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  • Top Ten Outdoor Gadgets to Make your Independence Day Cookout Awesome

    Top Ten Outdoor Gadgets to Make your Independence Day Cookout Awesome

    The 4th of July is almost here, and if you’re like us, you’re excited to have everyone over for a cook-out! The best way to make a great impression on your guests? Awesome outdoor gadgets! Independence Day just comes around once a year, so make sure you cook-out in style!  

    Looftlighter 

    Photo Credit: Williams Sonoma 

    Resembling a lightsaber, the Looftlighter is a great lighter fluid-free fire starter. If you’re looking to light your grill up in style, look no further! The Looftlighter costs $80 and will save you hassle and help the environment! Not to mention, it’s super cool and your guests will be wowed by it! It works by directing superheated air at the end of the aperture, almost like a super-charged hair dryer. Just point in at some kindling and keep it in that direction until it lights up! Be careful with it, though, it’s tremendously hot! 

    Front Runner Outfitters Spare Tire Mount 

    Photo Credit: Front Runner Outfitters 

    For $137 you can have a spare tire holder that doubles as a grill. If you don’t think that’s awesome, I don’t know what to tell you. If you’re looking to have your Independence Day cook-out in the wilderness, drop the grate over a fire. It’s designed at the right height to sit comfortably above a fire and let you grill on its steel surface. How cool is that? Perfect for those who want to enjoy a nice wilderness afternoon with friends!  

    UE Wonderboom  

    Photo Credit: CNET 

    The Wonderboom is a compact, loud, waterproof speaker that’s sure to impress. If you want something you can toss in a bag and bust out at the cook out, this little wonder is it. The folks at UE outdid themselves with this one! It can bob about in the pool, no problem, kicking out huge sound and keeping the party going. If you’re the type that drops electronics in the pool, check out the Wonderboom! You can usually find them for around $70, although they’re often on sale for less. Between the stellar battery life, great Bluetooth connection and loud speaker, the Wonderboom is your best bet for compact speaker.  

    JBL Charge 3 

    Photo Credit: World’s Best Outdoor Speakers 

    Much like the Wonderboom, the JBL Charge 3 can withstand water like nobody’s business. If you plan on charging up your gadgets by the pool, this is a great option! It boasts a USB port to charge any gadget you care to bring with you. Your guests will love getting to charge up from your speaker, too! The battery life is also stellar, although charging other gadgets up with it will reduce it. The Charge 3 costs around $150, but you can often find it on sale for less. With loud, punchy sonics and a durable body, this is another great choice for the backyard!  

    UE Megaboom 

    Photo Credit: Forbes 

    We really like UE’s outdoor speakers! The Megaboom, the bigger cousin of the Wonderboom, is a beast. It’s a little expensive at $200, but it really delivers. It sports amazing sound quality and top of the line durability. It’s totally waterproof, of course, so it can survive any dips in the pool. It’s shock-resistant and durable, made for a pool party or camping trip. If you want a loud, durable speaker for big cook-outs, the Megaboom is what you’re looking for.  

    Onward GrillPro

     

    Photo Credit: GrillPro 

    For $18 you can pick up your very own cast-iron smoker box! If you’re looking for that smokey flavor but want to save a bit of money, this is a great way to do it. Just throw the damp wood chips you want to smoke in the box and toss the box on the grill. As your grill hood fills up, the smoke will impart its flavor to whatever you’re cooking. It’s a great low-tech gadget and awesome grill solution!  

    Maverick PT-100 Pro Temp

    Photo Credit: Meadow Creek Barbeque Supply 

    This fantastic thermometer from Maverick is every grill master’s best friend. When you’re working with meat, you want to make sure everything’s gotten to safe temperatures. If you’ve used thermometers for your grilled food before, though, you know how painful it can be to hold your hand over a lit grill. That’s why we recommend this $65 thermometer from Maverick: it takes lightning-fast readings. That way you can make sure the food is ready without having to risk burning your hand! It’s win-win! 

    GoSun

    Photo Credit: Solar Cooker at CantinaWest 

    If you live in a particularly sunny region, you might want to check out the GoSun portable solar cooker. It’s only 8 pounds, and it can get up to 550 degrees! That’s a lot of bang for your buck, considering it only costs $260! If you like cooking out while camping, or just want to take your grill to friend’s back yard, the GoSun is a great option. The added benefit of not having to fuss with propane or charcoal makes it that much sweeter! 

    Bitterman’s Himalayan Salt Block

    Photo Credit: Sur la Table 

    If you’re looking for something a bit different for your grill, try a Himalayan salt block! Sur la Table sells a Bitterman block for around $30, and it’s an interesting experience. You set the block on the grill and let it heat up to the right temperature. Then, you drop your meats on it and let them cook. The satisfying sizzle is a nice touch, but it’s the mineral salt flavor the block confers that steals the show. If you’re looking to wow guests with some culinary awesome-ness, this is the way to do it! 

    Our Favorite Outdoor Gadget for Independence Day: Grillbot 

    Photo Credit: YouTube 

    A robot that cleans your grill for you? That’s exactly what Grillbot is for! Just plop him down on the gross, blackened grill after you’re done cooking. Like an awesome backyard Roomba, it’ll clean up your grill and let you spend more time enjoying your company and food. Nothing screams “it’s the future” like robotic servants making life easier, huh? You can grab your Grillbot for $90 from Amazon. This little guy is easily our favorite because he’s just so cool and handy! If you want your guests to think you’re a high-tech grill master, look no further than Grillbot! 

  • Flop Ten: The Biggest Console Flops of all Time

    Flop Ten: The Biggest Console Flops of all Time

    Today, instead of our usual Top Ten, we’re bringing you a Flop Ten! Everyone loves to look back at their favorite game consoles and remember the great times they had with them. However, it’s almost as fun to go back and poke fun at the worst consoles of all time. Today, we’re counting down the console flops that have defined their eras. From systems that failed despite being awesome, like the Dreamcast, to systems that were just plain awful, like the Virtual Boy, we’re counting them down. Let’s talk flops! 

    10. Dreamcast 

    Photo Credit: PC Authority 

    One of the saddest tales in gaming is of the crash of Sega. Sega was a bold company, unafraid to do literally whatever they thought would be cool. It was really their greatest strength: they had no fear! Going toe-to-toe with industry giant Nintendo was a no-brainer for the “no guts, no glory” company Sega. By the late nineties, though, after the failure of the Saturn and it’s many peripherals, Sega was in dire straits. So, their last hurrah was the release of the Dreamcast, an ostensibly excellent console that was doomed from the get-go. As console flops go, this one hurts. 

    Shenmue, Sonic Adventure and Crazy Taxi were some of the best releases at the turn of the century. However, Sega’s name didn’t inspire confidence in gamers, and Sony’s PS2 was on the horizon. Many gamers saw Sony as the new Sega, and as they believed it, so it was. The Dreamcast was to be Sega’s last home console, and the company transitioned to a third-party developer. Those who remember the Sega of 90’s still miss the bold, risk-taking Sega of that era, though. 

