There are many reasons why a man’s Testosterone levels aren’t at a level that is healthy, and this can cause a myriad of problems including exhaustion, poor physical fitness, heart disease, sleep apnea, diabetes and many other afflictions. The Testosterone hormone is produced and exists in the male body because it plays a big role in reproduction and the male sexuality. It also does a lot of other good things such as effect healthy hair growth, increases muscle mass, promotes good levels of red blood cells, promotes a positive mood and a sense of well-being, and drastically increases bone density.

Males who reach the age of 30 and over, testosterone levels begin to decline. When this happens, estrogen levels begin to increase. Tell-tale signs of decreasing testosterone levels usually include depression, concentration and memory struggles, E.D. and sex drive. If you’re on statins, this can have an adverse effect on testosterone production as well.

If this problem arises, the first step is to get blood work done, and see if “low T” is to blame. And even though blood work may not be a complete test because testosterone levels fluctuate through a given day, it is a good start to measure what’s going on. If you find that testosterone is low, you have a few options. There are several bio-identical and synthetic product on the market that could help. There’s also DHEA, which is the largest raw material your body can use to produce testosterone.

Natural methods, of course are the best.  Below are some ways you can “up” your “T” count: 

1. Lose the Pounds- Exercise and Eat Whole Foods

Shedding weight can boost your testosterone levels. Overweight men usually have low testosterone levels, so this is an important trick to increase your body’s testosterone production when you need it.

Try short-intensive exercises. These have proven to increase testosterone levels and prevent them from declining. Long aerobic and prolonged exercises, like running on a treadmill, have not shown any positive impact on testosterone levels. Rather, high-intensity, short-burst exercises two to three times a week, along with a comprehensive fitness plan, works well in achieving a higher T-count. And these high-intensity exercises should last no more than 30-seconds at a time, with a couple minutes in between bursts for walking. Repeat this a few times, and your entire workout should take no longer than 20-minutes.

Usually strength training is best to boost testosterone. Use heavier weights with less reputation. This type of exercise is also known to boost testosterone levels, so try both for a thorough fitness plan.

And we can’t stress the benefits of eating right. Eliminate processed sugars, fructose and soda. These types of foods are actually driving the obesity epidemic by messing around with our ability to produce and regulate insulin. There’s no doubt about it, Sugar lowers testosterone levels. Besides fructose, you must also eliminate milk and grains. Milk has a sugar called lactose, which increases insulin resistance. Refined carbs, grains and other refined and processed foods are no good either. They also cause insulin resistance. Rather, eat tons of veggies, healthy fats and protein-based foods. In fact, you can eat a lot of this type of food, often (like 4-5 times a day), and actually still lose the weight. The foods you eat will be the answer behind successfully achieving your weight loss goals.

2. Natural Supplements

If you’re a supplement-doubter, there are many vitamins, minerals and amino acids, taken in their proper form and dose, which are outstanding at upping the testosterone ante. Lets start with the mineral zinc. Zinc is vital for good testosterone production. Not having this in your diet does the very opposite. Most of us men don’t get enough zinc in our diet, so along with protein-rich foods like fish and meat, other good zinc-laden foods include cheese, yogurt and beans.

A super vitamin that many of us lack is Vitamin D, which is essential for higher testosterone levels and a higher sperm count. To ensure you are receiving all the benefits of vitamin D, spending some more time out in the sun is the best way possible. But not too much time….around a half-hour a day. If you don’t live in a warm, sunny climate, as a last resort, you can take a vitamin D3 supplement orally.

Lastly, increase your intake of Amino Acids, specifically BCAA (Branch Chain Amino Acids). According to studies, BCAAs increase testosterone levels, and you can get these Branch Chain Amino Acids from foods like Whey, quality cheese and dairy.

3. Reduce Stress

Stress is a killer.  When we’re stressed out, our bodies don’t like us. Rather, the body will release high levels of the stress hormone Cortisol. You may have heard of this before. Cortisol is a hormone, and this hormone actually blocksthe effects of testosterone, and worse, produces belly fat.

Chronic Stress and elevated levels of Cortisol cause testosterone to lose their effects. So practice stress-related techniques. Exercise is one of them. Other activities could include acupuncture, deep breathing, massages, meditation, positive visualization, yoga, prayer….even laughter. Having some relaxation techniques in your hip pocket is a good way to avoid the build up of cortisol, and increase your chances of your testosterone hormone working the way it’s supposed to.

Having a low level of Testosterone is no minor matter. It’s imperative that if you suspect you have low testosterone levels, that you confirm this with a doctor, and then work diligently using the most natural methods to increase testosterone. These methods not only work, but they are arguably the best and most efficient way to treat the problem, long-term. Low levels of testosterone in men do a number on our quality of life. Determine if you have low testosterone, pinpoint the cause and do something about it like eating right, exercising and decreasing stress. You’ll experience an abundant life now and in your later years, which you thought you could never get back to.  For more information on Low T, visit www.healthline.com.

Digital Innovation Gazette: Tech Trends

ARCHOS just entered the Smartphone arena with 3 new handsets.  Today the company announced the ARCHOS 35 Carbon, 50 Platinum and the 53 Platinum, which are dual-SIM chip-supported Android devices.  All three smartphones are unlocked and will run an un-skinned version of the Android OS.  The display type used on each is an in-plane switching (IPS) panel. The devices will also store contacts and file management in the cloud and feature front and rear-facing cameras.

ARCHOS Carbon Series

The Carbon 35 is the sole entry in the Carbon series. It’s a 3.5-inch display smartphone capable of a 320 x 480 resolution (720p video playback). It’s running Android Ice Cream Sandwich/4.0, and is powered by a Qualacomm 7225A processor clocked at 1GHz.  The phone only supports 3G+ speeds, but it has WiFi and micro SD storage expansion options.

The ARCHOS 35 Carbon will retail for $99.

ARCHOS Platinum Series

The ARCHOS 50 Platinum and 53 Platinum are virtually identical. The only major difference are the screen size (5.0 -in and 5.3-in respectively), and the size of their Lithium batteries (2000mAh and 2800 mAh), which also means a slight difference in battery life.  The The ARCHOS 53 Platinum will provide 21-hours of talk time at 2G speeds and 15hr over 3G+.  The 50 Platinum is nearly half that at 12-hours of 2G talk time and just short of 10-hours over 3G+. Unfortunately, 4G won’t be available.

Both use Qualacomm 82225Q Quad Core cortex-A5 processors clocked at 1.2GHz and 16GB of RAM, 8mp camera with flash LED, WiFi, Bluetooth and micro SD storage. Each is also running Android Jelly Bean.

The ARCHOS 50 Platinum will retail for $219, and the larger 53 Platinum will retail for $249.

Today’s home automation and mobile technologies have far surpassed whatever George Jetson could have expected. In case you’re not old enough to remember “The Jetsons” cartoon: George and his family used a plethora of futuristic gadgets in their daily space-age lives, including a robot maid, holograms and meals-in-a-pill. While the show was set in 2062, today’s home technology is advancing much quicker than the creators of the classic cartoon show could have imagined.

According to Smarthome.com, when Google jumped on board the mobile home-control bandwagon, it pushed automated home control technology into the mainstream. Now such things as “smart grid” appliances are becoming household names, just like smartphones.

Control Your Appliances From Anywhere

Now you can control your television, washer and dryer, lights and heating system via a smartphone or tablet. According to CNBC, LG’s smart grid appliances even provide homeowners with information on the amount of electricity or gas being used. This enables homeowners to adjust their appliance usage even if they’re not home.

For temperature control, Gadget Guy recommends the Hunter iPod Universal Internet Thermostat. This gadget works with a home’s Wi-Fi to allow the homeowner to adjust the thermostat from anywhere he or she has Internet capability.

Security at Your Fingertips

In the Jetsons’ world, home invasion didn’t exist—after all, it was just a cartoon for kids. In our world, however, precaution and safety are a must.

Wireless home security systems provide protection for you and your family. Their apps enable you to access video surveillance and arm and disarm alarms from your mobile device. These monitoring systems use door and window sensors and protect you if the electricity goes out, as well.

With so many gadgets and security systems available, though, it can be hard to decide on which one to choose. The search for the right system is less complicated with the use of a search provider, such as SecurityCompanies.com. These companies offer advice on choosing a home security system that fits your needs.

Just Plain Cool

Let’s say you forget to refill Mr. Snuggles’ food dish before leaving on a five-day work trip. No mobile device can comfort you in this dilemma, right? Not so fast; Pintofeed is a wireless system that enables you to feed your pet from your smartphone. It even notifies you when and how much Fido ate.

The Scanomat coffee maker is another great gadget for the automated home. Not only does it hook you up with your favorite a.m. caffeine fix, but it keeps your home from burning to the ground as well. How many times have you second-guessed yourself about turning off the coffee pot? Or wished you hadn’t made so much coffee that morning? Now you can customize your java craving from your iPhone. Scanomat enables you to control when to turn on and off the coffee pot and how much to make each time. It also gives you control of what kind of coffee you want, and it features an automatic milk system that allows you to choose from regular coffee with cream to a full-on coffeehouse delight of lattes, cappuccinos and macchiatos.

And the Jetsons thought THEY had it made.

Synonymous with effective hygiene cleaning products, including those for the face and body, MelodySusie just debuted their Multi-function 4-in-1 Electric Facial and Body Brush Spa Cleaning System.  Designed to cleanse the face prior to nourishing and moisturizing, the MelodySusie deep cleans your face so you’re assured that no impurities reside there before you apply your other facial treatments.  This is important because if you moisturize your face, for example, prior to getting it completely clean, that moisturizer can trap impurities in your pores, and that can be very damaging to your complexion and overall health of your face.

The MelodySusie Spa System exfoliates dead skin cells right off in a safe and effective manner.  You can also use the product as a facial emulsifier, and it’s alto works well on the hands and feet……the whole body.  And speaking of feet, the 4-in-1 system not only can clean your feet, but it exfoliates, polishes and smooth those stubborn calluses.  It smoothed out my feet in a matter of minutes.

To use, you simply attach the facial brush to the base unit, and begin using.  I wouldn’t suggest using this in the shower, as it is not waterproof.  The MelodySusie also comes with 4 different brush heads/spinning attachments for various applications, including a pumice head and a massager head.

The MelodySusie works fantastic.  It cleans, exfoliates and smooths out any body part you apply it to, and compared to those $200 facial cleaning systems like the Clarisonic, you can pick up the MelodySusie Facial and Body Spa System for under $25 on Amazon.  Very affordable, and it also comes with a carrying case.

