Although Candy Crush Saga might seem mundane to people who don’t play it, it’s actually a pretty challenging game that can sometimes make you want to pull your hair out.  After playing it for a few weeks, I realized that there are actually life lessons that we can learn from this candy-filled 2D world.

1. Think of the best possible move.

In order to make the best out of your limited moves, you need to think about the best way to group the candies together. Sure, randomly pairing three of the same-colored candies can seem like you’re making progress.

But if you really want to achieve the goal in each level and move on to the next puzzle, you need to think of the best possible moves.

Usually, these are the moves that will create special candies like the striped candies and color bombs (which I used to call “donut”). The more special candies you create, the more chances you’ll get to have a higher score, clear the jellies, or bring all the fruits down.

In life, we also have to think of the best “moves” based on the “candies” that have been given to us. This requires creativity, imagination, and resourcefulness.

We are all trying to form “special candies”.

It might be your dream house, a business that you’ve always wanted, or going on a cruise.

Whatever your special candy is, you need to make the best moves in order to make it happen.

2. If at first you don’t succeed, try again (cue Aaliyah’s song). 

If you’re playing Candy Crush, you know how true this trite saying is.

Sometimes it would take days to finish one level (it took me three days to finish Level 50). You have to keep on playing the same puzzle for hundreds of time until you clear it. Even if it means flooding your friends with requests for extra “life” (for the record, I only ask help from the friends I’ve already helped in the past).

In life, success is pretty much a numbers game. The more you try, the higher the chance you’ll succeed. Stephen King didn’t become a best-selling author overnight. He spent years in perfecting his unique style in telling stories. And he has amassed a collection of rejection slips along the way, too.

So, whatever goal you have, just keep on trying. Based on your Candy Crush experience, eventually, you’ll complete the puzzle.

And you know how good it feels to finally see “Level Completed!”

I’m sure you’ll infinitely feel a lot better when you reach your own life goals.

3. Shit happens. But accidental awesomeness happens too.

Image credit: http://simplymommie.com/

Sometimes no matter how much you carefully plan all of your moves, like saving the color bombs and pairing it with stripe candies later. Shit can happen. The color bomb will be used unexpectedly –throwing off your whole strategy of bringing down all the ingredients in the last three moves.

Other times, your random three-of-a-kind move unexpectedly forms a color bomb or a wrapped candy. In rare occasions, that random move can create a “Divine!” moment!

So, yeah, in life, shit happens too. The promotion that you’ve been working on for five years turns to an unexpected lay off. Or growing a beard like Brad Pitt never turned out as you expected (you discovered that you  can only grow three strands of facial hair).

But the awesome thing is getting laid off is actually what you needed in order to have the courage to start your own business.

Or your body’s inability to produce facial hair is actually the very reason why you ended up with the girl of your dreams (I don’t know how that can happen, but it’s plausible).

4. See the big picture.

When I first played Candy Crush, I would simply pair three same colored candies together without thinking of how a particular move would affect the whole puzzle.

It worked quite well at first. But as the levels become more difficult, this way of thinking wasn’t very efficient. With the limited moves and the more challenging goals (like bringing down all the ingredients in 20 moves), there was no way I was going to clear the level.

But when I started analyzing how each move would affect the puzzle as a whole, I started to play better. I was able to make more special candies. More special candies mean that I can clear blocks of jellies a lot faster.

In life, you have to see the big picture too. How is one decision going to affect your long term plans? Is moving to a big house really going to help you achieve your goal of becoming a movie star? Or you’ll be okay in your small yet cozy apartment in the mean time?

5. No man is an island.

 When playing Candy Crush, you have to rely to your friends in order to get to the next episode or if you need extra “lives” (but if you’re loaded you can always buy your way to the next episode).

I know I can count on a few friends to help me unlock the next episode. And it’s one of the things I love about the game.

The same thing is true in real life.

You can’t do everything alone. Yes, you can go to the toilet without any help. But if you want to achieve something great and mind blowing, you need help from other people. And you need to ask them. You can’t just sit and wait for someone to rescue you.

If you need help, then you must be brave enough to ask for it.

And the great thing about this is you’ll know who your real friends are. They are the ones who are willing to lend you a hand. They’ll be happy to send you a “ticket”. It might be in a different form like sending you an encouraging message, providing you with their expertise, or simply listening to you.

Now, you’ll have to excuse me as I try to finish Level 57.

Image Credit: http://www.pressreader.com/

Reading newspaper in the morning over your favorite cup of coffee is not only a morning routine. In a way, it has become a tradition of the modern life. Now that we have access to all sorts of mobile gadgets, reading as an activity has changed in many ways. With all the tablets and smartphone, you can read news from around the world at the touch of your finger.

PressReader from News Direct makes reading your favorite newspapers even easier by collecting them all in one place. Not only that, reading newspapers using this app allows you to read the digital version of newspapers and magazines. This way you get the convenience of getting your paper digitally, at the same time, you get to enjoy the original look of the paper from the front to the last page. Reading also becomes more interactive by allowing you to share your favorite articles on your social networking accounts.

 PressReader Features 

• Have access to different publications all around the world

PressReader boasts of having more than 2000 publications available for download. What’s great about this is that you don’t have to subscribe separately in order to access other publications.

This is most especially useful for those who are working abroad. Filipinos who work in the U.S., for example, can read Chicago Tribune and read The Manila Times a few minutes later–all in the same app.

•  Set automatic download for new issues

If you diligently read news daily, you will love this feature. You can choose which specific newspapers you want to be downloaded automatically once they become available. For example, if you read Philippine Daily Inquirer, you can set this up. Once you open your library, you’ll have access to the latest issue.  This feature is only available for monthly subscription, and there’s a limit of automatic downloads that you can set.

• Page View versus Smartflow

Another great feature is the ability to view the newspaper or magazine using Page View or Smartflow. Page View offers you the actual layout of the publication as you would see in print. Using Smartflow, on the other hand, allows you to view the articles individually.

Personally, I like using Smartflow as it is easier to read, most especially if I’m using a smaller device like a smartphone or an iPod touch. In Smartflow, I don’t have to constantly zoom in and zoom out in order to read the articles.

