A Connected Home Is A Safer Home

By Robyn Wright

Mobile technology allows us to connect devices not only for entertainment but also to make our homes safer. These products connect via our home networks but we can also access them online at work or using our smartphones and tablets from just about anywhere in the world.

If you are a frequent traveler, have kids or older relatives at home, or you just want feel safer and more secure, then here are a few connected devices that might help:

Dropcam Pro

dropcam-pro200If you need an extra set of eyes in your home, the Dropcam Pro might be just what you’re looking for. Just set it up in the desired location and connect it to your home network. Dropcam Pro has both a camera and built-in mic and speaker, so you can see and hear what’s happening and even communicate with people in the room. Night vision allows you to see in the dark and you can schedule the Dropcam Pro to send you email alerts when it detects motion or sound. You can even backup recordings to the cloud, so you can watch them later.


Nest Protect

nest-protect200You may have heard of Nest thermostats but Nest also makes a smoke and carbon monoxide detector called Nest Protect. One of the best features of Nest Protect is that it doesn’t just beep at you when there’s a problem; it also adds a human voice to give you additional information. For example, It can tell you if there is smoke or carbon monoxide and in what room. Studies have shown that children can sleep through beeping alarms, so the human voice warning can help wake your children in the event of an emergency. Just like the Nest thermostat, the Nest Protect works with an app, so you can check in when you are away from home. Nest Protect even includes some tips on what to do in case of an emergency.


Belkin WeMo Light Switch

belkin_wemo200Back in the old days, we could plug lamps into bulky timers to make them go on and off at certain times. While they served a purpose, we now have much smarter devices that can act as timers and more. The Belkin WeMo Light Switch is Wi-Fi enabled and allows you to turn lights on and off from anywhere, including another room, the backyard, or even from the beach when you are on vacation.With the smartphone app, you can check to see if the lights are on or off, program the lights to turn on and off at sunrise and sunset, and more. On the wall the Belkin WeMo Light Switch is backlit, so it makes it easier to find in the dark. Think of the electricity you can save by turning off the lights that the kids left on – again.


Kwikset Kevo

kwikset-kevo200The Kwikset Kevo is the latest in smart locks from a company that has been around for years. With the new Kevo, you can still use a traditional key but you can also use your smartphone via the Kevo app or specially programmed key fob if the younger members of your family don’t have a smartphone. This makes it easier than fumbling for traditional keys. If you need to let in the repairman or the babysitter, you can create an “electronic key” and send it to the individual’ smartphone. The Kevo comes in a choice of different finishes and it uses multiple levels of encryption to ensure the electronic signal can’t be duplicated.


Tagg Pet Tracker

tagg-pettracker200-1Connected devices can even help keep your pets secure. The Tagg Pet Tracker attaches to your pet’s collar and uses GPS location and wireless technology to help find your pet using a computer or mobile device. Tagg can also alert you by text message or email if your pet strays from a pre-set boundary like a backyard or park. Once you receive the alert, you can quickly pinpoint your pet’s location on a map. If that wasn’t enough, you can even use it to track your pet’s activity to see if they are getting enough exercise!


HTC Fetch

HTC-fetch200How often do you misplace your keys? Attach the HTC Fetch to your key ring (or anything else you want to keep tabs on) and you can quickly tap on the app to find them via Google Maps. If you misplace your phone, you can press the button on the Fetch and it will activate your phone’s ringtone if it is within a 50 feet radius.

These are just a few of the many connected devices that can make us all feel safer and more secure in our homes.

Robyn Wright is a social media specialist and blogs on her own blog, RobynsOnlineWorld.com, as well as several other sites. Robyn has a love for family, technology, food and lots of apps!

Friday, November 7: Mobile Music

VERIZON INSIDER TWITTER PARTY

#VZWBuzz

When: TODAY, Friday, November 7, 2014
12:00-1:00 pm PT
3:00-4:00 pm ET

‘Mobile Music’

Join @TheTechDad @TheOnlineMom @RobynsWorld and @geekbabe TODAY at 12 noon PT (3 pm ET) as we chat about Mobile Music!
From on-the-go streaming services to Bluetooth headsets to personalized workout apps, the mobile revolution is having a profound impact on the way we listen to music. We examine the latest developments in a fast moving industry, and argue that there has never been a better time to enjoy your favorite tunes!
RSVP and attend the party for a chance to win a JBL Flip 2 portable speaker or a brand new Droid Turbo by Motorola smartphone!
And join @TheOnlineMom on the Video Recap at 4 pm ET for another chance to win a Droid Turbo!