If you’ve been in the market for a professional face and body “spin” cleaner, like those you see in your retail stores, save a bunch of money and go purchase the MelodySusie Spa System.  It works equally as well. You can purchase it here.

The HTC First isn’t Facebook’s first phone.  But perhaps it will be the company’s first successful smartphone.

The First was announced in tandem with Facebook’s new Home launcher.  Unlock the First and you’ll immediately be presented with a host of Facebook associated apps, along with a messaging system that integrates into the phone.

Spec wise, the First falls some where in the middle.  The Super LCD display measures 4.3-inches and has a resolution of 1280×720.  Included are the three capacitive Android buttons.  The processor is a dual-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 processor running at 1.4GHz, which is paired with 1GB of RAM.  The battery has a 2,000mAh capacity, which should promise more than a day of use.  The camera is a 5-megapixels on the rear, and has an f/2.0, 28mm lens.  Finally, the First will support AT&T’s 4G LTE network, and run Android 4.1.

The HTC First will ship April 12th (in red, light blue, black or white), and will run $99.99 with a 2-year contract.  It won’t be the only phone to receive Facebook’s Home integration, but it will be the only one to offer as deep of an integration.

Check out the video and exerpt about Facebook Home….

Facebook Home is built around your friends and puts them at the center of your phone:

Cover feed: A constant, fresh stream of photos and updates from your newsfeed, cover feed is always present when you wake up your phone.  It lets you stay up-to-date on your friends’ latest activities in real-time, all the time.  You can swipe through to see more photos and updates, double tap to “like” a post and comment right from cover feed.  To learn more about cover feed, check out this video.
Notifications: Notifications from apps and friends appear right on your home screen.  It’s easier to see when you have a missed call, calendar reminder or new message. Open a notification with a double tap or clear them away to see your Cover Feed.  To learn more about notifications, check out this video.
Chat Heads: The mobile messenger lets you jump in and out of conversations while you do other things, like watch a video and browse the web.  Reply right from chat heads, or move them around if you’re not ready to respond. Plus you can send and receive texts and Facebook messages from the same spot.  To learn more about chat heads, check out this video.
App Launcher:  See your favorite apps and post right to Facebook from the same spot. You choose what’s on your app launcher—press and hold an app then drag it anywhere.
Instagram:  HTC First is the only phone that comes with Instagram pre-loaded.

 Samsung, makers of the Galaxy line of smartphones, just introduced the new Galaxy S4, due out this month.

With a whopping 5″ screen as compared to the S3′s 4.8-inch screen, it offers more picture without an increase in device size.  The Samung AMOED screen is gorgeous, and can produce a full HD (1080) picture thanks to its pixel heavy screen.   Additionally, Samsung has beefed up the camera with 13-megapixals.  The camera comes with proprietary software where you can spice up, edit and enhance pictures.

Samsung has also included Air View, which allows you to swipe through screens without touching the phone.  A special camera is onboard, which watches your eyes and automatically scrolls through pages when you reach the bottom, or pauses the movie when you look away.

The S4 also comes with an exercise app, which includes a pedometer and wrist band to track your vital stats, and is recorded in an accompanying app that can track food and sleep.  The new TV app lets you use the embedded IR blaster to flip through channels.

The Galaxy S4 is a huge improvement to its predecessor, and its added standard software lets you do a lot of things the S3 has been missing. The Galaxy S4 will be available at AT&T, April 16th for $200.

Check out the video….

By John Moore for Digital Innovation Gazette

Remember film cameras? Most of us do, but when was the last time you used one? MarketLine reported that the commercial digital camera industry will grow to a whopping $11 billion dollars by 2015, continuing to encroach on traditional film cameras. According to DailyTech.com, the use of digital and smartphone cameras in lieu of traditional ones was a catalyst for the bankruptcy of the Eastman Kodak company, and threatens the industry at large.

Taking pictures with a film camera has become a lost art. Although widespread access to digital cameras has enabled us to take more on-the-quick photos, a hasty jaunt around Facebook will certainly prove that quantity does not equal quality. Sure, digital is easy and sharable, but film cameras offer many forgotten benefits.

Film vs. Digital

Aside from the fact that you’ll spend a significant chunk of money on a digital camera that can capture the same quality and richness found with a standard film camera, photographers and hobbyists are starting to reacquaint themselves with this lost art.

Overall Image Quality: Film cameras naturally capture light better, and they are more forgiving of focusing and exposure issues, sometimes even making for beautiful blunders. Film cameras also offer the ability to play with shutter speed variations, which allows for time-lapse and overexposure, should you desire them.

Digitization: The process of converting 35mm prints to digital is daunting to many photographers. The cost of an adequate scanner, sizing, color correction, formatting and the sheer time suck of it all is off-putting. However, prints and negatives can be sent off to companies like digmypics.com, where professionals will scan and retouch your negatives for as little as 39 cents a pop. You can also drop your prints and negatives off at Costco for about the same price, but without the professional formatting.

Best Cameras for Your Needs

Bronica SQ/SQ-A: The pack mule of the film camera world, the Bronica is a favorite with photographers. This medium-format SLR works with its own tailored lenses. Its manual focus is not for the faint of heart, but the mirror lock-up and multiple exposure features make it a good choice for shooters who want to experiment with varying negative sizes. These beauties and their parts can be easily found on Ebay, Craigslist and KEH.com, in prices ranging from less than $100 to a few hundred dollars for a fully equipped model.

Canon EOS 1N: Named after the Greek goddess of the dawn, this camera left a lot of pros peeved when the newer model disallowed mounting of old FD lenses, a foible that was remedied when the newer models came out. This camera has some state-of-the-art features that have withstood the test of time, like 16-zone evaluative metering and a 5-point area AF. Even better: All your current model Canon accessories should work on it, too. Available online for $200-300. Canon has also just released their additions to the EF lens series, the new EF 24-70mm F/4L IS USM and the EF 35mm F/2 IS USM.

Fujifilm GA645: This fun-looking little gadget is harder to find. It’s a medium format that’s small and light and produces 120/220 negatives. It’s 60mm lens and built-in flash are perfect for the on-the-go shooter, and the autofocus feature doesn’t hurt, either. The semi-retro appearance also makes this a draw for any photo enthusiast. Its relative rarity makes this model price at around $400-500 online.

There are a number of choices you make when it comes to viewing what you want on your television. Along with cable, satellite, and TV boxes, there’s one newcomer that should be considered: Smart TVs. This relatively new technology comes at a price, and it remains to be seen how they will continue to evolve.

Smart TVs: Advantages and Disadvantages

Wouldn’t it be great to check your email on your TV? TVs can now stream content, plus deliver email and social media notifications. Smart TVs are an all-in-one device, removing the need for other components. The convenience of a Smart TV is a plus and its intuitive programming is helpful for people who aren’t tech-savvy. However, there are some notable disadvantages that make the case for avoiding smart TVs.

• Price: Expect to pay a bit more for the “smart” part of the TV. Also, if your Internet connection is limited, you might have data allotments to worry about.
• Complexity: As a sort of electronic Murphy’s Law, the more complex something is, the worse things will be when it breaks. You could be at the mercy of the manufacturer for updates.
• Content: According to MarketingWeek, it’s not the technology creating separation – it’s the content. Some smart TVs are outmatched by alternatives.
• Security: The leads in web-connected TVs are prone to viruses, scams and bot campaigns. As ZDNet writer Ellyne Phneah observes, smart TVs are at the forefront of a “new Web threat frontier.” Manufacturers that don’t offer security updates could put their customers at risk.

Smart Alternatives

If you’re looking to save money, there are plenty of alternative options for web-capable TVs. You certainly don’t need a smart TV to get the functions it offers.

Many consumers enjoy HD cable and satellite offerings from their provider. Providers such as Cable.tv, Cox, and Comcast provide a wide range of high definition TV and movie channel packages. Offering better picture quality than HD cable, with most movies in 1080p HD, satellite providers provide an alternative that can be superior to services like Netflix or Hulu.

Another popular alternative to a smart TV is a TV box. These devices have HD cable and satellite-quality pictures that work well for streaming content. Many gaming consoles and other TV boxes serve the same function as a smart TV.

BusinessInsider.com’s Kevin Smith cites the following devices as major industry contenders:

• Roku
• Apple TV
• Nexus Q
• Boxee
• PlayStation 3
• Xbox 360
• Google TV

For a lower overall price, you can enjoy streaming media the same way you would with a smart TV. The market is filled with impressive options that give any television a boost, without the need for a new TV.

The Bottom Line

While Smart TVs offer many interesting perks, it is up to you to decide if it is worth the price. Apple TV seems to be the front-runner in terms of this market segment. Powerful content sets them apart.  For savings on Apple products, go here.

While HTC’s Status Facebook phone wasn’t exactly a blockbuster product, it does look like Facebook is looking to partner once again with HTC for a second-generation handset.  On April 4th, a Facebook media event is scheduled to occur, and they’re titling it, “Come See Our New Home on Android”.  We know that the event is set to feature an HTC smartphone with a custom, Facebook-centric OS.  It’s perhaps the next best thing to a phone designed and manufactured by Facebook, but instead, HTC will be making the hardware. The integration is expected to run deep including a Facebook home screen.

Additionally, the device’s camera and messaging apps will default to Facebook, according to sources. Hardware specifications have not yet been released, but software will clearly be the focus here.

Google Android is an excellent mobile operating system, but at the moment that the IOS6-based iPhone 5 debuted, it’s believed that many Android users would be tempted and moved to the IOS system. When you put your Android phone into the doghouse, one thing you must do is that transferring your contacts and calendars from the original Android phone to your new iPhone. In this article, I will share two ways to import the contacts and calendars from Android device to IOS device. Which method you choose depends on how your data stores on your Android phone.

Method 1: If you are used to storing your contacts & calendars on Google, using your Google account will easily transfer the stored data from Android to your iPhone:

1. Start your new iPhone, and then select Settings -> Mail, Contacts, Calendars.

2. Create a new Microsoft Exchange Server account. (yeah, I know we plan to export from Gmail, but a MS Exchange account is a must).
3. Type your email address and password.
4. Select Server, and then type your Gmail (or m.google.com) ME Server address.
5. At the last step, select the contacts and calendars that you want to import to your iPhone, and then tap Accept. All these data will be transferred within minutes.

Method 2: if you are used to saving your contacts and calendars on the SIM card, you will need to import them to your Google contacts firstly, and then to iPhone.

