5 Signs You Need a New Phone

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There are those who rush out to buy the hot new phone every 6 to 12 months, and there are the rest of us who are perfectly happy to keep soldiering on with an aging device because, well, it still works. 

But does it really? Today’s phones aren’t about making phone calls anymore (although of course you can still do that). We use them for so much more: they’re our cameras, maps, photo albums, music players, and our connection to the social media world. When you think about all the functions they offer and conveniences they bring, it’s easier to consider “upgrading” when they’re not working so well anymore, or when they’re simply not providing the latest and greatest features.

Read the article on Xfinity.com

 

What’s the Difference Between iMessages & Text Messages?

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If you use an iPhone, you might wonder why some of your text messages are in a blue bubble and others are in a green bubble. This isn’t for looks, it’s how Apple indicates you’re sending an SMS text message (green) or an iMessage (blue). We can help you figure out what these options are and how to use them.

Read the article on Xfinity.com

5 Myths About Your Smart Phone Battery (and Real Tips for Preserving It)

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Smartphones have the mighty power of super computers in a tiny package that can fit in the palm of our hands. They allow us to communicate, find entertainment, get work done, manage our finances, navigate to our destinations, shop the Web, and so much more. That is… until the battery runs out. 

Avoid battery drain—and the anxiety that comes with it—by learning how to make your phone’s battery last longer and keep you connected when you need it most. Here we’ll bust five common myths about charging your iPhone or Android, plus provide helpful tips on getting the most out of every charge.

Read the article on Xfinity.com

Fact or Fiction: Do you know what data your car is sharing about you? - Esurance

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Connected cars are turbo-boosting everything about our driving experiences. We now have the luxury of tapping into the same 24/7 connectivity we rely on off the road when we get behind the wheel. What many people don't realize is that all the bells and whistles that make your commute smoother and your car trips more comfortable are also capturing data. Lots of data.

Read my deep-dive reasearch article for Esurance on this topic here.

 

How to Create the Smart Bathroom of Your Dreams - AllConnect.com

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You’ve heard of the smart home — homes equipped with technologies that provide convenience, comfort, and security. Now get ready for the smart bathroom – bathrooms that promise the same, along with improved cleanliness and safety. From motion-sensor lights to Bluetooth speakers, there’s a wealth of devices that can make your bathroom one of the smartest rooms in your home. Here are just a few reasons to invest in creating a smart bathroom.

Read the whole post here.

5 Household Robots That Make Your Life Easier - AllConnect.com

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Robots

Easily take care of common household chores and carve more time for yourself with the latest generation of household robots. Powered by artificial intelligence (AI), today’s robots can wash your floors, monitor your home’s climate, clean your windows, and more. Here are just some of the ways household robots can make managing your home easier.

Read the whole article here.

The Ultimate Guide: Protecting Your Kids Online - Modern Parents Messy Kids

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Children using the internet is a modern parenting dilemma.

How can we let them enjoy and benefit from this world-changing, infinitely educational tool that can span the globe in seconds while also protecting them from its potential dangers? Setting aside the issue of how much “screen time” children should have, here we will look at how to make that screen time safe, fun and productive—whether you are thinking of letting your preschooler play with your iPad or considering buying a computer or smartphone for your pre-teen.

Read the full post here.

How to Monitor and Control Indoor Air Quality in Your Home | care2.com

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Indoor Air Quality

The air that we breathe is, quite literally, our life source. But it could also, quite possibly, be killing us. Air quality is becoming a modern crisis, with the World Health Organization (WHO) classifying air pollution as the world’s largest health risk, linking one in eight total global deaths to air pollution exposure, both indoor and out.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the air inside our homes is commonly five times more polluted than that of the outdoors, and in some cases, up to 10 times. So, what can you do to protect your health, and that of your family, from this silent killer lurking in your home? Detect and correct. Find out what is causing air pollution in your home and then take whatever steps you can to help correct or mitigate those causes. Here we’ll look at how you can achieve this.

Read the full article here.

HOW AMERICANS ARE EMBRACING THE POWER OF THEIR HOMES | Earth911.com

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Smart Home

Just a few years ago, living off the grid conjured up images of tiny cabins in the middle of nowhere. Today, the dream of average American homeowners powering their homes with alternative energies is coming true. Solar panels on your neighbor’s roof are no longer an oddity, and electric cars are less of a curiosity and more of an everyday sight. It’s not hard to imagine a time when wind turbines in the backyard will be commonplace and geothermal heating an expected utility in all new homes.

Read the full article here.

Smart Home DIY: 5 Reasons Your Family Is Going To Love Smart Door Locks | FunTimesGuide.com

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Smart Home

The phrase “latchkey kid” was a popular one among my generation — the first where many families boasted two working parents. Coming home from school to an empty house was a pretty common occurrence for many of my school friends. However, thanks to smart door locks, today’s latchkey kids can dispense with the key entirely and parents can dispense with the worry over whether their children made it home safely!

Read the full article here.

7 Ingenious Ways To Use LED Lighting | Homes.com

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Lighting has come a long way from its origins as a way to extend the working day. Today, thanks to the versatility of technology, lighting has become a key component of interior design. It helps us accentuate and reveal the beauty of our homes, while also providing functionality.

Light emitting diodes (LEDs) are tiny light sources that require less energy and are more durable than traditional incandescent light bulbs. They can also be fashioned into different shapes and emit far less heat than traditional bulbs, making them suitable to put in places you would never have thought to put a light bulb, such as under a couch, to create a stunning modern look in your living room. The versatility of LEDs has brought indirect lighting to the forefront of modern interior lighting design, creating a realm of fabulous possibilities.

Read the full post here.

How smart home devices help monitor and mitigate indoor air quality | MultiBriefs.com

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There are a significant number of connected, Internet of Things-powered devices that incorporate some sort of indoor air quality (IAQ) monitoring that can help mitigate indoor air pollution. From standalone IAQ monitors and devices that do double duty as security systems to smart HVAC systems that filter the air when dangerous levels occur, consumers can now easily monitor the health of their homes and businesses. For more read the full post here.

The Best Smart Sprinkler Controller - Wirecutter | A New York Times Company

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Smart Home

After spending two months with six smart irrigation controllers in a sunny South Carolina yard, we’re confident the Rachio Smart Sprinkler Controller (Generation 2) is the best choice for most people with an in-ground sprinkler system. Any smart controller will save you water and money compared with a simple timer, but the Rachio is the best of the ones we tested.

Read the full guide here.

How smart home technologies can help with senior living - McKnight Senior Living

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Connected technology in the home is a fast-growing area, providing inhabitants with enhanced conveniences, improved security and increased comfort. Known as “smart home tech,” everyday devices such as door locks, smoke alarms and thermostats use a connection to the internet, software programs and machine learning to provide added functionality and remote control.

Read the full post here.

Pros & Cons Of Living With Smart Lighting - The Green Living Guide

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A few years ago, I moved into a new home and installed smart LED lighting throughout as part of an extensive remodel. In this post, I will share with you my personal experience living with smart lighting — including the benefits and the problems that I’ve encountered along the way.

Read the full article here.