    9. Phillips CD-I 

    Photo Credit: Wikipedia 

    You might not have heard of the CD-I, but you’ve certainly heard of the terrible Legend of Zelda games released on it. Yeah, those, with the voice acting and hand-drawn animations. The CD-I was meant to be the step between home CD player and home computer. It was effectively a giant, glorified disk drive. And it was super weird, even at the time. It was released in 1991 for $700. If that sounds like it was a lot of money, go ahead and account for thirty years of inflation. Needless to say, Phillips didn’t make the mistake of entering the console wars again. While many console flops are due to marketing, this one was a more holistic “meh” reaction by the industry as a whole. 

    8. N-Gage 

    Photo Credit: YouTube 

    What a positively ridiculous idea, said everyone in 2003 as Nokia released this console/phone hybrid. Nokia’s idea with the Taco Phone was that gamers carried both cell phones and GameBoys. Why not combine these two pieces of technology into a freaking taco? Jokes aside, this thing bombed. No one wanted to play games with phone buttons, and no one wanted to talk into a taco-shaped gaming console. Nokia managed to fail to make the system appealing to any markets at all. A week after release, the system saw a $100 discount, but to no avail.  

    A year later, Nokia released a redesign called the N-Gage QD that was meant to address the problems of the first model. However, no one even took notice and the gaming community at large saw the platform as little more than a joke. Meanwhile, the GameBoy outsold the N-Gage literally 100-to-1. The moral of this story, and one that you’ll see later in this list, is “don’t mess with Nintendo’s handheld market.” Handheld console flops are a dime a dozen, and N-Gage is the poster boy of them. 

    7. Neo Geo CD 

    Photo Credit: Giant Bomb 

    The 90’s, affectionately remembered as the “Disposable Era,” saw the birth of many absolutely terrible gaming consoles. One notable example is the final home console released by SNK, the Neo Geo CD. Between its small game library and long loading time, the Neo Geo wasn’t poised to tackle any of the consoles of the mid-90’s. It was released in 1995 in North America but had been available in Europe and Japan the year before. By the time it hit American stores, though, it had to compete with the more powerful PlayStation and N64. Seeing as how you’ve heard of PlayStation and Nintendo, you can probably guess how things ended for SNK.  

    For what it’s worth, the Neo Geo X handheld did eventually resurrect the once-dead console line. That handheld also went the way of its predecessors, though, tanking nearly a year after release. It’s tough to be SNK, it seems. 

    6. Atari Jaguar 

    Photo Credit: Leftover Culture Review 

    Atari struggled to find its footing again after the Video Game Crash in the mid-80’s. Nothing exemplifies that better than the botched Atari Jaguar. The system was actually much more powerful than the SNES and Genesis systems, but the games released for it were mostly garbage. A ton of rushed shovel-ware and underdeveloped games brought the system down. It was to be Atari’s final entry in the home console market. While the company plans to release a throwback console next year, their once-great name is now synonymous with an era of forgettable, poorly-made games. 

    5. Atari Lynx 

    Photo Credit: Atari Age
    Remember when I said you really shouldn’t try to fight Nintendo on the handheld market? I meant it. Atari learned that lesson the hard way with the ill-fated Atari Lynx in 1989. The system was certainly more powerful than the GameBoy. It had a full-color screen, it sported more buttons and a much sleeker design. But it didn’t have Tetris, or Mario. And, as such, it was doomed to fail. While the system would go on to sell around 3 million units, the GameBoy sold 16 million units in 1991 alone. By 1996, Atari was on its last legs thanks to the failure of the Lynx and Jaguar. Atari sold out to Hasbro that year, thus signaling the end of an era. 

    4. 3DO Interactive Multiplayer 

    SONY DSC

    Photo Credit: Wikipedia 

    The 3DO, released in 1993, is an example of how poor marketing and pricing can kill an otherwise great system. Despite a strong library of games and good multimedia applications, the 3DO stumbled after the release of the Sega Saturn and PlayStation. The exorbitant price point, $700, didn’t drop until the system was already dead in the water. If the system had been priced more aggressively it could have sold better, but the company was stubborn. The rest is history; have you ever even heard of 3DO? Other companies could learn from their mistakes.  

    3. Virtual Boy 

    Photo Credit: Console Variations 

    This eye-strain inducing virtual reality console was Nintendo’s first big console flop, but it wouldn’t be their last. Brainchild of GameBoy creator Gunpei Yokoi, the Virtual Boy was meant to appeal to older gamers who wanted a “fully-immersive” experience. Instead, the mono-chromatic red display and awkward headset just hurt people’s eyes and necks. The games themselves weren’t exactly very inspired, either. As the first major video game miss for the ascendant Nintendo, the Virtual Boy marked Yokoi’s exit from the company. The GameBoy Pocket would release after the virtual boy to mild success, but many blame the Virtual Boy for Yokoi’s departure. One thing’s for sure, though: the Virtual Boy sucked. 

    2. Ouya 

    Photo Credit: Wikipedia 

    It’s often a good idea to not listen to hype. Especially when the hype claims that an Android-powered micro-console is the future of gaming. Once you finish with your hearty belly laugh at the expense of 2012-era industry analysts, let’s talk about this eminently forgettable Kickstarter project.  

    The idea here sounded great on paper: it’s a game console running on Android, and every system is also a developer kit! Every owner is a developer! The games will all be free, sort of! Except, no they won’t! The system performed unbelievably well via Kickstarter, where gamers fell in love with the idea of an open-ended platform for gaming that was easily modifiable. Then, the system released. And everyone remembered that PC gaming already existed. Yeah, the fine folks at Ouya missed that aspect of their console: they had accidentally invented PC gaming, but smaller scale and bland.  

    Flash forward to 2015 and the struggling platform is sold to Razer, makers of fine PC peripherals. Poetic, right? A company synonymous with PC gaming bought a company that tried to invent PC gaming for the console market. The Ouya’s name is now invoked as the punchline when discussing Kickstarter-based attempts to dethrone traditional consoles. Hey, isn’t Atari working on something like that? We’ll see how it goes.  

    The Most Disappointing Console Flop: Wii U 

    Photo Credit: Nintendo 

    The Virtual Boy was Nintendo’s first big flop, but it wouldn’t be its last. The Wii U followed the mega-successful Wii and was supposed to be aimed more at hardcore gamers. That didn’t exactly pan out, and the system went on to sell less than 14 million units. Compared to the Wii, which sold upwards of 100 million, that number stung for Nintendo. What was worse than those low sales numbers were the glowing critical reviews of many of the Wii U’s games and features. The GamePad was praised by many and its integration in games like Mario Maker was considered revolutionary.  

    So why was it such a huge flop? For one thing, the marketing around it was terrible. Marketing was primarily aimed at kids and focused on children playing with the system and pestering their parents. The ads hardly screamed “hardcore system for real gamers,” and families were mostly over the whole Wii craze. Speaking of, the name Wii U worked directly against the system: no one knew what it was supposed to be. Was it a new peripheral? Was it a new console? Many thought the tablet-like GamePad was the Wii U, and that it was an add-on for the Wii. This created a perfect storm of negativity, tanking the Wii U and shaking public faith in Nintendo. 

    In January of 2017 the company discontinued the system entirely, and in March 2017 the Switch was released. The Switch has already sold more than the Wii U, and is on track to break record again this year. Many great Wii U games have been ported to the Switch, and thus get to live again on the successful platform. The Wii U will be remembered as an awesome but poorly positioned console. As console flops go, though, it may have been the most disappointing. 