After reading an article, I switch back to Page View, so I can scan other articles that would interest me. I usually just read the Lifestyle and Technology section of the papers. So, I skip a lot of sections. Skipping pages and sections of the newspaper is also easy in Page View. At the bottom of the page, there is a scroll bar indicating the sections.

• Share news through email, Twitter, Facebook

When reading the traditional printed publications, you don’t have the option of sharing things you like through social media. In PressReader, you can press and hold any part of the article and a pop-up will appear which will allow you to share an article through Twitter and Facebook.

You can also email it to a friend and colleague. If you use Evernote (like me), you can clip the article to your own account for later viewing.

The first time I tried reading an article, I couldn’t find where the share buttons are. It was only a few minutes later that I figured out how to share the articles.

With that said, there is a bit of a learning curve when using this app. Reading articles provides an intuitive experience. But taking advantage of the other features takes practice.

• Support or Oppose the News

Besides sharing through social media, you can also Support or Oppose each article by pressing the “thumbs up” or “thumbs down” icon. It’s pretty much like the like and dislike buttons in YouTube.

I did this a few times when reading news articles, but it only shows a single count of thumbs up or thumbs down. I had the impression that the number of people who supported or opposed a certain article will be shown.

I’m not entirely sure if they keep count of all the “support” and “oppose” for each article. It could be possible that not many people have read the article that I chose to support, that’s why it’s only showing one vote.

• Listen to the news

By pressing “listen” or the “speaker” icon, a female voice (which sounds a bit like Siri) will read the whole article for you. The system is not perfect as it sometimes mispronounces some words and names. But it’s certainly a welcome feature on a news reader app.

Honestly, this is one of my favorite features. When I’m commuting, I always prefer to listen to podcasts instead of reading. Although this feature might not be used often, it’s certainly useful for specific situations. You can workout or go jogging while listening to the news.

• Click websites and send email

When reading traditional newspapers, you would have to take note of websites or emails that you need.

For example, you need to apply for a job and need the HR’s email in order to send your resume. When reading news articles or seeing advertisements in PressReader, you simply click the email, and the email app will open a new message. When you click on a website, your browser will automatically bring you to the page.

Based on my experience, not all emails and websites work. But you’ll usually know which ones should work because they are highlighted in blue.

Platforms 

PressReader is available in iOS, Android, Windows, and Blackberry. I got the chance to try it in iOS (iPad 4) and Android (Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.7). I also tried the app in my MAC.

Without a doubt, publications looks gorgeous in iPad. Transition from page to page looks more graceful. If you’ve got an iPad with a retina display and if you’re a newspaper junkie, this app is definitely a must-have.

You can use your smartphone or other smaller device to access PressReader, but the experience is not as seamless as the iPad. I tried reading one publication using the S3 mini, and it was quite hard to read articles in Page View.

Price 

One of the deciding factors when buying an app is price. The PressReader app is free, but you’ll have to pay for the publications. Luckily, there are a couple of options that you can choose from.

If you’re from the Philippines, a $30 monthly subscription fee might be too much. It’s more than a thousand bucks when converted to Philippine peso. But if you have multiple newspaper and magazine subscriptions,  the cost can easily add up as well.

So, it’s definitely up to you whether which option is more convenient or costefficient.

If you want to take advantage of the monthly subscription, I suggest checking out the available newspapers and magazines listed under Philippines (or other countries you want to access) first. Most of the publications are available such as Philippine Daily Inquirer, Manila Times, and The Philippine Star.

But some of the magazines (like OK! magazine) that I usually read are unfortunately not included.

This app for you if:

• you want easy access to different publications in one app
• subscribe to magazines on a monthly basis
• want the convenience of reading the digital versions of printed publications

All in all, PressReader indeed redefines the experience of reading publications. I think it did well in merging the tradition of reading newspapers and enhancing the experience using digital technology.

It’s definitely a must-have app for news junkies. 

But with its hefty price tag, this app might not be a priority for the majority of people who are satisfied with getting their dose of daily news from free websites.

Image courtesy of [sheelamohan] / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

The Internet has changed a lot of things in our lives. Some of the most significant changes are getting tons of “free” movies and being exposed to seemingly endless Harlem shake videos. ;)

Kidding aside, the Internet has also changed one of the most important elements in personal development: education.

Decades ago, you would have to go to an actual university in order to go to college. Now, you can get a degree without leaving your home. All you need are internet connection, a very long attention span, and sheer determination. With online universities offering distance education, more people than ever have opportunities to pursue higher education.

The internet has also paved the way for MOOC (Massive Open Online Course).

 So, what is MOOC?

When I first heard about MOOC it reminded me of MMORPG (Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game). I’m not totally crazy for for connecting these two online activities because there are two things similar between MOOC and MMORPG: They’re both massive and they are done online. And in a way, MOOC is also a multiplayer because thousands of students are enrolled in one class.

 How can it help you?

Trial and Error

Are you planning to finish college, get a master’s degree, or simply want to learn a new topic that complements your existing career? MOOC is one of the best ways to get your feet wet before committing to a full-blown college or master’s degree. Enrolling in a free MOOC allows you to choose what subjects might appeal to you without spending money on tuition fees. It’s like one of those apps that allow you to try different haircuts before getting an actual haircut.

Time Management

Another advantage of MOOC is it allows you to better manage your time. If you want to pursue a degree at a local college or university, you’ll have a clear picture of how much time you’re going to spend each week. This way you can better prepare yourself before committing to enroll.

Self-discipline

Most importantly, it teaches self-discipline, which is an important quality one must posses in order to succeed in school. Although schedule is more flexible, you still have to abide by the deadlines set by the professor.

What is Coursera.Org?

This is a list of the courses I’ve enrolled in. I’m done with the Gamification course!

One of the most trusted websites when it comes to MOOC is Coursera.org. I learned about Coursera from a friend at work. Since last year, I’ve been playing with the idea of going back to school to get a Master’s Degree. I thought taking online classes is a great way to gauge my enthusiasm in pursuing another academic adventure.