1. Open your Android phone. Go to Google Play, type “UiA – Backup Contacts” in the search box to find it, and then install it to your Android phone.
2. UiA – Backup Contacts can export contacts not just in the SIM, but also on contacts on saved on the device memory.The contacts are saved as CSV format, which can be viewed on any text editor and uploaded on any cloud storage applications.
3. Connect SD card to your PC (whether the connection is through telephone, USB connecting line or card reader). Then copy the .vcf document onto your desktop.
4. Log on you Gmail account, and select contact from the drop-down menu at the top left corner of the screen. From ‘more operation’ menu, choose ‘import’ button, then import the .vcf document.
5. Keep online state and import the .vcf document to your iPhone. Then follow steps of method1.

Export Media

There are two methods for you to export media. But if you just want to keep photos and video, please use iTunes.

1. Plug your Android device which sync with the Outlook or Exchange into your PC.

2. Unplug your Android device, then boot your iTunes and connect it to your iPhone through USB or Wi-Fi.

3. Select ‘sync with iPhone’ button, and choose what you want to import to your iPhone, like application program, audio content, bookmark, books, contacts, calendar, movies and TV shows, photos, notepad and rings. Then leave iTunes doing its business.

If you have reserved a lot of cloud data, then just leave for a while. As to Amazonas cloud player like Evernote and Dropbox, as long as you download ISO application program, these data will sync with your PC automatically.

About the author:

Lacey Young is the editor of the site http://drm-assistant.comthat provides readers with easy solutions to remove DRM from iTunes purchased videos & audios.

Sometimes, installing one of those USB/AC wall outlets is like performing surgery without a license.  If you don’t know what you’re doing, it can be a dangerous proposition.  8G Electronics has found a way around that with their latest USB Sock-IT Plugin Outlet.

Instead of removing and replacing your existing wall outlets, this one plugs into your existing wall socket, and creates not only two AC ports, but also two additional USB ports to boot.  And with 3-amps of shared power, which is equivalent to the power needed to charge 2 Apple iPads simultaneously, you’ve just converted your wall outlet into a virtual power plant.  Additionally, the Plugin Outlet measures how much power and current the battery needs, and only gives that much. This prevents you from overheating your battery. The competition’s device can’t do that.  And if you plug in a second device for charging, the second USB charger will give up the remaining power available.

There’es an LED light, which turns off when your device or devices are completely charged.  The removable cover allows you to install it permanently as well.

The company is selling it for $24.99

Check out the video and full press release…

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

8G Electronics Announces the USB Sock-IT Plug-In Outlet

Convenience and Savings in ONE

(Memphis, TN) – March 16th, 2013 – 8G Electronics, LLC, a leading maker of mobile accessories and charging solutions is pleased to announce their latest flagship product, the USB Sock-IT Plugin Outlet.

8G Electronics’ new USB Sock-IT Plugin Outlet gives you a lot for your money. It saves on your utility bill, doubles the charging capacity of any outlet, is easy to install and provides 4 connections for all of your mobile charging needs.

The Plugin Outlet is easy to use. With its 2-plug design and quarter-inch lip, the USB Sock-IT Plugin Outlet neatly and firmly fits over any standard outlet. With its modern faceplate, you can plug in two regular electrical devices and also have use of its two smart technology USB ports for USB charging.

With 3-amps of shared power, which is equivalent to the power needed to charge 2 Apple iPads simultaneously, once you plug in the device, it measures how much power and current the battery needs, and only gives that much. This prevents you from overheating your battery. If you plug in a second device for charging, the second USB charger will give up the remaining power available. When the battery is fully charged, the USB Sock-IT Plugin Outlet senses it and automatically turns off. The device knows when a demand is placed on the device and will automatically turn back on and trickle charge as necessary to keep your smartphone or tablet topped-off. Bottom line, the Plugin Outlet eliminates Phantom Electricity Costs with automatic power delivery and shut-off circuitry.

There’es an LED light, which turns off when your device is completely charged.  The removable cover allows you to install it permanently as well.  The Plugin Outlet also allows continued control of your plug-in lamp from a wall switch via a split-outlet selector.  it has a switch on the back that allows you to designate one of the AC plugs to be controlled by a light switch, and it still has the USB DC power available for both of the USB smart chargers.

“The world relies on staying connected, and more and more people consume data than ever,” said David Novak, 8G’s VP of Marketing. “The Plugin Outlet stands to be our flagship product, and is designed to help the consumer convert their everyday electrical outlets into a USB charging solution….with Smart Technology added to boot.”

The USB Sock-IT Plugin Outlet will retail for $24.99. You can find more information and a video demo of the product here: www.usbsockitpluginoutlet.com.

Maserati’s new 2013 GranTurismo MC Stradale is quite the “looker”. It’s sporting the addition of a set of rear seats.  A previous version only had two seats.  Under the carbon fiber hood is Ferrari’s 4.7 liter V8, 460-HP, a 6-speed automatic sport transmission and tops out at 188mph, which is more than acceptable for a family sedan.   The exterior from the previous GranTurismo MC Stradale versions are mostly identical, though it does have a new Maserati’s forged 20″ alloy rims with carbon ceramic disc brakes.

Check out the video…

Lenovo is prepping two new Jelly Bean handsets for the Asian market, the S920 and S820, judging by some leaked images from MyDrivers.com. The devices appear to share a similar slim, rounded edge design with a rear-facing camera.  Spec-wise, both have MediaTek’s quad-core Cortex-A7 SoC, include dual-SIM support and run Android 4.2.1. It’s not clear what resolution Lenovo has in store for the phones, but if the S920′s 5.3-inch screen size proves true, it’s likely to have 720p.

There are few details on the S820, but it looks like a more fashionable version.

Google released a new version of Google Maps for iOS 6.  It adds turn-by-turn directions, along with all the other great features such as mass transit information.  And today the company issued an update to the app, which only adds to its functionality.

The first features is the integration of Google Contacts.  If you’re signed into Google and you search for a friend’s name, the Google Map app will suggest their address.  This is a feature that people have been screaming for.

The other feature is what Google is branding as improved and faster local search.  Go to the search bar, and a set of icons like coffee shops, restaurants, gas stations, etc, will appear.  Tap one of those icons and Google Maps will show you the nearby results.

If your device doesn’t automatically download the device, hit your update feature, and check out the new-and-improved Google Maps for iOS 6 and iPhone.

MSI just came out with an All-in-One PC, focused on gamers.  Traditionally, all-in-one PCs don’t have the modular, expandable design of a tower, and also aren’t mobile like a laptop.  MSI is trying to change that in the hopes that some gamers out there would prefer a slimmer, space-saving machine, even if it meant sacrificing the processing power you’d get from a robust tower.

The AG2712, which was announced a few days ago, is a 27-inch desktop that generally looks and runs like any other all-in-one. On the outside, it has a see-through stand  around the back and a wide speaker grille sitting just below the bezel. On the inside, it runs a mobile Core i7 processor — Ivy Bridge for now, though the company says that it could have a Haswell processor when it refreshes the box. Graphic-wise, it has a NVIDIA’s 670MX, a laptop-grade GPU announced back in October.

The AG2712 also has a 27-inch, 1080p touchscreen, which will be offered with a wide-angle matte finish, as pictured above. Otherwise, the remaining specs are pretty standard: HDMI in / out, VGA, Ethernet, a multi-format memory card reader, a tray-loading optical drive, headphone / mic sockets, and six USB ports, two of them USB 3.0.

MSI is also showing off a 22-inch model, the AG2212, which will have optional discrete graphics and starts with a Core i3, not i5, CPU.  Either way, pricing and release date haven’t yet been finalized.

According to USA.gov, saving money and managing debt were among the most popular New Year’s Resolutions for 2013. In fact, financial well-being is a common goal for the first of January each year. Unfortunately, most resolutioners won’t keep those self-made promises past February.

Finances gets a lot of help from technology, though, and it is possible to keep on track and carry on with your resolutions throughout all of 2013. Using some of these apps can not only help you save money and eliminate debt, but create some personal wealth for yourself.

Mint (Web, Android, iOS – Free)

Mint.com might be the most popular financial web app out there. At its core, it’s done a niche amount of tasks extremely well — tracking accounts, spending and planning for savings. The popular service has apps for both iPhone and Android and can even help set and track goals for saving, investing and pay down your debt.

Downside: It’s a free service, so you will have to deal with some ads.

SigFig (Web – Beta)

If the analytics of Mint don’t cut it for you, SigFig might be the step up you’re looking for. As one of the top finance apps available, SigFig is perfect for both the professional and casual users alike. From executives such as Brian Ferdinand at Liquid Holdings or the stay-at-home Mom, this app is highly rated for its effectiveness in managing your finances. It will go beyond basic checking and savings to track investments and give real data about what’s happening with you’re money.

Downsides: Web access only with no smartphone apps available. Still in beta mode so access is limited.

iWallet (iOS – $2.99)

Mint is great for seeing the big picture, but iWallet takes care of those day-to-day financial transactions. The app tracks both income and expenses on your iPhone to help balance your budget and keep your spending on the right path.

Downsides: The free version of the app has ads and there is no web access.

PayPal (Web, Android, iOS – Free)

If you’ve done any purchasing from eBay or Amazon, it’s likely that you’re already familiar with PayPal, but you might not be as familiar with their peer-to-peer features. The ability to send money to your friends via PayPal spares you the burden of carrying large amounts of cash, which in turn helps you keep those bucks in your bank account.

Downside: If you already have a shopping addiction, having a PayPal account might not help with the temptation.

Evernote (Web, Android, iOS – Free)

This is for the pen-and-paper folks out there. While Evernote is not technically a financial app, it is great for those who’d rather write down their info over having an app fill in the numbers for them. You can organize notes into folders and sync them between your smartphone and laptop, as well as upload pictures and even tag locations.

Downsides: It’s still not a financial app, so there are no features catered to savings or spending.

Kyocera Torque – the First Ultra-Rugged 4G LTE Android Smartphone with Sprint Direct Connect and Smart Sonic Receiver Audio Technology – Drops, Dunks and Spills into Sprint on March 8 for $99.99 after a $50 MIR  and with a new two-year service agreement or eligible upgrade.

Torque is our first Mil-Spec 810G touchscreen smartphone. For workers in the trenches, families at the beach or the snowboarder knee deep in powder – Kyocera Torque, is built to survive extreme elements and everyday use.