  • Ten Takeaways from iOS 12 Beta

    Ten Takeaways from iOS 12 Beta

    The public beta for iOS 12 is here! That means it’s time to dig in and talk shop. First things first, remember this is a beta, so don’t go installing it on your main phone. Grab an old iPad or something if you wanna try it out. That said, we’ve got a list of the top ten takeaways from the iOS 12 beta for those without a device to try it out with. From what’s awesome to what’s not, to what’s flat-out missing, we’ve got you covered. Alright, let’s get into it! 

    The Good Stuff: 

    Memoji 

    Photo Credit: Mashable 

    Let’s kick it off with some of the coolest features in the beta. The Memoji is available on iPhone X, and it’s great. It’s sort of like the Mii feature from Nintendo, where you can create a personal cartoon avatar. Then you can use that avatar in different apps to represent you, and you can type in to people in messages. It’s adorable, it’s meaningless and you know you want it. 

    Animoji

    Photo Credit: Refinery29 

    On the topic of meaningless adorable emoji things, new Animoji are also available on iPhone X with this update. If you already didn’t love this feature, this isn’t going to blow you away. That said, if you liked it, there’s some new ones to play with soon! There’s a new koala, a tiger cub, a dinosaur and even a ghost! Kids, especially, will love this. 

    Screen Time

    Photo Credit: Apple 

    This new feature aims to help you use your phone less. Screen time allows you to see how much time you’re spending on various apps, and you can even set time limits. If you want to create Downtime, as iOS 12 calls it, the phone discourages you from using apps at certain times. There’s also a new feature that allows parents to lock certain apps or time gate them for their kids. If your little one is staying up all night playing Fortnite, this is a great addition. 

    The Changes: 

    Notification Changes

    Photo Credit: 9to5 Mac 

    This one is a pretty great overall quality of life change. Now, like notifications will be grouped together, making it easier to parse what notifications you’re getting. This is great for cutting down on clutter. You can also mass-silence notifications of different type with a tap. More advanced Do Not Disturb options are also available for those who want to get picky with their notifications. 

    Voice Memos App

    Photo Credit: iTunes 

    Some changes to the voice memos app are welcome. They include fast forwarding and rewind controls, which are great. They also added iCloud storage for your voice memos. If you use this fucntionality a lot, you’ll be really happy to see these changes. Nothing major, just great to see. 

    Photos Search and Suggestions

    Another general quality of life change, this beta has introduced new functionality to the Photos App. The first is a new photo suggestion mode that suggests which pictures you may like to share with others via social media. The other is a new suite of search terms to help find your pictures. If you use Instagram a lot and take tons of pictures, these are awesome new features! 

    Group FaceTime

    Photo Credit: AppleInsider 

    FaceTime now supports up to 32 users at once. Awesome! It also now switches focus based on who’s talking which makes this great for meetings or more informal conversations. Speaking of informal, you can also add your Animoji or Memoji to these massive group conversations. Sounds chaotic, wacky and fantastic! 

    What’s Missing?

    ARKit 2

    Photo Credit: Apple 

    Apple’s big push for augmented reality isn’t present in the beta. While the Measure app uses the new augmented reality functions, other apps that do this already exist. We’ll have to wait until the third party apps that support the new ARKit ship when the OS launches. 

    Siri Shortcuts

    Photo Credit: 9to5 Mac 

    This feature currently works haphazardly with a few different first-party apps. Third-party support for the new Siri functionality hasn’t launched yet, though. Creating your own shortcuts for Siri is likely to be one of the biggest draws to the new OS when it launches. Apple has been trying to keep up with Alexa and Google Assistant, but Siri has been lagging behind. Seeing these features aren’t ready for full beta-testing yet doesn’t exactly inspire confidence.  

    What We Wanted in the iOS 12 Beta: Better Siri Overall 

    Siri was the first virtual voice assistant, but she’s changed little since she launched seven years ago. When Siri launched, phones didn’t have biometric scanners and smart homes sounded like a sci-fi future. Apple hasn’t rolled out the kinds of changes to Siri we’d have liked to see in this beta. Hopefully they have more changes, and more uses, coming later in the beta. For now though, we’re disappointed to see this cutting edge company lagging behind in this field. 

    Feature Image Credit: Apple

  • Top Ten Cyberpunk Movies of All Time

    Top Ten Cyberpunk Movies of All Time

    All things dark and brooding meet with awesome bleeding-edge sci-fi in the Cyberpunk genre. Popularized by authors like William Gibson, Bruce Sterling and Walter John Williams, the genre is seeing a surge of popularity today. Notably, a new video game based on the popular tabletop RPG, Cyberpunk 2077, showed a trailer at E3 that captured the imaginations of gamers. If you’re looking to immerse yourself in the seedy, gritty drama, check out these ten flicks. We’ve got our ten favorite Cyberpunk movies ever rounded up right here! 

    Our Top Ten Favorite Cyberpunk Movies

    Cyber City Oedo 808 

    Photo Credit: YouTube 

    Our first entry is an anime original video animation, or OVO, from 1990. Oedo is a fictional city in the year 2808, and it is under the constant threat of cyber-crime. The police have resorted to contracting convicted felons to help bring in criminals at large. The catch? The criminals tapped by the police can have their sentences shortened for helping bring in the bad guys. Just one more thing: our heroes are strapped with bomb collars to guarantee their cooperation. If you’ve seen Suicide Squad, you know the premise.  

    This one makes the list for its slick animation and beautifully realized cyberpunk cityscape. While the technological innovations may seem a bit quaint today, this remains a good, fun sci-fi romp.  

    Strange Days 

    Photo Credit: TVOvermind 

    Strange Days is set in a near-future world where playback of other people’s memories is a reality. By attaching brainwave emitters called “squids” to your head, you can experience recorded memories. This has become something of a drug-like experience for many. The film concerns a police officer, Leno Nero, who is investigating the murder of a prostitute. The murder in question was recorded by the killer, and Lenny has the recording. It’s creepy, haunting, and a pointed criticism of people who would spend all their time being someone else. 

    With virtual reality becoming more popular, Strange Days remains a fine criticism of its potential dangers. As good cyberpunk movies go, this is how you critique society and tell a noir story at the same time. 

    The Matrix 

    Photo Credit: IMDb 

    You’ve probably never heard of this obscure sci-fi flick from 1999. Jokes aside, the Matrix redefined modern sci-fi and is a fantastic cyberpunk tale. If you’ve never seen it (how?) it follows mild-mannered programmer Thomas Anderson, who begins to question the nature of his reality. Upon discovering that reality is merely a simulation, Anderson discovers he has a destiny to become a Messiah-like figure. Under the new name, Neo, he connects with a resistance to help defeat the machines who keep humanity trapped in the simulation. 

    Blade Runner 2049 

    Photo Credit: Variety 

    While the original Blade Runner introduced audiences to a rain-slick, neon-lit Los Angeles of 2019, the sequel slides the timeline forward thirty years. The world is the same, just older. The neo-noir sleuth work underscores the film’s deep themes and slow-burn action. Ryan Gosling stars as replicant android K, a police robot tasked with “decommissioning” rogue robots. The film expertly teases audience emotions and sensibilities, asking important questions about humanity.  

    What makes us human? What makes a sufficiently advanced machine any worse than us? And, most importantly, do android dream of electric sheep? 

