Monthly Archives: June 2015

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A New Age of Flexible TV

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I still remember the time I was trying to clear some space on my old DVR and accidentally wiped out the first four seasons of Modern Family. I wouldn’t say my family gave me the cold shoulder but there was definitely a chill in the air!

Sadly, that old cable DVR just wasn’t built for the way families now watch TV. Gone are the days when everyone would huddle together on the couch to watch the latest episode of a must-see drama series or sitcom. We now have our own favorite shows and our own timetable for watching them. If that means recording five episodes of a favorite show and then binge-watching them in a popcorn-fueled TV marathon, then who are we to judge!

Accommodating the various TV-watching habits of every household member is not easy, but that’s where FiOS Quantum TV comes in. With FiOS Quantum TV, you can store up to 200 hours of HD content, record up to 12 shows simultaneously, and control live TV (pause, play and rewind) on up to 10 different TVs. That’s a lot of flexibility and a lot of different ways to catch your favorite shows.

Of course, an increasing number of people don’t want to be tied to the TV at all but want to watch their favorite programs on their smartphones and tablets instead. FiOS TV takes care of that as well through partner apps and the FiOS Mobile app. You can also subscribe to premium packages so you can stream movies as well as TV shows.

TV is no longer the one dimensional medium that we remember from our childhoods. In many ways, TV has succeeded in adapting to the demands of the digital age far better than other more traditional media platforms. With more programming, anytime viewing, and the option to watch your favorite shows on-the-go, we are entering a new golden age of small screen (and even smaller screen) entertainment.

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

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Thursday, July 9: A Special WWEmoms Twitter Event

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WWE World Games Logo

A Special WWEmoms Twitter Event

#WWEmoms

When: Thursday, July 9, 2015
7:00 – 8:00 pm ET
4:00 – 5:00 pm PT

‘2015 Special Olympics World Games’

Join @WWEmoms and @LA2015 on Thursday, July 9 at 7 pm ET as we celebrate the upcoming 2015 Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles!
The 2015 Special Olympics World Games will be held July 25 – August 2 in venues throughout the Los Angeles region. 7,000 athletes representing 177 countries will compete in 25 Olympic-style sports, with the support of 3,000 coaches, 30,000 volunteers and an anticipated 500,000 spectators.
Special Olympics is a global movement that unleashes the human spirit through the transformative power and joy of sports, every day around the world. Special Olympics empowers people with intellectual disabilities to become accepted and valued members of their communities, which leads to a more respectful and inclusive society for all.
RSVP and attend the party for a chance to win a signed WWE Big Show authentic shirt!

(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/OZueI  
  3. Join us on TweetDeck or HootSuite (#WWEmoms) on Thursday, July 9 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.)

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Best Offline Travel Apps

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By Tracey Dowdy

For me, one of the best and worst parts of travelling outside the country is being disconnected from my smartphone. Though I love the freedom of being untethered, it’s not always convenient. I currently live in Canada and frequently travel to the U.S. to visit family and friends, but since Canadian wireless prices are among the highest in the world, my phone gets shut off before I cross the border.

My wireless provider offers a U.S. plan as a 30 day add-on but it’s expensive and rarely worth the cost, especially for a day trip. There’s also the option of purchasing a local sim card, but again not the best option unless I’ll be travelling for more than a day or two.

However, there are times you need access to maps, currency exchange rates, first aid advice, or you just have to find out whether the menu says “grilled chicken” or “fried iguana”.

These apps work offline, ensuring your vacation stories are more “Remember the time we almost got lost in Lima?” instead of “Remember the time we got on the wrong bus and ended up sixty miles from our hotel?”

TripIt

TripIt is about to become your new best friend. Like “braid each other’s hair and have sleepovers every weekend” besties. Simply send all your travel email confirmations to plans@tripit.com and the app automatically creates a custom itinerary for you. You can sync information with your Apple, Google or Outlook calendars, get maps and directions, and share plans via email or social media.

Platform: iOS, Android, Windows, Blackberry
Cost: Free

Google Maps
Avenza PDF Maps

Google Maps has always been my go-to maps app since apparently I was born without the gene providing a sense of direction. When I die, scientists will study my brain and say, “You know what, she was right. That gene is totally missing.” A second great option for travelers is Avenza PDF Maps, which offers a massive selection of up-to-date, detailed maps from around the world. The app includes thousands of free maps and specialty maps are available as in-app purchases.

