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  • Best All New Wireless Headphones for 2020

    Best All New Wireless Headphones for 2020

    Jabra Elite 75t

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

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

    Sony WF-1000XM3

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

    Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless

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

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

    AirPods Pro

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

    The 2020 update brings even more useful tricks to the AirPods Pro. With Apple’s propriety H1 chip they feature snappier Siri integration. You can send messages, start playlists and ask for internet searches all while jogging, cleaning or whatever you’re doing while wearing the AirPods. If you love high-tech integration and cool fashion statements, the AirPods are a great pick for you.

    Beats Solo Pro

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

    PowerBeats Pro

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

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


  • Breaking News: You Can Now Rent Tesla Solar Panels for Super Cheap

    Breaking News: You Can Now Rent Tesla Solar Panels for Super Cheap

    Tesla CEO, Elon Musk, declared that 2019 would be “the year of the solar roof,” when launching a new program that lets homeowners rent Tesla solar panels for just $50 per month! An average solar installation will save homeowners tens of thousands of dollars over its lifetime. A green investment and passive income!

    Save money and our planet with renewable energy

    Elon Musk took to twitter early Sunday morning to pitch Tesla’s new solar rental program. Tesla’s sales pitch for choosing the rental option is that it will be cheaper, quicker, and less of a burden for homeowners to get solar panels on their roof.

    According to Musk, the new program is “like having a money printer on your roof” for those who live in states with high energy costs. “Still better to buy, but the rental option makes the economics obvious.”

    Rentals now are available in six states: Arizona, California, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey and New Mexico. Tesla’s rental program will offer three solar panel packages, with no installation costs and no time commitment.

    Promising to make solar sexy, Tesla’s panels are virtually impossible to notice. The panels are nearly indistinguishable your neighbors normal roof tiles. To make these camouflaged solar panels, they created a special coating that becomes more or less transparent depending the angel you’re looking from.

    What’s this going to cost you?

    Under the new system, Telsa is offering customers the option to rent solar systems for anywhere from $50 a month for a small installation (except in California, where they start at $65 a month), to $195 for their largest installation. Customers only need to pay a fully refundable $100 charge. Tesla said customers can cancel the leases at any time.

    The rental rate varies by state and size of the system — small, medium, or large — but in all instances, the super cheap monthly fee covers anything from the hardware and installation to maintenance and support. According to the agreement, owners can purchase the system outright five years after it’s up and running, too.

    What’s the catch?

    For starters, Customers must own their home to have the panels installed. Tesla doesn’t require solar panel renters to sign a long-term contract and claims the process of signing up requires just “one click, instead of lengthy consultations and piles of paperwork.” While the contract can be canceled any time and renting Tesla’s solar panels might be cheap and easy, be aware that they will charge users $1,500 to remove the system once it has been installed.

    Just how powerful is the sun?

    According to the U.S. National Renewable Energy Laboratories (NREL), the amount of energy from the sunlight that falls to the earth in one hour could supply the world’s energy needs for an entire year! Powerful Indeed.

    What would it normally cost to purchase and install solar panels?

    Residential solar costs are at their lowest in over 30 years. For reference, Tesla sold the systems, which can cost upwards of $30,000, in Home Depot stores for several years, but now it relies entirely on direct sales like its electric vehicles. More affordable than ever, today’s residential solar panels feature technology advances that maximize power production.


  • Coolest Tech Takeaways from CES 2019

    Coolest Tech Takeaways from CES 2019

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

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

    Coolest Tech Seen at CES 2019

    5G Networks

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

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

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

    8K TV Screens

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

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

    Apple’s Playing Nice

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

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

    Robots

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

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

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

  • ChroMorphous: New Color Changing Smart Fabric Controlled by an App

    ChroMorphous: New Color Changing Smart Fabric Controlled by an App

    The next generation of wearable tech is upon us in the form of ChroMorphous, thanks to the hard work of researchers at the University of Central Florida. Their new battery-powered wearable tech changes color when turned on, and can be controlled directly from a phone app. Their color-changing clothes may just represent the future of clothing! If this sounds like a sci-fi novel to you, you’re not alone. 