 The logical choice for me is getting a Master’s Degree in Communication. But I’m also fascinated with Psychology. If I have the time and the money, I’d take both. But getting a master’s degree is not like watching a TV series where you can watch The Walking Dead and Game of Thrones in the same week.

How is Coursera Different from other Free Online Courses?

The first course that I completed is Professor Kevin Werbach’s Gamification course. It is one of the most popular MOOC in Coursera, with more than 60,000 students who enrolled from different parts of the world.

Gamification is the use of game thinking and game mechanics in a non-game context in order to engage users and solve problems. (Wikipedia, 2013)

Courses from Real Universities

There are plenty of free online courses online that cover a wide selection of topics–from dog training to understanding String theory. About.com, for example, offers a lot of information on all sorts of subjects.

However, most of these courses are simply a compilation of information.

The experience is passive. You’re limited to soaking up all  the information without really testing your knowledge.

Coursera.org, on the other hand, are courses from real universities and are conducted by actual professors. Through video lectures, you can see your professor speak as if you were in a classroom. The only difference is that he can’t see you when you’re dozing off.

This quick video gives you a pretty clear picture of what you can do in Coursera:

Quizzes, Written Assignments, and Deadlines

Like real courses, you’ll also have quizzes and written assignments that you have to accomplish before the deadline.

When I took the Gamification course, there were a total of four quizzes, three written assignments, and one final exam. Quizzes are automatically graded by the system, while written assignments are graded by other students enrolled in the course.

I was actually quite worried at first about getting graded by my “peers”. I was afraid that they might be unfair in giving grades. But it turned out pretty cool and exciting! I’ve always gotten the grade I’ve expected based on the work I’ve put in. It was also exhilarating to check my score every week.

Certificate of Accomplishments 

One of my motivations in finishing the six-week Gamification course is the promise of getting a Certificate of Accomplishment. In order to get it, my total score should be at least 70%. I just got my certificate the other day, and I’m really happy with my accomplishment. From the 60,000 students who enrolled, 5000  people only got the certificates.

Side note: Not all courses offered through Coursera give out Certificate of Accomplishments. So, if this matters to you, make sure to check the course syllabus first.

If you haven’t tried enrolling in a MOOC, I highly recommend checking out Coursera.org. They offer a lot of interesting and radical courses! You’ll not only learn, but you’ll also get to communicate with different types of people from around the world.

It’s definitely a great way to take advantage of your internet connection and your PC, netbook, or your tablet.

If you’ve already tried MOCC, let me know in the comments. I’d be happy to hear about your experience!

Image courtesy of [Feelart] / FreeDigitalPhotos.net 

Every year better and faster smartphones and tablets are released left and right. It’s almost too easy to sell your existing gadget and buy a new one.

Sure, it’s always exciting to have the latest gadgets. But there are few things you need to consider before letting go of your hard-earned cash or swiping your credit card.

1. Don’t buy first generation gadgets. 

Sometimes it’s tempting to buy first generation gadgets. An entirely new gadget promises an exciting tech adventure. Like recently, Google released Google Glass to a few selected developers. It’s totally cool and all, but it costs a whopping $1500 to be one of the first people on earth to use it. In the next few years, the price will surely be more reasonable.

Of course, this is not just limited to futuristic computer glasses. This applies to practically all gadgets. The first generation tablets like the iPad 1 cost a lot when it first came out. But as we now know, prices have come down and a new and improved iPads have come out since then.

2. Don’t buy gadgets right after its release. 

If you love gadgets like me, waiting for the latest release of the iPad or an iPhone is very exciting. There are always rumors going around about its specs and features. And knowing these details make you long for a new gadget with its faster processor and other bells and whistles.

It’s okay to be excited, but your excitement shouldn’t include actually buying the newly released gadget. For one thing, it’s super expensive! In addition, its old model usually gets a mark down.

Recently, the Samsung Galaxy S4 has been released. With its quad core processor and mouthwateringly gorgeous super AMO LED screen, it’s tempting to swipe your credit card or empty your savings account. But with its release, S3’s price has also dropped. Now, it only costs around P18000 in Greenhills. It was originally almost P30000 when it was first released.

As they say, good things come to those who wait. So, the same is true when buying mobile gadgets.

3. Don’t limit yourself with authorized sellers. 

It’s normal to be cautious when buying gadgets. In fact, it’s highly recommended to be cautious. But it’s also important to consider other options when you’re buying a new smartphone, tablet, or netbook.You probably would turn to official and authorized stores in malls like Samsung, Octagon, Power Mac. These are all trusted stores, but they’re not the only ones selling the goods. For example, Greenhills has a lot of gadget stores that can offer the same gadgets at a lower price.

There are many outlets that you can explore when buying gadgets.

Online

• Ebay
• Amazon
• Tipid PC

Greenhills

• >Game Extreme
• >Game One Gadget
• >Mr. Dynamic Telecom

4. Don’t forget to ask about warranty. 

Although it’s good to check out other stores, it’s still important to double check policies related to warranties. Asking the policies related to warranty is crucial when buying gadgets. Factory defects and other mishaps don’t happen very often, but you should still take the time in understanding your options just in case something happens.

You have to keep in mind that warranty policies differ depending on the company and the retailer.

For example, Apple doesn’t really require a receipt when you bring your iDevice at their store as long as it’s still within warranty.  This is one of the reasons why I love buying gadgets from Apple. They make the process easy for the customers.

I’ve brought several gadgets to Power Mac that is within warranty, and they were all properly serviced. My sister’s iPod nano was even replaced with a new or possibly refurbished unit.

Side Note: The warranty for iPhones works differently. Apple in the Philippines might not cover iPhones bought from unauthorized sellers.

Other companies, on the other hand, work quite differently. For example, when buying an S3 in Greenhills, there are two types of warranty: warranty directly from Samsung and warranty from the store.

S3’s that have warranty directly from Samsung are a bit more expensive. Usually, they’re about P30000-P5000 more. Now, there are stores in Greenhills that sell S3’s that don’t have warranties from Samsung. This means that when the unit is faulty, you’ll have to bring the phone to the store for repair and not to Samsung.