Torque is an ultra-rugged, Android 4G LTE smartphone featuring Sprint Direct Connect push-to-talk service and Kyocera’s award-winning Smart Sonic Receiver audio technology. The technology eliminates the need for a traditional speaker in a handset, instead using vibrations to transmit sounds directly to the eardrum with unparalleled sound quality. Placing the phone in contact with the general area of the ear creates clear sound even in very noisy environments such as construction sites, sporting events, concerts and playgrounds.

Waterproof, Dirt-Proof, Drop-Proof

Built to Military Standard 810G, Torque is made to withstand water, dust, shock, vibration, solar radiation, humidity, and extreme temperatures, along with IP67 standards for dust and water immersion.

Torque has been tested to hold up against life’s extremes – including some most people will never see – to help ensure it will be there when you need it, including:

• Waterproof whether sprayed or immersed in up to one meter of water for up to 30 minutes, Torque can handle all the rain, sprinklers, hoses, spit, drool, drinks, sinks or toilet water life can throw at it – that’s more than can be said of the around 82 million handsets in the U.S. that have already been destroyed by liquid.¹
• Extreme Temperatures of -22° to 140°F (-30° to 60°C) for a non-operating unit for two hours and -4° to 122°F (-20° to 50°C) for an operating unit for three hours – from backcountry snowboard trips to hikes in Death Valley, don’t sweat it.
• Dropped 26 times from 4 feet high – or, the average week with kids at the playground.
• Heavy dust for six hours – going off the grid while off-roading and camping will never be an issue.
• Horizontal, vertical and sideways vibrations for one hour – that mountain bike ride or roller coaster will be no match for Torque.
• Exposure to salt fog, for a complete 48 hour cycle; this cycle includes 24 hours exposure to salt fog followed by 24 hours drying time  – ideal for surfers, beach lovers or those who left their hearts and phones in San Francisco.
• 95 percent humidity for 10 days straight – the phone can handle it, but its owners may not.
• Solar radiation exposure of 1120 W/m2 for 24 hours – you might need sunscreen, but your phone doesn’t mind soaking up some rays.
• Low pressure at 57.11 kPa/15,000 feet (4,572 meters) for two hours – higher than the tallest mountain peak in the lower 48 U.S. states.

Check out the full press release….

Kyocera Torque – the First Ultra-Rugged 4G LTE Android Smartphone
with Sprint Direct Connect and Smart Sonic Receiver Audio Technology –
Drops, Dunks and Spills into Sprint on March 8 for $99.99

Online Adventures from Ultimate Adventurer and Fun-Loving Dad Bear Grylls to Show
How Torque Can Survive the Extremes and Everyday Life

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – Feb. 22, 2013 – Sprint (NYSE:S) and Kyocera Communications Inc.

today announced the March 8 availability of Kyocera Torque, the “live more, fear less” handset
built to survive extreme elements and everyday life.

The ultra-rugged, 4G LTE Android™ smartphone will be available in all Sprint retail channels,
including Web (www.sprint.com) and Telesales (1-800-SPRINT1), for $99.99 after a $50 mail-
in-rebate via reward card, with a new line of service or eligible upgrade and two-year service
agreement (pricing excludes taxes).1 Powered by Android 4.1, Ice Cream Sandwich, 4G LTE
speeds and up to 18.9 hours of talk time, this device will benefit from Truly UnlimitedSM 4G LTE
data, text and calling to any mobile device with no metering, no throttling, and no overages, all
while on the Sprint network.

Torque is built to Military Standard 810G (MilSpec) to withstand dust, shock, vibration, solar
radiation, humidity, blowing rain, low pressure, salt fog and extreme temperatures, along with
IP67 standards for dust, sprayed water and full immersion of up to one meter deep for up to 30
minutes. It features Sprint® Direct Connect® push-to-talk service and is America’s first phone to
include Kyocera’s award-winning new Smart Sonic Receiver technology, which transmits sounds
not only as traditional sound waves, but also as vibrations carried by body tissue directly to the
eardrum and inner ear for unparalleled sound clarity even in the noisiest environments. Torque
is designated Sprint Professional Grade, which ensures advanced security, device management
and Exchange Active Sync capabilities are protecting data on the device and over Sprint’s
nationwide network.

“The durability and sound quality of Torque are amazing for a 4G LTE smartphone,” said David
Owens, vice president-Product Development, Sprint. “Whether you’re on a construction site, an
outdoor adventurer or a mom that worries about their kids breaking their phone, Torque can hold
up to those drops, spills or dunks. With Sprint’s 4G LTE network and truly unlimited 4G data,
text and calling plans, it’s a tremendous offer for business customers, busy kids and adventurers
alike.”

In keeping with Torque’s ability to tackle the extremes and everyday life, Kyocera has sought the
help of Bear Grylls – Everest mountaineer, former British Special Forces, star of television’s “Man
vs. Wild,” and the father of three active boys. See Grylls take Torque on a series of “adventures”
ranging from biting snow, spraying water and mud to a day of splashing in a water park full of kids
at http://www.youtube.com/kyoceramobilephones.

“Bear Grylls is the ultimate survivor, in both his extreme adventures and the challenges he
deals with day-to-day like the rest of us,” said Eric Anderson, senior vice president and general
manager of global sales and marketing at Kyocera Communications. “Most of us know him
as an intrepid adventurer, who has withstood the most extreme environments, but he’s also a
businessman and a parent, and he appreciates the value of a smart, rugged device like Torque
that can seamlessly support those different sides of his lifestyle.”

In 2012, Sprint added more coverage area to its Sprint Direct Connect push-to-talk service –
creating three times the push-to-talk coverage of its Nextel National Network – with the addition of
roaming and Sprint 1xRTT coverage areas.2 The expansion of the Sprint Direct Connect network
also marks another milestone for Network Vision, Sprint’s nationwide network upgrade using the
newest, most advanced equipment in the industry. Sprint plans to consolidate multiple network
technologies into one seamless network with the goal of increasing efficiency and enhancing
network coverage, call quality and data speeds for customers.

Sprint introduced its all-new 4G LTE network in July 2012 and now offers service in 58
markets.3 For the most up-to-date details on the Sprint 4G LTE portfolio and rollout, please visit
www.sprint.com/4GLTE. For detailed 4G LTE maps, providing coverage information right down
to the address, please visit www.sprint.com/coverage. Customers are encouraged to check back
often, as the maps will be updated when coverage in these markets is enhanced.

For more information about the Kyocera Torque, please visit http://
www.kyocerasmartphones.com/torque or www.sprint.com/torque.

About Sprint Nextel
Sprint Nextel offers a comprehensive range of wireless and wireline communications services
bringing the freedom of mobility to consumers, businesses and government users. Sprint
Nextel served more than 55 million customers at the end of 2012 and is widely recognized
for developing, engineering and deploying innovative technologies, including the first wireless
4G service from a national carrier in the United States; offering industry-leading mobile data
services, leading prepaid brands including Virgin Mobile USA, Boost Mobile, and Assurance
Wireless; instant national and international push-to-talk capabilities; and a global Tier 1
Internet backbone. The American Customer Satisfaction Index rated Sprint No. 1 among all
national carriers in customer satisfaction and most improved, across all 47 industries, during
the last four years. Newsweek ranked Sprint No. 3 in both its 2011 and 2012 Green Rankings,
listing it as one of the nation’s greenest companies, the highest of any telecommunications
company. You can learn more and visit Sprint at www.sprint.com or www.facebook.com/sprint
and www.twitter.com/sprint.

About Kyocera Communications Inc.
Kyocera Communications Inc. is the headquarters for Kyocera wireless devices in the Americas.
Designed with durability, dependability, and long-term value as priorities, Kyocera mobile
phones help people feel comfortable with new technology and use it to connect, perform and
outsmart life’s challenges. At the heart of Kyocera’s products is a belief that one size doesn’t
fit all and that people should do more with phones instead of being confused by them or having
to alter their lifestyles to accommodate them. For more information, follow the company at
www.facebook.com/kyoceramobilephones or www.twitter.com/kyoceramobile.

Kyocera Corporation (NYSE:KYO) (TOKYO:6971) (http://global.kyocera.com/), the parent
and global headquarters of the Kyocera Group, was founded in 1959 as a producer of fine
ceramics (also known as “advanced ceramics”). By combining these engineered materials
with metals and plastics, and integrating them with other technologies, Kyocera has become
a leading supplier of telecommunications equipment, printers, copiers, solar power generating
systems, electronic components, semiconductor packages, cutting tools and industrial
ceramics. During the year ended March 31, 2012, the company’s net sales totaled 1.19
trillion yen (approx. USD14.5 billion). The company is ranked #426 on Forbes magazine’s
2012 “Global 2000″ listing of the world’s largest publicly traded companies.

###

American Express Prepaid Reward Card (“Card”) provided in connection with this Rebate offer is a prepaid Card that
is usable at U.S. merchants that accept American Express Card. Some limitations apply. The Card is not redeemable for
cash (except where required by law) and does not provide ATM access. Use of Card constitutes acknowledgement that it
is given as a reward and no consideration, value, or money has been paid by the holder to American Express in exchange
for this Card. USE OF CARD IS SUBJECT TO THE CARDHOLDER AGREEMENT. SUBJECT TO APPLICABLE LAW,
A $3.00 MONTHLY FEE WILL BE ASSESED AGAINST CARD BALANCE, STARTING SIX MONTHS AFTER CARD
ISSUANCE, UNLESS FUNDS ARE EARLIER DEPLETED. For BALANCE, customer service and Cardholder Agreement,
visit americanexpress.com/sprint or call 866-608-3756. Card issued by American Express Prepaid Card Management
Corporation.
2Three times the coverage based on square-mile coverage comparison of Nextel National Network to Sprint National
Network (inclusive of roaming).
3Anderson, Ind.; Atlanta; Athens, Ga.; Austin, Texas; Baltimore; Barnstable/Hyannis/Mid-Cape, Mass.; Boston;
Calhoun, Ga.; Carrollton, Ga.; Chicago/Naperville/Joliet, Ill.; Clark County, Va./Jefferson County, W.Va.; College
Station/Bryan, Texas; Columbia, Tenn.; Dallas; Emporia, Kan.; Fort Wayne, Ind.; Fort Worth, Texas; Framingham,
Mass.; Franklin County, Pa.; Gainesville, Ga.; Gary, Ind.; Gettysburg, Pa.; Granbury/Hood County, Texas;
Hagerstown, Md./Martinsburg, W.Va.; Harrisburg/Carlisle/Hershey, Pa.; Harrisonburg, Va.; Houston; Huntsville,
Texas; Hutchinson, Kan.; Indianapolis/Carmel, Ind.; Kankakee/Bradley/Bourbonnais, Ill.; Kansas City, Kan./Mo.;
Lawrence, Kan.; Manhattan/Junction City, Kan.; McPherson, Kan.; Muncie, Ind.; New Bedford/Fall River, Mass.;
Newnan, Ga.; Peabody, Mass.; Rockford, Ill.; Rome, Ga.; Salina, Kan.; San Antonio; Santa Rosa/Petaluma, Calif.;
Sedalia, Mo.; Shenandoah/Page Counties, Va.; South Bend/Mishawaka, Ind.; Southern PR: Ponce/Coamo/Guayama,
Puerto Rico; St. Joseph, Mo.; Topeka, Kan.; Vallejo/Fairfield, Calif.; Waco, Texas; Waukegan/Lake County, Ill.;
Western PR: Aguadilla/Isabela/Cabo Rojo/Mayagüez, Puerto Rico; Wichita Falls, Texas; Wichita, Kan.; Winchester,
Va.; York/Hanover, Pa.