    How Does ChroMorphous Work? 

    The tech, which is still in the early stages, incorporates a unique combination of micro-wires and color-changing pigments powered by electrical signals. The researchers call it ChroMorphous. The chameleonic fabric is somewhat dense and thick, with comparable texture to canvas, making it somewhat bulky.  

    The researchers are working on making the tech smaller and softer, however, with intentions of mass producing the stylish technology. This technology would likely be tremendously popular! Rather than buying different clothing to match with each other, you could just buy the styles you like and set the color on the fly! 

    Other Applications 

    Technology like this is likely to become the norm in the near future. At Ohio State University, researchers have created similar technology with micro-antennae capable of sending and receiving signals from smart devices. Such technology would allow for application in more than just fashion.  

    Virtual reality games, for instance, could make use of the tech to track users. Smart home devices could identify users and be controlled via body gestures with this kind of technology. Clothes themselves could become smart devices: synching with your home’s virtual assistant and updating your clothing on the fly.  

    The possibilities are really endless! 

  • Considering a Tech Job? Check Out Our Top Ten Jobs in Tech!

    Looking for a tech job? Thankfully the tech world is a very different place than it once was.

    At one point in time, tech jobs were considered very niche and not many opportunities were available. In the modern day, however, some of the best jobs in the world are tech jobs! If you’re seriously interested in pursuing a career in technology, there are a lot of paths you could head down. With that in mind, here’s our 10 favorite tech jobs.

    Computer Support Specialist

    Starting our list is the computer support specialist job! This tech job has an average salary of around $52,000 per year. Computer support specialist responsibilities typically include helping people with operating systems, malfunctioning computers and login issues. Part computer whiz, part customer service expert, computer support specialists often work in call centers. Occasionally they will also work in traditional office settings, helping other employees of the same company.

    Web Developer

    Web developers are specialized coders who use code languages to create websites. The typical web developer makes around $66,000 per year and can expect steady work. Web developers tend to work for corporate or business clients who need a website built. Some designers work alone to create the front and back end of a website, while others are more specialized and work with a group of designers. In either event, knowledge of code and programming is required, making this a good fit for coders looking to use their skills artistically.

    Computer Programmer

    A computer programmer uses code like C++ or Python to tell software what to do. Making around $79,000 on average, computer programmers have no lack of available jobs. Indeed, nearly all tech companies have openings for programmers. Due to the nature of coding, many programmers are able to work for home, which is a plus for some. However, many note that programming can be tedious and stressful, so it’s certainly not for everyone. If you have the know-how and the will, however, it can be a great career to pursue!

    Computer Systems Administrator

    Systems admins work with servers and networking to ensure a company’s local network is operating efficiently. This tech job is for those who can think on their feet and problem solve rapidly: companies depend on their networks. When those networks aren’t working, the systems admin has to be able to react quickly and fix the problem. That said, these employees are certainly compensated for their hard work. A systems administrator makes an average of around $80,000 in a year.

    Database Administrator

    This tech job is a little more complex to explain. A database administrator is sort of like a curator of information. Most DBAs help maintain databases of a company’s most valuable info, keeping it organized and concise for readability. This job requires superb communication skills, as you will need to keep others informed of where to find relevant data. It also requires a detail-oriented, organized person with a good deal of computer knowledge. If you fit the bill, you’ll be happy to find that DBAs make around $85,000 a year.

    Computer Systems Analyst

    Computer systems analysts oversee system overhauls and upgrades. When a firm or business hires a systems analyst, the analyst figures out their client’s tech needs, shows them a proposal for a new system that will be more efficient and cost-effective, and then oversees the installation. As a job that requires constant interaction with clients and programmers and installers, this position is often held by outgoing and personable professionals. These analysts have a large number of responsibilities to manage. However, they also make a good deal of money doing it. The average systems analyst makes $87,000 a year.