    Terminator 

    Photo Credit: LADbible 

    The future is ruled by robots with Austrian accents. In this landmark 80’s action flick, humanity engineers its own predators in the form of Skynet. Skynet, a dangerous artificial intelligence, sends a Terminator assassin back in time to kill Sarah Connor. Why? Because her son, John, will one day be the leader of the Resistance seeking to oppose Skynet. Thankfully, John travels back to help his mother defeat the metal menace.  

    While Terminator takes place in 1980’s, the alternate-reality future certainly embodies the cyberpunk dystopia other films on this list inhabit. Terminator makes the cut by being so important in the progress of American sci-fi films and 80’s action. 

    Akira 

    Photo Credit: Roxie Theater 

    Anime has yielded a ton of fantastic cyberpunk films, and Akira is one of them. Set in a near-future Neo-Tokyo, the film concerns a young biker gang. One of their number, a punk named Tetsuo, begins to develop psychic powers after a bike accident. The film shows a dangerous city, besieged by both crime and an oppressive government. The film is also notoriously gruesome and accidentally brutal in ways that are certainly disturbing to audiences unprepared for it. Truly, this one earns its spot as a cyberpunk classic.

    RoboCop 

    Photo Credit: IFC Center 

    Another huge 80’s action movie, RoboCop is a much more straightforward cyberpunk film. The film follows Alex Murphy, a Detroit beat cop killed in action and resurrected by technology. The RoboCop he’s brought back as has glimmers of Murphy’s humanity, but guns down bad guys with no remorse. Exploring themes of corporate greed and mortality, the film is a surprisingly thoughtful cyberpunk film. This high-minded ethos is contrasted by the film’s incredibly bloody shootouts and brutal vision of near-future Detroit. 

    Ghost in the Shell 

    Photo Credit: Forbes 

    One of the most visually arresting anime films of all time, Ghost in the Shell is also an exemplary cyberpunk film. In fact, Ghost in the Shell is credited with directly inspired the Matrix and revitalizing interest in the genre. The film follows Major Motoko Kusanagi, a cyborg tasked with bringing in a criminal called the Puppet Master. Exploding with action sequences that serve as counterpoints to high-minded philosophy, Ghost in the Shell is a rare film.

    A great example of how anime and sci-fi are like chocolate and peanut butter, this one looks as great now as it did in the 90’s. Exhilarating from start to finish, cyberpunk fans should see this movie. This is easily the greatest of the anime cyberpunk movies. 

    Dredd 

    Photo Credit: The Verge 

    Based on the long-running comic strip, Dredd stars Karl Urban as the grim title character. Set in an oppressive, sprawling city called Mega-City One, the film focuses on a day in the life of Judge Dredd. Judges are law enforcement and justice system in one, executing criminals on the spot. This chilling premise runs alongside dangerous, deranged criminals and drug dealers. One of the drugs pushed by these criminals, Slo-Mo, provides trippy effects and slow-motion action in the otherwise gritty film. As solid and unyielding as concrete, this film hits all the beats that make it a great adaptation of the source material.  

    Blade Runner 

    Photo Credit: Warner Bros. 

    You’ve already been introduced to Ridley Scott’s dystopian Los Angeles earlier in this list, but here’s the one that started it all. Based on Philip K. Dick’s novel Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep, Blade Runner stars Harrison Ford as Rick Deckard. Deckard is a police officer tasked with “decommissioning” replicants, a job that should sound familiar if you read the article from the start. Deckard begins to grapple with the morality of his job, and things get ugly.  

    Depicting a retro-style future and stunning visuals, Blade Runner is a treat. If you love sci-fi or Cyberpunk, you owe it to yourself to check this one out. It’s got unconventional pacing, but it’s a quite exceptional work of art. In fact, Blade Runner is largely responsible for bringing cyberpunk movies into the mainstream. This one is easily our favorite film in the genre. 

    Feature Image Credit: Omega Level 

  • Top Ten Deals for your Buck During Steam Summer Sale

    Top Ten Deals for your Buck During Steam Summer Sale

    The Steam sale is on, and you know what that means: time to save some money on great games! If you’re looking to find sweet deals, the Steam Summer Sale is the time to do it. Starting with the games that cost the least, we’re showing off some of the hottest sales this summer! Event ends July 5th, so don’t miss these deals! 

    Craziest Deal of the Steam Summer Sale: Left4Dead 2, $2

    Photo Credit: Steampowered 

    The famous co-op zombie shooter is available for two bucks right now. If you ever needed an excuse to experience this intense horror game, here it is! Grab a few copies for some friends while it’s so cheap and get ready to blast zombies, together!  

    Fallout: New Vegas, $3

    Photo Credit: Steampowered 

    Three dollars will buy you a full meal at Taco Bell, or a copy of Fallout New Vegas. Choose wisely. Fan-favorite New Vegas is renowned for its world, story and gameplay. New Vegas follows the adventures of the “courier” through a western-inspired post-nuke Nevada. The player is given a ton of agency in deciding how the story unfolds. Every action has consequences, and the game’s various factions feel very fleshed out and real. If you haven’t played this one before, now’s a great time to try it out. 

    Borderlands 2, $5

    Photo Credit: Humble Bundle 

    Five bucks doesn’t even get you a foot-long sub anymore. It does, however, get you a copy of the best looter-shooter ever made! Borderlands 2 is 100% adrenaline from start to finish. Witty, laugh-inducing writing meets tight gunplay and addictive RPG elements. Rewarding skill trees and fun enemy types keep you engaged through this massive opus. If you’ve ever loved first-person shooters or Diablo-style looters, check this out. It’s awesome, and this deal is nuts. 

    Dishonored: Definitive Edition $10

     

    Photo Credit: Humble Bundle 

    Step into the shoes of trained assassin Corvo for the low price of ten bucks. Corvo Attano is granted otherworldly powers by the Outsider and must solve a murder mystery to clear his name. The dark, foreboding city of Dunwall serves as the backdrop to the stealth-action. This game was great for full retail price, so it’s a steal for ten bucks. 

    Ori and the Blind Forest, $10

    Photo Credit: Steam 

    The flowing, slick platforming action of Ori is top-notch. A stellar indie game, ten dollars is quite a deal on this one. A sequel was teased at E3 2018, so if you’ve been interested in seeing what this platformer is all about, now’s the time! Ori features a beautiful world and a lovable, slick protagonist. Controls are tight, and the world is evocative of such games as Rayman Legends. 

    Dark Souls 2, $10

    Photo Credit: Steam 

    Dark Souls was a revelation when it first released, so a ton of pressure was on the sequel to follow up. It did a great job of filling in for its older brother, though it wasn’t perfect. However, $10 isn’t much to ask for such a stellar game. If you’ve been playing the Remastered version of Dark Souls 1 and want to see where the series went from there, here’s your chance! Prepare to die a lot, though. 

    Fallout 4, $15

     

    Photo Credit: Kinguin 

    The second Fallout title to grace this chart, Fallout 4 came out in November 2015 to great reviews. For only $15 you can experience the tale of the Sole Survivor as they look for their son. Whether you’ve played it before and want to relive the quest or haven’t played it and want to see what the hype is about, $15 is a pretty solid price to pay for it.  