1The

© 2013 Kyocera. All rights reserved. Kyocera and Smart Sonic Receiver are registered trademarks of Kyocera
Corporation. Sprint and Direct Connect are registered trademarks of Sprint Nextel. Android is a trademark of Google
Inc.; use of this trademark is subject to Google Permissions. Bluetooth mark is owned by the Bluetooth SIG Inc. and
any use of such mark is under license. MicroSD is a trademark of SD-3C, LLC. Snapdragon is a registered trademark
of Qualcomm Incorporated. All other marks are properties of their respective owners.

The Philips Norelco YS524 Click & Style Shave Toolkit uses the same body to replace the head of the razor in accordance to what you’re shaving.  For body hair, there is the Groom attachment.  It features a rounded comb, tips to prevent irritation, and works from head to toe.  For maintaining a groomed beard, there is the Style attachment, allowing you to choose up to five lengths and create either the perfect stubble to a neatly trimmed beard.  And lastly, there is the Shave attachment for your face, which needless to say offers a close shave and utilizes Philips ComfortCut head technology.

The Click and Style shave kit is totally waterproof, so you can trim in the shower with the water running full blast.  And you can even use foam or gel.  The battery is good for up to 50-minutes per 1 hour charge, but if you’re in a pinch a 5-minute juice up will net you a few minutes of running time.

The Philips Norelco Click and Style razor ships February 14th for $70.

I stumbled upon Phone Registry through a Google search.  I was looking for a reverse phone number tool. When I got to their site, they claimed they were the #1 site for reverse phone lookups.  I took that with a grain of salt because everything online is exaggerated. Nonetheless, I decided to give them a shot, and see if their claim of superior service was in fact valid. They highlight a YouTube video on their homepage, which educates you a bit on their service and what they do. The teaser results highlighted the register date of the phone number, service provider, and location. There was also a Google maps image of the area and local demographic information.

A cool thing they did was blur out the name of the phone owner and the button to get to the next page, which said, “Show Name”.  For a $1 trail you get access to not only your report on the phone number you were looking up, but you also get access to their database of millions of records. After the 5-day trail period you become an automatic subscriber and have all these resources at your disposal. I would recommend this service; it is easy to use and puts a lot of cool tools and searches under my fingertips. I know some people hesitate when it comes to online subscriptions, but if you are getting value for your money, then it’s a win-win.

The second installment of Microsoft’s new hybrid computer, between a tablet and a laptop, hit shelves last weekend. It is still amazing to think that this is only Microsoft’s second computer they have ever made, primarily focusing on software rather than hardware. The Surface Pro is a 10.6 inch touch screen with an optional Snap-On keyboard ($130). It features an Intel processor that is found in many laptops. It also has a USB port, kickstand to keep it upright, and pen that allows you to write on the screen. It weighs in at 2 pounds, which is light for a laptop but heavy for a tablet. Its screen resolution has improved significantly from the previous model.

It includes Windows 8, which takes up most of the 64-GB storage, but Microsoft Office is extra. In regards to battery life, it lags behind other tablets with an average of 5 hours. Its base model starts at $899 which makes its price point in the top category of tablets. Microsoft has really beefed up their marketing campaigns for the Surface Pro. They want to become a dominant factor in the up and coming tablet market.

Essentially Microsoft wants you to think that this is a laptop which just happens to be as easy to use a tablet. You can access the Microsoft app store and take care of your excel spreadsheets from the same place. However the cool feature of a snap on keyboard is only useful on flat surfaces and can’t be used on your lap, which kind of raises an eyebrow when comparing to other laptops. As with any tablet, it alleviates you from carrying around your laptop. Remember it is only a tablet; don’t assume it will work the same wonders that your laptop does. Over time tablets will have greater functionality and soon erase laptops all-together but for now they are not there yet.

True campers know that no temperature would ever deter them from spending a night in the wilderness.  I’ve done trips in the snow, which is to say I’ve slept outside, in a tent albeit, over night in some very cold temps.  While my body was toasty warm, my head and face froze since my sleeping bag only covered part of my head.  That’s why I need, or needed this sleeping bag from Nemo, the Canon -40.

Stuffed inside the new Nemo Canon-40 Sub-Zero sleeping bag  is 850-fill goose down from head to toe for the most frigid of temperatures. The outer shell of the Canon -40 is crafted from 15 denier nylon that is treated with an ultralight waterproof/breathable coating on the back and “DWR” on the face that keeps moisture out.  A set of leg and arm slits allow you to easily move around, or cool off in the event that you start to overheat in the  Canon -40.

When the temperature drops, you can zip up the entire bag, covering your head and face.  Air is provided through a specially designed chimney that is said to warm air before you breath it.  There is also a special pocket located near the head that can hold an alarm clock.  Lastly, the foot area has been insulated against additional moisture.

Weighing in at just  4 lb 7 oz, the Canon -40 from Nemo is expected to hit stores this Fall for $999.

Strategy Analytics on Friday published new research showing that Apple had become the No.1 overall handset vendor in the United States in the fourth quarter of 2012 with shipments of 17.7 million units, good for a 34% share of the American handset market. Strategy Analytics says this marked the first time that Apple had ever shipped more handsets over a quarter than rival Samsung, which shipped 16.8 million handsets over the holiday quarter, or 32.3% of the American handset market. Over the span of the whole year, however, Samsung still shipped the most total handsets with its 53 million units shipped easily besting Apple’s 43.7 million units.

Source: BGR

Shares of Facebook have rebounded recently since the company’s disastrous initial public offering last May.  While the social network’s stock has not reached its IPO price of $38 per share, it has increased more than 30% in the last six months. After beating expectations last quarter, Facebook has continued to grow and focus on new ways of connecting users through the Web. The company recently announced its Graph Search feature and has doubled down on mobile revenue. The numbers are in and Facebook beat Wall Street’s expectations in the fourth quarter. The company reported revenue of $1.585 billion and an EPS of $0.17, ahead of the Street’s expectations of $1.53 billion in revenue and EPS of $0.15.

“In 2012, we connected over a billion people and became a mobile company,” said CEO and founder Mark Zuckerberg. “We enter 2013 with good momentum and will continue to invest to achieve our mission and become a stronger, more valuable company.”

Facebook revealed that its mobile daily active users exceeded web daily active users for the first time in the fourth quarter. As of December, combined daily active users reached 618 million, an increase of 28% year-over-year. Monthly active users reached 1.06 billion, an increase of 25% year-over-year, with mobile accounting for 680 million, a 57% increase from last year.

Facebook’s revenue of $1.585 billion represented a 40% increase from the fourth quarter of 2011. Perhaps one of the most important numbers was its mobile revenue, which accounted for 23% of all advertising revenue in Q4, an increase from 14% in the third quarter of 2012.

Source: BGR

To catch up on the latest from RIM and the new Blackberry 10 line, head over to the video below.  Blackberry just outted their latest OS10 along with 2 new killer handsets, the Z10 and the Q10.  These new phones are intended to bring RIM back from their struggling grave, and re-introduce a new competitor in the mobile arena.

Check out the video….

When tech trends hit the showroom floor at tech conferences and expos, they either stick or become a laughable afterthought. The first time technophiles laid eyes on the USB flashdrive, in 2004, it’s possible they couldn’t imagine storing 4 GB of data on something that was the size of a paperclip, but the trend prevailed and Kingston recently unveiled its 1 TB flash drive. The newest flash drive doesn’t have a reported price tag, but the company is charging $1750 for their 512 GB flash drive.

The latest IT trend is BYOD or “Bring Your Own Device” because it allows employees to use their own laptops, smartphones and tablets in the workplace. While many employees find this trend to be convenient and favorable, there are still some IT professionals and data recovery analysts who are concerned that the trend can present high levels of risk in possible data loss and security breaches. Convenience and flexibility have always proven to be good elements in any corporate philosophy or business model, but will the risks prevent this trend from sticking?

Bob Lewis, of Infoworld.com, says the BYOD trend is here to stay, because its benefits seem to be outweighing its detractors. On the other hand, Vance McCarthy, of iDevNews.com says BYOD could ignite issues for IT professionals in areas of data recovery.

Look at the Variables

Using a formula to tell whether or not a BYOD can last and whether it can survive in the workplace, Lewis takes a look at three variables in the world of BYOD: customer vs. consumer, affordability and disruption. After inspecting BYOD under these variables, Lewis concluded that disruption was the only obstacle standing in the way of the BYOD trend’s success. Factors such as data recovery, security breaches and data loss, have been deterrents for some IT managers, but Lewis doesn’t believe employees using their own devices for work purposes will increase these risks. He thinks the integration of devices with a company’s database is usually limited to company email, directory and calendar systems, so there isn’t a barrier preventing BYOD from working. As for security, if IT has the proper online backup software in place and an effective data encryption code applied to files that are private, this can be a good solution to security breaches and the fear of stolen data.

Encryption Solutions

While Vance McCarthy believes BYOD has the potential to be a beneficial trend, that can work for employees and IT professionals, he does acknowledge it’s only possible with extra data recovery protection and encryption in place. In a study taken by the Kroll OnTrack, 80 percent of devices in the workplace were reported to have required data recovery services, whereas only 20 percent of the desktops in the same company needed data recovery. As a solution to the data loss issue, Kroll OnTrack advises CIOs should add a data recovery system, encryption that will make data worthless to the hacker who steals the data, and data destruction to their mobile IT plan for all employees who use their personal devices for work purposes.

The IT transformation has just begun. Steve Jobs said, “You have to break a few eggs to start a revolution.” If you want to start a revolution, break all the eggs you want. But if you want to run a successful company, handle your IT transitions with care. Consider all of the variables and then move forward.