    Information Security Analyst

    This is a very important job in any organization. Acting as an information security specialist requires great knowledge of counter-intrusion software and great patience in monitoring systems. Many who have deep knowledge of hacking and computer viruses find this field appealing. As a legal way to ply the trade of hacking and dissecting viruses, this is an interesting position. If you have the required skill and dedication, you can make an average of $92,000 a year.

    Computer Network Architect

    As a network architect you build and maintain an interconnected network of servers. In addition to the technical knowledge required to build these systems, network architects also manage staff. Overseeing teams installing new servers and maintaining networks is a key aspect of this tech job. Additionally, people in this position would work closely with their company to help them achieve their network goals. Network connectivity like cloud saves and other internet-based infrastructure are the work of network architects. Computer Network Architects make around $101,000 per year.

    IT Manager

    The highest average salary on this list, IT managers make an average of nearly $140,000 per year. However, that salary comes with a lot of responsibility! These managers typically work closely with other top management to help guide the organization. Tech needs are always changing, so this guidance is important for any business to grow. Additionally, any upgrades or changes to a business’s technology would likely be overseen by the IT manager.

    Our Top Pick for Best Tech Job: Software Developer

    Software developers help create the apps we interact with every day. From recipe apps to banking apps to social media, most every software suite was shaped by a software developer. Our pick for best tech job, software development is in high demand. And that demand isn’t going away anytime soon! Android and iOS are immensely popular and software development for them is sought after by many large companies. For those with the artistic and coding skill to develop software, this career pays well and offers loads of opportunity. With average salaries of $100,000 a year and tons of potential for advancement, software development is a great choice for tech job.

  • Hyperloop One, the Train of Tomorrow…Today

    Hyperloop One, the Train of Tomorrow…Today

    In 2017, Virgin Mobile purchased the Hyperloop One company and unveiled its concept for the train of tomorrow. Hyperloop One chose 10 cities around the world to introduce it’s high speed commuter trains and plan to grow from there. This underground train travel up to 7oo MPH in a vacuum sealed tube. Making long distance travels or work commutes obsolete.

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    How it Works

    For the first time in over 100 years, someone has created a completely new form of travel. The idea started with putting the train’s engine not in the train itself, but on the track. Hyperloop one has created a linear motor using electromagnets that lays on the track while propelling the train car at high speeds with minimal effort. The track is encased in a vacuum sealed tube so the train can travel at very high speed with little-to-no resistance. The airless tubes mock a plane traveling in the stratosphere at 200,000 feet. This makes for a very smooth ride, giving the passenger the feeling as if they’re floating. Achieving incredible speeds while simultaneously creating noiseless and comfortable environment, has fundamentally changed travel as we know it.

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    One area that was chosen for a Hyperloop One system was Central Florida. The Hyperloop line is expected to run from Orlando to Miami and can carry passengers to and from the two cities in only 26 minutes. Being able to work in Miami and live in Orlando with a 30 minute commute has never been a possibility. The adverse effects of this commuting system are just now being realized. In this writers opinion, this will terra-form all areas surrounding the Hyperloop One line. There are also plans to place this system in many other countries such as India, Mexico, United Kingdom, and Canada. The trains will eventually carry freight cars completely revolutionizing how we ship goods and resources.

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    Summary

    Hyperloop One has done something that will change the way we live and travel forever. With any new groundbreaking technology it is hard to image how it will change our lives, but it will. We are on the eve of something here. As long as we keep the safety and practicality of it at the foundation, it will only be a benefit for mankind. I don’t know what the future holds for Hyperloop One, but I eagerly await its arrival.

     

  • The light switch of the future…

    The light switch of the future…

    The “start up” smart tech company, Brilliant, has emerged out of nowhere and is revolutionizing the home light switch as we know it.

     

    The game changer

    In 2017, Brilliant brought their prototype “smart control panel” into production and into our homes. This new revolutionary control panel was quickly recognized as an innovative way to fully integrate all of your home tech. In a sense giving your home a brain. By using the digital touch screen or simple verbal commands, this switch can control your homes lights, air conditioning, intercom system, video surveillance, music and much more.

