Coolest New Gadgets for the Home

Posted on June 21, 2014 by Alan Shazan

goji-smart-lockSmart hardware is moving ahead in leaps and bounds. It is totally enhancing the way we see and use gadgets for the home. Indeed, our homes are slowly becoming more integrated, secure and productive.

One recent example of this is the Goji Smart Lock. Created by Bilet Inc., this enables users to have total control over security and accessibility in their homes, irrespective of how far from home they are. It is used via its smartphone app. It works by the addition of an LED display that provides lock status notifications, personalized name greetings, and a log of all entries and exits directly accessible via smartphones. Additional security comes with the Picture Alert feature so that the user can see anyone who is at their door, check notification and remotely unlock the door. Electronic keys can be sent via smartphone to friends and families (either permanent or temporarily programmed).

The Goji Smart Lock gadget could become one of the necessary items for making one’s home into a smart home. To date, investors have put a staggering $300,000 into its development, when a fundraising effort was made through Indiegogo.

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iPhone App News: File Management

Posted on May 21, 2014 by Alan Shazan

iPhone-appsWhile the iZip Pro retails at $6.99, a couple of weeks ago it was free for the day! Still, for those who missed out on the 12 May freebie, the price is low enough to enjoy some great features. Rated the Number 1 iPhone App for ZIP file management, it boasts a variety of useful features: file compression to ZIP, photo/video compression from camera roll, song compression and download/upload iTunes, open and extract files from ZIP format, append files to ZIP file, send files via email, save images to photo album, share photos through social media, open file in another app, and more.
For those looking for something a bit cheaper, there is the GoodReader 4. Developed by Good. iWare and retailing at $4.99, it was described by 148app.com as being “the best all-purpose app on iOS, and a must-have utility.” One can open PDFs from this app, create PDFs, manage pages, open ZIP files, and more. It also features a browser that can download files. It connects to cloud services and FTP servers and has been described as “the be-all end-all of file management apps on iOS.”
So it is probably worth taking a glance at reviews of a few file management apps, comparing prices and looking for special deals before purchasing.

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UK’s Tech Gadget Show

Posted on April 20, 2014 by Alan Shazan

gadget-show-liveThe Gadget Show Live at the National Exhibition Centre delighted tech fans in the UK a few weeks ago.  The UK’s biggest consumer tech show actually had its wares for sale at the event for eager attendees. Some particularly cool tech gadgets showcased at the event included: a gadget that transforms regular objects into instruments, someone who has used cardboard to make re-usable furniture, easy-to-install flood guard and an artificial gland that can deal with chronic medical conditions.

Over 200 exhibitors came to the tech gadget show – housed at the NEC– which began with Ortis Deley and hosted by Jason Badbury.

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Best Gizmos and Gadgets Under $25!

Posted on March 19, 2014 by Alan Shazan

logitechWhen it comes to filling one’s home with great gizmos and gadgets, one can really start breaking the budget.  So that is why we are sharing some innovative ways of filling your home/office with these cool gizmos and gadgets without getting a call from your bank manager.  All of these awesome gizmos and gadgets retail at $25 or less.

Not quite a gadget (or gizmo) but still something fun to add to your tech world, Logitech’s Wireless Keyboard K360 can add a bit of glamour and excitement to one’s everyday world.  Working with Logitech’s “unifying” wireless USB dongle (that also operates with a Logitech mouse), this keyboard runs great equally with both Macs and PCs. It’s convenient, compact and packed with power (boasting a three-year battery life).  It also features 6 hot keys and 12 programmable F-keys for immediate access for favorites like music, web, etc.  The keyboard gets its gizmo-ness from the fact that that it can be plugged straight into one’s Notebook and other devices.

Want a cheaper way of listening to your music than the iPod Shuffle?  Check out the Philips GoGear SoundDot, retailing at $23!  No USB stick is needed; to operate just plug right into your computer, drag and drop.  This is a must-have gadget at a fraction (half to be exact) of the price.