(Click here to learn more about our Twitter chats. You must RSVP and attend the party to be eligible for a prize.)

To RSVP:
  1. Email RSVP@theonlinemom.com (subject line: VZWBuzz) and include your Twitter ID.
  2. Spread the word and RT this link on your Twitter feed: http://ow.ly/C7Twg   
  3. Join us on TweetDeck or HootSuite (#VZWBuzz) today between 12 – 1 pm PT
  4. Tell your Twitter followers!
PRIZE WINNERS will be announced during the Party!

(The Online Mom LLC receives a fee for participating in certain promotional programs for Verizon Wireless.)

Friday, October 31: The Mobile Lifestyle

VERIZON INSIDER TWITTER PARTY

#VZWBuzz

When: TODAY, Friday, October 31, 2014
12:00-1:00 pm PT
3:00-4:00 pm ET

‘The Mobile Lifestyle’

Join @theonlinemom @RobynsWorld @geekbabe and @thetechdad TODAY at 12 noon PT (3 pm ET) as we chat about The Mobile Lifestyle!
Smartphone and tablets have become hubs for a host of activities that are transforming the way we live. Join us as we explore this always-connected world and highlight the devices and apps that are delivering on the promise of a truly mobile lifestyle!
RSVP and attend the party for a chance to win a Sony Xperia Z3 tablet, or one of THREE Sony Xperia Z3v smartphones!
And join the video recap right after the Twitter party for another chance to win a tablet or smartphone!

(Click here to learn more about our Twitter chats. You must RSVP and attend the party to be eligible for a prize.)

To RSVP:
  1. Email RSVP@theonlinemom.com (subject line: VZWBuzz) and include your Twitter ID.
  2. Spread the word and RT this link on your Twitter feed: http://ow.ly/C7QZt  
  3. Join us on TweetDeck or HootSuite (#VZWBuzz) today between 12 – 1 pm PT
  4. Tell your Twitter followers!
PRIZE WINNERS will be announced during the Party!

(The Online Mom LLC receives a fee for participating in certain promotional programs for Verizon Wireless.)

Friday, October 24: The Smartphone Photographer

VERIZON INSIDER TWITTER PARTY

#VZWBuzz

When: TODAY, Friday, October 24 2014
12:00-1:00 pm PT
3:00-4:00 pm ET

‘The Smartphone Photographer’

Join @thetechdad @theonlinemom @RobynsWorld and @geekbabe TODAY at 12 noon PT (3 pm ET) as we chat about Smartphone Photography!
Smartphones have become our go-to cameras but that doesn’t mean we are always pleased with the results. Join us as we take a look at what we can do to improve our photos and highlight the camera features that can make us look like pros!
RSVP and attend the party for a chance to win a Motorola Moto X 4G LTE smartphone or a GoPro Hero 3+ camera (Silver Edition)!
Plus, we’ll have spot prizes for best photos, so pick your best shots and be ready to share!
Join the VZWBuzz Video RECAP immediately after the chat for another chance to win a Moto X smartphone!

(Click here to learn more about our Twitter chats. You must RSVP and attend the party to be eligible for a prize.)

To RSVP:
  1. Email RSVP@theonlinemom.com (subject line: VZWBuzz) and include your Twitter ID.
  2. Spread the word and RT this link on your Twitter feed: http://ow.ly/C7Err
  3. Join us on TweetDeck or HootSuite (#VZWBuzz) today between 12 – 1 pm PT
  4. Tell your Twitter followers!
PRIZE WINNERS will be announced during the Party!

(The Online Mom LLC receives a fee for participating in certain promotional programs for Verizon Wireless.)

Friday, October 17: Mobile Tech for Kids

VERIZON INSIDER TWITTER PARTY

#VZWBuzz

When: TODAY, Friday, October 17 2014
12:00-1:00 pm PT
3:00-4:00 pm ET

‘Mobile Tech for Kids’

Join @theonlinemom @RobynsWorld @geekbabe and @thetechdad TODAY, October 17 at 12 noon PT (3 pm ET) as we chat about Mobile Tech for Kids!
Mobile technology has revolutionized the way we live and nowhere is that more apparent than with the younger members of our families. We look at the mobile devices and apps that are available for kids and teens, and explore the safeguards that can help deliver a positive experience!
RSVP and attend the party for a chance to win a Samsung Galaxy Tab 4, a Verizon Jetpack, or a Parrot Rolling Spider!