When my boyfriend bought his S3 last January, he got it for P21000. This does not come with Samsung warranty. However, it has a one-year warranty from the store where we bought it from.

So, the bottom line is, you need to ask very specific questions when buying gadgets. Some of the questions you need to ask are:

• How long does the warranty last?
• What is your policy on replacements?
• Which store locations accept repairs and other services?

5. Don’t pay using straight card. 

Swiping your precious credit card when buying a new gadget is as easy as flicking your finger. But there are actually a few downsides when you pay using straight card. For starters, retailers will add 5 to 6% to the price of the gadget. This money goes to the bank though—not the retailer.

So, if the iPod touch 5^th gen costs P12000, you’ll get charged an extra P600 or P720. This amount can be spent on a decent case for your new gadget. Not only that, since this mode of payment is not an installment, the entire amount will be charged on your credit card right off the bat. This leaves you little room for your credit limit. If you don’t pay your entire balance in full, you’ll also get charged with interest.

So, what’s the best option then?

Well, you got it! It’s always better to pay in cash.

But you might say I don’t have enough cash to buy the S3 or the iPhone!

The good news is that there are other payment options that you might consider:

Image courtesy of [hin255] / FreeDigitalPhotos.net 

Going back to our example earlier, you’ll charge the P6000 to your card and you’ll pay the other P6000 in cash. Paying this way allows you to take advantage of your credit card without maxing out your credit limit. At the same time, your savings account won’t take a huge hit.

Another combination is to have the P6000 under zero percent installment for 6 or 12 months. This is a lot more manageable compared to charging the whole thing to your card. You can also pay for the other half in cash.

If you really don’t have any extra cash to blow off in a new gadget but are confident enough to pay the monthly installment, your best bet is to take advantage of the zero percent installment.

Things to keep in mind when taking monthly installments:

The total price of the gadget will be taken from your credit limit, but it won’t get charged right off the bat. So, if you have a credit limit of P30000, and the iPod Touch is P12000, you’ll have P18000 left (assuming that you don’t have any previous balance).

Now, if you choose the 12-month installment, then you can expect a P1000 charge on your statement every cutoff.

 6. Don’t throw away your receipt.

I know this is pretty basic, but most of the time, it’s easy to misplace the receipt. So, make sure to store the receipt in a safe place. Your wallet can be a pretty safe place. But sometimes wallets can get stolen or misplaced as well.

So, you probably want to have an envelope at home where you can keep all your gadget receipts.

7. Don’t forget to buy protection. 

After spending a huge chunk of your money to a new and shiny gadget, you can get a bit stingy when it comes to buying protective cases and screen protectors. But buying the right case is just as important as buying your gadget.

Take the time to shop for the best case, pouch, and screen protectors. As much as possible, you should let the professionals place the screen protectors. Doing it perfectly takes a lot of practice, so it’s best if you leave it to the experts.

Cases also come in all sorts and shapes. Getting original cases versus the generic ones is up to you. As long as the case fits perfectly and feels safe, then you should give it a go.

With all the options available when it comes to buying gadgets, it’s best to take your time and consider the best option. With patience, research, and a bit of resourcesfulness, you can surely get more bang for the buck.

Image courtesy of [marin] / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Nowadays, practically all mobile phones can play music. And watching videos on our phones is as common as brushing our teeth.  We upgrade our mobile phones and gadgets more frequently than buying new set of underpants.

Indeed, listening to music has come a long way since the 90s.

In the 90s, there were no iPods or smartphones. But that didn’t mean it was less epic.

In fact, if you were a 90s kid, you might consider what we had back then was even more epic.

We had karaokes, cassette tapes, Walkmans, MTV.

We are the last generation that understands the connection between a pencil and a cassette tape.

I hope you can come with me as I visit what it was like listening to music in the 90s and compare those epic moments to how it is now.

Music Source

Tapes –>CD —> MTV —>Limewire —> iTunes —>YouTube

I started my first collection of cassette tapes when I was 11. Some of the first few albums I bought were Hanson, Backstreet Boys, and Aaron Carter (Yes, I used to like Aaron Carter. Sue me! ). I think each tape cost around P150 back then. I would save money from my baon, and when I had P150, I would go to the record store and buy a new cassette tape.

It was a liberating experience for an eleven-year-old (at least for me).

Image courtesy of [coward_lion] / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

After a few years, I’ve stopped buying cassette tapes and started collecting CDs. Luckily, I had access to all sorts of CDs. My Uncle is a DJ and he had a lot of CDs lying around his house. He knew some of my favorite bands and gave their albums to me.

In my early teens, I got hooked on MTV. While most teenage girls spent time learning which lip-gloss or lip stick suits their complexion, I was glued in front of the TV.

 MTV Trivia: Video Killed the Radio Star was the first ever music video played on MTV.

MTV was like the Holy Grail for music enthusiasts and fans decades ago. I spent an embarrassing amount of hours in front of the TV waiting for the videos of my favorite bands to play.

And to even further my embarrassment, I also had a logbook of the date, time, and the title of my favorite videos that played in MTV.

I’m a big han Hanson fan, so this is one of the videos that I was always looking forward to see on MTV.

In 2004, YouTube was born.

Unlike MTV that showed structured music programs, YouTube has all sorts of videos that are available 24/7. It was a truly revolutionary music experience. By this time, I no longer had a logbook.

I no longer have to wait in front of the TV and hope for my favorite music video to play.

I just need go to YouTube and play my favorite videos over and over again.

Nine years later, I still log a considerable amount of hours watching music videos in YouTube. But this time, along with YouTube, I now have access to different music players (iTunes and Google Play Music are just some of my favorites) and mobile gadgets.

But before diving into the high tech world of iPods and smartphones, let’s take a trip down memory lane first. I’d like to share with you the different music gadgets I’ve owned over the years. I’m sure that you’ve also undergone the same technological evolution when it comes to music players.

Music Players

 Cassette Players —>Walkman —>Discman—>MP3 Player—>iPod —->Smartphone —>Tablet

One of my most precious possessions when I was a teenager was my Hello Kitty cassette. It was a gift from my mom. It was tiny, pink, and super cute!