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    Brilliant’s Bright Future

    Image result for brilliant light switch

    Brilliant’s new smart switch made a lot of buzz at the 2018 tech convention CES in Las Vegas. Right from the get go, you see Brilliant has an eye for what the consumer and home owner wants. By adding the ability to access Alexa, Sonos speaker, Nest thermostat, and even take photos, this control panel immediately stands out amongst it’s competitors. Wink and Belkin did beat Brilliant to the home control panels market, but Brilliant has quickly jumped ahead of the with its many features such as a built in camera and even the ability to make video calls. But these additional features do come at a cost. The Wink Relay control panel can be purchased off amazon for $90 per panel, while Brilliant is selling their basic for $200. Their four switch panel is priced at $399.99. Brilliant has offered a $50 discount for pre-ordering their panels directly from their website, by they are expected to be the full $200 once it hits store shelves later in February 2018.

     

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    The good

    • Fully integrates all of your home’s smart technology into one sleek panel.
    • Its many features gives you the ability personalize each room with separate lighting, entertainment, and ambiance.
    • With full control of all utilities so handy, you can expect monthly electric bills to be lower when used properly.

    The not so good

    • With all new technology, there is an expected period of trial and error. It will take some time for Brilliant to work all the kinks out.
    • For your entire home to be connected you will need a panel in every room. At up to $400.00 per panel, this can get costly. Granted, once everything in connected, it’s pretty amazing.

    My thoughts

    Brilliant is clearly onto something big here. It may have initial hiccups like any new production, but once they oil this machine they created, I see it in every single home.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Phillips Hue is Lighting up Our Homes.

    Phillips Hue is Lighting up Our Homes.

    The Good

    • Smart bulb with LED color changing technology
    • 16 Million different color variations
    • Easy set-up and user friendly app

    The Bad

    • $199.99 for a pack of four light bulbs can be costly
    • The bulbs are known to make a somewhat loud humming noise
    • the larger bulbs may not fit in some enclosed light fixtures

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    The Conclusion

    These are excellent quality bulbs aside from being significantly less bright than their incandescent counterparts, but are still bright enough to light up a room. Of course, being as expensive as they are, it’s hard to stomach using more than one in a room. There’s no voice or motion control, no built-in automated control other than alarms, and no physical remotes or switches available. Without any of this, these are extremely limited in their capabilities. and therefore hard to recommend at this price. If all you need is basic colored lighting, that’s the way to go. But Phillips has the ability to do something great here and it’s off to a good start so far. If you’re into the mood lighting and need the color varieties, then this is the option for you.

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    Smart Bulbs.

    Originally launched in 2012, the Phillips Hue lighting system has made progress and suffered setbacks. with a very impressive lighting system many are hooked. The basic light kit that comes with four light bulbs and a control bridge. It is incredibly simple to set up. Connect the bridge to your Wi-fi and swap out the new bulbs and you’re up and running. The range of colors you can get is amazing, and the ability to set timers from your iPhone is a nice touch. Set them to gradually turn on in the morning with an alarm clock, turn off when you leave for work, and on again in the evenings. With a set up like this, you don’t really have to worry about turning the lights on and off, except at bed time. By adding these lights into your lifestyle, you might be able to sleep better, relax more, and even save on the electricity bill. But a big downside to the system is the price. at $199.00 for the starter pack, it seems pricey for four light bulbs. Maybe once Phillips get down the road a bit, the prices will drop. I hope…

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    Final Thoughts

    The highly controllable lighting system works well and is easy to set up. Being able to easily program your lights to come on, go off, or brighten and fade is just wonderful. Having control of the color of light can so drastically affect the mood in a room or an entire home. A highlight is the fade function. It really seems to slowly lull you into a peaceful state, ready to go to sleep. The cons for now are it’s still pricey and the Hue application for your phone or tablet is basic. Additionally when you are away from home, the app is even more limited. If Phillips plans to address these issues in the near future, you can see a lot more of these popping up in homes.