Digital Innovation Gazette: Tech Trends

Digital Innovation Gazette: Tech Trends

Earlier this month, a Memphis-based company called 8G Electronics announced the debut of their USB Sock-IT mobile accessory line-up.  Cool stuff because the company makes sure you, the consumer, has about every option available to charge all of your mobile accessories…..and in style.  Their FloWire, for example, is a charging cord with a spin.  The moving lights inside the cord travel through at various speeds, indicating the level of charging you need to complete juicing up your device.

All of the products come in some snazzy colors as well, and most all of the products have some sort of LED indicator featuring a stylish “Blue” light.

All of the line is suitable for iPhones, Android, iPad and many other mobile devices that connect via USB, Apple 30-pin or Apple Lightening connectors.  And lucky us, the company has allowed us to feature some “Deals of the Day”.  Check them out below:

-FloWire Cable: In color-matched bright colors, The USB Sock-IT “FloWire” mobile Plug-In Charger works on iPad / iPhone / Android / Tablets plus it has an available international plug kit. It streams illuminating lights and gauges how long it will take to charge your device.  Streams fast when the charging cycle begins, lights slow down when charging is topping off, and shuts off when charging is complete.  Available in Blue and Pin.  WAS $19.99.  NOW $17.99

-30-Pin Adapter: Join the Global Initiative to reduce the numbers of old black cords in landfills by using The USB Sock-IT Micro USB Cables with our tight fitting Apple 30 Pin MFI Adapters in Color Matched Bright Colors…Apple Lightning Adapter for iPhone 5 Available Soon.  Available in Orange, Green, Yellow, White, Pink and Red. WAS $8.99.  NOW $6.99

-Dual USB Auto Charger:  The USB Sock-IT Auto Charger will quickly take care of iPad / iPhone / Android / Tablets in your automobile, plus the Blue Glow LED Lights make it easy to plug-in at night.  Available in Black & White now. Coming: Orange, Green, Pink, Red. WAS $17.99.  NOW $14.99

- USB Wall Outlet: 2 USB Chargers built into this outlet.  USB Chargers use no electricity when the USB doors are closed.  The chargers use circuitry to sense a fully charged battery and then turn off. The USB Wall Outlet includes 10 watts of charging power –enough to charge an iPad.  It charges up to 4 electronic devices from one wall outlet, and is easy to install. Charges iPad®/iPhone®/iPod®/Mobile Phones… any USB compatible device. Available in white. WAS $26.99.  NOW $16.99

The world relies on staying connected, and more and more people consume web data than ever.  The USB Sock-IT line has a charging solution for any device, and moreover, adds design and color for anyone from the stylish teenager to the business executive.  To order, visit the company’s websites at www.usbsockit.com, www.flowirecable.com or call 1-800-511-7590.

The new Peavey AT-200 is an electric guitar with auto-tune.  It features Antares Auto-Tune for Guitar with String Tune and the Solid-Tune intonation system, two technologies that work together to give the guitar perfect pitch.

To use the tuning system, simply click a switch on the front of the guitar, evenly strum all six strings and press the volume knob. The system recognizes all the strings and tunes them perfectly. When you hear a “swoosh”, your guitar is in tune.

As you continue to play the guitar, the Auto-Tune system constantly monitors the precise pitch of each individual string and makes any corrections necessary to ensure that each note is in tune, regardless of variables like finger position or pressure or physical limitations of the instrument.

The Peavey AT-200 even works for alternate tunings like Drop D, Open G and Baritone. You can purchase it for $499.99.

Check out the video…

Leaked images of LG’s latest Optimus G Pro were sent to engadget today.  The 5-inch handset comes with a new 1,920 x 1,080 display and is packing a 1.7Ghz Snapdragon S4 Pro APQ8064, 2GB RAM, 32GB Memory, LTE and a 3,000mAh battery.

The new Optimus G Pro weighs in at 160 grams and measures 139 x 70 x 10.1mm.  It will run on Jelly Bean, have a 13-megapixel rear camera and a 2.4-megapixel forward-facing camera.

T-Mobile outs another Blackberry 7.1 model.  It’s a slightly different version of the Curve.  The 9315 has a QWERTY keyboard that also features a dedicated BBM key, a 3.2-megapixel camera and a built-in FM Tuner.   The most interesting thing about this new handset is it’s price….a mere $50 after a mail-in rebate and with a two year contract.  So how will the 9315 do sales-wise when it goes on sale January 23rd considering RIM is set to take the wraps off its next-gen devices?  We’ll see in a couple of weeks.

Check out the full press release…

BlackBerry Curve 9315 Smartphone Introduced By T-Mobile and RIM

T-Mobile’s most affordable BlackBerry smartphone provides productivity tools and features to keep customers connected

BELLEVUE, Wash. and WATERLOO, ON – Jan. 3, 2013 – T-Mobile USA, Inc. and Research In Motion (RIM) (NASDAQ: RIMM; TSX: RIM) today announced the most affordable BlackBerry® smartphone on T-Mobile’s nationwide network – the BlackBerry® Curve™ 9315. Powered by the BlackBerry® 7.1 operating system with 3G connectivity, the sleek new smartphone is easy-to-use and provides tools that enable customers to stay connected to the people and information that matter most.

“At T-Mobile, our goal is to delight customers. The new BlackBerry Curve 9315 will delight customers with unprecedented value while also allowing them to combine their mobile business and personal use in one great device,” said Brad Duea, senior vice president of product management at T-Mobile. “The Curve 9315 is the most affordable BlackBerry smartphone on our nationwide network and provides our customers with a wide variety of productivity and social features to keep them connected and make their mobile lives easier.”

“We’re pleased to work with T-Mobile to bring the BlackBerry Curve 9315 to customers,” said Richard Piasentin, managing director for the U.S. at Research In Motion. “The Curve 9315 is designed to make it incredibly easy to stay connected with friends, family and coworkers and will be popular with customers upgrading to a smartphone for the first time, as well as existing Curve customers looking for a step up in speed and functionality.”

Combining an intuitive interface with a QWERTY keyboard, the BlackBerry Curve 9315 features built-in Wi-Fi® connectivity for voice and data, enabling customers to access the information they need when and where they need it, and Wi-Fi calling, allowing calls and messages over an available Wi-Fi network. With a dedicated BlackBerry® Messenger (BBM™) key, preloaded apps for Facebook® and Twitter® and the Social Feeds 2.0 app, customers can easily interact with their friends, coworkers and social networks whether it’s instant messaging, posting or tweeting.

The new BlackBerry Curve 9315 offers a 3.2-megapixel camera with LED flash and digital zoom as well as video recording capabilities. Customers also have the ability to geo-tag the location of their pictures by utilizing the smartphone’s built-in GPS. In addition, the smartphone features a microSD card slot for up to 32GB of additional media storage and a built-in FM radio letting customers tune in to local FM stations. With the BlackBerry App World™ storefront, customers have exclusive access to a wide range of apps, allowing them to enhance their smartphone experience with entertainment, personalization and productivity apps of their choosing.

The BlackBerry Curve 9315 will be available in an exclusive pre-sale for T-Mobile business customers beginning January 16 and is expected to be available in T-Mobile retail stores, via www.T-Mobile.com, and with select dealers and national retailers beginning January 23, 2013. For well-qualified customers, the Curve 9315 will require a $49.99 out-of-pocket down payment and 20 equal monthly payments of $10 per month via T-Mobile’s Equipment Installment Plan (EIP)1, with a two-year service agreement and qualifying T-Mobile Value voice and data plan. Customers may also purchase the Curve 9315 for $49.99 after a $50 mail-in rebate card, with a two-year service agreement and qualifying T-Mobile Classic voice and data plan.2

1EIP: On approved credit and 0% APR. Qualifying plan required for duration of EIP agreement; account must be in good standing. Available only in participating locations; not available in Wash., D.C.
2All prices, taxes and fees additional.

For more information on T-Mobile products and services, visit http://www.T-Mobile.com.

For more information about the BlackBerry Curve 9315 smartphone, please visit http://us.blackberry.com/smartphones/blackberry-curve-9310-9315.html.

An image of Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy S IV smartphone has leaked.  If it’s real, the image reveals that Samsung will finally ditch its traditional home and navigational buttons for on-screen keys. The bezel around the device is thinner, giving the upcoming Galaxy smartphone a near edge-to-edge display, similar to Motorola’s DROID RAZR M. The Galaxy S IV is rumored to feature a 4.99-inch Super AMOLED full HD 1920 X 1080 display, and include a 2GHz quad-core Exynos processor, 2GB of RAM and a 13-megapixel rear camera. The most recent reports suggest the Galaxy S IV will be released in April.

The Micro Scooter Luggage – built in partnership with Samsonite – is a hard shell luggage piece with a scooter built-in to the suitcase.  The once simple Samsonite Pullman handle now does double duty as a steering wheel, and the scooter folds neatly up allowing you to still store it in an overhead compartment.  If this isn’t clear, let me rephrase.  You can actually ride on this thing while you steer yourself and your luggage around.  Unfortunately, it can only support a person up to 200-lbs.

The Micro Scooter Luggage accommodates up to a weeks worth of luggage, and you can have one for around $400.

P.L.A.N. for Success and You’ll Lose
Those Holiday Pounds
By: Dr. Eudene Harry

So you overindulged during the holidays and gained a few pounds or, even more distressing, you’ve added even more weight to the weight you were trying to shed all year.

Regain the upper hand by following a simple P.L.A.N. for weight-loss success:

P:  Preparation. Whether you are the CEO of your home or CEO of a Fortune 500 company, you know that the odds of success increase with preparation.  One of the biggest missteps is to depend on “will power.”  If you are stressed after a long day at work, you didn’t sleep well the night before and you missed your afternoon snack, what will you choose when you get home: the chocolate chip cookies or preparing a sensible dinner?  If, on the other hand, there are no cookies available and you have already prepared dinner, then what do you chose?  That’s the difference between will power and preparation.

Step 1: Go through the pantry and fridge and dispose of tempting leftovers.  You will not help starvation in Africa or any other country by overindulging.  Restock with your favorite fruits, vegetables and raw nuts, all of which make easy snacks.  Divide the nuts into appropriate single-serving sizes. Remember: preparation, not will power. 