Although it was small, it produced a surprisingly loud sound. It was also portable, which allowed me to bring it to dance practices during my teenager years. I was a dancer; my friends and I always had some sort of dance practice.

A couple of years after owning my Hello Kitty cassette player, I got my hands on my very own Sony Walkman. As a music junkie, I absolutely loved the idea of being able to play my cassette tape anywhere.

When I was in high school, I had a bad habit of accidentally leaving my keys at home. So, right after school, I sometimes had to sit in front of our gate and wait for my grandparents to come home. I didn’t mind because I had my Walkman with me. I would listen to the same album for hours. I was oblivious as the tricycle drivers and some of our neighbors passed by.

I didn’t care. I was in my own music bubble.

Okay, I know I really didn’t look like this when I was alone and listening to music. But this was how I felt inside my music bubble.
Image courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net 

A couple of years later, CDs were all the rage and cassette tapes became history. So did the Walkman. My Discman took its place. Listening to CDs was more convenient as it allowed me to forward songs with just a press of the button.

It was also easier to carry CDs. I had this CD case that looked like a Goofy stuffed toy. But once you open it up, it stored up to a dozen CDs. At that time, I felt like the coolest teenager with my Discman, headphones, and CD case.

Not until the birth of MP3 players.

Using MP3 players was another revolutionary experience. Instead of carrying CDs, you just have to copy the songs digitally. Oh what a difference it made!

No more bulky CD cases. No more CD scratches.

I can’t really remember using a remarkable MP3 player. To me, they were all alike.

This all changed, when I got my hands on an iPod. Since then, I’ve become an Apple girl. Owning an iPod touch was what actually got me hooked in mobile gadgets.

Now, I’m no longer using an iPod. But I’m still planning to buy the fifth generation later this year. I’m using a Samsung tablet as my phone and as my music player.

***

For the past two decades, technology has come along way and has revolutionized our music experience. I’m grateful that I got to experience the epic evolution of music and technology.

And I’m looking forward to what the future holds!

What about you? How has your music experience changed over the years?

Are you overwhelmed with your daily tasks?
Image courtesy of [Michal Marcol] / FreeDigitalPhotos.net 

 

With the help of our mobile devices, we now have access to a lot of tools that can help us become more productive.

So, what are the best productivity apps that you should immediately download and install in your smarthphone or tablet?

1. Evernote

Without a doubt, Evernote is the best note-taking app I’ve ever used. I’ve downloaded and tried a lot (as in a lot) of note-taking apps for the past few years, and so far, nothing beats Evernote’s diversity and comprehensive features. Best of all, it’s free!

You can upgrade your account to premium by paying $4.99/month or $44.99/year if you want to access more features.

Things you can do with Evernote:

• Save text and audio notes from any device (iOS, Android, PC)
• Automatically sync notes from all devices
• Access notes even if you’re offline

Because of this app, I was able to write more notes than ever. As a writer, I need to constantly jot down my ideas for a new post or if I made an amazing realization. When I started using this in January of this year, I only had four measly notes. Now, I have more than 200 notes and counting!

2. Flipboard

In 2010, Flipboard won App of the Year.

Flipboard is a news & magazine app that allows you to collect all of your feeds into one neat place. You can add your favorite website’s feed, the Facebook pages of your favorite celebrities, and even the YouTube subscriptions all in one place.

Not only that, the layout of the feeds are arranged in a way that is neat and artistic.

As a tech blogger, I have to keep myself updated with all the latest news related to mobile and digital technology. However, manually going through each blog is a pain in the ass. With Flipboard, I just have to set up the websites and news feeds that I want to see and voila! I have access to all of the sites I’m following all in one place. I can scan the latest tech news with just a few “flips”.

3. Pocket

Here’s a screenshot of my own Pocket account. The layout is also pretty, right?

Dubbed as the “DVR for the web”, Pocket allows you to save all the articles that you want to read at a later time in one place. You can access the articles even when you’re not connected to the internet.

You can also use this app on any device—even when you’re on the computer.

I read a lot of blog posts and articles from all over the web. But sometimes, I don’t have a lot of time to go through all of them. So, I just save the important articles in my Pocket account and read it a later time. I usually read them when I’m commuting, and I don’t have access to the internet. This has helped me learn new techniques about writing and promoting my blog while on the go.

4. Astrid Tasks

Astrid task is a to-do list app and much more. It allows you to create different lists and sync the lists across multiple platforms. In addition, you can easily share specific lists if you want to collaborate with your friends and colleagues.

This is a great app if you want to establish a new habit. This was most especially helpful to me at the beginning of the year when I planned the things I’ll be working on and how much time I need to spend on each task.

What I did was set recurring tasks, so I’ll always be reminded to do them at a specific time. Because of this, I was able to form a habit of working on my blog for one hour every day (except on weekdays).

5. Stop Watch & Timer

“The popular FREE “StopWatch & Timer” app on Android. Beautifully clean, simple and reliable. Used by millions of people since 2009.

While doing research on productivity techniques, I discovered that you could do more if you time your tasks. This way every minute is accounted for. According to Pick the Brain,

when you’ve got a timing ticking away, you’ll suddenly discover a new sense of focus which you never knew you had.

For example, researching for new topics can sometimes turn to aimless Googling. When I give myself ten minutes for research, then I need to make sure that every minute counts. I also use a timer at work and have tremendously improved my output. I was able to do more in less time!

6. Android Time

Seeing the history of my “clock ins” makes me feel very productive.

Android Time is like your digital time card.

You can use it to track the time you’ve spent on each project. It allows you to create different “Jobs” along with its corresponding job descriptions. This is a must-have for freelancers or for those who work on a project basis instead of an hourly rate.

This is one of the most recent apps that really helped me increase my productivity. I mostly use it to record the time I spend working on my blog and studying online courses.

Right now, I’m taking a Gamification course in Coursera.org. This course requires me a few hours each week in order to complete all the weekly courses.

Being aware of the actual time I spend on each task helps me to adjust my schedule.

7. Google Play Music

See? Even cows are productive when listening to music. Photo Credit

 How can a music player increase your productivity?