    ARK: Survival Evolved, $20

    Photo Credit: BGR 

    Discounted from a full retail price of $60, this is a great deal. ARK is a game that involves dinosaurs and lasers, so $20 seems fair by any metrics. Okay, jokes aside, this is a fun survival game. You can hunt, or tame, dinosaurs and you try to survive however you can. While the survival genre is a bit past its heyday of 2017, this is still a great game for a great price. 

    Grand Theft Auto V, $20

    Photo Credit: YouTube 

    GTA V may have come out in 2013, but it still retails for around $60. That alone helps show how much staying power Rockstar’s games have. However, it’s on sale for $20 right now, which is a steal. If you haven’t had a chance to play this open-world masterpiece, now’s your chance to snag it for cheap! The online multiplayer for this one is a cherry on top, considering how great the single player is.  

    Final Fantasy XV, $25

    Photo Credit: Steam 

    While this game was released in November 2016, it only saw a Windows release March of this year. That makes the sale price of this version that much more impressive! $25 for a relatively new AAA game is kind of crazy. For PC gamers who may have skipped this one since it was on console, here’s your chance to try it out. Featuring beautiful graphics and a gripping, epic story, Final Fantasy XV is a return to form for the storied series. Here’s hoping they stop making MMOs for future entries, huh? 

  • Ten Coolest Pieces of Star Trek Tech

    Ten Coolest Pieces of Star Trek Tech

    When the original Star Trek first hit airwaves in the late 60’s, it was concerned ahead of its time. While it boasted social understanding and politics that were ahead of its time, it also showcased awesome technology. Some experts even claim that the show may have helped inspire technological advances in the real world! Today, we’re counting down the ten coolest pieces of Star Trek tech we wish we could use. While some of these have come to exist in the real world in some capacity, others are still science fiction. Let’s get into it at Warp 9! 

    Hypospray 

    Photo Credit: PCMech 

    A unique intravenous delivery method for medicine was introduced in the original series, called hypospray. Hypospray is a liquid that is shot at a very rapid speed through the skin of the patient, thus forgoing the need for a hypodermic needle. In the real world, technology like this actually exists now! It’s very sanitary and safe, since foreign objects don’t need to enter the body. It’s also great for people with phobias of needles, and children! The real-world hypospray is shot into the body at Mach 0.7 in order to safely penetrate the skin. A great example of sci-fi predicting real-world technology! 

    Universal Translators

    Photo Credit: Memory Alpha 

    In the Star Trek universe, universal translator technology is essentially a way for the writers to hand-wave why all the aliens speak English. It’s much easier for the audience to pick up on tone and meaning when actors just speak normally. It’s also a pain to create a unique-sounding language for every alien race on the show. As such, the universal translator is more of a cool piece of trivia than a critical plot point in most episodes. However, such technology would be pretty awesome in the real world.  

    While there are, of course, translator apps and technology, they’re all pre-programmed with languages and meanings. The Star Trek version is capable of learning and translating languages at lightning-speed. Typically, by the time the viewer has realized the speaker is an alien, the translator has already done its thing. While this is highly improbable, it’s still super cool. With the advent of artificial intelligence in our world, maybe such learning translators will be a reality someday! 

    Phasers

     

    Photo Credit: geek.com 

    Phasers are truly iconic Star Trek tech. “Set phasers to stun” is synonymous with “let’s kick some butt” in nerd circles. Likewise, “set phasers to kill” is shorthand for “things just got real.” However, in the real world, phased array projectiles are still a long way from being a reality. The portable, hand-toted phasers in Star Trek would simply draw too much power to be practical in our world. While some very large burst-array laser weapons exist in prototype form, it seems unlikely we’ll see true phaser weaponry anytime soon. Until then, boring old ballistics remain the weapon of choice.  

    Tablets

    Photo Credit: Memory Alpha 

    Savvy watchers may have noticed that Star Trek predicted the iPad. In the Next Generation series, personal access data devices, or PADDs, are owned by pretty much every crew member. These devices have essentially all the same functions as modern-day smartphones and tablets. While the PADDs are a minor detail on the show, they show just how inventive and forward-thinking the writers were. One wonders if maybe the fictional PADDs served as inspiration for Apple when designing the iPhone and iPad! 

    Tractor Beams

    Photo Credit: Big Think 

    A common plot device in Star Trek is the presence of an enemy ship using their tractor beam to anchor the Enterprise on the spot. The crew then has to stand and fight against a better-equipped foe. Or, an away vessel gets caught in a tough spot, so the Enterprise uses her tractor beam to pull them out. Tractor beams, which are hypothetical attenuated linear graviton beams, are theoretically quite possible! While the technology to use them on the scale seen in Star Trek doesn’t exist, smaller versions do. Lab testing has shown the ability to catch small objects in place and manipulate them with acoustic tractor beams! Such technology has a promising future helping with surgical procedures. Non-invasive beam-based surgery sure sounds like a Star Trek tech future! 

    Food Replicators 

    Photo Credit: Memory Alpha 

    If you’re like me, you hate cooking. Personally, I hate the cleanup that follows cooking more. Even if you love cooking, you’d have to admit that having a replicator would be awesome. Hungry for some sushi? Tell the replicator! Want an ice cream sundae? Computer, sundae! More than just convenience, replicator technology could help alleviate world hunger.  

    In the real world, the analogous technology is 3D-printable food. There have been great strides in that field recently, with 3D printers capable of creating actual edible food! There’s also been a great deal of progress in the realm of neuroscience regarding flavor, like programmable glasses. A programmable glass can make tap water taste like any cocktail imaginable by messing with your taste buds. How cool is that? 

    Voice-Activated Computers

    Photo Credit: Mashable 

    Characters calling up commands by shouting at the computer is a quintessential Star Trek move. Having voice-controlled computer functions sidestepped the issue of having characters explain what they’re doing with a computer. You’ve certainly seen other shows where a character at a keyboard has to explain to another character what it is they’re doing. Sometimes this is fine, other times it feels weird and forced. Star Trek just used high-tech voice commands to communicate effectively and move scenes along. 

    In our world, of course, voice-activated assistants are commonplace and used every day. In fact, Amazon recently updated Alexa to answer to “Computer,” letting fans feel like Kirk or Picard in their own home. This is one piece of Star Trek tech that has become reality with no caveats! It exists in our world precisely as it does in theirs. 

    Artificial Intelligence

    Photo Credit: StarTrek.com 

    Advanced artificial intelligences like Data and his brother Lore are a central plot point in The Next Generation. Villains like the Borg also embody a darker side of artificial intelligence. In our world, we’re pursuing true artificial intelligence that can grow and learn like Data. While we’re still a few years from self-aware computer programs, learning systems are a reality right now. Systems that learn habits and can be trained are advancing by leaps and bounds every day. The big breakthrough that leads to true intelligence in a computer program is just around the corner. One has to think that fictional artificial life like Data in some ways gave life to the desire to pursue such technology. 

    Warp Speed

    Photo Credit: ScreenPrism 

    In order to follow individual characters, and not their lineages, as they explore space, we have to have a faster-than-light drive. Warp speed is the technology used in the Star Trek world to propel ships faster than the speed of light. It’s the technology that makes the shows deep-space exploration possible. Pretty much any sci-fi story that deals with interstellar travel has some variation on an FTL drive to propel the ships as well as the plot. However, according to our current understanding of physics, such drives are impossible.  