Then there’s the Nomad ChargeKey which is fabulous for those times you’re out all day and run low on battery – typical for iPhones – but still need your mobile device.  At the size of an iPhone it’s no big deal to stick it in your travel bag and it gives you the opportunity to be connected and charged throughout the day! Again, a steal at $25.

Finally there’s the Anker USB Car Charger – for a mere $12 – that is able to charge two mobile devices simultaneously, while you’re driving!

There are plenty more gadgets and gizmos are superb prices. So if you want to step up the tech-cool ladder but remain within budget, go for $25 or less gadgets and gizmos and keep everyone happy and powered up!

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eSafely: Ensuring Kids are Protected Online

Posted on March 5, 2014 by Alan Shazan

kids-internetUnfortunately, abuse of children on line is a fact.  According to Deputy Director of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Daniel Ragsdale, today, there is an increasing trend of kids being coaxed into sharing “sexually explicit material online.”  Recently, when 14 men were arrested by American authorities for this behavior, Ragsdale said simply arresting the perpetrators was not the answer to solving this terrible trend.  He argued: “we cannot arrest our way out of this: education is the key to prevention.”

While we are educating kids and their parents about this issue, there are preventive measures that can be taken as well. For example, eSafely is a parental control tool that works through the web browser, giving the entire family “complete online protection.”  At no charge and simple to install, the tool protects children while they browse the Internet, “blocking harmful adult images, providing safe access to Youtube, Wikipedia and Safe Search, and protecting your child from cyberbullying on Facebook.”

Simultaneously to protective web tools, the Department of Education and Science is working toward full protection against cyber-abusers and bullies.  It is doing this by working with schools and youth groups to give kids the tools to ensure their own safety online.  Indeed, in February a Safer Internet Day was organized by Insafe and attended by the Ministry for Education and Garda representatives.  The aim of the event was to “communicate the message to students that the internet is not a safe space for bullies or others looking to take advantage of young people online.”

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Cool New Kitchen Gadgets

Posted on February 19, 2014 by Alan Shazan

prep-pad-food-scaleWhen it comes to gadgets for the home, the new kitchen ones are always exciting for those who spend hours preparing food.  With the Prep Pad Food Scale designed by The Orange Chef, health and home merge together as the true nutritional density of foods are revealed.

The user sets up a profile with their biometric data (activity level, weight and height), then with the iOS app countertop, a suggested USDA-based nutrition profile emerges, based on the individual’s specifications.

There are approximately 250,000 different food items the scale recognizes which facilitates one knowing whether or not they should consume that next piece of dark chocolate or not.  It’s a great way to keep tabs on one’s diet, and keep on track.

Retailing at $149.95 it’s not an inexpensive gadget.  But as the product’s motto says, “eating better has never been easier” and for those who want to make healthy eating a priority, expense just shouldn’t play such a huge factor.

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Defining Smarter 2015 Living

Posted on January 22, 2014 by Alan Shazan
by Pyh2

by Pyh2 (Wikimedia Commons)

While smarter living has in the past referred to using more gadgets for daily living, some experts are indicating that 2015 might be a break from that. There could be a move toward a more simple life, and thus there will be a forsaking of gadgets and technology. It has been termed the ‘neo-Luddite’ era.

This is based on reports which indicate a decreased enthusiasm of social media sites and enforced by Hotwire’s latest annual Digital Trends Report that noted:

“While there are many early adopters out there scrambling around to get their hands on the latest smartwatch or iPhone, there are a group of much cooler kids working out ways to kill tech altogether.”

The question is, why is this happening? A few reasons have been offered: increasing irritation with pop up advertisements (with ad blocking gaining momentum), a concern about increasing addiction (see the noPhone Kickstarter campaign), a desire for more real life communication, the now-trendy appeal of announcing one is no longer on Facebook (which these days makes them look cool), etc. All of these issues have resulted in an anti-tech digital trend.