There have been many scientific studies proving the link between music and productivity. In 1972, for example, Fox and Embrey created a series of experiments that showed how music can increase productivity when doing repetitive tasks.

I not only use this app to play music, but I also use it as a learning tool by listening to different podcasts. One of the podcasts I listen to is Pat Flynn’s Smart Passive Income where he shares tips on how you can improve and monetize your blog.

I also listen to Grammar Girl! I absolutely love her podcasts as they are very informative and entertaining (at least to grammar geeks). It helps me brush up on my grammar skills, which is an important tool for writers!

8. Google Calendar

Planning ahead of time is one of the most essential steps in productivity. The Google Calendar app is a simple yet effective way of planning your activities for the week and the entire month.

What’s great about Google Calendar is its flexibility and availability.You can access it from any device, you can share events to anyone with a Gmail account, and it even sends a reminder before the actual event.

If you’re not taking advantage of this amazing app or its browser counterpart, I highly suggest spending a few minutes with it and see how it works for you.

9. Walkroid

Days that I have very few steps recorded mean that I worked from home. This reminds me to spend more time in working out.

One of Pat Flynn’s best productivity advice is to make your health a priority. And I think this absolutely makes sense. You can’t accomplish anything when you’re sick.

So, pedometer apps like Walkroid can help you keep track of your activity level. Although it’s not 100% accurate, it is a great app to track your daily steps.

When you’re healthy and active, you feel good about yourself.

When you feel good about yourself, you’re in the best condition to do more every single day.

10. TED or any motivational app

A motivational app is a must-have for people who want to get more out of life. The TED app allows you to access tons of informational, entertaining, and inspirational talks from different personalities in all sorts of industries.

Bonus Productivity Tips:

• Listen to upbeat music without lyrics when working. 
• Find the best time of the day when you’re productive.
• Do not push yourself when you’re tired. Rest first. Resume working at a later time.
• Meditate and take the time to clear your mind.

By downloading apps that works best for you and keeping yourself active, you can definitely do more and be more!

What is your favorite productivity app?

Photo Credit: Hatchi App

When the Tamagotchi first came out, I begged my grandmother to get me one. Unfortunately, she wasn’t really a fan of technology (except for our TV and VHS). She only found value in books and not some digital toy. I knew that my begging would be unfruitful, so I stopped.

But now that tablets and mobile technology are commonplace, my interest for raising a Tamagotchi was rekindled. Thanks to Hatchi by Portable Pixels I can now have a Tamagotchi-like experience even in my late 20’s. teehee

What is Hatchi?

“Hatchi is a retro-looking iPhone app sure to get the nostalgia burning for all those who cared for a virtual pet back in the 1990s when they were at the height of their popularity. Just as with the keychain-sized pets of the 90s, iPhone, iPod and iPad users now will feed, clean, play with and generally look after their pets to ensure they grow up to be healthy, happy little Hatchis. He needs YOU!”

Here’s a quick video of Hatchi’s gameplay:

It is available for 99 cents from the Apple App store, while Google Play Store offers a paid (Php92.41) and free version. It was on sale for a short period of time, so I got it for free on my boyfriend’s iPad.

Although it’s not the original Tamagotchi that I’ve wanted so badly when I was a kid, it’s the next best thing.

I’ve actually tried downloading a few similar apps in the past, but they were weird and didn’t really get me hooked. I’ve been playing Hatchi for over a week now, and I’m still hooked. (A week is definitely a long time considering there are many apps vying for your attention.)

 Gameplay

There are plenty of activities that can keep you busy when playing Hatchi. Mostly, you’ll spend your time caring for your pet, but other times you’ll be putting your memory and tic-tac-toe skills to good use.

Your interaction with your pet Hatchi involves feeding, cleaning his poop, letting him get enough sleep, keeping him smart with books, and keeping him active by playing the different mini games.

The gameplay becomes more diverse with its mini games. This is where you’ll get the chance to earn coins to spend for the welfare of your pet. For example, you can buy foods that will allow your Hatchi to have longer energy. Longer energy means you can have more play time with your pet and earn more coins.

The games might look simple at first, but they can be engaging and even addicting. It will remind you of the games you used to play on 2G phones like Nokia’s 3110 memory game (I can’t remember its specific title).

Photo credit: http://cheezburger.com/5644634624

My personal favorites are It’s Raining Meds and the Hatchi Matchi. I believe that It’s Raining Meds is the fastest and easiest way to get more coins. Your pet simply needs to avoid the pouring injection rain by tapping the left and right cursor. Hatchi Matchi is also pretty straightforward. Your goal is to find the pair of foods and avoid the skulls.

Multiplayer Mode

There’s also an online option where you can compete with other Hatchi parents. It’s actually a lot more fun than I expected. It’s a super short game that simply involves tapping and timing.

When I first played it, I found it weird, as there were no instructions on how to play the game. But during the second run, it felt pretty natural and it starts getting fun.

Coins, Coins, Coins

Earning coins can take a long time most especially if you want to inject more color and options to your gaming experience. Foods and colours upgrade have pretty reasonable prices. For example, I just upgraded my Hatchi to a random color for 200 coins. Now, he is blue!

It gets pretty challenging when you want to buy buffs. I’m currently saving for Coin Doubler, but I have a long way to go! It costs 6000 coins, and I only have 1500 coins after blowing my 200 coins on a random color.

If you’re really itching for some coins, the good news is there is another way! You can earn coins by doing social media stuff such as liking Portable Pixels’s Facebook page and Tweeting about your Hatchi.

If you simply want to raise pets and keep them happy, then earning coins might not be a deal breaker. And if you’ve got extra cash to spend, you can always buy coins.

Value

For .99 cents, this app is surely a must-have for those who like raising virtual pets or for those who simply want to relive the experience of what it was like in the 90’s.

Although it the game looks super simple, there are actually a lot of things that can keep you busy. Plus, there is nothing like seeing your own Hatchi fully grown and releasing him/her into the wild.

Meet Hewie. My first adult Hatchi. He has already been released into the wild.