(Click here to learn more about our Twitter chats. You must RSVP and attend the party to be eligible for a prize.)

To RSVP:
  1. Email RSVP@theonlinemom.com (subject line: VZWBuzz) and include your Twitter ID.
  2. Spread the word and RT this link on your Twitter feed: http://ow.ly/C7CuX
  3. Join us on TweetDeck or HootSuite (#VZWBuzz) today between 12 – 1 pm PT
  4. Tell your Twitter followers!
PRIZE WINNERS will be announced during the Party!

(The Online Mom LLC receives a fee for participating in certain promotional programs for Verizon Wireless.)

Friday, October 10: HopeLine from Verizon

VERIZON INSIDER TWITTER PARTY

#VZWBuzz

When: TODAY, Friday, October 10 2014
12:00-1:00 pm PT
3:00-4:00 pm ET

‘HopeLine from Verizon’

Join @theonlinemom @RobynsWorld @geekbabe and special guest @VZWjohnj TODAY, October 10 at 12 noon PT (3 pm ET) as we chat about HopeLine from Verizon!
Join us as we explore how Verizon’s HopeLine program connects survivors of domestic violence to vital resources, funds important support organizations, and protects the environment!
RSVP and attend the party for a chance to win a Mophie Powerstation, an LG Tone Headset, or a Moto X smartphone!

(Click here to learn more about our Twitter chats. You must RSVP and attend the party to be eligible for a prize.)

To RSVP:
  1. Email RSVP@theonlinemom.com (subject line: VZWBuzz) and include your Twitter ID.
  2. Spread the word and RT this link on your Twitter feed: http://ow.ly/C7DbH
  3. Join us on TweetDeck or HootSuite (#VZWBuzz) today between 12 – 1 pm PT
  4. Tell your Twitter followers!
PRIZE WINNERS will be announced during the Party!

(The Online Mom LLC receives a fee for participating in certain promotional programs for Verizon Wireless.)

6 Apps That Parents Should Know About

By Tracey Dowdy

Nothing makes me feel my age faster than a conversation with a 14-year-old about what’s trending, cool, or hip. Yeah, I said “hip”. Told you I was old.

Once I’ve stopped crying into my Sanka (do they even make Sanka anymore?), I pause and give thanks that I am not a teen today. As a teen in the 80’s, my high school years were pretty John Hughes-ish – it was sorta the law back then. Now with the pervasive presence of social media, middle and high school can sometimes feel more like a Stephen King novel. Smartphones and tablets mean photos and rumors can spread faster than a California wildfire and do just as much damage.

As parents, we have a responsibility to at least try and be aware of what’s out there, because let’s be honest, if we’ve heard of it and like it, our kids are probably already over it.

What’s important to remember, as with all areas of parenting, is not to panic. Not every teen is sexting, sending nudes or using social media to ruin reputations and lives. Engaging in open, frank discussions with your teens about risks and boundaries in social media use helps protect them from the long term consequences of spur of the moment decisions.

1. Yik Yak is free, location aware and allows users to post “anything and everything” anonymously. “Yik Yak works like an anonymous bulletin board, displaying messages from people in a user’s area that can be voted ‘up’ or ‘down’ on the page.  Tyler Droll, founder and CEO of Yik Yak, said the app was designed to be like ‘a city’s central plaza or campus bulletin board.’” But instead of posters of what band is playing this weekend or pictures of a lost cat, that “bulletin board” is rife with gossip, slander and character assassination. In other words, it’s a bully’s dream come true. When a user posts, the “yak” goes out to the 500 closest (geographically) users. There’s no way to determine whether or not the “yakking” is true, leaving the target to defend themselves from an invisible bully.

2. Snapchat allows users to share photos or video that disappears 10 seconds after the message is opened. Every day, 400 million photos are shared via Snapchat, and initially, the only way to keep the photo was to grab a quick screen cap. Now, software is readily available that allows recipients to capture and repost those images.

3. Similarly, Vine allows users to post looping 6 second videos. For the most part, it’s harmless videos of teens doing what teens do best – skateboard demos, impersonations of their parents, or trying to make the cat dance – but the danger is that some post pornographic videos. Vine removed users’ ability to search for the #XXX or #NSFW hashtags, but the content remains on the site. Be aware anyone can search for users, follow them, log their location, comment, and then connect through other social media sites, potentially putting individuals at risk.