Platform: iOS, Android, Windows
Cost: Free

XE Currency

Sticking to your budget while travelling can be a serious challenge if you’re dealing with unfamiliar currencies and what may seem like a bargain can be anything but if you aren’t careful. XE Currency is simple to use, updates to current exchange rates every time you connect to Wi-Fi, and you can convert between currencies from a single screen.

Platform: iOS, Android, Windows, BlackBerry, Firefox OS
Cost: Free

HopStop

Renting a car can be costly and if you’re travelling in a major city using public transit is often a much better choice. HopStop offers subway, train, walking, biking, taxi and bus directions for over 600 cities world-wide. The app provides door to door directions, station maps, schedules, travel times and approximate cost, so you can easily determine the most efficient, cost effective or scenic route. Transit delays are updated in real-time, so you won’t get stranded if you’re trying to get back in time to catch your tour group.

Platform: iOS
Cost: Free

Triposo

You’ve arrived, now what? Developed by two former Google employees, Triposo takes crowd-sourced information and organizes into a concise offline travel guide. Download the data pack for your chosen destination before you leave and, voila!, lists of activities, recommendations on where to stay, where to eat, sightseeing, a phrasebook, maps, a currency exchange guide, and more. Best of all, it’s free.

Platform: iOS, Android
Cost: Free

American Red Cross First Aid

My sister had to go to the E.R. while travelling in Spain, my friend Gabrielle was hospitalized while travelling in Hungary and my husband needed emergency care while on a volunteer project in the mountains of Arizona – all perfect examples of how valuable a first aid app can be. The American Red Cross First Aid app offers detailed, step-by-step directions for dealing with many simple emergencies and offers helpful videos as companions to written instructions.

Platform: iOS, Android, Kindle
Cost: Free

Free Wi-Fi Finder

Most McDonald’s and Starbucks’ offer free Wi-Fi, which is great if you’re in a city or town, but if you’re hiking to Machu Picchu or relaxing in the vineyards of Provence, those hotspots likely aren’t an option. For the times you absolutely need to get online, Free Wi-Fi Finder uses your phone’s GPS and network triangulation to provide a list of over 145,000 locations worldwide offering free Wi-Fi access including a “Near Me” option to help narrow your search.

Platform: iOS, Android
Cost: Free

There are over 1.4 million apps in Apple’s app store and Android offers a whopping 1.5 million, so I’m sure I’ve missed other great options.  What are your favorite or must-have offline travel apps?

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.

#VZWBuzz Mobile Lifestyle Chats

Friday, July 31: Making the Leap to Wearable Tech

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VERIZON INSIDER TWITTER PARTY

#VZWBuzz

When: TODAY, Friday, July 31, 2015
3:00 – 4:00 pm ET
12:00 – 1:00 pm PT

‘Making the Leap to Wearable Tech’

Join @TheTechDad @RobynsWorld @TheOnlineMom and friends TODAY at 3 pm ET (12 noon PT) as we chat about Making the Leap to Wearable Tech!
Smartwatches, activity trackers, wearable cameras, heart rate monitors…these are just a few of the fashionable and functional wearable devices that are transforming the way we work, rest and play. Join us as we take a closer look at the trends in this fast-growing wireless sector and help you decide if it’s time you made the leap to wearable tech!
RSVP and attend the party for a chance to win a Fitbit Surge fitness watch or a Microsoft Lumia 735 smartphone!
Join Monica Vila right after the chat for a live stream via Periscope and another chance to win a Fitbit Surge!

(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/OWnhk       
  3. Join us on TweetDeck or HootSuite (#VZWBuzz) today between 3 – 4 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 Verizon Wireless.)