All in all, purchasing or downloading this app should be a no-brainer. But if you’re still on the fence, here is a quick rundown of its pros and cons:

Pros

·      Reexperience/experience games like Tamagotchi

·      Elicits 90’s nostalgia

·      Simple yet engaging gameplay

·      Perfect for those who like nurturing pets in virtual environment

 Cons

·      Too long to earn considerable amount of coins

·      Have to shed money if you want to get more features (for Android free version)

·      Can be a bit dull after raising 2-3 Hatchis

Playing Hatchi by Portable Pixels not only provided me with good fun, it also allowed me to reminisce a lot of things about the 90′s. It’s good to be reminded of  how much black and white pixels on a screen can do.

It also made me realize–no matter how much digital technology has evolved–raising virtual pets will never go out of style. In the future, when we have holograms and lasers integrated in our mobile gadgets, I’m sure we’d still be raising some kind of virtual pet.

Image courtesy of [Michal Marcol] / FreeDigitalPhotos.net 

Ten years ago, our choices when it comes to electronic gadgets were pretty much limited. Should I buy a PC or a laptop?

But with the emergence and popularity of mobile gadgets, the decision of choosing the right tablet with the right features have become harder.

Should I get and Anroid or iOS? Should I get a 3G or a wifi only device? Should I get a 10″ or a 7″?

And the list goes on…

I bought a tablet a couple of times in the past, so I know how it’s like to bombard yourself with all those questions.

The good news is I’m going to share some tips based on my experience and research, so you can make a better decision on which tablet suits you best.

Wifi and 3G tablets can pretty much accomplish the same tasks, but there are also notable differences such as the price, connectivity, and how you’re planning to use them. 

3G

You might be on the fence when planning to buy a 3G tablet. Mostly because it’s quite expensive compared to its wifi counterpart. But  consider a few things first before going with wifi and abandon a potentially good relationship with a 3G tablet.

 Why a 3G Tablet is worth the extra money:

•    If you’re going to a new place, you can use Google Maps or similar apps to help you get to your destination. 

•    You can easily check important emails if you’re not in front of your laptop or PC.

When I used to work from home, I have to constantly check my email. I didn’t want to miss any emails from my boss. As much as possible, I wanted to reply right away. While most of the time DSL connections are reliable, there are the occasional blackouts, power failure, or faulty routers, which wreak havoc on my life as a home-based employee. So, having a back up internet connection gives me a sense of security.

•    If need you to kill time, a 3G tablet is your best friend.

Stuck in traffic? Going on long road trips? With a 3G tablet, you can check your Facebook updates, Tweet about random things, or browse photos in Instagram. The options are endless!

 •    Some tablets that allow you to turn on “portable wifi hotspot”.

This feature can turn your tablet into a “router”. Let’s say you’re in the car with a friend who has an iPod touch. He/she wants to connect to the internet, but there’s no connection available. Once you turn on the “portable wifi hotspot” on your 3G tablet, your friend can now connect using your 3G connection.

 •    Some 3G tablets allow you to use the device as a phone.

Personally, I love this feature because it simplifies my life. I don’t have to carry a phone and a tablet. The only downside to this is you have to use the headset every time you make a call or when answering an incoming call. When you don’t have a headset handy, you have to put the bigass tablet to your ears. Which totally feels and looks awkward.

Trouble with 3G tablets:

•    It is more expensive than its wifi counterpart.

The difference can range from P3000-P5000 depending on the brand.

As you can see, there’s a P6000 difference between a wifi and 3g version of a 16-gig iPad mini.

•    It can eat up your phone credit.

Sun, Globe, and Smart actually provide a lot of options when it comes to paying for internet connection. You can pay per minute or per hour. Or you can subscribe to promotions that will allow you to have unlimited internet for 24 hours, 3 days, 1 week, or even a month.

 Heads up: Make sure to turn off your 3G connection when not in use. In the first few months of using my tablet, I always forget to turn it off.  It felt like my phone credit magically disappeared.

•   3G connection is unstable and is highly dependent on location.

3G connection is like playing UFO catcher in an arcade. Sometimes you’ll get lucky and catch a random stuffed toy, while most of the time you’ll go home empty handed.

Quick tip: Before signing up for a 24-hour unlimited internet connection on your tablet, make sure to do a speed test first.

This speed test was taken in Northgate Cyberzone. At first, the speed was quite fast. But it fluctuates later on. I believe this is due to bandwith limitations set by Globe when signing up for surf promos.

This speed test was also done in Alabang on the same date after the initial speedtest (above). As you can see, the result is disappointing!

Wifi

 Why Choose Wifi

•  It’s inexpensive.

It’s plain and simple. Wifi tablets like the Nexus 7  is considerably less expensive compared to 3G tablets. As of this post, it costs a little over than P12000 in Asus outlets.

•  It allows you to disconnect from the internet in places where there is no wifi connection.

 According to a research done in University of Gothenburg, being constantly online can cause stress, sleeping disorders, and even depression. When you have a wifi only device, you have no choice but to wait until the next wifi hotspot is available.

This can be a good thing as it allows your mind to disconnect from the internet.

• Even if there’s no internet connection, you can still accomplish a lot of things. You can:

• save PDF documents and read them when you’re stuck in traffic;
• download and watch movies;
• play mobile games; and
• write notes or work on your assignment using a document editor app.

What’s wrong with wifi tablets?

There’s really nothing wrong in buying wifi tablets. It can practically do anything that a 3G tablet does. But it has also its disadvantages.

When you badly need an internet connection, you have to go to the nearest coffee shop or restaurant that offers public wifi.

In times  when you really need an internet connection, this can be a bummer.

Lastly, it doesn’t give you an option to use your tablet for call and text. 

The bottom line:

Buy a 3G tablet if you:

• always need internet connection, most especially when travelling
• want the option to use your tablet for call and text

A wifi tablet is best if you:

• want to opt for a cheaper gadget
• have access to wifi connection almost all of the time

So, what do you think? Would you go for a wifi or 3G tablet?

This post is dedicated to those who need a new beginning. 

One day, something will happen that will make you feel like you’ve wasted years off of your precious life. You might get divorced, break up with your partner, lose your job.