    That said, NASA has been working on a theoretical technology called the EmDrive that may be a real-world counterpart to Impulse Drives. The technology is confusing and works by effectively defying physics. The no-fuel, hollow drive has been much criticized but recent findings show that it inexplicably works. If the EmDrive proves to be reliable at starship scale, maybe it’s humanity’s ticket to space exlporation. 

    The Coolest Star Trek Tech: Teleportation

    Photo Credit: Maxim 

    Star Trek’s most well-known fictional technology, point-to-point teleporters are often used to save the characters from sticky situations planetside. Access to teleporters in the real world would be absolutely amazing. For one thing, you could get to work in the blink of an eye; so long, traffic! For another, the cost of shipping would become zero on pretty much every object ever. Amazon Prime’s two-day shipping would become two-second shipping.  

    While real-world teleportation is likely a sci-fi dream, it could eventually become a reality. Quantum mechanics could prove a window into understanding ways to teleport things across vast distances. Entanglement and wormholes are two avenues of research that could yield promising results. Until then, we’ll have to be content watching Jim get beamed up! 

  • Which Video Game is the Greatest?

    Which Video Game is the Greatest?

    The medium of video games has grown tremendously in the past few decades. What was once considered something akin to children’s toys is now considered an art form. Many who grew up playing video games are now adults and fondly remember the games of their childhood and how those games defined them. Since E3 passed just last week, let’s discuss our favorite game of all time, and some of the runners-up. This list, of course, is entirely subjective and it’s okay if you disagree. But, for our buck, these ten games represent the very best gaming has to offer. Even if some of these games haven’t quite aged well, we’re considering their impact at the time of release. Alright, let’s get into it! 

    10. Half Life 2 

    Photo Credit: Kinguin 

    When Half Life 2 opens, you’re introduced to an Orwellian, dystopian nightmare. A brutal police state is in place, and the only person who can change things is you. Smashing the state has never been as fun as this 2004 masterpiece made it. While the gunplay is tight and frenetic, the most memorable thing about this triumphant game, other than the worldbuilding, was the gravity gun. When the game released in 2004, it had one of the most robust physics engines of all time. Using the gravity gun to slice zombies in half in the creepy Ravenholm level is exhilarating.  

    The game features smart writing and amazing worldbuilding. The game has no cutscenes, never taking agency away from the player. Yet it still conveys its story in a way that draws genuine emotions. It makes the player earn every victory. By the time you bring down the villainous Dr. Breen, you feel like you personally just led a resistance against a police state.  

    The series may never receive a proper conclusion, but this game was truly something special. It’s almost bittersweet to look back on the company Valve once was. These days the once-legendary developer is content to make skins for Dota characters and operate the ludicrously successful Steam platform. There’s currently a fan-made sequel to Half Life 2 in the works. Maybe that will give us a satisfying conclusion. 

    9. Super Mario World

     

    Photo Credit: Nerdist 

    What is there to say about Super Mario World that hasn’t already been said? Released in 1990, Super Mario World was the synthesis of all the 2D platforming games that had come before it. The game rewards exploration and mastery in ways previous video games hadn’t dreamed of. Part of that was the new technological limits offered by the game’s system, the SNES. The biggest thing driving the game, though, is the drive and passion director Shigeru Miyamoto and his team brought to the game.  

    Every stage in every world is crafted with care. The sound design is crisp and catchy. The sprite animations are charming and inviting. Everything from running to swimming to flying through the air with the cape feels incredibly natural. To this day, nearly three decades later, no platforming game has managed to top the feel of control in this game. While some, like Donkey Kong Country, would go on to be as amazing in their own right, none would ever quite surpass Super Mario World.  

    8. Final Fantasy IV 

    Photo Credit: Final Fantasy Wiki 

    Released in America as Final Fantasy II in 1991, this entry in the series would come to define storytelling in RPGs. Featuring a sweeping, epic tale of heroism and redemption, Final Fantasy IV blends story and gameplay in exciting ways. When the protagonist redeems himself and swears off the darkness, his class changes to Paladin. When characters sacrifice themselves to save you, they’re gone from the party. Never before had an RPG managed to convey its story so well through gameplay mechanics.  

    While the series would go on to continue this trend with massive games like Final Fantasy VII, it was the fourth game that really introduced this kind of storytelling. The next time you boot up a story-driven single-player RPG, remember to thank Final Fantasy IV for paving the way. 

    7. Metal Gear Solid 3

    Photo Credit: IMDb 

    The Metal Gear series has been around for more than 30 years and is responsible for some of the greatest games of all time. The greatest of the greats, though, is none other than the third entry in the Solid series. Metal Gear Solid 3 tells a Cold War-era spy thriller tale that also sets up the central conflict in the games that take place after it. Acting as a prequel to the first two games, MGS3 is a great stand-alone and excellent stealth game.  

    Enemies react to your presence naturally. You never feel unfairly targeted or caught. Using the game’s camouflage system is intuitive and natural. The voice acting is hilarious and awesome in all the right ways. The most memorable thing about the game, though, is the boss fights. Each of the primary antagonists gets a unique, drawn-out showdown with Snake, and their personalities define their fights. Each of the villains is named for an emotion, and each lives up to that emotion in their fight.  

    Cinematic, epic and gripping, Metal Gear Solid 3 remains one of the very best games of all time. If you haven’t touched the series before, at least try 3 and see what you think. If you fall in love, the rest of the series is superb and waiting for you. 

    6. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time

    Photo Credit: Zeldapedia 

    The first few notes of the title screen of this game still give me chills. Playing back through the game now, I see some of the cracks in the surface. However, back in the 90’s when it came out, this game was a revolution. Mario had just shown the world what a 3D platformer looks like when masterfully crafted. Now, it was Zelda’s turn to redefine the adventure formula.  

    The first time you pluck the Master Sword from its pedestal and find yourself transported forward in time, the game opens up. Suddenly, the heroic but childish quest takes a dark, mature turn. The world outside is bleak, and the villain has already won. In the past, Link is too young and inexperienced to fight Ganon. In the future, it’s too late. That twist, and the ensuing gameplay wrinkles involving time travel, still makes the game feel inspired and fresh.  

    While it’s been talked to death in recent years, the formula of 3D action-adventure games owes everything to Ocarina. If there’s anything to fault the game for, it’s the formulaic late-game dungeon structure. But, at the time, it didn’t feel formulaic at all! It felt like a natural progression of the kinds of dungeons seen in the 2D games. The legacy of Ocarina of Time is one still felt in modern Zelda games, even the dramatic departure represented by Breath of the Wild.  

    5. Pokémon Red and Blue

    Photo Credit: SnapPow.com 

    The game that launched a mega-franchise, Pokémon Red and Blue is more than the sum of its parts. Video games, up to this point, had been relatively fringe. In the late 90’s, though, the advent of Pokémon led to a serious media craze. Trading cards, movies, TV shows and more propelled the series into a full-blown cultural phenomenon. The original games that started it all still stand as excellent examples of RPG design. 

    Featuring a unique collect-and-battle system, Pokémon was uninterested in what the player character could do. Instead of crafting your party from adventurers with swords and spells, you crafted a party of cute monsters. Catching, training and evolving those monsters proved rather addicting, and the rest is history. While the original games haven’t aged well graphically, they’re still a blast to relive. I actually like to go back through and beat the main story every year or so, just for the heck of it. This was my very first video game, so it means a lot to me. I’m pleased that the series has had such lasting impact, and look forward to seeing where it goes next. 