Step 2:  Take one a day a week to prepare for the week ahead.  If you already know what you are going to have for breakfast, you’re less apt to skip this meal, which sets you up to overindulge the rest of the day.  If you know that you’ll be eating out this week, take  time to look at the menu items and nutrition facts for the restaurant online. You can also use the time to plan appropriate substitutions.  With this strategy you accomplish two things: making better choices and appearing spontaneous and decisive to your dining partners. 

L: Identify your limits. This is the key to success for many weight management programs.  It may be presented as daily points, calorie count or prepackaged foods, but the take-home message is the same: Know your limits.

A simple rule of thumb is to eat your vegetables first, perhaps with 1 to 2 teaspoons of olive oil or crushed nuts to ensure absorption of all the nutrients vegetables offer, then consume your protein source (a portion the size of your palm), and finally, the carbohydrate.  Keep carbs whole grain, high fiber and limit to a half-cup.  Eating this way has several advantages. It slows down the absorption of sugar and thereby prevents insulin spikes and reactive hunger; it helps you to feel fuller more quickly; and it maximizes absorption of nutrients. 

Other things to consider are limiting sodium to less than 2,000 mg a day; limit alcohol to one to two drinks a week; and put all sauces and dressing on the side so you control the amount used – no more than 1 tablespoon. Avoid fried foods, trans fats and foods whose primary ingredient is sugar.

A: Increase activity level.  You want to increase activity not because it will help you to lose weight but because it will improve your energy, moods and muscle tone.  All are important ingredients in any weight-loss program.  The first rule of thumb is to pick an activity that you like – or one you don’t hate.  Next, shoot for consistency before quantity.  Starting out with an hour a day may feel overwhelming and exhausting, and can also cause an injury, which would derail all your good intentions.  If 10 minutes four times a week allows you to be consistent, then start there and build up.  Rome was not built in a day.

N: Finally, cut the negative talk.  Remember when your grandmother said you could attract more flies with honey? I think this is what she meant. Beating up on yourself gives you the excuse you need to continue the habits that have kept you in the same place.  We have just left a season where, hopefully, we have been reminded of the importance of being kind to others. Why not extend that kindness to yourself? Instead of constantly looking for proof of why you are going to fail, look for evidence of success:  “I exercised 10 minutes a day for four days last week and already I am feeling a bit better. Wow, imagine when I can do it for 15 minutes.”

I often hear patients say, “It’s been a month and I have only lost three or four pounds.”  This is not defeat; this is success! In 12 months that will be 36 pounds. Another thing I hear frequently is, “It has been two weeks. I feel better but I haven’t lost any weight so why bother.”  Try – “It’s only been two weeks and already I am starting to feel better. Imagine what I can accomplish in three, six, or 12 months. Remember Einstein’s rule: You can’t solve a problem from the same mind frame in which it was created.

About Eudene Harry, M.D.

Dr. Eudene Harry completed her medical degree and residency training at Thomas Jefferson University. She has been practicing medicine nearly 20 years, including 10 as an emergency physical for Level II trauma centers. She is the medical director for the integrative and holistic Oasis Wellness and Rejuvenation Center, and is founder of Oasis for Optimal Health, a private practice focused on integrative, holistic wellness and empowering and educating the patient.

There are a number of choices you make when it comes to viewing what you want on your television. Along with cable, satellite, and TV boxes, there’s one newcomer that should be considered: Smart TVs. This relatively new technology comes at a price, and it remains to be seen how they will continue to evolve.

Smart TVs: Advantages and Disadvantages

Wouldn’t it be great to check your email on your TV? TVs can now stream content, plus deliver email and social media notifications. Smart TVs are an all-in-one device, removing the need for other components. The convenience of a Smart TV is a plus and its intuitive programming is helpful for people who aren’t tech-savvy. However, there are some notable disadvantages that make the case for avoiding smart TVs.

• Price: Expect to pay a bit more for the “smart” part of the TV. Also, if your Internet connection is limited, you might have data allotments to worry about.
• Complexity: As a sort of electronic Murphy’s Law, the more complex something is, the worse things will be when it breaks. You could be at the mercy of the manufacturer for updates.
• Content: According to MarketingWeek, it’s not the technology creating separation – it’s the content. Some smart TVs are outmatched by alternatives.
• Security: The leads in web-connected TVs are prone to viruses, scams and bot campaigns. As ZDNet writer Ellyne Phneah observes, smart TVs are at the forefront of a “new Web threat frontier.” Manufacturers that don’t offer security updates could put their customers at risk.

Smart Alternatives

If you’re looking to save money, there are plenty of alternative options for web-capable TVs. You certainly don’t need a smart TV to get the functions it offers.

Many consumers enjoy HD cable and satellite offerings from their provider. Providers such as Cable.tv, Cox, and Comcast provide a wide range of high definition TV and movie channel packages. Offering better picture quality than HD cable, with most movies in 1080p HD, satellite providers provide an alternative that can be superior to services like Netflix or Hulu.

Another popular alternative to a smart TV is a TV box. These devices have HD cable and satellite-quality pictures that work well for streaming content. Many gaming consoles and other TV boxes serve the same function as a smart TV.

BusinessInsider.com’s Kevin Smith cites the following devices as major industry contenders:

• Roku
• Apple TV
• Nexus Q
• Boxee
• PlayStation 3
• Xbox 360
• Google TV

For a lower overall price, you can enjoy streaming media the same way you would with a smart TV. The market is filled with impressive options that give any television a boost, without the need for a new TV.

The Bottom Line

While Smart TVs offer many interesting perks, it is up to you to decide if it is worth the price. Powerful content subscriptions and TV boxes offer a lot to compete with this new trend in television viewing technology.

PlayJam is going beyond its smart TV consoles with their new GameStick, a TV-based system that fits into a shell not much bigger than a typical flash drive.  It’s actually tiny enough that the finished version should stow inside its own Bluetooth gamepad and draw power from the HDMI port. The Jelly Bean system’s dual-core Amlogic processor isn’t as powerful as a Tegra 3, but it should also lead to a slightly more affordable price at $79 price.

PlayJam’s is a crowd-funding project. The company says it needs $100,000 to go through its last development hurdles and ship the production GameStick in April.

Check out the video…

While most projectors require a significant amount of “throw” room to display an image properly, the LG “HECTO” Laser TV is a different story.  The HECTO uses a special screen and an external Ultra Short Throw (UST) projection technology that allows it to only need 22-inches from the included screen to produce a 100-inch image.   That’s less than two feet, and LG even says you can toss it on the floor if you’re not into mounting it to the ceiling.  The projector itself measures just 5.7-inches high, providing a small and powerful piece of hardware.

Other features include full HD, a 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio, WiFi, WiDi with Miracast, a USB input, three HDMI inputs, and an RS-232 interface for integrating the projector with pre-existing home theater components.  In addition to the included screen, there is a 10w speaker, and LG’s Magic Remote and apps for accessing Netflix and other on demand content providers.  Lastly, LG says that the HECTO Laser TV’s laser will last up to 25,000 hours before it needs to be replaced; that’s 2.8-years of continuous use.

LG hasn’t revealed pricing, but expect additional details to roll out at CES this month.

The Wii U has only recently been released to the market; for some that means days, for others weeks and yet still others it hasn’t yet been beheld. That of course is the issue, whether or not it is worth plunking down your hard-earned duckats to get a hold of one of these devices.

The first thing one must understand is that Wii U is not a Wii. There is no jumping and running in real life as is with the Wii. This was one of the issues with the original because games like Wii Sports were essentially the best quality. Games where you and friends could take part in some activity, and again, that is not the point here.

Of course, with it being named ‘Wii’ which is associated with movement in popular culture nowadays you might expect some kind of gimmick and Nintendo does not dissapoint in this regard. Yet still, the flagship title New SuperMArio Bros. U does not rely on the GamePad’s screen for the substantial part of gameplay. Then there are others like as Batman: Arkham City, COD: Black Ops 2 that make use of the screen (maps and additional info) but it’s use is not central to the enjoyment of the device or the titles. It’s not like the Wiimote in that it dominates every aspect of every game relentlessly.

The nice thing about this Gamepad is that unlike the Wii, it doesn’t try and reinvent the wheel as far as input devices go. The controller is finely tuned and capable that has everything you need and nothing you dont. It’s rather comfortable to just sit on your lap and play allowing you to connect on complex finger movements a little easier than otherwise.

The screen is adequate if not stunning and unfortunately pixels are clearly seen. While this may be a drawback for some, considering things like the cost of the titles, it works fine and isn’t a major annoyance.

For multiplayers, it’s substantially more enjoyable than the old split-screen available on the original version. The Wii U handles two players over separate screens and that is quite impressive for games like Black Ops 2. However the pixelation can get in the way for some games and so the 854×480 resolution just doesn’t get it done in some cases.

That said, asymetric multiplayer gameplay is actually pretty darn awesome. For a game like Nintendo Land the concept embosses itself over the GamePad, though it isn’t as central a concept as with Wiimote was with the Wii. Nintendo Land shows what this whole thing is all about. Essentially different players have different views of the game and thereby various game mechanics are introduced into gameplay.

Of course, Wii U is standing on a load of potential. There are a number of majjor launch titles that will rain judgement down on the second screen and it’s usefulness. As of now, the screen is more eye candy than actual useful utility. Again however, we are talking about potential here so this isn’t a problem – yet.

The GamePad is fitted out with a 1.24 GHz per core which means it doesn’t have as much under the hood as it’s competitors. While there is no cause for alarm, what happens when Xbox 720 and Playstation 4 and whatever else might arrive?

As of now one need not consider if the most popular titles will be released on this platform because the hardware stacks up fine when compared with the competition. However, this may not always be the case and that might be as soon as Microsoft and Sony re-up on their consoles. The question is will publishers put their games on an inferior platform if they have to scale back features or performance? The history of Playstation 2 and Xbox tell a story of steep drops in availability for titles once their successors appeared on the scene. Of course for Nintendo fans or those that must have the latest than this is a fine platform with a bit of obscurity for the future. However, for those that want the absolute best when it comes to gaming than it might be best to put on a holding pattern here. The screen offers some promise that you might not find anywhere else and it may be that culture changes and the Wii U is THE next thing. This is also a device that is great for small children. We know that very few people fit hard and fast into any one of these categories, so for those, we might say keep the Wii U in the running because the race has only just begun.

As the world grows more technologically advanced and we become more dependent on technology to move our everyday lives, it is now easier than ever do to more tasks remotely. Gone are the days when checking on our houses required us to actually be at home—thanks to some special gadgets and a little know-how, it is now possible to keep tabs on our homes from just about anywhere in the world.