4. This brings us to Chatroulette. This app lets anyone with a webcam engage in video chats with strangers. Their terms of use set 18 as their age restriction but again, in the wild west of the internet, no one is following up to make sure users aren’t lying about their age. Nudity is forbidden and can get you kicked off the site, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t happen.

5. Secret Folder allows users to hide photos, videos or text messages and disguises them as a group of apps. The “apps” serve as a keypad and have to be tapped in the correct order to unlock the content. Because the app looks like an innocuous group of individual apps and because of the password protection, it’s easy to keep content hidden.

6. Kik Messenger bypasses your wireless provider’s SMS service allowing users to share text and photos without them showing up in your history. Kik’s Terms of Service forbids nudity and any other form of pornography but again, that doesn’t mean everyone plays by the rules. A quick search of “Kik nudes” proves that. Kik does offer a downloadable parent’s guide, useful for understanding what Kik is about and helping your child to use Kik and similar apps safely.

Tracey Dowdy is a freelance writer based just outside Toronto, ON. After years working for non-profits and charities, she now freelances and researches on subjects from family and education to pop culture and trends in technology. Follow Tracey on Twitter.

FiOS TV Delivers Flexible Fall Programming

Fall is probably my favorite time of year. I’d like to think it’s because of the crisp, cool air and the beautiful foliage we get here in the Northeast but I suspect it also has something to do with the Fall TV schedule.

With a host of brand new shows and the return of some old favorites, every night of the week seems to be packed with quality programming. In fact, there are so many good shows that it’s almost impossible to see every one. Almost impossible but not quite…that’s the beauty of a DVR and flexible viewing.

We recently upgraded to FiOS Quantum TV, which has completely transformed how we record and watch our favorite shows. With the ability to store and watch over 200 hours of HD content, there are no more fights over whether last season’s Modern Family has to go to make room for this season’s Shark Tank. Everyone’s favorite series can be accommodated without the need to prioritize.

With FiOS Quantum TV, you can also record up to 12 shows at the same time. (Yes, that’s 12!) No more waiting for reruns and no more squabbling over the remote. And with multiple set-top-boxes, you can pause, play and rewind live or recorded shows on any TV in the house.

But perhaps the biggest difference in the way we watch TV comes from mobile devices and mobile apps. With FiOS Mobile and other partner apps, you can live stream dozens of channels to your iPhone, iPad or Android device. Many of those channels are also available for out-of-home viewing, including ESPN, Showtime, CNN and the Disney family of channels.

As well as live programming, the FiOS Mobile app lets you stream hundreds of movies and shows from the FiOS On Demand library, as well as schedule recordings remotely, and even control your TV right from your phone.

Perhaps it is the cool nights and the foliage that makes the Fall season so special, because with FiOS Quantum you can have great TV every day of the year!

The Online Mom LLC receives a fee for participating in certain promotional campaigns for Verizon.

October 1: A Special WWEmoms Twitter Event

A Special WWEmoms Twitter Event

#WWEmoms

When: TODAY, Wednesday, October 1, 2014
7:00 – 8:00 pm ET
4:00 – 5:00 pm PT

‘What Gives Me Strength’

Join @WWEmoms @SusanGKomen and friends TODAY at 7 pm ET (4 pm PT) as we encourage you to share your stories and join the fight against breast cancer!
As Susan G. Komen’s National Fall 2014 campaign kicks off, we highlight what gives survivors and their loved ones strength in the fight against breast cancer!
#WhatGivesMeStrength partners include:
@WWE
 @zumba
@newbalance
@AmericanAir
@WarriorsinPink
RSVP and attend the party for a chance to win a WWE Messenger Bag, a Boogie Board LCD Writing Tablet, or a Beats Bluetooth Portable Speaker!

(Click here to learn more about our Twitter chats. You must RSVP and attend the party to be eligible for a prize.)

To RSVP:
  1. Email RSVP@theonlinemom.com (subject line: WWEmoms) and include your Twitter ID
  2. Spread the word and RT this link on your Twitter feed:  http://ow.ly/BWWVn
  3. Join us on TweetDeck or HootSuite (#WWEmoms) today between 7 – 8 pm ET
  4. Tell your Twitter followers!
PRIZE WINNERS will be announced during the Party!

(The Online Mom LLC receives a fee for participating in certain promotional programs for WWE.)