    4. Halo: Combat Evolved

    Photo Credit: Halo Waypoint 

    There was once an era when shooting games on consoles were ridiculed. Mouse and keyboard control schemes were considered the only reasonable way to play first-person shooters. Then, Bungie released Halo: Combat Evolved in 2001. Featuring an aim-assist algorithm that makes the player feel like a crack-shot without holding their hand, Halo redefined console shooters. Goldeneye 007 and Perfect Dark, by contrast, had relied on design tricks that made the gun fights feel floaty and imprecise. Halo was revelatory, as the action was fast-paced, precise and brutal. 

    Multiplayer would be the bread-and-butter of future games, but the first Halo wowed audiences with its single-player. The score, the ambiance and the space-opera story all gave the game a monumental, mythical scale and scope. The enemy designs were intimidating and fun to shoot at simultaneously. Each level had a unique feel and challenged the player in new ways. The most memorable part of the game, though, was seamlessly piloting vehicles over soaring vistas. Hopping in and out of vehicles was tons of fun, and Halo provided a great open sandbox for gamers to play in. 

    3. Dark Souls

    Photo Credit: Windows Central 

    Dark Souls is haunting, mysterious, and will probably kill you. While these might not sound like the hallmarks of a great game, rest assured, Dark Souls is one of the greatest video games ever made. How can this be? The controls and mechanics are largely awkward and not explained in game. The difficulty curve is absurd, throwing the player into a world of constant peril and oppressive despair. What about that makes it a masterpiece? 

    Well, Dark Souls, unlike games like Super Metroid, doesn’t succeed as a game, but as a piece of art. It forces you to grapple with it, to understand its world and mechanics intuitively. You are never guided or coached, and your victories are yours alone. As are your defeats. Dark Souls is a game that respects the player enough to not spoon feed them; the player is expected to rise to the challenge.  

    The game’s story and world reflect this: it’s a bleak place. If you back down, or stumble, you will die, and the world will be no more. If you rise up and ignite the fires, maybe things will get better.  Maybe they won’t. This existential, brooding narrative pairs beautifully with the slow-paced, measured combat. Dark Souls represents a synthesis of story and mechanics that is truly moving.  

    2. Super Metroid

     

    Photo Credit: Polygon 

    Super Metroid is a master class in atmospheric storytelling. Planet Zebes feels truly alive, and Samus’ badass solo mission always feels like it’s a breath away from failure. The world is foreboding and mythical, hiding secrets behind every corner. Super Metroid succeeds in every way as a video game: rewarding curiosity, exploration and mastery. Boss fights are white-knuckle romps, new abilities make you feel truly powerful, and the story is actually engrossing.  

    When Retro Studios took Metroid into 3D with Metroid Prime, they honored the legacy of what many consider to be the greatest game of all time. While Super Metroid is certainly amazing, it does suffer from slightly uneven pacing. It is easy to get lost in the game, for better or worse. Finding one’s way forward is quite difficult, but always rewarding. That said, there is no such thing as a perfect game, and Super Metroid comes closer than many others in getting there. 

    The Greatest Video Game of all Time: The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past 

    Photo Credit: The Verge 

    If you’ve ever played a Zelda game, you know the formula. Link is called to save the Princess. He assembles three amulets, finds the Master Sword, and then conquers eight temples. He traverses between two worlds, and then defeats Ganon. All of these tropes began with 1991’s masterful Link to the Past. Representing a huge step forward in game design, Link to the Past stands as one of the greatest games of all time.  

    The music, the world and the enemies are all alive. Mystery and adventure await in every cave, behind every door. The dungeons are well-designed, thought-provoking and full of puzzles. Exploration is always rewarded with new secrets. If ever a game deserved to be called the very best, it’s this one. Every game wishes it could capture the same spirit of adventure and wonder as Link to the Past.  

    While the formula established here may have worn thin in subsequent games, it only got as popular as it did by being so darn fun. Few other games make you feel as much like the hero of your own story as Link to the Past. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go beat this game again. 

    Feature Image Credit: Sporcle 

  • Top Ten Tools Every Small Business Needs

    You’re looking to start a small business, huh? Well, you’ve definitely got a lot on your plate. What are some tools and software suites that can help lighten that load and make things easier? We’ve got a list of the top ten things that every small business needs to succeed. From invoicing software to analytics, we’ve tried to think of everything you may have missed. With these tools and some business know-how, you’re bound to do great! 

    Project Management Software 

    OmniFocus, Jira and a few other platforms are great examples of project management software. Tools to help keep projects organized and on-time are a must for any small business. If you’re concerned with meeting deadlines and efficiently finishing projects, having access to oversight tools is important. Those working on the project can log their progress through the project software, allowing you to keep up-to-date on its status. That way, if issues arise, you’ll be kept up to speed with the project. Checking back through logs to see what worked, and what didn’t, will help ensure future projects go even better.  

    Invoicing Software 

    While your project management is important for internal operations, in order for things to keep operating, you have to get paid. As such, picking an invoicing software to familiarize yourself with is important. Many businesses prefer the easy-to-use Microsoft Excel, pictured above. You’ve probably used it before and making invoices in it is a breeze. In fact, Microsoft’s Office Suite of programs is so universally useful, you’d be hard-pressed to find a reason to not have it. Other programs do exist for those who prefer them, though. FreshBooks and QuickBooks are two popular examples, both of which are perfectly serviceable. The important thing, of course, is being comfortable and famliar with your chosen invoicing software.  

    Point of Sale System

    In the same vein as invoicing, your money has to come in somehow. If you’re operating a storefront, you’ll need a point of sale system. A favorite of small business owners is the excellent and business-friendly Square platform. You can use an iPad with a stand and card reader, if you’d like, allowing a rather inexpensive and elegant way to handle transactions. Those looking for more traditional software have a wealth of options available to them, as well, though they are often much more expensive. Solutions like EPOS Now and Merchant Account Solutions are quite popular, though they are a bit more difficult to set-up than Square. 

    Communication Apps 

    Staying in touch with your employees and clients is important. The best ways to keep in touch? Apps like Skype and Slack. Using Skype for Business is a great way to integrate your Skype contacts into your everyday business. Video conferences with clients and business partners are easy with Skype. Rather than having to hop on a plane across country, you can simply video chat in! On the other end of the spectrum, the Slack app is great for keeping in touch with employees. Slack is designed for business and is great for workplace productivity and communication. 

    Ride-Sharing Platforms

    It’s quite likely your small business doesn’t have a driver on-site. For all the times you need to jet across town for a meeting but won’t have time to find parking, consider a ride-sharing service like Uber or Lyft. These apps offer relatively inexpensive rides and help you get where you’re going on time and without having to worry about the drive time. Until you can afford your own driver, a ride-sharing app is a pretty close approximation!  

    E-Signing Apps

    Echo Sign, DocuSign and other services are great to consider for your business. Offering digital uploading and signing of documents, digital singing apps are great for streamlining your business. If you have distant clients that need to sign documents but no fax machine, these are a life-saver! They’re also great for employees who are off-site to sign tax documents and releases. Strongly consider use of these applications when you need documents signed!  