Breathing Easy

For people who have more than one home, checking on properties from various locations can provide invaluable peace of mind. If you are spending part of the winter at your vacation home in Vail, Colorado, or Miami, Florida, you can now monitor your other home and property through your cell phone, computer or tablet.

For example, according to an article on the von-phone website, the increasingly popular Skype chat platform can be used as a remote video security monitor. Just sign up for two Skype accounts, and get a USB Skype web video camera. This will allow you to set up a remote security system that is both easy and inexpensive.

Lock It Up

Another option is to work with an in-home security system that offers its customers the chance to monitor their home remotely with more advanced security packages. LifeShield features a wireless security system that is state-of-the-art and affordable, keeping everything ship-shape and locked up, and providing a little breathing room while away.

One high-tech gadget that allows homeowners to monitor their properties remotely is called the Logitech Alert 750n Indoor Master System. As Mashable explained this video security system features wide-angle night vision and remote viewing capability. People who own this device can even set up motion-triggered recording that will send them notifications via email or SMS if movement in the house is detected. Then, once a person does get a message that something is going on in their vacation home or other property, he or she can use the Logitech Alert Web and Mobile Commander service to utilize all of the system’s controls.

Remote Control

Because it can be stressful to receive remote alerts that movement has been detected at a home, setting up home video cameras that can also be checked remotely can allow people to see what’s going on throughout the house when they are not there. VueZone discusses how a remote video monitoring system is an easy way to check on your home when you are away.

Those who are interested in setting up a remote home security monitoring system need to  purchase some basic items. This includes a system control panel, remote sensors, keypads and the actual monitoring system. A wireless system, the article said, typically costs less than a hard-wired system and can often be installed by the homeowner.

The system control panel is the central brains of the home’s security. Homeowners can program the panel to text, email or call them or a professional home monitoring service if the alarm is tripped. The remote sensors use infrared technology to detect body heat. The more advanced and high-tech versions can differentiate between humans and pets, and even turn off lights in an empty room.

The laborious task of edging when painting a wall in your house is worse than surgery.  The prep work alone (taping the edge), can take hours.

The Black and Decker EasyEdge Powered Paint Edger allows you to edge without the blue tape.  The product uses a new vibrating head to lay down up to a 25-foot line of paint.  Included are features like an adjustable flow control knob, and the EasyEdge Powered Paint Edger shoots paint onto your wall using a tube, much like a syringe.  That means when you’re ready to switch to a different color, you just pop in a new tube, and you don’t have to mess with paint trays, or worse, cleaning those paint trays.

The Black and Decker EasyEdge Powered Paint Edger runs on three AAA batteries, and runs $35.

Ultrabook – with no touchscreen

It seems as if in these days of tweener devices and hybrids that Windows 8 has managed to straddle the difference in functionality that meets users, Essentially every Windows 8 device has some kind of athletic talents so it can get lost that plain old laptops also run the new operating system as well. Of these is the ASUS U500 which retails for $1,945 and is a 15-inch ultra that appears to be a multimedia beast what with the i7 quad core brains, NVIDIA GT650M graphics and the full HD IPS monitor – and it’s not double-jointed. Almost shockingly, it doesn’t have a touchscreen which makes it an anomaly almost nowadays, even if you consider that the Zenbook Prime does in fact feature a touchscreen. SO the question is framed around whether one wants to have a device that bends to your will, or whether the old-school design can still be appealing at a premium price point.

At first look the Zenbook strikes a handsome pose; it’s a good-looking fellow. It has the same design elements and metal chassis as its fore bearers. This makes it to be a fine looking, slim ultrabook and even still the larger screen doesn’t take away from any of that. While it doesn’t feel quite as handy as the 13-inch models, it’s still quite good-looking for such a boxy guy. At the same time, it’s got a solid body construction that doesn’t feel cheap weighing in at 4 pounds and measuring about an inch at it’s thinnest point. Yet it still can’t be compared to the 15-inch Series 9 from Samsung which is around 3.5 pounds and half an inch thick.

The hinge doesn’t whine which is nice and because the weight is very evenly distributed (our guess) it doesn’t feel heavy. It’s also nice that the lid and the case doesn’t seem to bend if you place a book on top of it. Unfortunately (for some) ASUS sealed the underside of the machine so that getting to the battery and the SSD is a bit of a pain. That said, it’s a high-end machine from a build standpoint.

On the left side of the machine there is the power and ethernet ports, USB 3.0 and HDMI while on the right side you will find the microSD slot, a second USB 3.0 a connection for a tiny subwoofer and a mini-VGA. The speaker perforation sits on the keyboard and in the front beneath the trackpad there are the indicator LED’s.

As we don’t have the touch-display the onus here is on the keyboard and the touchpad. These are practically the only means you have to interact with this Windows8 touch-sensibility and for that it is imperative that these appointments meet your expectations. At the very least the look is excellent. Typing sentences on the island keyboard is smooth and you wont feel clumsy typing on this ergonomically fine feature. Expert typists will see solid speeds but low errors and the rest for your palms is large enough that your hands wont dangle off the edges.

The touchpad is off-set to the left and it offers plenty of room. It’s a little better than previous models like the UX31A. Swiping from right to left (to open the Charms bar) is a cinch though using your finger can be a little sticky at times. It seems you need to add a good deal of pressure, but it’s actually not such a big deal.

The machine has 1080p resolution with a 15.6 inch display that offers up a great landscape for watching whatever it is you want be that browsing the web or catching flicks. The quality is on display when you start Windows8 in that the tiles jump out at you in vivid bright colors. The interface is quite lively as it is displayed here. The finish makes wide viewing angles visible and having an good view even from extreme angles was no problem.

Of course all things considered, your going to be looking for a touchscreen on an almost 2000 dollar machine that uses Windows8 as it’s operating system. AT the very least that is a curious proposition. If such a display was on this one here, it might add to the weight and girth, but then again Windows8 is made for touch screens and so this machine feels a bit incomplete. The ease of use of the input devices make that slight a little easier to come to terms with. That said this machine knows what it is and doesn’t try and do what it isn’t designed to do which is still refreshing.

The stereo speakers give you a nice loud experience if a bit frizzy sound by means of Bang & Olufsen ICE Power Audio. There is a decent bass when playing songs and videos, but if you are an audiophile yo may find yourself disappointed. At the same time ASUS is aware of these deficiencies and includes an external subwoofer by SonicMaster in the box. Plug this into the ports and you will get what your looking for if not everything you desire. Gaming and music streaming are solid and so it’s a must that these be keep around if you going to be using the multimedia capability.

The version that was tested was equipped with a quad-core 2.1 i7 processor, a 256GB SSD by SanDisk and 8 GB RAM and it gets excellent performance with those specs. It practically crushes most Windows8 machines. We could throw some benchmarking numbers out there, but frankly, you’d be hard-pressed to find more than a few machines in this price class that outperform this machine. Cold boot is 12 seconds (okay, so there are some numbers for you) and moving around the start screen and desktop is quick and smooth.

As this machine is billed as a multimedia device, it#s equipped with NVIDIA’s GT650M along with 2GB of memory and Intel HD Graphics 4000. Generally, it performs much better than most systems with integrated graphics and that to a large degree. Frame rates for some games are in the 40 to 60 frames per second range. While that is excellent, the fan can labor a little bit and the machine starts to purr.

So have we answered the question posed at the beginning of the article? Well, the UX51Vz could be a worthwhile purchase as it packs excellent performance into a streamlined package. It has a comfortable keyboard and is nice to use, but frankly the minuses sort of stick out and you could definitely get a comparable machine with a touchscreen for a better price point. Add to that that the battery life isn’t exceptional and it doesn’t really utilize the full potential of Windows8 and you may want to look elsewhere. That said, if those things don’t bug you, this is the most powerful ultrabook you will find anywhere.

When a person buys such an expensive IPhone 5, he never compromises with its safety by having cheap cases. This is why many ought to turn to many types of luxury, high-finish iphone 5 luxury cases. From high quality leather those durable light weight aluminum, these luxurious cases aren’t cheap.  Nevertheless, not simply will these safeguard your own brand-new apple IPhone five from scrapes, falls plus much more, but they’ll will also get it carried out while searching smooth, stylish, as well as adding the twist associated with originality for the some exactly what common Apple company phone. I am here to let you inform about one of the best luxury Iphone 5 cases that will add beauty and style to your phone.

Skinny Hands Graft Fit case

Juxtaposing high-finish materials to create unique as well as skillfully considered styles with unparalleled focus on fine detail and outstanding craftsmanship, these types of Hands Graft skinny Fit luxury cases are really stylish and smooth. They’re hand crafted within Italia and therefore are manufactured from high quality vegetable bronzed Italian leather-based. It is worth of $105 and possesses a hidden card slot with regard to carry credit cards plus an opening for those earphones, whilst safeguarding your Iphone 5 within the slim case.

What is Vapper?

Vapper is a close dryer that is dubbed one of the fastest dryers in the world.  It can dry clothes in minutes.  In fact, Vapper can clean any clothing, including delicates, in just under 10-minutes.  This is a great alternative to heavy traditional dryers because the Vapper can be hung anywhere in the room. When a normal hair dryer is placed into the bottom sleeve of the Vapper and turned on, the the evaporation area is increased, allowing the moisture to be evaporated easily.

How to use the Vapper

Hang the Vapper anywhere in your room. Place the shirt or the clothing material inside the Vapper bag with the help of a hangar. Once that is done and the Vapper bag is ready, place a hair dryer beneath the Vapper. The Vapper dries the clothing material inside out. Its new technology is designed to quickly dry any clothes within a matter of minutes. It’s that simple! Now dry anything with the help of Vapper.

Vapper Utility

The Vapper can go anywhere. It can be folded and placed inside the drawer and used whenever required.  It’s super-light in weight runs a mere $45….not a bad financial alternative for a $700 traditional dryer.  You can find it at www.Laundry-alternative.com.

Vapper is Mobile

Ideal for anywhere in the house, RVs, boats, campers and trailers, it’s now easy to dry clothes anywhere you want.  Fold it flat and put it away when not in use.  Vapper claims it’s the fastest dryer around.  It weighs under a pound, and folds easily to the size of a newspaper. What tumble dryers can’t do, Vapper can.   Now you can safely dry cashmere, woolen clothes, and other delicates. The Vapper is an invention that uses pressure and dries clothes from inside out. Vapper can also remove odors.

Where to buy the Vapper from?

You can purchase a Vapper at the company’s website at http://www.laundry-alternative.com.  It’s also perfect for college students, environmental people, seniors, fixed-income folks and single people.