enter the Matrix Powerwatch X.

    The Matrix Powerwatch X promises infinite battery life. No, really, as long as you’re wearing it and supplying it with body heat, it’ll last you forever. Well, until the you’re out of body heat, huh? Jokes aside, let’s take a quick look at the pros and cons of this interesting new smartwatch.

    Matrix Powewatch X Feature Roundup

    The Pros

    There’s a lot to love about a smartwatch that won’t run out of juice as long as you’re wearing it. The screen is always-on and displays simple information. Steps, time and basic notifications are all visible on the monochromatic display. While the information isn’t very detailed, it’s all easily readable and presented well. The watch is big, bulky and sturdy. In fact, if you don’t like the idea of carrying a huge watch around, don’t even bother with this one. That said, it’s rugged and tough, and will even survive in the pool. It’s waterproof and rated for up to 200 meters of depth. Not too shabby!

    The Cons

    On the flip side, this watch is pretty basic. Sure, it’ll last you forever and ever on battery life, but you pay for that functionality. Both literally and in terms of features on the watch. The Matrix Powerwatch X costs a whopping $280, which is a lot for a watch with such simple functionality. The fitness tracking is incredibly basic, tracking only steps and calories burned. The watch offers notifications but doesn’t display the content of messages. The only thing it notifies you of is the message coming in. While that would’ve been fine in 2005, this is 2018!

    The Bottom Line

    While the ever-charged technology on display here is awesome, it’s not attached to a particularly useful smartwatch. If you absolutely love the idea of an always-charged smartwatch and don’t need a ton of robust features, then maybe you’ll like this watch. However, if you already own an Android Wear or Apple Watch, you’re in possession of much more powerful and robust technology.

    It’s hard to justify spending $280 on a watch that has functionality on par with a $40 smartwatch. The question you need to ask yourself with this smartwatch is “do I find an always-charged battery to be worth $280?” If the answer is no, you can skip this (admittedly interesting) watch.

  • 7 Signs and Symptoms of Addiction

    7 Signs and Symptoms of Addiction

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

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

    7. Change in Behavior

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

    6. Change in Friends

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

    5. Job/Career Issues

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

    4. Legal Issues

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

    3. Family Strain

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

    2. Physical Changes

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

    1. Personality Changes

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


  • BEST DEALS ON SUNGLASSES

    BEST DEALS ON SUNGLASSES

    Stay up on fashion trends while keeping your eyes in good health with a pair of high-quality sunglasses! In addition to being attractive and fashionable, sunglasses provide valuable protection for the long-term health of your eyes.

    It’s true that a good pair of sunglasses will help you look good no matter what you’re doing, but they also shield the eyes from harmful ultraviolet light. These rays not only damage skin, they can contribute to the development of cataracts, spots on the eyes, a condition called snow blindness, multiple types of eye cancers, and more.

    Fortunately, there are many places and ways to find sunglasses that will block 100 percent of harmful UVA and UVB rays that cause damage. Sunglasses are a stylish, affordable, and fun way to protect your eyes. Read on to find out what you need to know about the best places to buy sunglasses.

    In order to be sure that the sunglasses they buy are high-quality, shoppers need to purchase their glasses from reputable dealers. These brands produce sunglasses that are made from state of the art materials, which is especially important when it comes to lenses.

    When we put on sunglasses, our pupils enlarge so that more light can enter the eye. If the sunglasses we wear are poor quality, UV light can be allowed in and cause damage. Well-made sunglasses have layers of protection that shade the eyes and keep harmful rays out.

    Best Places for Sunglass Deals

    Traditional Retailers

    Places like Sunglasshut, Macys, Frames Direct, and Ottica have a wide range of brands at a variety of price points. Some of the most popular brands of sunglasses in a myriad of styles and materials include Ray Ban, Maui Jim, Coach, Burberry, Michael Kors, and Raen. These brands also have their own stores where they sell products made exclusively for them, including sunglasses. These stores also offer valuable information on what standards are required for sunglasses to be considered high-enough quality for these brands to sell. Shoppers can also try name brand sunglasses on in person while in the stores or can shop for glasses online.

    New Online Retailers

    While going into a popular, reputable store to buy sunglasses is the traditional way to buy shades, there are new brands to consider and more modern ways to buy sunglasses. Warby Parker offers shoppers a cool new way to buy sunglasses, in which the company sends fashionable, high-quality, scratch-resistant glasses in groups of 5 to try for free. Customers simply return what they don’t want and pay for what they keep. Zenni provides an interface where customers can upload a photo to “try on” the glasses virtually.

    Once bought, the customized sunglasses are sent to customers within two to three weeks. Diff ensures a good feeling for every pair of sunglasses sold, as they give a pair of reading glasses to people in need. Plus, they offer free shipping on orders of $50 or more. While ModCloth is known for their impeccable style choices in clothes, this is also true for sunglasses at a range of price points, from $20 on up. One of the most pricey and popular companies, Eyeconic provides all of the top designer sunglasses, along with a virtual try-on feature to ensure that every pair looks good before any money is spent. Plus, shipping and returns are free!


  • Xiaomi Mi A2 Spec Roundup: Ditching the Headphone Jack

    Xiaomi Mi A2 Spec Roundup: Ditching the Headphone Jack

    Xiaomi might not be a terribly recognizable name in the US, but they’re a juggernaut in China. They primarily make low-end smartphones, at least price-wise, that function well nonetheless. The newest batch of phones they’ve announced are the Xiaomi Mi A2 and the Xiaomi Mi A2 Lite. The normal Mi A2 follows a few trends started by Apple in order to stay modern and fresh. Let’s look at some of the newly-announced specs of this Chinese smartphone.

    So Long, 3.5mm Jack

    It seems modern smartphones are allergic to 3.5mm jacks. Case in point? Even budget smartphones are ditching them now. This design trend has been partly in order to increase waterproofing, and partly to streamline designs. As the Mi A2 isn’t waterproof, in this case we can only assume the lack of the jack is to mirror the designs of premium smartphones. The Mi A2 Lite, however, retains the legacy output port. Those who still love their traditional wired headphones need not despair—yet.

    Hello, USB-C

    Instead of the micro-USB sported by the Mi A2 Lite, the Mi A2 has a USB-C port. Again, this seems to keep the phone in line with the design features of modern smartphones. USB-C is a great standard, allowing for fast charging and allowing for dongles for 3.5mm jacks to convert to the USB-C. This is a good switch, to be sure, and it’s good to see even low-end phones adopting the style.

    Xiaomi Mi A2 Specs

    The Mi A2 has reasonable specs for a smartphone of its price. It starts with 4GB of RAM and 32GB of storage. It also carries a Snapdragon 660 processor and an Adreno 512 GPU.  Oddly, it has a smaller battery than its little sibling, the A2 Lite. It sports a back-mounted fingerprint scanner and an IR blaster, as well, which both function reasonably well.

    Interestingly, the A2 doesn’t have a notch design, but the A2 Lite does. This somewhat muddies the connection between the standard A2 and a premium smartphone look but isn’t exactly a negative. In fact, many Android enthusiasts see the notch as ugly, or a reminder of Apple’s design philosophy.

    Bottom Line

    The standard Xiaomi Mi A2 runs right around $290, while the Lite runs around $209. Neither will receive a normal American release, but you will be able to buy them online if you’re interested in the combination of low price and reasonable performance.