However, what is not changing digitally is its use for fitness. For example, HealthKit and Google Fit are becoming increasingly popular. What this and the above data suggests is that people are looking to become healthier so are ditching their technologically-based life. However, when gadgets are there to help this goal, they will be more open to welcoming them.

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Remote Widget for Android

Posted on January 19, 2014 by Alan Shazan

remote-widgetThe Remote Widget – the latest Smartwatch 2 (SW2) from Sony – provides a fabulous all-round entertainment experience.  Operating on almost all of the latest Android phones, this widget really enhances the smartwatch experience. It lets the user choose pre-installed widgets to be displayed on their smartwatches. All phone widgets should work and through the app they can be adjusted too.

One great thing about the app is its capacity to bring the widgets one uses on their phone, to the watch.  This personalizes one’s overall experience.  It is the world’s first ever Android-compatible SmartWatch that has one-touch NFC. However, it does have some negative issues.  It uses a lot of battery power. It’s not a free app but it makes a great way of accessing one’s favorite widgets on their wrist – right there!

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Tech gadgets for an Imaginative Christmas!

Posted on December 17, 2013 by Alan Shazan

3doodler-xlIf one didn’t get the gifts they craved over the Thanksgiving-Black Friday break, Christmas is just around the corner.  This is the perfect time to get (or receive) your favorite tech gadgets.  For anyone who wants to bring a bit of imagination into Christmas, the 3Doodler makes the perfect gift.

The first ever 3D Printing Pen, the 3Doodler enables the user to draw on air or surfaces.  Small and easy to use, it doesn’t need anything other than a power socket. Lift your “pen” off the paper and see your drawing become a 3D object.  There is no learning curve since anyone who can scribble can use a 3Doodler!  Immediately trace your favorite objects on paper and soon enough you’ll be creating even more detailed objects.  This is a great way of either expanding your artistic abilities or learning them. For when you’ve had enough of sitting around on Christmas day, get creative with this cool tech gadget.

You can start with flat forms and peel off a piece of paper or create freestyle 3D objects.  There are many creative opportunities for anyone who enjoys a bit of art. Start with basic 3D shapes and then move on to 3D models, jewelry, pendants, decorative magnets, and more.  Indeed, you can even use it to make a Christmas gift for next year for the one who gave you the 3Doodler. The possibilities are endless and it’s a great way for kids with concentration issues to really get to grips with something new and different and focus their minds on their creative capacities.

For those who like to fix things, the 3Doodler can be used for small repair work. 3Doodler “stencils” can be used to create cool objects too through the stencil kits that are available online. Print them out, and then 3Doodle each part according to the stencil and then join them with your 3Doodler. Soon enough 3Doodle will come out with tons of different ones for download free usage.

Ultimately the 3Doodler is a great way to spend Christmas and beyond.

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Gizmos and Gadgets for Kids for Christmas

Posted on November 17, 2013 by Alan Shazan

In the 21st century, even children are looking for gizmos and gadgets as their Christmas presents.  This is just the way the world is going – digital – and so gizmos and gadgets are the latest crazes. In this article we take a look at some of the top gizmos and gadgets the kids want.

LeapPad-UltraFirst, there is the Ubooly, the latest fluffy friend for kids. This magic stuffed animal is able to talk and listen.  It can answer questions, read stories, have a chat with the kids, and even suggest creative and fun games to play. It can also be personalized. It becomes “smart” when a device (iPhone, Android etc.) is inserted into the top of its head, and zipped closed. It’s fun and can even teach your child how to improve their tooth-brushing technique.

Another popular gadget is the tablet made with kids in mind.  The LeapPad Ultra is a very kid-friendly 7 inch tablet. Features include: camera, Wi-Fi, app store and a custom browser that “lets only the good things in.”  As well, it has access to 800+ educator-approved apps, eBooks, games and more. So for parents looking to buy their child something fun but also that they can learn from.

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