#VZWBuzz Mobile Lifestyle Chats

Friday, July 24: Mobile Shopping

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VERIZON INSIDER TWITTER PARTY

#VZWBuzz

When: TODAY, Friday, July 24, 2015
3:00 – 4:00 pm ET
12:00 – 1:00 pm PT

‘Mobile Shopping’

Join @TheTechDad @RobynsWorld @TheOnlineMom and friends TODAY at 3 pm ET (12 noon PT) as we chat about Mobile Shopping!
Daily deal sites, price comparison tools and custom store apps have turned smartphones and tablets into must-have shopping companions. Join @RobynsWorld and friends as we look at the latest developments in mobile bargain hunting, and explore how major brands are adapting to an all new tech-driven shopping experience!
RSVP and attend the party for a chance to win one of two $100 Verizon gift cards or a HTC One M9 smartphone!
Join Monica Vila and special guest Syed Balkhi on the Video Recap right after the chat for another chance to win a HTC One M9 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/OWlts       
  3. Join us on TweetDeck or HootSuite (#VZWBuzz) today between 3 – 4 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 Verizon Wireless.)

#VZWBuzz Mobile Lifestyle Chats

Friday, July 17: Managing Your Work-Life Balance

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VERIZON INSIDER TWITTER PARTY

#VZWBuzz

When: TODAY, Friday, July 17, 2015
3:00 – 4:00 pm ET
12:00 – 1:00 pm PT

‘Managing Your Work-Life Balance’

Join @TheTechDad @RobynsWorld @TheOnlineMom and friends TODAY, Friday, July 17 at 3 pm ET (12 noon PT) as we chat about Managing Your Work-Life Balance!
In this always-connected digital world, it’s sometimes hard to switch off and find the time to relax. Join us as we explore how personal tech can play a important role in managing our busy workloads and help us develop the habits that will lead to a more satisfying and balanced lifestyle!
RSVP and attend the party for a chance to win a limited edition Droid Turbo smartphone or Beats Solo 2 On-Ear headphones!
 

(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/OWk34       
  3. Join us on TweetDeck or HootSuite (#VZWBuzz) today between 3 – 4 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 Verizon Wireless.)

#VZWBuzz Mobile Lifestyle Chats

Friday, July 10: Getting More from Your Smartphone

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VERIZON INSIDER TWITTER PARTY

#VZWBuzz

When: TODAY, Friday, July 10, 2015
3:00 – 4:00 pm ET
12:00 – 1:00 pm PT

‘Getting More from Your Smartphone’

Join @RobynsWorld and friends TODAY at 3 pm ET (12 noon PT) as we chat about Getting More from Your Smartphone!
Whether you want to watch a movie, get turn-by-turn directions or pay for a cup of coffee, your smartphone can help. We look at how mobile devices are evolving, and explore the apps and features that will continue to enable our on-the-go lifestyles!
RSVP and attend the party for a chance to win a Mophie Powerstation Plus 8x portable charger or a limited edition Droid Turbo 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/OWj2s      
  3. Join us on TweetDeck or HootSuite (#VZWBuzz) today between 3 – 4 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 Verizon Wireless.)

#VZWBuzz Mobile Lifestyle Chats

Wednesday, July 1: Tips for the Smartphone Foodie

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VERIZON INSIDER TWITTER PARTY

#VZWBuzz

When: TODAY, Wednesday, July 1, 2015
7:00 – 8:00 pm ET
4:00 – 5:00 pm PT

‘Tips for the Smartphone Foodie’

Join @RobynsWorld @TheTechDad @TheOnlineMom and friends TODAY, Wednesday, July 1 at 7 pm ET (4 pm PT) as we offer Tips for the Smartphone Foodie!
Whether you want to make a restaurant reservation, search for a fun new recipe, or post your latest creation on Instagram, your smartphone or tablet can help you get it done. Join @RobynsWorld and friends as we offer some Tips for the Smartphone Foodie!
RSVP and attend the party for a chance to win a Bose SoundLink Bluetooth Speaker or a Sony Xperia Z3v smartphone!
Join Monica Vila and special guest Zachary Kern-Schnall (@DJBander) on the Video Recap right after the chat at 8 pm ET for another chance to win a Sony Xperia Z3v 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/OX1BK      
  3. Join us on TweetDeck or HootSuite (#VZWBuzz) 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 Verizon Wireless.)