    Drop Box

    It’s hard to overstate how important the cloud will be to your business if you implement it well. Drop Box is an app built around cloud storage. If you have files you want to share, Drop Box is how you do it. Connecting all of your devices is easy, and you can access your Drop Box from anywhere. Instead of having to remember to bring thumb drives or laptops with you, just upload relevant files to the cloud and pull them up on any device with your login information. Streamlining all your files in one place is a great way to appear organized and professional! 

    Social Media Presence

    You probably guessed this would be on the list. Having a strong social media presence is very important, even if it doesn’t seem that way. Being on Facebook and Twitter is a must, as many potential customers will encounter your business through there first. For businesses aimed at younger people, Instagram is another social media platform worth being on. Managing your social media platforms isn’t terribly hard or time-consuming, but it makes a huge difference. Younger demographics are much more likely to recognize and engage with your brand if you have a strong social media presence. That said, social media is no substitute for a true web presence via your own website. 

    A Great Website

    Not every startup can afford to pay a professional web designer to help set up their website. If you’re looking for a resource to create a website, there are some great options out there. Go Daddy is a popular tool, offering great beginner resources for creating an aesthetically pleasing, informative site. The site offers a great deal of support via live troubleshooting and advice from professionals. Go Daddy even incorporates WordPress support for blogging. Another popular choice is Wix, a “no-programming” website builder. Wix uses a drag-and-drop interface so you can make a site that you like the look of on the fly. Whichever one you choose, make sure to create a site that matches your brand and vision. Most customers’ first experience with your business will be through your site, so make sure to make that first impression count!  

    The Most Critical Small Business Tool: Google Analytics

    Analytics are what your business will live or die by. Your web presence is everything in the modern era, and every startup needs to ensure their image is right. Using Google’s analytics software will help you see traffic to your site broken down into readable, informative graphs. The information gleaned is concise and you can act on it confidently, knowing you understand the meaning behind the raw data. Without use of analytics, you’re shooting in the dark. With analytics, you know your target and how to hit. Breakdowns by demographic, country and traffic types are all available, helping you hone your web marketing. With these tools and the right execution, you’ll be setting yourself up for success. 


  • Which Mobility Scooter is Right for You?

    Which Mobility Scooter is Right for You?

    So your mobility isn’t what it used to be… no problem! Today, some insurance companies will actually help with coverage on a mobility scooter, or even pay for the whole thing. Check it out for yourself! Either way, it may be worth checking them out and seeing if it fits your lifestyle. With that in mind, let’s look at the top ten mobility scooters.

    Drive Medical Phoenix Heavy Duty

    A heavy, sturdy scooter for a great price, this one is a good pick. This one has a headlight, which is good for darker areas. It also has a basket in the front for carrying things, making it great for grocery store trips! The seat is customizable, broad and comfortable. For $1,200, this is a great heavy-duty pick.

    Pride Mobility Go-Go Sport

    This scooter is notable for its four-wheel drive and durability. It’s not terribly fast, topping at 4 MPH. That said, it’s rugged and durable, and works great when outdoors! If you like being outside and enjoying the sunlight, this is a great pick! For a combination of durability and mobility, check out the Go-Go Sport!

    E-Wheels EW-72

    A stylish and slick scooter, the E-Wheels EW-72 has a look inspired by classic cars! For those looking to really zoom, this scooter has a top speed of 15 MPH! As a heavy-duty scooter, it works quite well, as it has a top weight rating of 500 pounds! If you’re looking for a great, stylish, heavy-duty scooter, this is a great choice for you!

    Transformer Electric Folding Mobility Scooter

    Another great choice for carrying in a trunk and carrying around with you, this transforming scooter is pretty neat. It folds up into a nice, compact shape so it can go anywhere with you! The battery is airline compliant, so it can fly with you, which is great for those who fly often. If you’re on the move and need a scooter that can keep up, this is the one for you!

    E-Wheels Jellybean Electric Scooter

    The second E-Wheels scooter on our list, this one is also quite heavy-duty! This one is three-wheeled, though, so it’s got a bit of a different construction from some others on this list. The best thing about this scooter, though, is the high speed! It tops out at 18 MPH, which makes it a serious scooter! It has a great battery, too, offering up to 45 miles on a single charge. This one also has an anti-theft alarm, which is great! It sports a huge back-mounted basket, perfect for trips to the market.

    Spitfire 420 Ex

    Another great scooter, this one has interchangeable panels in different colors. The panels come in red, blue and silver, and are easy to change out! It also boasts quick-connect batteries, a comfortable seat and padded armrests. The wheels are anti-tip, which makes this a very safe pick. The front-mounted basket even has an interior lining, which is great for shopping. If you’re looking for a good mobility scooter for medical reasons, such as old age, this is a good pick.

    SmartScoot Lithium Foldable Travel Scooter

    This folding scooter is great to throw in the trunk or backseat and carry with you to a destination. The best thing about this scooter: the battery! It has great battery life for how portable it is for travel. It lasts for up to 12 miles! It also breaks down into three parts, and only weighs 27 pounds.

    Drive Medical Scout 3 Wheel

    At the very low price of right around $600, this three-wheeled scooter is a popular choice. A little less expensive than its four-wheeled counterpart, this one is a good value. The drawbacks to this scooter include its three-wheeled construction, slightly low battery life and make. There are more comfortable, high-end scooters, but if you’re looking for a good bargain, this is it. This scooter is the most affordable on our list!

    Best Value: Drive Medical Scout Compact 4 Wheel

    For those on a budget, the Drive Medical Scout Compact is a very popular choice. At $700, it’s a fantastic value, and it shows in its popularity. It’s a good scooter, with all the trimmings you’d expect from a medical mobility scooter. Older customers on a fixed income love the low price, and the price doesn’t compromise the quality. This one also has interchangeable panels in red and blue, so you can change your style! A great value for the money for those looking to save.

    Best Overall Mobility Scooter: Shopride Sunrunner

    If you’re looking for an especially comfortable scooter, look no further than the Sunrunner! It has a 300-pound capacity and a huge 25-mile battery. You can opt for a headlight, which is quite useful. It has a front basket, perfect for shopping. The star of the show is the big, comfortable seat, though. You can’t beat the level of comfort on display here! It’s hard to find something this premium and high-quality for this price! It retails for $1,500 but can often be found on sale for less.


  • Top Ten Apps for Encouraging Mental Health

    Top Ten Apps for Encouraging Mental Health

    Mental health is a serious issue. Medical studies report that mood disorders like anxiety and depression are the third-highest cause for hospitalization among adults 18-44. A few steps anyone can take towards bettering their mental state include regular exercise and a healthy diet. However, there are other steps available too. As always, if you are able, seek professional help for mental disorders that are negatively impacting your quality of life. None of these apps should be considered a substitute for a doctor. That said, these apps all make great companions to help you promote healthy mental health habits! 

    Pacifica 

    Photo Credit: Routine Coach 

    Stress and anxiety are the main focus of Pacifica. Connecting users with a community of supportive people experiencing similar things, Pacifica is a great platform. The app also offers audio lessons to help with relaxation and mindfulness. Meditation and relaxation are also part of the app’s repertoire. Pacifica is described as an app that “helps break cycles of unhealthy thoughts.”