When this happens, don’t worry. The loss you will feel is the beginning of a new journey in your life.

After realizing you’ve spent years working in a job you hate or being in a crappy relationship, you will start to forge your own path that is in line with your heart.

Like a phoenix, you will rise from your ashes. Like a newly updated app with bug fixes, you’ll become [Insert Your Name] 2.0. So, don’t despair.

Endure the pain a little longer. It will go away sooner than you think. And once it goes away, you can welcome your new self with a happy and hopeful heart.

Image courtesy of [photostock] / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

When buying a pair of shoes, you want something that is both stylish and comfortable. You also want shoes that match your existing wardrobe.

The same principles apply when deciding the right operating system (OS) when buying a new gadget. If you’re unsure whether to choose Android versus iOS, there a few things you might want to consider.

First, you want an OS that is comfortable and easy to use. You also need to consider your existing gadgets to see if they complement or contradict with the gadget you’re planning to buy.

Basically, both OS provide almost the same features such as access to popular apps and games. On the other hand, both differ when it comes to overall experience, convenience, and flexibility.

Things to keep in mind:

With its many versions over the years, the features and navigation on Android and iOS have many variations. Mostly, in this post, I’ll be referring to Android’s Ice Cream Sandwich and Jelly Bean; and Apple’s iOS 5 & 6.

I’m also limiting this post on the built in features that come with an Android or Apple device.

Similarities between Android and iOS

There are plenty of features that both Android and iOS share. Both OS allow you to:

• access Google services such as Gmail, Google Maps, Google Drive, and Google Plus;
• open and edit documents;
• access social networking apps such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; and
• use camera (front and/or back) to take and edit photos.

An Android and Apple 3G device also give you the ability to access the internet using your mobile network.

There are more similarities, but mostly these are the apps and features that you’ll be using once you own the device.

Now, here’s the main difference:

When you have an iOS device, most Android apps are available on Apple’s App store. An Android OS, on the other hand, doesn’t have Apple exclusive apps and programs such as iMessage, Pages, Photo Booth, iTunes, Notes, and Reminders.

If you’re using a Windows computer and don’t have any existing Apple device, you really don’t have to worry too much about not having access to Apple’s exclusive apps.

But if you have a Mac computer at home, buying an Android device can be an issue. Mac OS does not recognize Android devices such as Samsung Galaxy Tabs. You have to do a few tricks in order for it to work with a Mac. When you have an Apple device, syncing with  Mac is easy peasy.

 Android versus iOS

Now, let’s discuss the specific features which will win your heart.

Android

Customization

Unlike Apple, Android OS gives you a lot of control in terms of the look and feel of your smartphone or tablet. You can customize almost anything. If you don’t like the default font, you can change it to other whimsical or futuristic font styles. You can even download a new set of font styles if you’re not satisfied with the existing ones that come with the device.

 Live Wallpapers

This is my home screen on my Android tablet. One of the things you can customize is your home page. As you can see, I’m using a few widgets and the rest are apps that I use most of the time.

One of the features that I personally love is the ability to use live wallpapers. It’s certainly an amusing feature. You can easily download live wallpapers with different themes such as nature, geometric patterns, and even your favorite films and cartoon characters.

Right now I’m using Paperland. It’s brightly colored live wallpaper that changes during the day and night time. During the day, the sun rises and the whole wallpaper is bright and sunny. At 6 pm, the moon replaces the sun. The screen also turns dark, and the little cars that are driving by turn its headlights on. Very cute, right?

Widgets

Most apps come with widget support. But some widget features might not be available for free apps.

Another great feature is the ability to use widgets. Widgets are like a shortcut button for your apps. For example, Google Play Music has a widget that includes the pause, play, forward, and rewind buttons right on your screen. This way you don’t have to go to the actual app when you want to quickly pause or rewind a song.

In addition, on Android, you can easily close all applications in one go. When using Ice Scream Sandwich, for example, you simply hold the home icon at the bottom of the screen, and click on “End All”. You can’t do this on an Apple device. You have to manually close each app.

Multitasking

When using Jelly Bean, you also have the ability to multitask. For example, you can browse Google while watching a YouTube video. Although I rarely use this feature, it’s certainly a great option for those who want to run multiple apps at the same time.

Apple’s iOS

Siri

Who doesn’t love Siri’s sweet, robotic voice? She is actually a celebrity in her own right!  Although she has many flaws, she can actually do quite a few things. She can send a text message for you, set alarms & timers, check the weather, and find the nearest coffee shop if you’re craving for a cup of latte.

Although Siri is exclusively made for Apple devices, there are similar but less popular assistant apps available in Android. You can check out some of the best Siri alternative here.

Easy Sync

I think that iTunes is still one of Apple’s greatest strengths. I’ve used a lot of music player over the years, and this is by far my favorite. It’s so easy to use and sync with your Apple device.  When you download music albums and podcasts on your iTunes, you just have to plugin your iOS device on the computer and it automatically syncs all the new additions to your library. No need to drag and drop the files to the respective folders.

App Stores’ Library

Nothing still beats the quality of the apps available in Apple’s App store.  Developers prioritize Apple when creating new apps. Even some apps that are both available in the Android and Apple market have different features, which result to a totally different experience.

For example, the game Battle Heart is no longer updated on Android. While the same game on Apple is constantly updated–sometimes even with new characters.

The Bottom Line:

I believe that if you want an uncomplicated and integrated experience, go for an Apple device.

But if you want to have more flexibility and control, then an Android device suits you best.

Other things to keep in mind when making a decision:

• Most Android devices are cheaper. You can get a Nexus 7 tablet for about P13000, while an iPad Mini cost P17000 when it was first released in the Philippines.
• Since Android is an open-source software, there are far more free apps.
• If you’re concerned about warranty coverage, nothing beats Apple’s coverage and customer service. At least, this is based on my experience.
• Software updates vary for Android devices. Some older devices might not support new software update roll out.

So, I hope these details give you a pretty good idea when deciding to get an Android versus iOS devices. All in all, it boils down to how you’re planning to use the mobile gadgets, how much money you’re willing to spend, and if it fills fits your personality or lifestyle.