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Setting Boundaries for Family Tech Use

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By Tracey Dowdy

Dr. Richard Graham launched the U.K.’s first technology addiction program in 2010, with patients as young as four years old. One of those patients was a toddler, who had developed an unhealthy dependence on her iPad. The child used the iPad 3-4 hours a day and became visibly agitated when it was taken away from her.

Obviously such behavior is extreme and most of us wouldn’t see that as something happening in our own homes. However, setting healthy boundaries for our families, particularly for younger family members who may not have the ability to make wise choices or self-regulate yet, can be a challenge.

So what’s a parent to do? How do you determine how much is too much or how soon is too soon?  These simple guidelines can provide a framework for you and your family to raise tech-savvy kids and set healthy boundaries.

Start a conversation. “Because I said so!” has to be one of the least effective ways for parents to communicate their point of view. Helping your kids understand from the very beginning that boundaries are in place for a reason and their safety trumps any trends in social media and mobile tech is paramount. The key is to involve them in a conversation, not engage in debate. Make them part of the process, so your motives are clear you’re not just imposing an arbitrary set of rules.

Set clear rules. SafeKids.com offers several different family contracts for online safety. Contracts contain statements like “I will tell my parents right away if I come across any information that makes me feel uncomfortable” and “I will not give out my Internet password to anyone (even my best friends) other than my parents.” Contracts are broken down by age so younger children have different boundaries from teens, and they can be printed out so parents and kids can both sign. If the rules are broken, you can refer back to the contract to remind kids of the boundaries and choose appropriate consequences. Many families choose to post the contract somewhere everyone can see it like the fridge door so you never have to hear “I forgot!”

Continue to communicate. I often use the example that you would never let your preschooler play alone on a public playground and the internet is no different. With age and trust come greater levels of freedom. Obviously you want to know more about what your 5-year-old gets up to online than your high schooler, yet no topic should be off limits. Many parents use the “I pay, I play” rule. In other words, if I pay for your smartphone I get to know what you’re up to. Remember, if we as parents have heard of it, our kids are probably over it, so keep those lines of communication open.

Be careful what you post. Remind your kids of the simple principle “If you wouldn’t say it to someone’s face, you shouldn’t say it online.” The internet provides a false sense of anonymity that has led to epic levels of bullying. Teach your kids that the words they say can wound just as deeply when posted as a comment as if it was said face-to-face.

Use security features. Take advantage of the security and safety features native to your mobile devices. Smartphones in particular have security features built in but they won’t do you any good if you don’t activate them. Use common sense: Don’t let apps have access to your contacts; password protect all your devices; limit apps from tracking your location; don’t let emails and messages be previewed from the locked screen…practical, simple, secure.

Be consistent. If you set boundaries, maintain them. There’s no shorter road to frustration than constantly changing expectations and consequences. This is where a family online safety contract is invaluable. Once the rules have been established and the consequences for failing to follow the guidelines have been set, it’s up to you to follow through. You are the parent and, as you well know, a big part of teaching our kids responsibility is also teaching them that online actions have real-world consequences.

Be a good example. Kids can smell a phony better than a beagle can sniff out bacon. Follow the online contract. Be respectful, be responsible and maintain your boundaries. Sure we’ve all had to take a work call or answer an email from home but if you have a “no tech at the dinner table” rule, follow it. You’re setting yourself and your kids up for failure if you don’t do your part.

Be patient. If you’ve never really had guidelines in place before, be mindful that change is often met with resistance. Keep the lines of communication open with your kids, so they see the reasons behind your decisions. Rules are easier to follow if you’re part of the process of setting them up.

Celebrate the wins! When you see your kids putting down their smartphones or closing their laptops because they’ve used up their allotted screen time, be sure to acknowledge it. You don’t like stopping in the middle of a favorite movie or TV show and it’s no more fun if you’re just about to save the princess or crush that last piece of candy. We’re often quick to chastise when rules are broken but it’s just as important to celebrate when the rules are followed.

Be flexible. That may seem as if it contradicts my earlier statement to be flexible but it makes sense in the context that rules, like people, will change. As your children get older and demonstrate greater levels of responsibility, you can loosen those restraints. Obviously a high schooler will need greater Internet access to do homework research than a second grader. Keep the lines of communication open and be willing to revisit that contract to keep it up-to-date.

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.